If DOOM: The Dark Ages is crashing or not launching on PC, here’s how to fix it
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DOOM: The Dark Ages is finally out for players who have access to the early release. Fans of the series are excited to dive back into the action-packed world of DOOM. However, just like many other new games, this one is also having a rough start for some players. Many users are reporting that the game crashes randomly during gameplay, while others are struggling to even launch it.
These issues can occur for anyone, even those who have the latest hardware installed in their system. And if you’re currently in the same boat, don’t worry, as we’re going to walk you through a handful of methods that will help you get back in the game in no time!
How to fix DOOM: The Dark Ages crashing or not launching on PC
In some cases, the issue will go away on its own after you restart your PC or the game. But if the game continues to crash or not launch, feel free to proceed to the methods mentioned below.
Repair the game files
If your game is crashing or failing to start, damaged or missing files might be the cause. Sometimes a file doesn't download properly, or it can get corrupted due to sudden shutdowns or storage issues. Thankfully, Steam offers a way to scan and fix these files. This method is safe and doesn't delete your save data. It just checks your game files and redownloads anything that's broken or missing.
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on DOOM: The Dark Ages and select Properties.
- From the left menu, click Installed Files.
- Click on Verify integrity of game files.
- Steam will now scan the game folder and fix any issues.
- Once it's done, restart Steam and try launching the game again.
Update your GPU drivers
Graphics drivers play a huge role in how games run on your system. If they're outdated or buggy, new games may not work properly or crash often. DOOM: The Dark Ages is a demanding game and needs the latest driver optimizations to run smoothly. So, head over to the official website of your GPU’s manufacturer and download the latest driver update for your card from there. Alternatively, you can also use apps like the Nvidia App or AMD Radeon Software.
Scan your PC for malware
Sometimes, hidden malware or unwanted background programs can cause games to misbehave. They might block files, use up system memory, or cause general instability. If DOOM: The Dark Ages is crashing often or not starting at all, it's a good idea to check for threats.
- Click Start and search for Windows Security.
- Open it and go to Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Quick scan to check common threats. For a more thorough scan, choose Full scan under Scan options.
- Follow the instructions to remove any threats.
- Once done, restart your PC and try launching the game again.
Check for an official game update
Game developers often push out updates shortly after launch to fix bugs, crashes, or performance issues. If your game isn't running properly, the developers may already be aware and working on a patch. However, sometimes, Steam doesn't update a game right away, especially if you've paused automatic updates or your connection was interrupted.
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on DOOM: The Dark Ages and select Properties.
- Click on the Updates tab.
- Ensure the option Let Steam decide when to update is selected.
- Close and restart Steam to check for updates.
- If a patch is available, it will download automatically.
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