How do I fix Frostpunk 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 Frostpunk?

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 Frostpunk?

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

Frostpunk Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)

Frostpunk Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) cover

v1.6.2

How To Install

Pre-Installed

Edition

Action

Frostpunk Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)

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PC 16 GB 2026 Published on, Oct 08, 2026 Last Updated - Nov 02, 2026 [v1.6.2]

v1.6.2

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Fix Frostpunk (v1.6.2) 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 / Jan 01, 2026

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Genres Action Adventure

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Quick Game Overview & Verification Verified 100% Working

Frostpunk Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) is a GameApplication game for Windows / Android / iOS. This tested release features v1.6.2 with an estimated download size of 16 GB. Pre-installed, DRM-free, verified clean, and ready to play offline with full gamepad support.

Platform

Windows / Android / iOS

Build / Version

v1.6.2

Download Size

16 GB

File Integrity

SHA-256 Passed

Quick Fix for Frostpunk Crashes & Black Screen: Over 90% of startup crashes, black screens, and missing DLL errors in Frostpunk (v1.6.2) 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 Frostpunk (v1.6.2)

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

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

lthough we are no longer planning further development for the original version of Frostpunk, the possibility of reliving the founding story of New London is rising on the horizon. Frostpunk 1886 will be a reimagination of the original game - remade entirely in Unreal Engine and enriched with new content. It will combine 70% of the original experience with 30% brand-new material, offering fresh ways to shape your society for seasoned veterans, while also serving as a great entry point to the franchise for newcomers.

We’re committed to launching the game in 2027. As the date approaches, you can expect more exciting updates, a first look at gameplay, and behind-the-scenes content, so be sure to wishlist it and follow our social media channels to be the first to know about future updates! Frostpunk is a society survival game where heat means life and every decision comes at a price. In an entirely frozen world, people develop steam-powered technology to oppose the overwhelming cold.

Game Screenshots Gallery

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

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

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

Frostpunk 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.