How to Fix Helldivers 2 Black Screen Issue

When Helldivers 2 players encounter a black screen issue, it typically occurs at the game’s startup, leaving the screen entirely black with no visible content.

A possible cause of a black screen while launching Helldivers 2 can include corrupted user configurations, incorrect file permissions that prevent the game from making changes, outdated graphics drivers, and more.

The DirectX version utilized by the game could also lead to this issue on some systems. With various potential causes, this guide will present multiple methods that might help you resolve the black screen issue in Helldivers 2.

Some players have seen success by editing the user_settings.config file to disable fullscreen mode or by setting the game to borderless windowed mode before exiting, both of which have proven effective in avoiding the black screen problem on subsequent launches.

1. Change Helldivers 2 Display Mode

Initially, you should attempt changing the display mode of Helldivers 2. Incorrect display settings can contribute to the black screen issue.

Alter the game’s display mode via the launch options feature in Steam, starting with a forced fullscreen mode and, if needed, switching to windowed mode.

1. Launch the Steam client on your PC.
2. In your Library, right-click on Helldivers 2 and select Properties.

   

3. Next, insert -full into the Launch Options input field.

   

4. Run the game to check whether the black screen issue remains.
5. If the issue persists, replace -full with -windowed and try launching the game again.

   

2. Run Helldivers 2 as an Administrator

Another reason for the black screen could be insufficient privileges for the Helldivers 2 process, which hinders proper access to system resources.

Running the game as an administrator can address this by modifying the properties of the game’s executable file.

1. Start by launching the Steam application.
2. Navigate to the Library and right-click on Helldivers 2.
3. Choose Manage > Browse local files.

   

4. Open the bin folder within the installation directory.
5. Afterward, right-click on helldivers2.exe and select Properties.
6. Move to the Compatibility tab and select the Run this program as an administrator option.

   

7. Click Apply and then OK.
8. Try running the game to see if the black screen still occurs.

3. Force DirectX11

Problems with DirectX12, such as driver issues or incompatibilities with the DirectX12 API, may result in a black screen.

Forcing the game to use DirectX11 can mitigate these issues.

1. Right-click Helldivers 2 in your Steam Library and select Properties.

   

2. Enter –use-d3d11 in the Launch Options field.

   

3. Close the Properties window and start the game.

4. Change Game Data Files Permissions

Incorrect permissions for game files can block changes to data files, leading to a black screen.

Adjusting the permissions of the affected folder could resolve the issue.

1. Launch the Steam application on your computer.
2. Right-click on Helldivers 2 in the Library section.
3. Choose Manage > Browse local files.

   

4. Right-click on the data folder and select Properties.
5. Uncheck the Read-only option in the Properties window.

   

6. Click Apply and choose OK.

5. Verify Helldivers 2 Files

Damaged or corrupted installation files can also cause a black screen issue, as well as missing files from your computer.

Repairing and verifying Helldivers 2 files through the Steam feature can help.

1. Open Steam and right-click on Helldivers 2.
2. Select Properties.

   

3. Go to the Local Files tab.
4. Click on Verify integrity of game files.

   

5. Wait for the scan and repair process to complete.
6. Relaunch the game to check for the black screen.

6. Delete Corrupted User Config

Corruption within Helldivers 2’s local user configuration file can disrupt the game’s functionality, leading to a black screen as this file is required upon every startup.

Remove or rename this file to reset your settings and reconfigure them post-launch.

1. Press the Win key + R to open the Run dialogue.
2. Type in %AppData% and press Enter.

   

3. Navigate to the Arrowhead > Helldivers2 folder.

   

4. Locate the user-settings.config file and either move it to another location or rename it.
5. Launch Helldivers 2 to determine if the black screen continues to appear.

7. Disable Steam Controller Input

The Steam controller input feature may conflict with Helldivers 2, potentially resulting in a black screen.

Disabling this feature through game properties might fix the problem.

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Access the Library, right-click on Helldivers 2, and select Properties.
3. In the Controller tab, choose Disable Steam Input.

   

8. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can also lead to the black screen issue because of compatibility issues.

Updating drivers ensures better compatibility with the latest games.

1. Download the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from the official link here.
2. Extract the file and run Display Driver Uninstaller.exe.
3. Choose Continue on the General Options screen.

   

4. Select your GPU type in Select device type.

   

5. Choose your graphics card’s manufacturer.

   

6. Initiate the driver removal by clicking Clean and restart.

   

7. Upon reboot, download and install the latest graphics drivers from your manufacturer’s website.
8. See if Helldivers 2 continues to experience the black screen issue.

9. Change Installation Directory

If the black screen persists, you might need to change the installation directory of the game. This can bypass permissions issues on certain drives.

This requires adding a new Steam Library folder.

1. If you have an additional Steam Library folder, proceed to step 7.
2. Click on Steam at the top left of the client and select Settings.

   

3. Navigate to the Downloads tab.
4. Click on Steam Library Folders and choose Add Library Folder.

   

5. Choose the desired drive for your new Steam Library folder and select Add.
6. Exit the Steam Settings window.
7. In the Library, right-click on Helldivers 2 and pick Properties.
8. Switch to the Local Files tab and select Move install folder.

   

9. Then, choose the newly created Steam Library folder and click Move.
10. Wait for the game to be relocated to the new directory.
11. Launch Helldivers 2 to check if the black screen issue has been resolved.

If the problem continues, consider reaching out to the Helldivers 2 support team for further assistance.