Many Bannerlord players encounter frustrating errors related to missing or blocked Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs). These DLL files are crucial for the game to function correctly, and their absence or improper blocking can prevent you from launching or playing the game smoothly. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting and resolving common DLL issues in Bannerlord.
Understanding DLL Errors in Bannerlord
Before diving into solutions, let's understand why these errors occur. DLL files are essentially shared libraries that contain code used by multiple programs. In Bannerlord's case, these files handle various aspects of the game, from graphics rendering to sound effects. When a necessary DLL is missing, corrupted, or blocked by your system's security measures, you'll experience game errors. Common symptoms include:
- Game crashes on launch: The game might start and immediately close, providing no error message.
- Error messages related to specific DLL files: You might see messages mentioning missing or corrupted files like
msvcp140.dll,vcruntime140.dll, or other DLLs. - Game malfunctions: Even if the game starts, you might experience glitches, graphical errors, or other issues indicating a DLL problem.
Common Causes of DLL Blocking in Bannerlord
Several factors contribute to DLL blocking or missing DLL issues in Bannerlord.
1. Corrupted Game Files:
Damaged or incomplete game files can lead to missing or corrupted DLLs. This can happen during the game's installation or due to a corrupted download.
2. Antivirus or Firewall Interference:
Your antivirus or firewall might mistakenly flag necessary DLL files as threats and block them, preventing Bannerlord from accessing them.
3. Missing or Incorrectly Installed Redistributables:
Bannerlord, like many games, relies on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables and other components. If these aren't installed correctly or are missing, DLL errors can occur.
4. Outdated Drivers:
Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes lead to DLL-related issues. Make sure you're using the latest drivers from your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
Steps to Unblock and Fix DLL Issues in Bannerlord
Here’s a systematic approach to resolving DLL problems in Bannerlord:
1. Verify Game File Integrity:
Many game launchers (Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.) have built-in features to verify the integrity of game files. Use this feature to automatically scan and replace any corrupted files.
2. Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall:
Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall software. Important: Only do this temporarily while troubleshooting. Re-enable them afterward. Launch Bannerlord to see if the issue is resolved. If it is, add an exception for Bannerlord and its related files in your security software settings.
3. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables:
Download and install the latest versions of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables from the official Microsoft website. Make sure to install the correct versions (x86 and/or x64) according to your system's architecture.
4. Update Graphics Drivers:
Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific model.
5. Run the Game as Administrator:
Right-click the Bannerlord executable file and select "Run as administrator." This can sometimes resolve permission-related issues.
6. Reinstall Bannerlord:
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Bannerlord as a last resort might be necessary. Ensure you have sufficient disk space before doing this.
Preventing Future DLL Issues
- Keep your antivirus and firewall updated: This helps ensure they correctly identify legitimate files.
- Regularly update your game: Game updates often include fixes for DLL-related bugs.
- Download games from reputable sources: This reduces the risk of downloading corrupted game files.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most DLL-related issues and enjoy a smooth Bannerlord gaming experience. Remember to always back up your important data before making significant changes to your system.
