How to Fix Crashing and Freezing Issues in The First Berserker Khazan on PC
Experiencing crashes or freezing while playing The First Berserker Khazan can be incredibly frustrating. This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial to help you troubleshoot and resolve these issues effectively. By following these steps, you will identify the causes of the crashes and implement solutions that should get your game running smoothly again.
Before you begin, ensure that your system meets the game’s minimum requirements, and have administrative access to make necessary changes. You may also need to download specific components, such as DirectX or Visual C++, so ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Step 1: Rename or Delete the SL.PCL.DLL File
First, locate the SL.PCL.DLL
file in your game directory. It’s advisable to create a backup before making any changes. To do this:
- Right-click on the game in your library and select Manage, then click on Browse Local Files.
- Navigate to
Engine > Plugins > Runtime > Nvidia > Streamline > Binaries > Third Party > Win > Win64
. - Copy the
SL.PCL.DLL
file to your desktop to create a backup. - After backing up, you can either rename or delete the original
SL.PCL.DLL
file.
Step 2: Roll Back Your Nvidia Graphics Card Driver
If you are using an Nvidia graphics card, roll back to version 566.36
, as newer drivers may cause conflicts. Here’s how:
- Visit the Nvidia Driver Download page.
- Select your graphics card and operating system, then download the specified driver.
- Run the installer, selecting the Custom Installation option and checking Perform a clean installation.
- Restart your computer after installation.
Step 3: Adjust Launch Options for DirectX
Modify your game launch options to test different DirectX versions:
- Right-click the game in your library, select Properties, and go to the General tab.
- In the Launch Options field, enter
-dx11
and launch the game. If it still crashes, try-dx12
.
Step 4: Install DirectX
Ensure that you have the latest version of DirectX installed. Download it from the official Microsoft website:
Step 5: Run the Game as Administrator
Running the game with administrative privileges can resolve permission-related errors:
- Navigate to the game installation folder.
- Right-click on the game executable (.exe) file and select Properties.
- Under the Compatibility tab, check Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and OK to save changes.
Step 6: Verify Game Files
Verifying the integrity of the game files can fix any corrupted files:
- Open your Steam library and right-click on the game.
- Select Properties and navigate to the Local Files tab.
- Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Step 7: Allow the Game in Antivirus and Firewall
Ensure that your antivirus or Windows Firewall is not blocking the game:
- Add the game executable to the exceptions list of your antivirus software.
- Open Windows Security, go to Virus & Threat Protection, and scroll down to Manage Ransomware Protection to allow the game through.
- In the Windows Defender Firewall, go to Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall and add the game executable.
Step 8: Disable Overlay Applications
Overlay applications can cause conflicts with games:
- Disable the Steam Overlay by going to Properties of the game, then unchecking Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
- Close any other overlay applications such as Discord, GeForce Experience, and MSI Afterburner.
Step 9: Perform a Clean Installation of Graphics Drivers
To ensure there are no leftover files from previous drivers, perform a clean installation:
- Uninstall your current graphics drivers using the Device Manager.
- Visit Nvidia or AMD to download the latest drivers.
- Follow the prompts to install, ensuring to check Perform a clean installation.
Step 10: Use a Dedicated Graphics Card
If your system has multiple graphics options, ensure the game runs on the dedicated graphics card:
- Go to Graphics Settings in Windows.
- Add the game executable and select High Performance to use the dedicated GPU.
Step 11: Update Windows
Ensure your operating system is up-to-date:
- Open Windows Settings and navigate to Update & Security.
- Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.
Step 12: Install Visual C++ Redistributable Files
Some games require the Visual C++ Redistributable to function correctly:
Download Visual C++ Redistributable
Step 13: Unplug External Devices
Disconnect any unnecessary external devices that might interfere with gameplay:
- Unplug peripherals like HOTAS, wheels, pedals, and additional controllers.
- Try to run the game with a single monitor setup.
Step 14: Increase Virtual Memory
Adjusting the virtual memory can help improve performance:
- Type Advanced System Settings in the Windows search box and click on it.
- Under the Advanced tab, click Change in the Performance section.
- Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
- Select the drive where Windows is installed, set Initial Size to
1.5 x Total RAM
and Maximum Size to3 x Total RAM
.
Step 15: Update Your BIOS
Outdated BIOS can lead to compatibility issues:
- Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and locate the BIOS update for your specific model.
- Follow the instructions carefully to update your BIOS.
Step 16: Adjust Graphics Settings
If you’ve managed to launch the game, try adjusting the graphics settings:
- Set the graphics preset to Medium or Low if it’s on High or Ultra.
- Switch to Windowed Mode and select DirectX 11 in settings.
Step 17: Uninstall and Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling the game may resolve persistent issues:
- Right-click the game in your library, select Manage, and then click Uninstall.
- After uninstalling, delete the game folder from your installation directory.
- Restart your PC and then reinstall the game, ideally on your C Drive or a different SSD if available.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Make sure to keep your system drivers updated and regularly check for game patches. Also, consider disabling any unnecessary startup programs that might consume resources while gaming.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve crashing and freezing issues in The First Berserker Khazan. Remember to keep your system and software updated, and regularly check for any game-specific patches from the developers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the game still crashes after following all the steps?
If issues persist, consider reaching out to the game’s support team or forums for additional assistance.
Can I play The First Berserker Khazan on lower-end hardware?
While it’s possible, you may need to adjust graphics settings significantly to achieve playable performance.
Is it safe to update my BIOS?
Updating the BIOS is generally safe if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. However, it can carry risks if done incorrectly.