Alex Ruben
How to Resolve the Atomfall Black Screen Issue on Your PC
The Atomfall black screen issue can be frustrating, preventing you from enjoying the game. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to troubleshoot and resolve this problem effectively. By following the outlined steps, you will ensure your game runs smoothly, addressing common causes such as incorrect settings, driver issues, and system conflicts.
Before you begin, ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for Atomfall, and that you have administrative access to your PC. Additionally, prepare to check your graphics driver and Windows settings. Download links for necessary software will be provided throughout the guide, ensuring you have everything you need to fix the issue.
Step 1: Adjust Launcher Settings
Start by making changes in the game launcher. Open Atomfall, and click on the gear icon to access settings. Here, switch to Windowed mode or Fullscreen Borderless instead of Fullscreen. Also, ensure that your dedicated graphics card is selected. If your graphics settings are set to Ultra, consider lowering them to High or Medium for better performance.
Step 2: Launch the Game in Big Picture Mode
To bypass the launcher, launch Steam and enter Big Picture Mode by clicking on the corresponding icon at the top right. From here, navigate to Atomfall and launch the game directly. This method can sometimes resolve black screen issues by skipping problematic launcher settings.
Step 3: Modify Launch Options
Right-click on the game in your Steam library and select ‘Properties’. In the ‘General’ tab, locate ‘Launch Options’ and enter -dx11 or -dx12. This forces the game to use a specific DirectX version which may resolve compatibility issues.
Step 4: Run as Administrator and Compatibility Mode
Navigate to the game installation folder by right-clicking on Atomfall in Steam, selecting ‘Manage’, and then ‘Browse Local Files’. Find the game executable (Atomfall.exe), right-click it, select ‘Properties’, and check the box for ‘Run this program as an administrator’. Consider running the game in compatibility mode for Windows 8 or 7, applying changes after each modification.
Step 5: Verify Game Files
In the Steam client, right-click on Atomfall and select ‘Properties’. Go to the ‘Local Files’ tab and click on ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files’. This process will check for missing or corrupted files and may automatically repair them.
Step 6: Allow Game Executable in Security Settings
If you’re using a third-party antivirus or Windows Security, ensure that Atomfall’s executable is allowed. For Windows Security, go to Windows Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection. Scroll down and select ‘Manage Ransomware Protection’, then add the game executable. Also, check Windows Defender Firewall settings to allow Atomfall through.
Step 7: Clean Install Graphics Drivers
It’s essential to have the latest graphics drivers. Visit the NVIDIA Driver Download or AMD Driver Download page. Follow the instructions for a clean installation of your graphics drivers to ensure optimal performance.
Step 8: Use Dedicated Graphics Card
Ensure that Atomfall is set to run on your dedicated graphics card. Go to Graphics Settings from the Windows search box. Add Atomfall under the Desktop app section and select ‘High Performance’ to ensure it utilizes your dedicated GPU.
Step 9: Update Windows
Ensure your Windows operating system is up-to-date. Go to Windows Settings > Windows Update and click on ‘Check for updates’. Install all available updates and restart your system.
Step 10: Install Visual C++ Redistributables
Some games require specific Visual C++ redistributable packages. Visit the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables page to download and install the necessary files.
Step 11: Disconnect External Devices
Unplug any external devices that are not in use, such as joysticks, additional monitors, and USB devices. These can sometimes cause conflicts. Additionally, disable overlays from applications like Discord, GeForce Experience, and MSI Afterburner, as they may interfere with the game.
Step 12: Increase Virtual Memory
To optimize performance, you may need to increase your virtual memory. Search for Advanced System Settings in Windows. Under the Advanced tab, click on Change under Virtual Memory. Uncheck ‘Automatically manage paging file size for all drives’, select your drive, and set the initial size to 1.5 x Total RAM and the maximum size to 3 x Total RAM.
Step 13: Update Your BIOS
As a last resort, consider updating your BIOS. Check your system manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS version and installation instructions. Ensure your laptop is plugged in and has more than 10% battery before proceeding with the update.
Step 14: Adjust In-Game Settings (If Already Launched)
If you manage to launch the game, switch to Windowed mode and lower the graphics settings to Medium or Low. This can help improve performance and stability.
Step 15: Reinstall Atomfall
If none of the above solutions work, uninstall Atomfall via Steam, delete the game folder from the installation directory, and restart your PC. Then, reinstall the game on your C Drive or try a different SSD for installation if previously installed elsewhere.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Make sure to keep your system updated and check for any known issues with Atomfall on forums or community pages. Avoid running too many applications in the background while gaming, as it can strain system resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I still see a black screen after following all the steps?
Consider checking your hardware, especially if your system meets the game’s requirements. Sometimes, hardware issues can lead to persistent problems.
Can I run Atomfall on integrated graphics?
While it may be possible, dedicated graphics cards typically provide a better gaming experience. Ensure your integrated graphics drivers are also updated if you plan to use them.
Is it necessary to update the BIOS?
Updating the BIOS is generally not required but can resolve specific compatibility issues. Ensure you follow manufacturer guidelines carefully if you choose to proceed.