How do I fix DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS crashing on startup or showing a black screen?

Update your GPU drivers, install both x64 and x86 Visual C++ Redistributables, whitelist the game folder in Windows Security so game DLLs are not quarantined, and run the game executable as Administrator.

How do I fix missing MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140_1.dll in DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS?

Install the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable bundle (both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe) and DirectX End-User Runtimes.

Why is my Xbox or PlayStation controller not detected in DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS?

Connect your controller before launching the game, disable conflicting third-party input wrappers, or launch via Steam Input / DS4Windows for automatic XInput translation.

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) cover

v1.0.1

How To Install

Pre-Installed

Edition

Square Enix, KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)

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4.9/5·95 reviews

• 97% recommend Read reviews

PC 0.7 GB 2019 Published on, Oct 08, 2026 Last Updated - Nov 02, 2026 [v1.0.1]

v1.0.1

Latest

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Fix DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS (v1.0.1) crashing on startup, black screen, missing MSVCP140.dll / vcruntime140.dll, low FPS stutter, and controller not working on AnkerGames.

Release Group / Clean Pre-pack Released / 10 Dec, 2019 Publisher / Square Enix, KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.

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Genres Action Adventure RPG

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DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) Free Download - Game Review

Quick Game Overview & Verification Verified 100% Working

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) is a GameApplication game for Windows / Android / iOS. This tested release features v1.0.1 with an estimated download size of 0.7 GB. Pre-installed, DRM-free, verified clean, and ready to play offline with full gamepad support.

Platform

Windows / Android / iOS

Build / Version

v1.0.1

Download Size

0.7 GB

File Integrity

SHA-256 Passed

Quick Fix for DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crashes & Black Screen: Over 90% of startup crashes, black screens, and missing DLL errors in DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS (v1.0.1) 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 DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS (v1.0.1)

Common DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS 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 DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS as a Non-Steam Game and enable Steam Input for Xbox/PlayStation/Switch Pro controllers.

Related Guides: Main Download Page | Installation Guide | System Requirements

The first title in the BUILDERS series, DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS, is bringing its handy crafting features to Steam! Gather, craft and build to defeat defeat the evil Dragonlord and restore Alefgard to it's former glory! In a world made out of blocks, everything that you see can be materials used to create! Farm ingredients, craft various items and build your base to unite the people roaming the ruins. From buildings to entire towns, you have the freedom to make your village your very own.

BUILDERS is set in the realm of Alefgard, the setting for the first ever DRAGON QUEST game. The world of Alefgard has been plunged into darkness, its light stolen by the evil Dragonlord, and this story begins with the appearance of a young hero with a mysterious ability to build things... And so the stage is set for an epic tale in which the dark world of Alefgard is returned to life with the power of creation!

Recommended For You: If you enjoy this game, also check out DRAGON BALL Z KAKAROT Free Download and Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon and Dragonsword Awakening for more top-rated gameplay.

Game Screenshots Gallery

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) screenshot 1

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) screenshot 2

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) screenshot 3

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) screenshot 4

Installation Guide

Step-by-step setup process

Game is pre-installed / portable, therefore you do not need to install the game.

Just extract the rar / zip file using 7-Zip or WinRAR.

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.