Dark Souls III is an unquestionably captivating game that has enthralled players with its challenging gameplay and dark, immersive world. However, the experience can be less than ideal when the game unexpectedly crashes on PC, disrupting the thrilling journey through the perilous realms of Lothric. To help frustrated players overcome this troublesome issue, we have compiled a list of effective solutions that address the problem head-on. From simple troubleshooting steps to more advanced techniques, we have got you covered. So, grab your controller or mouse and delve into the world of Dark Souls III, armed with the knowledge to overcome the dreaded crashes that can mar your experience.
Solution 1: Restart the PC
When you experience black screen on Windows 11 or any bug in Dark Souls III, it’s recommended to start by restarting the computer before attempting any other fixes.
This is because restarting the computer can resolve any temporary errors caused by outdated cookies and cache or conflicts with other software on your system by simply restarting Windows 11/10/7.
Solution 2: Run the Program as an Administrator (Permanently) PC
When running Dark Souls 3 on PC, there may be times when you need to give the program administrative privileges in order to access certain features or settings and in our case to get rid of black screen.
One way of doing it is by simply right-clicking on the program and selecting “Run as administrator”, but it may not always be enough, as you may need to grant these privileges permanently in order to avoid constantly having to repeat the process.
Here’s how to run a program as an administrator permanently on Windows 11/10/7:
- Go to the folder/Application
- Right-click on it
- A menu will open
- Select Properties
- A new window will open
- Navigate to the “Compatibility Tab“
- Under the Settings heading
- Find “Run this Program as an administrator“
- Check the box for this option
- Click “Apply“
Now your program successfully Runs as an Administrator on Windows 11/10/7 (Permanently) and you can easily open the program without repeating the steps.
Solution 3: Update Dark Souls 3
For critical errors like black screen on startup, publishers release updates for an optimized and smooth gaming experience. It’s wise to check for any update released before troubleshooting other possible issues.
Playing with outdated versions can also lead to technical glitches, compatibility issues, or even missing out on new content. Here’s how to keep any game updated using its dedicated launcher:
Open the Game Launcher and from its settings locate “Update” Options. Either enable automatic updates or do a manual update if there are any. Restart the Launcher and check if you are still facing shutdown.
Solution 4: Close Intensive/Unwanted Programs Or Settings
Your game/PC can be set to maximum performance, try running the game on lower settings to consume fewer resources. This can include:
- A lower resolution(From 4k to 1080p or 1080p to 720p)
- A lower frame rate (try playing at 60Hz)
If there are too many programs running in the background, using too much internet/RAM/Disk can cause Dark Souls III black screen on Windows 11.
Closing unwanted programs will help you eliminate the crashing issue on your PC as your game would be able to get the required resources from Windows 11/10.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + ESC keys to open Task Manager
- Now check which program is using more Resources, usually indicated by a darker background
- Right-click on that program and select End task
Now check if the shutdown is solved or not.
Solution 5: Try Enabling/Disabling VPN while playing Dark Souls III
Still running into crashing error on Windows 11/10?
If you’ve got a VPN on, try turning it off to see if it makes a difference. If it’s off, switch it on and check again. But heads up! Don’t jump between too many regions; you don’t want to get blocked.
Remember, the right VPN can be a game-changer.
Solution 6: Add Game Exceptions on Antivirus PC
Sometimes antivirus thinks game files are bad guys and stops them, causing the shutdown.
To fix this, tell your antivirus that Dark Souls 3 files are cool by adding them to the “exceptions” list. This way, you can play without the antivirus messing things up!
Follow the steps below to add an exception on Antivirus (This guide is for Avast, and would be similar for other antiviruses):
- Launch Avast on your PC.
- Select Menu at the top-right corner of Avast.
- Choose Settings from the menu.
- From the left sidebar, choose General > Exceptions
- Click ADD EXCEPTION and then type the URL you want to add to it.
- Click ADD EXCEPTION to save the URL and check if you can access the URL
If you are still facing Avast Blocking Websites, continue to the next solution.
Solution 7: Check if Windows or Any Driver is Outdated
Sometimes compatibility issues can be a reason for continuous Dark Souls 3 black screen on Windows 11/10.
Often, it’s all about the updates. First off, head to your Windows settings and see if there’s an update waiting. While you’re on this updating spree, dive into your device manager and update your Wi-Fi drivers and update graphics drivers making sure they are on the latest versions.
These updates can make a big difference, fixing a lot of errors.
Solution 8: Contact Dark Souls III Support
Tried everything and that game error’s still bugging you?
As a last resort, head to the Dark Souls III’s official website and click ‘Support’ or ‘Contact’. Send them an email, jump into live chat, or post in their official forums.
Share what’s happening and any error messages. Remember to double-check you’re on the official site. Sometimes, reaching out is the best way to get back to gaming!
Stay smart and game on!
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the crashing issue in Dark Souls III on PC can be frustrating, but it is not insurmountable. By following the solutions we have laid out, you can minimize the occurrence of crashes and ensure a more seamless gaming experience. Remember to restart your console, run the program as an administrator, update the game, close unnecessary programs, enable or disable VPN, add game exceptions to your antivirus, check for outdated drivers, and seek support from the Dark Souls III team if necessary. With these steps at your disposal, you can immerse yourself in the beautifully challenging world of Dark Souls III without the fear of untimely crashes interrupting your journey through Lothric. So, equip your chosen weapon, brace yourself for the battles ahead, and let the darkness of Dark Souls III consume you once again.
