Fix “Dying Light: The Beast Black Screen Issue After Launch on PC” – 2025 Guide

Dying Light: The Beast is a thrilling action-survival game that immerses players in a dangerous open world. Despite its popularity, many PC gamers encounter a frustrating issue where the game launches but displays a black screen, making it impossible to play. This issue often occurs immediately after startup or during the initial loading screens, leaving players confused and stuck.

If you’re experiencing the black screen issue, this guide will help. We’ll explore the common causes, step-by-step fixes, and additional tips to prevent the problem in the future. By following this guide, you can resolve the black screen issue and enjoy the full experience of Dying Light: The Beast.

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Common Causes of the Black Screen Issue

Understanding why the black screen occurs helps apply the correct solutions:

1. Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers
   Old or incompatible GPU drivers can prevent the game from rendering correctly.
2. Conflicting Software
   Antivirus, firewall, or background applications can block the game or interfere with graphics rendering.
3. DirectX or Visual C++ Issues
   Missing or outdated dependencies may cause the game to fail after launch.
4. Incorrect Display Settings
   Resolution, multiple monitors, or fullscreen/windowed conflicts may trigger a black screen.
5. Corrupted Game Files
   Missing or damaged files from the installation may result in a black screen.
6. Overlay Features
   Apps like Discord, Steam Overlay, or GeForce Experience can sometimes conflict with the game.
7. Hardware Issues
   Insufficient VRAM, GPU failure, or overheating can prevent the game from displaying properly.

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Fix 1: Update Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers are often the main culprit behind black screen issues:

1. Identify your GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
2. Visit the official website → Download and install the latest drivers.
3. Perform a clean installation if possible to remove old driver conflicts.
4. Restart your PC → Launch the game.

💡 Tip: Avoid using automatic driver update tools; manual installation ensures the latest version is correctly applied.

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Fix 2: Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files often lead to black screens:

• Steam Version:
  1. Open Steam → Library.
  2. Right-click Dying Light: The Beast → Properties → Local Files.
  3. Click Verify integrity of game files.
• Epic Games Version:
  1. Open Epic Games Launcher → Library.
  2. Click the three dots on the game → Verify.

💡 Tip: Always verify files after updates or crashes to ensure all files are intact.

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Fix 3: Update DirectX, Visual C++, and .NET Framework

Missing dependencies can prevent the game from displaying graphics:

1. Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter → Check your DirectX version.
2. Download and install the DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft.
3. Install or update Visual C++ Redistributables (2015, 2017, 2019, 2022).
4. Ensure .NET Framework is up-to-date.
5. Restart your PC → Test the game.

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Fix 4: Run the Game as Administrator

Administrative privileges can solve resource access issues:

1. Navigate to the game installation folder.
2. Right-click the game executable (.exe) → Properties → Compatibility.
3. Enable Run this program as an administrator → Apply → OK.
4. Launch the game.

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Fix 5: Disable Overlays and Background Applications

Overlays can interfere with game rendering:

1. Disable overlays in Steam, Discord, or GeForce Experience.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager → Close unnecessary apps.
3. Launch the game and check if the black screen persists.

💡 Tip: Game Mode in Windows 10 can also conflict with overlays; consider disabling it temporarily.

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Fix 6: Adjust Display and Resolution Settings

Incorrect display settings may cause a black screen:

1. If using multiple monitors, try launching the game on your primary monitor only.
2. Press Alt + Enter after launching to toggle between fullscreen and windowed mode.
3. Adjust the resolution in the game config files (Documents\DyingLight) to match your monitor.

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Fix 7: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Security software may block the game’s graphics engine:

1. Open antivirus/firewall → Temporarily disable real-time protection.
2. Add the game folder to exclusions or allowed apps.
3. Launch the game → If it works, keep the game in exceptions while re-enabling protection.

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Fix 8: Update Windows

An outdated OS can conflict with modern games:

1. Press Win + I → Update & Security → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates → Install available updates.
3. Restart your PC → Launch the game.

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Fix 9: Check System Requirements

Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 / AMD FX-8350 or better
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 390 or better
• Storage: 30 GB free space

💡 Tip: If your system meets only minimum specs, try running the game in windowed mode or lower resolution.

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Fix 10: Reinstall the Game

As a last resort, a clean reinstall can resolve persistent black screen issues:

1. Backup saved games (Documents/DyingLight or Saved Games\DyingLight).
2. Uninstall the game → Delete leftover folders in the installation directory.
3. Reinstall the game from Steam or Epic Games Launcher.
4. Launch the game → Verify that it runs correctly.

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Additional Tips

• Disable Windows Game Mode and Xbox Game Bar temporarily.
• Ensure your GPU is not overheating—clean your PC fans and check temperatures.
• Avoid using mods until the base game runs correctly.
• Keep your GPU drivers and Windows updated regularly.
• Monitor the game’s official forums for patch updates or known black screen issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does Dying Light: The Beast show a black screen after launch?
Common causes include outdated GPU drivers, missing DirectX or Visual C++ components, software conflicts, or incorrect display settings.

2. Can I fix the black screen by updating drivers?
Yes. Updating or performing a clean installation of your GPU drivers often resolves black screen issues.

3. Will running the game as administrator help?
Yes. Some games require elevated permissions to access system resources and render graphics.

4. Can antivirus software cause black screens?
Yes. Certain antivirus programs may block the game engine. Adding the game to exceptions usually fixes the problem.

5. What if none of the fixes work?
Perform a clean reinstall, ensure your system meets minimum requirements, and verify all dependencies (DirectX, Visual C++, .NET Framework) are installed.

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Conclusion

The black screen issue in Dying Light: The Beast can be caused by a variety of factors including outdated drivers, corrupted files, missing dependencies, display conflicts, or interfering software. Most problems can be fixed by updating GPU drivers, verifying game files, adjusting display settings, running the game as administrator, or temporarily disabling antivirus and overlays.

By following this detailed, step-by-step guide, you can resolve black screen issues and enjoy the game’s immersive world without interruptions.