Warhammer 40000: Darktide’s 2022 release was, let’s say, a bumpy ride. While the game was overwhelmed with its stunning visuals, immersive world, and engaging gameplay, it couldn’t shake off those annoying performance problems. Fast-forward to August 2023, and Darktide’s long load times remain a thorn in its side.
Sure, the devs have rolled out patches to polish up the gameplay, but there’s clearly more road ahead than behind. Glancing at its “Mixed”, Steam user reviews tell the tale. Those dragging loading screens persist on the PC and Xbox Series X|S. While there isn’t a silver bullet to fix this, we’ve jotted down a few tricks you might want to try.
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How to Reduce Long Loading Times in Darktide?
As many of you know, Darktide is all about online co-op shooting. There’s no solo mode, much to players’ shame. That means you’ve got to be online and team up with others. When you throw in technical glitches to this mix, it’s a recipe for some genuinely miffed players.
It’s doubly frustrating when several players in a team are stuck on screens with Darktide’s long load times. Minutes feel like hours. And for a game that should, in essence, be a fast-paced FPS, the discontent is real.
If you want to cut down those long load times in Warhammer 40K: Darktide, have a go at this:
- Make sure your computer meets the recommended system requirements.
- Update your GPU drivers.
- Close unnecessary programs that will tire your processor.
- Close any background programs that are using the RAM.
- Adjust the graphics settings until you find optimal performance.
- Reinstall the game to avoid software problems.
- Check the speed of your internet connection.
While the above tricks might raise an eyebrow or two, remember that Darktide isn’t exactly the poster child for optimisation. What might seem trivial could be the thing hampering your game’s speed. And a simple tweak, like dialling down the settings, can make a world of difference to gameplay.
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Get a Fast SSD for Darktide
For today’s gaming, SSDs aren’t just a luxury but a must-have. Darktide is no exception to this rule. Are you running the game on an HDD? Brace yourself for drawn-out loading screens. To dodge that dreaded wait every time the screen flicks, it’s wise to invest in a fast SSD. Trust us — an HDD might choke when faced with a swarm of Poxwalkers.
If you’re still grappling with those Darktide long load times, consider tweaking these settings:
- Trim Down Max Ragdolls — less dead foes on the ground, smoother gameplay up top.
- Dial Back on the Gore — it might take a nibble out of the fun, but it’s worth a shot.
- Shorten Decal Lifetime — enhance performance by reducing how long effects linger on-screen.
- Switch Off Motion Blur — this one’s a double whammy. It boosts playability and performance.
- Opt for Full Screen — ditch the windowed mode and go full screen.
Adopting these measures might curb some of Darktide’s performance hitches. Still, the ball’s in developer Fatshark‘s court to dish out a real fix. And they might want to put the pedal to the metal with that update, as the player base is growing restless.
That’s our current knowledge on the Darktide long load times. We’ll keep our ears to the ground and update you on any fresh developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Warhammer 40K: Darktide Demanding?
Yes — Warhammer 40K: Darktide isn’t for the faint-hearted. Teamwork is crucial, especially when up against the higher difficulty tiers. No matter your skill level, solo heroics just won’t cut it. And with those infamous Darktide long load times in the mix, it’s all the more reason to squad up with mates.
Is Darktide Hard to Run?
Regrettably, yes. Darktide offers stacks of co-op shooter fun, especially when diving in with friends. Yet, players on lower to mid-tier PCs might feel the sting of significant performance suffering. Given its lacklustre optimisation, a high-spec rig seems almost mandatory. Expect your share of stutters, lags, and those ever-so-long loading waits.
Is Warhammer 40K: Darktide Coming to PS5?
Nope — as of now, there’s no word of a Warhammer 40K: Darktide release for the PlayStation 5. Your go-to platforms for this shooter are PC and Xbox Series X|S. Fatshark, the game’s developer, is channelling its energies into technical enhancements and supporting content, addressing player feedback on the endgame. So, all signs point to a PS5 release being off the table for now.
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