How To Fix Rimworld Black Screen On Load At Startup? [Updated 2023]

Experiencing a black screen when launching RimWorld can be frustrating. This guide will provide comprehensive solutions to address this issue.

Importance: Understanding the root cause of the black screen issue in RimWorld is crucial for effective troubleshooting.

Details: The black screen issue often arises due to corrupted files in the AppData folder. Before diving into the solutions, always consider restarting your computer and the Steam application as a preliminary step.

• Corrupted Game Files: Over time or due to unexpected shutdowns, the game files can become corrupted, leading to the black screen error when attempting to load RimWorld.
• Incompatible Mods: Some mods might not be compatible with the current version of RimWorld or with other mods, causing conflicts and resulting in the black screen issue.
• Outdated Software: Running an outdated version of DirectX, Microsoft Visual C++, or even graphics drivers can lead to visual and loading issues in the game.
• Hardware Limitations: If the player’s hardware doesn’t meet RimWorld’s minimum requirements, or if there are hardware malfunctions, the game might not load correctly, displaying a black screen.
• Overlay and Third-party Software Interference: Software like screen recorders, streaming tools, or certain antivirus programs can interfere with RimWorld’s loading process, causing the black screen error.

• Importance: The AppData folder contains essential configuration and cache files. Corrupted files here can lead to startup issues.
• Steps:
  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type “appdata” and press Enter.
  • Navigate to the LocalLow folder and delete the “Ludeon Studios” folder.
  • Relaunch RimWorld.

• Importance: Corrupted game files are a common culprit behind the black screen issue.
• Steps:
  • Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
  • Right-click on RimWorld and select Properties.
  • Go to Installed Files and click “Verify the integrity of game files.”

• Importance: Mods can conflict with game files, leading to startup issues.
• Steps:
  • Open Steam and go to Library.
  • Select RimWorld and navigate to Workshop.
  • Unsubscribe from all mods and then re-subscribe.
  • Verify the integrity of game files as mentioned above.

• Importance: Running RimWorld with administrative privileges ensures it has the necessary permissions.
• Steps:
  • Right-click on the RimWorld shortcut and select Properties.
  • Go to the Compatibility tab.
  • Check “Run this program as an administrator.”

• Importance: Overlay apps can interfere with game performance and lead to black screens.
• Steps:
  • Right-click on the taskbar and open Task Manager.
  • Identify any overlay apps and end their tasks.

• Importance: Steam’s overlay feature, while useful, can sometimes conflict with games.
• Steps:
  • In Steam, right-click RimWorld and select Properties.
  • Uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.”

• Importance: Visual C++ is essential for many games. Corrupted installations can cause issues.
• Steps:
  • Press Win + R, type “appwiz.cpl”, and press Enter.
  • Uninstall all Visual C++ runtimes.
  • Download and install the latest Visual C++ redistributables from Microsoft’s website.

• Importance: An outdated DirectX can lead to graphical issues in games.
• Steps:
  • Download the latest DirectX from Microsoft’s website.
  • Install it following the on-screen instructions.

• Importance: While full-screen optimizations improve performance, they can conflict with in-game optimizations.
• Steps:
  • Right-click on the RimWorld shortcut and select Properties.
  • Under the Compatibility tab, check “Disable full-screen optimizations.”

• Importance: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can lead to visual issues in games.
• Steps:
  • Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
  • Use DDU to completely remove your graphics driver.
  • Download and install the latest driver from your GPU manufacturer’s website.

• Importance: A fresh installation can resolve any lingering file conflicts or corruptions.
• Steps:
  • In Steam, go to Library and right-click RimWorld.
  • Select “Uninstall.”
  • Once uninstalled, reinstall RimWorld and your preferred mods.

Q1. Can outdated hardware cause the black screen issue in RimWorld?
Ans: Yes, if your hardware doesn’t meet the game’s minimum requirements or if components are failing, it can lead to performance issues, including black screens.

Q2. How do I know if a specific mod is causing the black screen issue?
Ans: The best way is to disable all mods and enable them one by one, checking the game’s performance after each. If the game fails to start after enabling a specific mod, that mod is likely the culprit.

Q3. Does changing the game’s resolution help in fixing the black screen?
Ans: In some cases, setting the game’s resolution to match your monitor’s native resolution can resolve display issues.

Q4. What should I do if I’ve tried all the solutions but still face the black screen issue?
Ans: Consider reaching out to the game’s official forums or support channels. Other players or the game’s developers might offer solutions specific to your situation.

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