Doom 2016 brought the iconic first-person shooter series back to life with fast-paced action, brutal combat, and a throwback to its roots. Players around the world jumped into the chaos of Mars and Hell, fighting hordes of demons and reveling in the game’s intense gameplay. However, like many games, Doom 2016 isn’t without its issues, and one of the more common and frustrating problems players have encountered is the Doom 2016 there was an error loading your game.
This error can prevent players from loading saved games, starting new campaigns, or even accessing multiplayer modes. For those eager to get back to demon-slaying, encountering this issue can be a massive roadblock. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error, solutions to troubleshoot and resolve it, and preventative measures to avoid it in the future.
Understanding the “Error Loading Your Game” Message
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand the potential reasons behind the error message. When a player receives the “There Was an Error Loading Your Game” message in Doom 2016, the game has encountered a problem that prevents it from accessing or properly loading game data. Several factors could contribute to this, including:
- Corrupted Save Data: One of the most common reasons for this error is corrupted save files. If the game data or save files have become corrupted due to a crash, improper shutdown, or other issues, Doom 2016 may struggle to load the game.
- Outdated Game Files or Missing Patches: Sometimes, the game files themselves may be outdated or incomplete due to missing patches or updates. Ensuring your game is up-to-date can prevent loading issues.
- Problems with Game Configuration Files: Configuration files store the settings and preferences for the game. If these files are damaged or incorrectly configured, the game may have trouble loading properly.
- Hardware or Driver Issues: In some cases, hardware problems or outdated drivers may cause the game to malfunction and prevent it from loading.
- Connection Issues: If you’re trying to access Doom’s multiplayer or SnapMap modes, issues with your internet connection or the game servers can trigger loading errors.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for “There Was an Error Loading Your Game”
1. Restart Your Game and Console/PC
The first and easiest step is to restart your game, as sometimes this simple action can resolve temporary glitches. If you’re playing on a console, such as PlayStation or Xbox, try rebooting the system entirely. If you’re on a PC, close the game completely and restart your computer.
This step can clear out any temporary issues or memory conflicts that might be preventing Doom 2016 from loading your game properly.
2. Check for Game Updates
Doom 2016, like any modern game, receives patches and updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and resolve issues like loading errors. If you’re playing an outdated version of the game, it could lead to issues with loading saved data or even starting the game itself.
- For Consoles: Go to the game’s icon, press the options button (or equivalent), and check for updates.
- For PC (Steam): Right-click on Doom 2016 in your Steam library, select “Properties,” and under the “Updates” tab, make sure it is set to auto-update. You can also manually verify the integrity of the game files through Steam, which may resolve missing or corrupt file issues.
3. Verify Game Files Integrity (PC)
If you are playing Doom 2016 on PC through Steam, verifying the integrity of the game files can resolve errors caused by corrupted or missing files. This process checks for any broken or corrupted files and re-downloads them if necessary.
To verify the integrity of the game files:
- Open Steam.
- Go to your Library.
- Right-click on Doom 2016 and select “Properties.”
- Navigate to the “Local Files” tab.
- Click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
Steam will automatically scan your Doom 2016 installation for issues and repair any problematic files.
4. Delete Corrupted Save Files
If the game is struggling to load due to corrupted save data, you may need to delete or restore those files. This step can be a bit tricky, as it may result in the loss of some progress. However, if your save files are beyond repair, this could be the best option to restore game functionality.
- For Consoles: Navigate to your console’s saved data management section, locate the Doom 2016 save files, and delete the corrupted saves. You may also have the option to back them up to cloud storage before deleting.
- For PC: Navigate to the saved game directory (usually found in the Documents or AppData folder), and try removing or renaming the save files. You can also use cloud saves if they are enabled to retrieve a previous version of your saves.
5. Update Graphics Drivers (PC)
Outdated or malfunctioning graphics drivers can lead to a host of game performance issues, including errors when loading Doom 2016. If you’re experiencing loading errors, make sure that your graphics drivers are up to date.
- NVIDIA Users: Visit the official NVIDIA website and download the latest driver for your graphics card.
- AMD Users: Visit the official AMD website to update your drivers.
Updating your drivers can improve compatibility and performance, possibly resolving loading errors in the process.
6. Disable Overclocking (PC)
Overclocking your CPU or GPU can sometimes cause instability in games, leading to errors when loading game data. If you’ve overclocked your system, try reverting to default clock speeds and see if that fixes the problem.
Disabling overclocking can be done through the BIOS settings for your CPU or using third-party software for your GPU.
7. Reinstall the Game
If none of the above steps have worked, reinstalling the game may be necessary. This can resolve deep-rooted issues with the game files that verifying integrity might not fix.
- For Consoles: Navigate to the game’s settings, select “Uninstall,” and then reinstall the game from your library or the store.
- For PC: Uninstall Doom 2016 through Steam, and then reinstall it.
Reinstalling the game will provide a fresh set of files and should resolve any issues caused by corruption or missing data.
8. Check for Server Issues (Multiplayer)
If you’re trying to load multiplayer modes such as SnapMap, the error could be related to server outages or issues with your internet connection. Make sure your connection is stable by restarting your router or switching to a wired connection if you’re using Wi-Fi.
You can also check the official Doom 2016 website or social media channels to see if there are any ongoing server issues.
9. Contact Customer Support
If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still encountering the “Error Loading Your Game” message, it might be time to contact customer support. Bethesda, the publisher of Doom 2016, has a dedicated support team that can help troubleshoot more specific or complex issues.
Conclusion
The “There Was an Error Loading Your Game” message in Doom 2016 can be frustrating, but it’s not insurmountable. By following the steps outlined in this guide, most players should be able to identify and resolve the issue, allowing them to return to the demon-slaying action. Whether it’s verifying game files, updating drivers, or reinstalling the game entirely, these solutions cover a wide range of potential causes for the error.
