If you’re experiencing issues with The First Berserker Khazan getting stuck on the loading screen on your PC, you’re not alone. Many players have encountered this frustrating problem. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve this issue and get back to enjoying your game. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the most effective solutions, from renaming files to updating drivers and adjusting settings.

Before you start, ensure you have administrative access to your PC and that you are familiar with basic file and system management. You may need to download specific software, such as DirectX and Visual C++, which are linked in the steps below.

Step 1: Rename or Delete the sl.pcl.dll File

First, navigate to the game installation folder. To do this, right-click on the game in your library and select Manage, then Browse Local Files. In the folder that opens, go to Engine > Plugins > Runtime > Nvidia > Streamline > Binaries > Third Party > Win64. Locate the file sl.pcl.dll. Before making any changes, create a backup by copying this file to your desktop. After creating a backup, you can either rename or delete the original file.

Step 2: Roll Back Nvidia Graphics Driver

If you are using an Nvidia graphics card, you may need to roll back your graphics driver to version 566.36, which has been reported to resolve loading issues. Visit the Nvidia Driver Download page to find and install this version. Follow the instructions for a clean installation during the process.

Step 3: Adjust Launch Options

Open Steam, find the game, right-click on it, and select Properties. In the General tab, locate the Launch Options field. Enter -dx11 or -dx12. If the game launches successfully, select DirectX 11 in the graphics settings.

Step 4: Install DirectX

Ensure you have the latest version of DirectX installed. Download it from the official Microsoft website: Install DirectX. Follow the installation instructions and restart your computer afterward.

Step 5: Run the Game as Administrator

Navigate back to the game’s installation folder, right-click on the game’s executable file, and select Properties. Under the Compatibility tab, check the box for Run this program as an administrator. Click Apply and OK. Try launching the game again.

Step 6: Verify Game Files

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

Step 7: Allow Game Executable in Antivirus and Firewall

Ensure your antivirus software or Windows Defender isn’t blocking the game. Add the game executable to your antivirus exceptions. If using Windows Defender, go to Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Ransomware Protection, and allow the game executable through control folder access.

Step 8: Disable Steam Overlay and Other Overlay Apps

In Steam, go to the game properties and uncheck the option Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game. Additionally, close any overlay applications such as Discord, GeForce Experience, or MSI Afterburner before launching the game.

Step 9: Perform a Clean Installation of Graphics Drivers

Visit the Nvidia Driver Download page or AMD Driver Support page to download the latest drivers. Make sure to select the option for Clean Installation during the setup process to ensure all previous driver files are removed.

Step 10: Use a Dedicated Graphics Card

If your system has both integrated and dedicated graphics, ensure that the game is set to run on the dedicated GPU. You can specify this in the graphics settings of your operating system.

Step 11: Update Windows

Ensure that your Windows operating system is fully updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates and install any pending updates.

Step 12: Install Visual C++ Redistributables

Install the necessary Visual C++ Redistributables from Microsoft’s website. You can find them here: Install Visual C++ Redistributables. Install both x86 and x64 versions if prompted.

Step 13: Unplug External Devices

Disconnect any non-essential external devices from your PC, including controllers, additional monitors, and external USB devices, as they can sometimes cause conflicts.

Step 14: Increase Virtual Memory

To increase virtual memory, type Advanced system settings in the Windows search box. In the System Properties window, click on Settings under the Performance section. Navigate to the Advanced tab and click on Change under Virtual Memory. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives and set the Initial Size to 1.5 x Total RAM and Maximum Size to 3 x Total RAM.

Step 15: Update BIOS

Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for BIOS updates. Follow their instructions carefully to ensure a successful update.

Step 16: Adjust Graphics Settings

If you can launch the game, try switching to DirectX 11 in the graphics settings and lower the video quality settings to medium or low if set to high or ultra.

Step 17: Uninstall and Reinstall the Game

If the issue persists, you may need to uninstall the game. Right-click on the game in your library, select Manage, and then Uninstall. After uninstalling, restart your PC and reinstall the game, preferably on the C drive or on a different SSD.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

Make sure to keep your system drivers updated regularly. If you continue to experience issues, check the game forums for any patches or community solutions. Additionally, consider running the game in windowed mode as it may help with loading issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the game still doesn’t load after all these steps?

If the game fails to load even after following all the steps, consider reaching out to the game’s support for further assistance.

Can I use third-party software to fix loading issues?

While some third-party applications claim to optimize game performance, use them cautiously as they can sometimes cause additional problems.

Is it safe to delete system files like sl.pcl.dll?

Deleting or renaming specific game files can help resolve issues, but always ensure you have a backup before making changes.

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