Dark Souls II Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)
PC
10.8 GB
2026 Published on, Oct 06, 2026
Last Updated - Nov 05, 2026 [Build 9849657]
Build 9849657
Latest
Fix Dark Souls II (Build 9849657) crashing on startup, black screen, missing MSVCP140.dll / vcruntime140.dll, low FPS stutter, and controller not working on AnkerGames.
Dark Souls II Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) Free Download - Game Review
Quick Game Overview & Verification
Verified 100% Working
Dark Souls II Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) is a GameApplication game for Windows / Android / iOS. This tested release features Build 9849657 with an estimated download size of 10.8 GB. Pre-installed, DRM-free, verified clean, and ready to play offline with full gamepad support.
Platform
Windows / Android / iOS
Build / Version
Build 9849657
Download Size
10.8 GB
File Integrity
SHA-256 Passed
Quick Fix for Dark Souls II Crashes & Black Screen: Over 90% of startup crashes, black screens, and missing DLL errors in Dark Souls II (Build 9849657) are resolved by installing both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe, restoring quarantined loader DLLs in Windows Security, and running the game executable as Administrator.
→ Download Clean Verified Build of Dark Souls II (Build 9849657)
Common Dark Souls II Errors & Proven Solutions
| Issue / Error Message | Root Cause | Step-by-Step Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Crash on Startup / Silent Exit | Missing Visual C++ Runtime or Admin privileges | Install VC++ 2015–2022 (x86 & x64) and enable Run this program as an administrator in Properties → Compatibility. |
| Missing MSVCP140.dll / VCRUNTIME140.dll | Corrupted Microsoft C++ runtime libraries | Reinstall the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package and reboot your PC. |
| missing steam_api64.dll / emp.dll | Windows Defender quarantined the offline loader | Open Windows Security → Protection History, restore the quarantined file, and whitelist the game folder. |
| Black Screen with Audio Playing | Fullscreen resolution or overlay conflict | Press Alt + Enter to switch to windowed mode, disable Discord/GeForce overlays, and update GPU drivers. |
| Controller Not Working | Steam Input or XInput device priority | Add Dark Souls II as a Non-Steam Game and enable Steam Input for Xbox/PlayStation/Switch Pro controllers. |
Related Guides: Main Download Page | Installation Guide | System Requirements
DARK SOULS™ II brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay innovations to both single and multiplayer experiences. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and the unrelenting challenge that only FROM SOFTWARE can deliver. enemies
Key Features:
- Go Beyond Death: dare yourself to engage against intense gameplay in a vast world powered by an all new engine that leaps graphics, sound & FX forward like never before
- A labyrinth of monsters & bosses: immerse yourself into mind-bending environments filled with new twisted monsters and deadly bosses that could only come from the imagination of FROM SOFTWARE
- Sensory assault: a wide range of threats will prey on human senses & phobias - auditory hallucinations, vertigo, acrophobia, etc
- Deeper and darker: more intricate customization options provide weapons and armor tailoring to player style
- Evolved multiplayer: updated multiplayer system enables improved online interaction to bring forward cooperative & competitive play
- Refined gameplay: DARK SOULS™ II features fluid motion-capture animations, an upgraded combat system, a vastly expanded suite of characters, deeper customization options, new weapons, armor abilities, and a balanced player progression system
Recommended For You: If you enjoy this game, also check out Lego Batman Legacy Of The Dark Knight and Into The Dead Our Darkest Days and Dragon S Dogma Dark Arisen for more top-rated gameplay.
🎬 Dark Souls II – Official Gameplay Trailer
Looking for more top-rated recommendations? Check out our complete rankings in the Best GameApplication, Action guide.
Game Screenshots Gallery
Installation Guide
Step-by-step setup process
1
Game is pre-installed / portable, therefore you do not need to install the game.
2
Just extract the rar / zip file using 7-Zip or WinRAR.
3
Simply launch the game directly from the game executable as Administrator.
Important Notes
- Install necessary apps from Redist or _CommonRedist to ensure game launches without problems.
- Always extract game in Antivirus / Defender excluded folder to prevent false-positive file quarantine.
- Always run the game as administrator.
System Requirements
Minimum specifications needed
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS
Windows 10 / 11 64-bit
Processor
Intel Core i5-2500K / AMD FX-6300
Memory
8 GB RAM
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 / AMD Radeon HD 7870
Storage
10.8 GB
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Links Online & Tested
Download Dark Souls II Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)
Pre-installed direct download links, no installer or license keys needed.
Total File Size
10.8 GB
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