How to fix the black screen error in The Last of Us Part 2 on PC

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The Last of Us 2 Remastered is finally available for PC players. Many fans have waited a long time for this day, but just like most new game launches, this one also comes with its own problems. Earlier, players complained about crashes, freezing, and stuttering. But now, some players are facing a different problem – a black screen that appears after hitting the play button or a few minutes of gameplay, preventing them from seeing anything on the screen.
This black screen issue may seem scary at first but don't worry, as there are a few simple methods that can help fix it. We'll go over all of them step-by-step so you can try them out on your own and hopefully get back into the game.
Methods to fix The Last of Us Part 2 black screen issue on PC
The black screen usually goes away after you restart your PC or power cycle it. However, if it continues to appear, feel free to proceed with the methods mentioned below.
Repair the game files
Sometimes, game files can get corrupted or go missing. This can lead to problems like crashing, bugs, or a black screen. It usually happens while downloading the game or after a few hours of playing. The good thing is, you don't need to reinstall the whole game. Instead, Steam has a built-in tool that can scan and repair damaged or missing files. Just right-click on The Last of Us 2 in your Steam Library, go to Properties, then select “Installed Files,” and click on “Verify integrity of game files.” This will fix anything that's broken.
Check the HDMI or DP cable
This might sound simple, but your display cable could be the problem. Old HDMI or DisplayPort (DP) cables can develop small cuts or get bent over time. These small issues can lead to major display problems, like black screens.
Start by unplugging your HDMI or DP cable and checking it closely. Look for signs of wear and tear, like bent ends, cuts, or loose pins. If it looks damaged, replace it with a new one. Also, clean the ports on your PC and monitor with a soft cloth or a can of compressed air to remove dust. This can help make a proper connection and fix the black screen problem.
Update the GPU drivers
If your GPU drivers are outdated, your graphics card might not work properly with new games. This can cause all kinds of issues, including black screens. To avoid this, make sure your GPU drivers are up to date. You can go to the official website of your GPU maker and download the latest version from there. Or, if you have the dedicated software of your GPU installed, like the Nvidia App or AMD Radeon Software, you can use it instead.
Disable overclocking
Overclocking is a way to boost your system's performance. But it can also make your PC unstable, especially if not done properly. If you've recently overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, that might be causing the black screen. To check if it is the case, try turning off any overclock settings. You can do this through your BIOS or through the app you used for overclocking. Once disabled, launch the game and check if the black screen is gone. If it is, then overclocking was the cause. If not, you can turn it back on.