How to Fix Helldivers 2 Black Screen on Launch

Helldivers 2 is a thrilling third-person shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and released for PlayStation 5 and Windows on February 8, 2024. Despite its popularity and successful launch, some players encounter a frustrating black screen issue upon startup. Here, we explore several effective solutions to tackle this problem, drawing insights from both initial user reports and troubleshooting methods.

Understanding the Issue

The black screen error primarily occurs when launching Helldivers 2, often accompanied by no audio, which prevents players from proceeding beyond the startup screen. This issue seems to stem from server overloads or a problem with the game launching in fullscreen mode, as reported by numerous players.

Tried and Tested Solutions

Method 1: Patiently Wait

At times, the simplest solution is to wait for a few minutes. The black screen may resolve itself, allowing the game to finally display the main menu. This might be due to the servers handling a high volume of players at peak times.

Method 2: Modify Game Settings

Editing the user_settings.config  file is a proven workaround. You can prevent the game from launching in fullscreen by setting this option to false:

1. Navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Arrowhead\Helldivers2.
2. Open the user_settings.config file with Notepad.
3. Change the fullscreen setting from false.

Alternatively, deleting this config file causes the game to revert to default settings, which might bypass the black screen issue.

Method 3: Verify and Repair Game Files

Verifying the integrity of game files through Steam is another effective method:

1. Right-click Helldivers 2 in your Steam Library.
2. Select 'Properties', then navigate to the 'Local Files' tab.
3. Click on 'Verify Integrity of Game Files'.

This step will check for missing or corrupted files and replace them, which can resolve the black screen issue.

Method 4: Reboot and Reinstall

If the above methods do not work, try rebooting your PC to clear temporary glitches. In persistent cases, reinstalling Helldivers 2 or its anti-cheating system can provide a fresh start and potentially fix the issue.

Also Read: 5 Best Weapons in Helldivers 2

Conclusion

Dealing with a black screen on startup can be disheartening, but these solutions offer a high chance of getting you back into the action. Remember, such issues are not uncommon with new game launches, and developers actively work on patches to improve stability and performance. Should the problem persist, keep an eye out for updates from Arrowhead Game Studios or reach out to their support for more direct assistance.