Doom Eternal is an exhilarating game that offers intense action and stunning graphics. However, nothing disrupts the demon-slaying momentum like encountering a black screen on startup. We understand how frustrating this can be, especially when you’re ready to dive back into the game’s fast-paced combat. To help fellow gamers, we’ve put together a guide specifically targeting the black screen issue in Doom Eternal, ensuring you can get back to ripping and tearing with minimal downtime.
We’ve sifted through various solutions that have proven effective. Our guide considers multiple factors that might cause the black screen, such as outdated graphics drivers or conflicts with antivirus software. It’s not uncommon for games to clash with security programs, but adding an exception for Doom Eternal can often resolve the issue. Additionally, switching to windowed mode can bypass the problem, letting you adjust settings within the game to prevent future occurrences.
| Common Fixes | Details | Benefit |
| Update Graphics Drivers | Ensures compatibility and optimal performance. | Reduces crashes and screen issues. |
| Switch to Windowed Mode | Works around full screen related bugs. | Quick fix to continue playing. |
| Add Antivirus Exception | Prevents security software from mistakenly blocking the game. | Avoids conflicts with game launch. |
Contents
Understanding the Black Screen Issue
In DOOM Eternal, encountering a black screen can result from a variety of factors. We’ll guide you through some of the most common triggers and how to ensure your system meets the necessary requirements.
Identifying Common Triggers
Our experience suggests that outdated graphics card drivers often cause black screens. Whether it’s an NVIDIA or AMD card, the solution starts with updating your drivers to the latest version. Sometimes, conflicts with antivirus software lead to the game being blocked or quarantined. In such cases, adding DOOM Eternal to the exceptions list of your antivirus can resolve the issue.
Common Triggers:
- Outdated graphics card drivers
- Antivirus software blocking the game
System Requirements Check
Playing DOOM Eternal requires a certain level of hardware capability. A black screen on startup could be an indication that your PC doesn’t meet these minimum system requirements. Ensure that your PC has the adequate specifications, including the appropriate graphics card, to avoid such issues. Here is a concise outline of the basic requirements:
| System Component | Minimum Required | Recommended |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti / AMD R9 280 | NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 480 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 @ 3.3 GHz / AMD Ryzen 3 @ 3.1 GHz | Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
Check these against your own system’s specs meticulously. Upgrading your hardware could be necessary if your current setup falls short.
Troubleshooting and Fixes
We know how frustrating it can be to experience a black screen when you’re excited to play DOOM Eternal. In this section, we’ll guide you through specific steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Update Graphics Drivers
It’s crucial to have the latest graphics card drivers installed for optimal game performance.
AMD Drivers: Visit the AMD support site and select the appropriate GPU to download the most recent driver. AMD often releases new drivers that are tailored for newly launched games.
Configure Display Settings
Often the incorrect display settings can cause a black screen.
| Resolutions: | Graphics Settings: | Fullscreen Mode: |
| Ensure your monitor’s resolution matches the in-game settings. | Lowering graphics settings can reduce strain and prevent black screens. | Try playing in windowed mode if fullscreen mode leads to a black screen. |
Verify Game Files and Disable Overlays
Corrupt or missing game files are a common source of issues.
Overlays: Sometimes, disabling overlays from applications such as Steam or Discord can prevent black screen issues. They can interfere with game processes. Go into the application’s settings and turn off any overlay features.
Adjust Anti-Virus and Firewall Settings
Anti-virus software can sometimes interfere with game execution, mistaking it for malicious software.
| Antivirus Software: | Firewall: | |
| Make sure to add an exception for DOOM Eternal in your antivirus program. | Check your firewall settings to ensure it’s not blocking the game. |
Each of these fixes can resolve different issues that cause a black screen in DOOM Eternal. We suggest trying these solutions one by one to identify and solve the problem.
Advanced Solutions and Support
If DOOM Eternal’s black screen issue persists despite basic troubleshooting, we must consider advanced solutions. Reinstallation and seeking support are robust methods to resolve the game’s technical problems.
Reinstallation of the Game
- Uninstall DOOM Eternal.
- Restart your computer.
- Reinstall the game, preferably in a different directory.
This process ensures that any corrupt files causing the game crashing are removed and replaced with new ones. For Steam users, verify the integrity of game files before reinstalling.
Seeking Developer and Community Support
- Bethesda Support: Submit a help request on Bethesda’s official support page for technical assistance.
- Discord & Community Forums: Join the DOOM Eternal Discord server or forums where other players discuss similar issues.
The community often shares solutions that may have worked for them. We can also track any official updates regarding widespread issues.
Optimizing Game Performance
In our quest for smooth gameplay in DOOM Eternal, particularly on the PC version, we often encounter hindrances like errors or crashes. Here, we zone in on two vital adjustments that can significantly enhance performance without resorting to drastic measures like hardware upgrades.
Tweaking Graphics Options
We’ve found that dialing down certain graphics settings does wonders for performance. Pay attention to options like particles and depth of field; these can be particularly taxing on the system.
- Set ‘Particles Quality’ to ‘Low’ or ‘Medium’
- Reduce ‘Depth of Field’ to decrease GPU load
- Turn off ‘Motion Blur’ for a more responsive feel
Keeping your graphics card driver up-to-date is essential. Outdated drivers can cause crashes and display errors like the black screen issue. Always check for the latest updates directly from NVIDIA or AMD’s official websites.
Managing Background Processes
Overlooked yet consequential, background processes could be throttling your game’s performance. Before launching DOOM Eternal, use the Task Manager to close superfluous applications. Ensuring antivirus software isn’t interfering with game files is crucial — we suggest adding DOOM Eternal to your antivirus’s exception list to prevent unwanted audio or game overlay conflicts. This step might resolve the infamous black screen error without manipulating in-game settings.
Here’s how we manage our background applications:
| Process | Impact on Performance | Action |
| Antivirus Software | High | Add to exception list |
| Browser Windows | Medium | Close unnecessary tabs/windows |
| Overlay Software (e.g., Steam, Discord) | Medium | Disable overlays |