Ethan Brooks
How to Resolve Stuttering Issues in The First Berserker Khazan on PC
If you’re experiencing stuttering while playing The First Berserker Khazan on your PC, you’re not alone. Many players have reported similar issues, but fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve them. This guide will walk you through a comprehensive troubleshooting process aimed at optimizing your game settings and system configurations to enhance performance and eliminate stuttering.
Before you begin, ensure that your system meets the game’s minimum requirements, and keep your graphics drivers up to date. You’ll also need administrative access to your computer and some basic knowledge of navigating system settings.
Step 1: Switch to DirectX 11
First, launch the game and navigate to the Settings menu. Select Graphics and scroll down to find the DirectX version option. If it’s set to DirectX 12, change it to DirectX 11 and hit Apply. This change has resolved stuttering issues for many players.
Step 2: Disable V-Sync and Frame Rate Limit
While still in the Graphics settings, turn off V-Sync and the Frame Rate Limit. After making these adjustments, apply the changes to see if it improves the game’s performance.
Step 3: Enable DLSS
If your system supports it, scroll down in the graphics settings and enable DLSS. This feature can significantly boost performance by adjusting the resolution dynamically.
Step 4: Adjust Nvidia Control Panel Settings
Right-click on your desktop and select Nvidia Control Panel. Go to Manage 3D settings and find the program settings tab. Add the game executable if it’s not listed. Set the preferred graphics processor to the high-performance Nvidia processor and also ensure that V-Sync is enabled here. Don’t forget to hit Apply to save your settings.
Step 5: Set Desktop Refresh Rate
Check your desktop refresh rate by right-clicking the desktop and selecting Display settings. Scroll down to Advanced display settings and set the refresh rate to either 120Hz or 60Hz, depending on what your monitor supports.
Step 6: Rename or Delete the sl.pcl.dll File
Navigate to the installation folder of the game. Find the sl.pcl.dll file in the path: Engine > Plugins > Runtime > Nvidia > Streamline > Binaries > Third Party > Win64. Create a backup of this file by copying it to your desktop, then delete or rename the original file.
Step 7: Roll Back Nvidia Graphics Drivers
Visit the Nvidia Driver Download page. You may need to roll back to version 566.36 if you are currently using a later version that may be causing stuttering issues. Install the driver and ensure to select the option for a clean installation.
Step 8: Modify Launch Options
Right-click on the game in your game library, select Properties, and in the General tab, look for Launch Options. Enter -dx11 or -dx12 to test which version works better for your setup.
Step 9: Install or Update DirectX
If you need to install or update DirectX, visit the DirectX download page, download the installer, and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 10: Run the Game as Administrator
To run the game as an administrator, right-click on the game executable file in the installation folder, select Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and check Run this program as an administrator. Click Apply and then OK.
Step 11: Verify Game Files
In the game properties on your game client (e.g., Steam), navigate to the Local Files tab and click on Verify Integrity of Game Files. This will check for any missing or corrupted files and replace them automatically.
Step 12: Allow Game Executable through Antivirus and Firewall
Open your antivirus and firewall settings, and ensure that the game executable is allowed through. This often involves navigating to the Firewall & network protection section in Windows Security and adding the game to the list of allowed apps.
Step 13: Disable Overlay Applications
Disable the Steam Overlay by going to the game properties and unchecking the Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game option. Additionally, close any other overlay applications such as Discord, Nvidia GeForce Experience, and MSI Afterburner before launching the game.
Step 14: Clean Installation of Graphics Drivers
For a clean installation of your graphics drivers, download the latest drivers from Nvidia or AMD, select your hardware, and follow the installation instructions to perform a clean install.
Step 15: Run the Game on Dedicated Graphics Card
If you have multiple graphics cards, ensure that the game is set to run on your dedicated graphics card. You can do this in the graphics settings of your operating system.
Step 16: Update Windows
Ensure your operating system is up to date by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Check for updates and install any pending updates.
Step 17: Install Visual C++ Redistributables
Install the necessary Visual C++ redistributables by visiting the Visual C++ Redistributable download page. Download and install both x86 and x64 versions.
Step 18: Unplug External Devices
If you have any external devices connected (like controllers, wheels, and joysticks), unplug them to minimize potential conflicts and try running the game again.
Step 19: Increase Virtual Memory
To increase your virtual memory, navigate to System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory. 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 20: Update BIOS
Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for any BIOS updates. Follow their instructions carefully, ensuring your battery is charged and the AC adapter is connected while updating.
Step 21: Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, uninstall the game, delete its installation folder, restart your PC, and reinstall the game on the C Drive or another SSD. This can resolve issues tied to corrupted game files or improper installations.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
When troubleshooting stuttering issues, remember to keep your system updated and regularly check for driver updates. Also, consider adjusting your in-game settings to lower graphics options if you continue to experience performance issues.
Common mistakes include skipping driver updates or neglecting to check for background applications that may interfere with game performance. Always ensure your system resources are optimized before launching a game.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the stuttering problem in The First Berserker Khazan and enjoy a smoother gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best DirectX version to use for gaming?
While DirectX 12 is the latest version, some games perform better on DirectX 11 due to compatibility issues. It’s best to test both settings to see which works better for your system.
How do I know if my graphics drivers are up to date?
You can check for updates through the Nvidia or AMD website, or by using their respective software utilities that manage driver updates.
What should I do if the game still stutters after following all these steps?
If you’ve followed all the steps and your game still stutters, consider reaching out to the game’s support team or checking community forums for additional insights on similar issues.