Valheim is an exciting survival game that many players enjoy on Windows 11. However, some users face the frustrating issue of the game crashing at the loading screen. This problem can stop your adventure before it even begins.
Fortunately, there are several straightforward solutions you can try to fix this issue. These steps are designed to be easy to follow, even if you are not very technical.
In this guide, we will walk you through the most common fixes, starting from the simplest to more advanced options. By the end, you should be able to get Valheim running smoothly again.
Let’s get started and bring your Viking journey back to life.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure your system meets the basic requirements for Valheim. This helps rule out hardware-related problems.
- Check Windows 11 Updates: Make sure your operating system is fully updated by going to Settings > Windows Update.
- Verify Game Files: If you installed Valheim via Steam, it’s important to check the integrity of game files to avoid corrupted data.
- Close Background Applications: Other programs can interfere with the game loading. Close unnecessary apps, especially those using graphics resources.
- Ensure Sufficient Disk Space: Valheim needs enough space on your drive to load properly.
Step 1: Verify Integrity of Game Files
Corrupted or missing game files are a common cause of crashes. Verifying game files through Steam can fix this automatically.
- Open your Steam client and go to the Library.
- Right-click on Valheim and select Properties.
- Go to the Local Files tab.
- Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Wait for the process to complete. Steam will replace any damaged files.
This step is essential because it ensures your game installation is complete and uncorrupted, which often resolves loading crashes.
Step 2: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause crashes during game loading. Updating these drivers can improve performance and stability.
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest driver.
If you have an NVIDIA or AMD card, you can also visit their official websites to download the latest drivers directly.
Step 3: Run Valheim as Administrator
Sometimes, Valheim needs extra permissions to access required files or services. Running the game as an administrator can help avoid permission-related crashes.
- Navigate to your Valheim installation folder (usually inside SteamLibrarysteamappscommonValheim).
- Right-click on valheim.exe and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Launch the game again.
This ensures the game has full access to system resources, reducing the chance of loading screen crashes.
Step 4: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations
Fullscreen optimizations in Windows 11 sometimes interfere with games. Disabling this feature can provide a more stable gaming experience.
- Right-click on valheim.exe and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box labeled Disable fullscreen optimizations.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Try launching the game again.
This setting prevents Windows from applying certain graphical changes that might cause crashes.
Step 5: Adjust Graphics Settings via Launch Options
Sometimes, lowering the game’s graphics settings at launch can avoid crashes related to hardware limitations.
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on Valheim and select Properties.
- Under the General tab, find the Launch Options box.
- Type the following command to start the game in windowed mode:
-windowed -noborder - Close the properties window and launch the game.
This forces the game to run in windowed mode without borders, which can sometimes bypass issues caused by fullscreen rendering.
Step 6: Disable Steam Overlay
The Steam overlay is a useful feature but can sometimes cause conflicts with games.
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click Valheim and select Properties.
- Under the General tab, uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
- Close the window and try launching the game again.
Disabling the overlay can improve stability if the overlay was causing the crash.
Step 7: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall
Sometimes, security software blocks game files or connections, causing crashes. Temporarily disabling antivirus or firewall can help identify if they are the cause.
Important: Only disable security software briefly and re-enable it right after testing.
- Open your antivirus or firewall program.
- Find the option to disable protection temporarily.
- Disable it and try launching Valheim.
- If the game works, add Valheim and Steam as exceptions in your security software.
Step 8: Reinstall Valheim
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the game may fix corrupted files or installation errors that verification missed.
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on Valheim and select Manage > Uninstall.
- Confirm uninstall and wait for the process to finish.
- Restart your computer.
- Reinstall Valheim from Steam and try launching again.
This step ensures you have a fresh copy of the game, which often resolves stubborn crashes.
FAQs
Why does Valheim crash at the loading screen?
Crashes can be caused by corrupted game files, outdated drivers, conflicting software, or insufficient system permissions.
Is Windows 11 compatible with Valheim?
Yes, Valheim is compatible with Windows 11, but you need to keep your system and drivers updated.
Can I play Valheim without Steam?
Currently, Valheim requires Steam for installation and updates, so playing without Steam is not officially supported.
Will lowering graphics settings help if the game crashes?
Yes, lowering graphics settings or running the game in windowed mode can reduce the load on your hardware and prevent crashes.
What should I do if the game still crashes after all fixes?
Consider contacting Valheim’s official support or visiting community forums for help with specific error logs.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and Valheim still crashes at the loading screen, it might be a more complex issue related to your specific hardware or software environment.
At this stage, you can:
- Visit the official Valheim support page for help.
- Check community forums like the Steam Valheim discussions for similar issues.
- Consider performing a clean boot of Windows 11 to eliminate software conflicts.
- Look into updating or reinstalling DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables, which are essential for game performance.
These resources can provide more personalized solutions and help pinpoint the root cause.
Conclusion
Valheim crashing at the loading screen on Windows 11 can be fixed by following a series of simple, logical steps. Starting with verifying game files and updating drivers often solves most problems. Running the game with proper permissions and adjusting settings further improves stability.
If needed, disabling interfering software or reinstalling the game provides additional fixes. Remember to check prerequisites and keep your system updated to avoid future issues.
By patiently following these solutions, you can get back to exploring the beautiful, dangerous world of Valheim without interruption.