Alex Ruben
How To Resolve PUBG PC Getting Stuck on the Initializing Loading Screen
If you’re dealing with that infuriating “Initializing” screen when trying to launch PUBG on your PC, you’re not the only one. Sometimes it feels like the game just gets stuck because of corrupted cache, driver hiccups, or odd configuration glitches. This guide aims to cover some common culprits and hopefully get you back into the match without pulling your hair out. These fixes can work whether you’re on Steam or running a non-Steam version — and if one method doesn’t work, there’s probably a workaround that will. Keep in mind, some steps might seem a little weird or involve fiddling around, but they worked on different setups. Just be prepared for some trial and error.
How to Fix PUBG PC Stuck at Initializing Loading Screen
Clear Local Cache Files
The first thing to try is clearing out your local cache files. They can get corrupt or just weirdly outdated, causing loading issues. Doing this resets some of the game’s temporary data and might fix the freeze. On some setups, this step helped immediately, while on others, it needed a reboot or two before being effective.
- Press the Windows key and R at the same time to pop open the Run dialog box.
- Type
%localappdata%and hit Enter. - Find the folder named TSLGame and open it.
- Inside, go to the Saved folder.
- Right-click and delete the following folders:
- Cache
- Config
- Logs
Deleting these forces PUBG to rebuild some of its configs fresh. Sometimes, your cache just gets wonky, especially after updates or crashes. Be aware that the next time you launch PUBG, it might take a minute longer to load as it rebuilds these files.
Verify Your Game Files via Steam
If you’re on Steam, verifying game files is a good way to ensure that no core files are missing or broken. It’s kind of weird how missing or corrupted files can cause the game to hang at the loading screen, but apparently, it’s enough to make PUBG freeze right after the initial launcher. This isn’t guaranteed, but I’ve seen it fix problems on the spot.
- Open Steam and go to your game library.
- Right-click on PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and select Properties.
- Click on the Local Files tab.
- Choose Verify Integrity of Game Files. Steam will scan the files and re-download any that are missing or broken.
This process can take a few minutes, depending on your setup. Be patient — it’s worth a shot, and usually fixes those stubborn loading bugs.
Adjust GPU Settings
GPU settings sometimes cause weird stuff, especially if Power Saving mode or integrated graphics are enabled. Check your GPU control panel to make sure PUBG is configured for maximum performance:
- For NVIDIA: Right-click on the desktop, select NVIDIA Control Panel. Under Manage 3D Settings, look for PUBG and set the Preferred Graphics Processor to your dedicated GPU.
- For AMD: Open Radeon Settings. Navigate to Graphics > Graphics Profile and set it to Gaming or High Performance.
Also, don’t forget to update your GPU driver — outdated drivers are a common cause of these loading issues. Use the official NVIDIA or AMD tools for the latest updates. Here’s why: Sometimes, game optimizations or bug fixes are only available through driver updates, and that can make the difference between freezing or running smoothly.
Clean Up the Game Installation Folder
If there are leftover or corrupted files in the game’s directory, that might also be causing trouble. On Windows, the game’s core files are usually located at:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\PUBG\
If you installed it somewhere else, adjust accordingly. Inside, look for the TSLGame folder and navigate to its Content subfolder. Removing unnecessary files from there can help clear out some of the old stuff, especially if you’ve played around with mods or previous updates.
Remember: if you feel unsure which files are safe to delete, it’s better to copy the entire folder somewhere else just in case. Sometimes, residual files mess with the startup process, causing it to hang right at the beginning.
Extra Tips & Common Troubleshooting
- Make sure Windows is totally up to date — sometimes newer patches fix these kinds of bugs.
- Try running PUBG as admin — right-click the game launcher or PUBG shortcut and select Run as administrator. It’s a simple compatibility boost, especially if your permissions are weird.
- If all else fails, uninstall and reinstalling the game might be necessary, but that’s more of a last-resort option.
Wrap-up
Most of the time, clearing cache, verifying files, and tweaking GPU settings do the trick. These fixes address common causes of the game hanging at the “Initializing” screen. It’s honestly a bit frustrating that the solution isn’t always straightforward, but these steps are tried and tested in real-world setups. Sometimes, you need to reboot a few times or restart the game after each fix, so don’t get discouraged if it’s not instant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the problem still happens after these fixes?
In that case, it’s worth checking PUBG forums or support channels. Sometimes, recent patches introduce new bugs, and the community might have found workarounds. Also, turning off background apps or disabling antivirus temporarily can help, since those can interfere with the game’s startup.
Can these methods be used for other games?
Yeah, a lot of these troubleshooting tricks—like clearing cache and verifying files—apply broadly to other games. Still, specific steps might vary depending on the launcher or game engine.
Is deleting cache files safe?
Totally. Cache files are just temporary data. The game will recreate them on launch, so deleting them won’t break anything — it might just make some initial load times longer.
- Check for GPU driver updates
- Clear cache files
- Verify game files
- Run as admin
- Adjust GPU settings
Hopefully, this cuts down some of the frustration and gets PUBG up and running smoothly again. Fingers crossed this helps!