How to fix the black screen issue in Dune: Awakening on PC

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Dune: Awakening players have been reporting several problems since the game launched, including crashing, freezing, and stuttering. Now, another issue appears to be ruining their gameplay experience – a black screen. This issue is extremely frustrating because the game doesn't crash or show an error message. Instead, the screen goes completely black, and you're stuck without any way to access the in-game settings to fix it. In some cases, you can still hear background sounds, but you can’t see or do anything.
A black screen gives you nothing to work with. However, this doesn't mean the problem can't be solved. There are a handful of methods that can help fix the issue in no time, and we’ll go over all of them in detail.
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Methods to fix the black screen issue in Dune: Awakening
Usually, the black screen will go away on its own after you restart the game. However, if it doesn’t go away, then follow the methods mentioned below.
Make sure your GPU drivers are updated
Running Dune: Awakening on outdated GPU drivers can lead to several problems, including the black screen issue. When your graphics drivers are not up to date, they may not fully support a new game. This can cause compatibility issues between your GPU and the game, resulting in a black screen with no error message.
To fix this, update your graphics drivers manually by visiting the official website of your GPU’s manufacturer and downloading the latest version from there. Alternatively, you can use the Nvidia App or AMD Radeon Software, depending on your GPU, for the same purpose.
Power cycle your PC
Power cycling your PC is different from a normal restart. Instead of just clicking Restart, you need to shut down your PC completely and wait for a few minutes before turning it back on. This helps clear temporary bugs or memory issues that might be causing the black screen issue.
- Turn off your PC.
- Remove the power cables.
- Wait around five minutes.
- Plug everything back in.
- Turn on your PC and try playing the game again.
Install Windows updates
One user on the Steam Community Forum reported that installing the latest Windows updates completely fixed their black screen problem. Windows updates often include important patches that improve system compatibility with new games and drivers. To check for updates, go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. If updates are available, download and install them. Once done, restart your PC and try playing Dune: Awakening again. It’s always a good idea to regularly check for new updates to keep the overall performance of your PC smooth.
Inspect the HDMI or DP cable and ports
A black screen can sometimes be caused by a loose or damaged HDMI or DisplayPort cable. If your monitor doesn't receive a proper signal from the GPU, the game may appear to crash or freeze with a black screen. For this, check if both ends of the cable are properly connected. Next, inspect the ports on your GPU and monitor and look for signs of dust buildup. Also, if the cable looks worn or damaged, try replacing it with a new one.