Alex Ruben
How to Fix Assassin’s Creed Shadows Loading Issues on PC
Experiencing loading issues with Assassin’s Creed Shadows on your PC can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several methods you can apply to resolve infinite or stuck loading screens. This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach to troubleshoot and fix these issues, ensuring you can get back to enjoying your game seamlessly. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll understand how to adjust settings, modify configurations, and troubleshoot potential conflicts that may be causing the loading problems.
Before starting, ensure you are logged into an administrator account on your Windows PC and have administrative rights to modify settings. Additionally, ensure your graphics drivers are up to date and that you have a stable internet connection for downloading any necessary updates.
Step 1: Run Ubisoft Connect and Steam as Administrator
Begin by running both Ubisoft Connect and Steam with administrative privileges. To do this, locate each application in your Windows search bar, right-click on them, and select Run as administrator. This can help resolve permission-related issues that might be affecting the game launch.
Step 2: Disable G-Sync in Nvidia Control Panel
Open the Nvidia Control Panel by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting it from the menu. Navigate to the Display section and find the Set up G-Sync option. Uncheck the box that says Enable G-Sync. Disabling G-Sync may help in resolving loading issues for some users.
Step 3: Change to Windowed Mode via Config File
To adjust the game to windowed mode, open File Explorer and navigate to your Documents folder. Locate the Assassin’s Creed Shadows folder and open the configuration file. Find the option labeled window mode and change its value from 2 to 1. Save the changes and try launching the game again.
Step 4: Remove Read-Only Status from Game Files
Navigate to your game installation folder via Steam. Right-click on the game executable file and select Properties. Ensure that the Read-only attribute is unchecked. Click Apply, then OK. Repeat this process for the entire game folder.
Step 5: Perform a Clean Installation of Graphics Drivers
To ensure your graphics drivers are functioning correctly, visit the Nvidia or AMD driver download page:
Download the latest drivers and select the option for a clean installation during setup. Restart your computer afterward and check if the issue persists.
Step 6: Run the Game on a Dedicated Graphics Card
Ensure that the game is set to run on your dedicated graphics card. To do this, type Graphics Settings into the Windows search bar and select it. Add the game and set it to use the high-performance graphics option.
Step 7: Roll Back Graphics Driver to Version 572.70
If you recently updated your graphics driver, consider rolling back to version 572.70. Visit the Nvidia website, select your graphics card, and look for previous driver versions to download and install.
Step 8: Update Steam Client
Open Steam and click on Steam in the top menu. Select Check for Steam Client Updates. If any updates are available, install them and relaunch Steam.
Step 9: Adjust Launch Options
Right-click the game in your Steam library and select Properties. Under the General tab, find Launch Options and enter -windowed, -dx11, or -dx12 to test different rendering modes.
Step 10: Run the Game as Administrator from Installation Folder
Navigate to the game installation folder, right-click the executable, and select Properties. Under the Compatibility tab, check Run this program as an administrator. Click Apply and then OK. Try launching the game again.
Step 11: Allow Game Executable Through Antivirus and Firewall
Ensure that your antivirus or Windows Security is not blocking the game. Go to Windows Security, then Virus & Threat Protection. Scroll down and click Manage Ransomware Protection. Allow the game executable. Additionally, check your Windows Firewall settings under Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall and add the game if it’s not listed.
Step 12: Install AMD Optional Updates
If you’re using an AMD graphics card, make sure to install the latest optional updates, specifically AMD 25.2.1 or 25.1.1. Visit the AMD website and download these updates, ensuring to restart your PC afterward.
Step 13: Disconnect External Devices
To prevent conflicts, disconnect any external devices such as HOTAS, wheels, pedals, additional USB adapters, and controllers. Try launching the game with a minimal setup to see if that resolves the issue.
Step 14: Disable Overlays and Close Background Applications
Disable any overlays from Steam, Discord, or Nvidia GeForce Experience. Close background applications like MSI Afterburner that may interfere with the game. This can alleviate performance issues.
Step 15: Update Windows
Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date. Go to Settings, then Update & Security. Click Check for Updates and install any pending updates.
Step 16: Increase Virtual Memory
To increase virtual memory, search for Advanced System Settings. In the Advanced tab, click on Change under Performance Settings. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, select your drive, and set the initial size to 1.5 x Total RAM and the maximum size to 3 x Total RAM.
Step 17: Update System BIOS
Updating your BIOS can solve compatibility issues. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS version for your specific model. Follow their instructions to update.
Step 18: Modify In-Game Settings if Launching is Successful
If you manage to launch the game, switch to windowed mode, disable frame generation, and lower graphics settings to improve stability.
Step 19: Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, uninstall the game, delete the installation folder, and restart your computer. Then, reinstall the game on the C Drive or another SSD if already installed on C Drive.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While troubleshooting, ensure that your system meets the game’s requirements. Users who have multiple monitors might encounter loading issues; consider using only one monitor during gameplay. Additionally, if you encounter persistent problems, checking forums or community discussions related to Assassin’s Creed Shadows can provide insights from other players.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve loading issues with Assassin’s Creed Shadows on your PC. Remember to maintain your system and drivers regularly to prevent future issues. If you have any questions or require further assistance, consider reaching out to support forums or communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the game still doesn’t load after trying all these steps?
If you’ve followed all steps and the game still doesn’t load, it may be worth reaching out to Ubisoft support or checking for patches and updates specific to the game.
Can I play the game on a different drive?
Yes, but it is recommended to install the game on the C Drive for optimal performance. If installed on another drive, ensure it has fast read/write speeds.
What should I do if I don’t have a Documents folder?
If your Documents folder is missing or inaccessible, try creating a new folder and naming it Documents. This may allow programs to function correctly.
