darktide taking forever to load

Charlotte

3 min read

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28-02-2025

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Darktide, the Warhammer 40,000 co-op shooter, offers intense gameplay. However, players frequently encounter excessively long loading times. This can significantly impact the overall gaming experience, interrupting the flow and causing frustration. This article delves into the common causes of prolonged loading screens in Darktide and provides actionable solutions to help you get back into the grim darkness of the far future faster.

Understanding Darktide's Loading Issues

Darktide's loading times can be impacted by a variety of factors, often intertwined and not always immediately obvious. Let's break down some of the most common culprits:

1. System Specifications:

• Insufficient RAM: Darktide is a demanding game. If your system doesn't have enough RAM (Random Access Memory), the game will struggle to load assets effectively, leading to extended load times. 8GB is generally considered the minimum, but 16GB or more is highly recommended for smoother performance. Consider upgrading your RAM if you're consistently running low.

• Hard Drive Speed: The speed of your hard drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) plays a crucial role. An older, slower hard drive will significantly increase loading times compared to a modern NVMe SSD. An SSD is highly recommended for optimal performance.

• CPU Bottleneck: A weak CPU (Central Processing Unit) can struggle to keep up with the game's demands. This can result in extended loading times, especially when loading large levels or assets.

• GPU Limitations: Although Darktide's graphics aren't overly demanding, a less powerful GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) can still contribute to longer load times. Ensure your GPU drivers are up-to-date for optimal performance.

2. Game-Related Factors:

• Game Files Integrity: Corrupted game files can cause unpredictable behavior, including unusually long loading screens. Verifying the game files through your game client (Steam, etc.) can help identify and repair any corrupted data.

• Mod Conflicts: If you're using mods, conflicts between them can disrupt the game's loading process. Try temporarily disabling mods to see if this resolves the issue. Ensure you're using mods from reputable sources.

• Background Processes: Too many programs running in the background can compete for system resources, potentially causing slowdowns and impacting Darktide's loading times. Close unnecessary applications before launching the game.

• Network Connectivity: While not directly related to loading the game itself, poor internet connectivity can sometimes cause extended loading screens, particularly when the game is checking for updates or downloading assets.

3. Windows-Related Factors:

• Outdated Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers are a common cause of performance issues. Regularly update your graphics drivers from the manufacturer's website (Nvidia, AMD, Intel).

• Windows Updates: Pending Windows updates can sometimes interfere with game performance, including loading times. Ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated.

• Page File Settings: The page file (or virtual memory) is a system resource used by Windows when RAM is insufficient. Optimizing your page file size can sometimes improve loading times, though this is less impactful than having sufficient physical RAM.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Practical Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tackle Darktide's loading issues:

1. Check System Requirements: Ensure your system meets the minimum and recommended specifications for Darktide.

2. Verify Game Files: Use your game client's built-in feature to verify the integrity of the game files.

3. Update Drivers: Update your graphics drivers to the latest versions.

4. Close Background Applications: Shut down unnecessary applications before launching Darktide.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall: As a last resort, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Darktide.

6. Check for Mods: If you use mods, temporarily disable them to see if they are causing the problem.

7. SSD Upgrade: If you're still experiencing long loading times, consider upgrading to an SSD. The performance improvement will be significant.

8. Increase RAM: If your system has minimal RAM, upgrading is a worthwhile investment for smoother performance across all games.

9. Contact Fatshark Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider contacting Fatshark (the game developer) for support. Provide them with your system specifications and any relevant error messages.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and address the root cause of your Darktide loading issues, significantly improving your gaming experience. Remember to always back up your system before making any significant changes, such as upgrading hardware or reinstalling software.