If you’re facing the frustrating issue of the game being stuck on the loading data screen, this guide will walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps designed to resolve this problem effectively. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your game runs smoothly, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted gameplay. Each step is tailored to address common causes of loading issues, from basic adjustments to more advanced system configurations.

Before you begin, ensure you have access to your Steam account, and check that your system is updated. This includes your operating system, graphics drivers, and any necessary software components like Visual C++. Additionally, have your game installation location ready, as you will need to verify files and possibly uninstall/reinstall the game.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

The first and simplest step to tackle any software issue is to restart your computer. This can resolve temporary glitches and free up system resources, which may help in launching your game without problems. After the restart, check if the issue persists.

Step 2: Start a New Game with Prologue Skipped

If you can launch the game, start a new game and ensure to check the box that says “Skip the Prologue.” This can sometimes bypass specific loading issues related to saved game states.

Step 3: Verify Friend Status on Steam

To play multiplayer, ensure that all players in the lobby are on your friends list. Specifically, add the friend who is hosting the game, as this has been reported to help with connection issues. Verify that everyone in the lobby is indeed your friend on Steam.

Step 4: Update Your BIOS

Updating your BIOS can improve system stability and compatibility with games. Visit your system manufacturer’s website to download the latest BIOS update for your model. Ensure your battery is charged (for laptops) and the AC adapter is connected during the update process.

Step 5: Disable Proxy Settings

If you are using any proxy settings, it is advisable to turn them off. To do this, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, and ensure the proxy is disabled. Restart your game to check if the issue is resolved.

Step 6: Backup and Rename Save Game Files

Before proceeding, back up your save files. Navigate to This PC > C Drive > Users > Your Username > App Data (make sure hidden items are visible) > LocalLow > TVG GS. Create a backup of this folder on your desktop, then rename the folder to something like “old.” This may resolve issues related to corrupted save files.

Step 7: Update Windows

Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click on Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart your system.

Step 8: Disable V-Sync

If you can launch the game, go to the settings menu and disable V-Sync. This can sometimes improve performance and load times. Save the settings and restart the game.

Step 9: Execute System Commands

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for cmd, right-clicking on it, and selecting Run as administrator. Execute the following commands one by one:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

After executing these commands, restart your computer.

Step 10: Adjust Launch Options for Graphics

In your Steam library, right-click on the game and select Properties. In the General tab, find the Launch Options field and try adding -dx11 or -dx12. Launch the game to see if this resolves the issue.

Step 11: Run the Game as Administrator

Navigate to the game installation folder, right-click on the game executable, and select Properties. In the Compatibility tab, check the box for Run this program as an administrator and apply the changes. Also, try setting compatibility mode for Windows 8 or 7.

Step 12: Verify Game Files Through Steam

In Steam, right-click the game and go to Properties. Under the Local Files tab, click on Verify Integrity of Game Files. This process will check for any corrupted or missing files and replace them automatically.

Step 13: Allow the Game in Antivirus and Firewall

Ensure your antivirus or Windows Firewall does not block the game. Go to Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection, then scroll down to Manage Ransomware Protection. Allow the game executable through your antivirus settings as well. You may need to add it as an exception in your antivirus program.

Step 14: Clean Install Graphics Drivers

To ensure optimal performance, perform a clean installation of your graphics drivers. For Nvidia users, download the drivers from Nvidia’s website. For AMD users, visit AMD’s support page. Select your graphics card model and follow the instructions to install the latest drivers.

Step 15: Use a Dedicated Graphics Card

Make sure your game is running on a dedicated graphics card. Search for Graphics Settings in Windows, add your game to the list, and set it to use the high-performance graphics option.

Step 16: Install Visual C++ Redistributables

Download and install the necessary Visual C++ Redistributables from Microsoft’s website. Ensure that both x86 and x64 versions are installed for compatibility.

Step 17: Unplug External Devices

Disconnect all unnecessary external devices such as controllers, USB adapters, and additional monitors. This can help eliminate potential conflicts affecting game performance. Reboot your system and try launching the game again.

Step 18: Increase Virtual Memory

Increasing virtual memory can help if your system is running low on resources. To do this, go to Settings > System > About, then click on Advanced system settings. Under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance section. Then, navigate to the Advanced tab again and click Change. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, select the drive where your game is installed, and set the initial size to 1.5 times your total RAM and the maximum size to 3 times your RAM.

Step 19: Uninstall and Reinstall the Game

If all else fails, uninstall the game completely. Navigate to the installation folder, delete the game files, and restart your computer. Then, reinstall the game, preferably on the C Drive or a different SSD to ensure better performance.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

While following these steps, remember that patience is key. Some fixes may take time to take effect, especially those involving downloads or updates. Ensure your internet connection is stable during downloads. Also, disabling background applications and overlays can significantly enhance game performance.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you should be able to resolve the loading data screen issue and return to your game. Each step is designed to tackle specific problems that may arise, and hopefully, you have found a solution that works for you. If the issue persists, consider seeking further technical assistance or checking community forums for additional insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the game still doesn’t load after following these steps?

If the game continues to have issues, consider checking for hardware problems or reaching out to the game’s support team for more targeted assistance.

Is it necessary to update my BIOS for gaming?

While not always essential, updating your BIOS can improve compatibility and performance for newer games, so it’s worth considering if you’re encountering issues.

How often should I check for graphics driver updates?

Regularly check for graphics driver updates at least once a month or whenever you encounter performance issues with games.

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