How to Fix Skull and Bones When It Won’t Start on Your PC?

When players attempt to launch Skull and Bones, the game often fails to start, frequently getting stuck at the splash screen or not responding. This issue commonly stems from problems with the game files or compatibility issues with the system’s setup.

Moreover, if Ubisoft is linked to GeForce Now, you might discover that you cannot launch the game. There have been recent reports of issues with Ubisoft games failing to launch because they’re connected with GeForce Now.

Other factors might also prevent Skull and Bones from launching, such as active overlays, incompatible APIs, program compatibility issues, and corrupted game files.

1. Disconnect Ubisoft from GeForce Now

As mentioned, GeForce Now could be preventing Skull and Bones from launching. Therefore, the first recommended step is to disconnect GFN from Ubisoft.

1. Navigate to Settings within GeForce Now.
   
2. From the right pane listed under Connections, disconnect Ubisoft.
   
3. Try launching Skull and Bones from the Ubisoft Library.

2. Run Skull and Bones from the Game Library

To ensure proper launching, it is highly recommended to start the game from the Game Library, particularly if you are using the Ubisoft launcher. Simply go to the Library and initiate the game by clicking on the Controller icon.

3. Run Skull and Bones in Compatibility Mode

Compatibility mode in Windows allows users to run programs with settings from different versions of Windows. Adjusting the compatibility settings may resolve issues related to launching and crashing.

Navigate to the directory where Skull and Bones is installed. Use the launcher, whether Ubisoft’s or Epic Games’, to access the directory directly.

1. Right-click on the Skull and Bones executable file and select Properties.
   
2. In the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 8 from the drop-down list.
3. Check the option to Run this program as an administrator and uncheck Full-screen optimizations.
4. Attempt to launch Skull and Bones to see if the problem has been resolved.

4. Run Skull and Bones with DirectX11

Although the most current version of DirectX is 12, it can sometimes cause issues with game launches. Therefore, using DirectX 11 is suggested. Insert the -dx11 command into the launch options to apply DirectX 11. These options are used for executing specific commands before the game loads the configuration files.

4.1 Epic Games

1. In the Epic Games Launcher, click on your profile at the top right and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down and expand the Skull and Bones section.
3. Enable Additional Command Line Arguments and enter -dx11.
4. Launch the game to verify if the solution works.

4.2 Ubisoft

1. Launch Ubisoft on your PC.
2. Select Skull and Bones under Games.
   
3. From the left side, click on Properties.
   
4. In the right pane, under Game Launch Arguments, click Add Command Line Arguments, type the -dx11 command, and click Save.
5. Try launching Skull and Bones to see if the issue has been addressed.

5. Run Skull and Bones with Overlay Disabled

If the in-game overlay feature is enabled in your Ubisoft settings, consider disabling it before proceeding with further solutions. Overlays can consume significant memory, potentially causing launch or crash issues.

1. Click the three Menu Bars at the top left and navigate to Settings.
   
2. Untick Enable in-game overlay for supported games.
   
3. Close the settings and test if the issue persists.

6. Delete the Saved Game File

If the problem continues, consider deleting Skull and Bones’ configuration file, which stores game settings and progress. Deleting this file will prompt the game to create a new one, but be aware that this will result in the loss of your game progress.

1. In File Explorer, navigate to Documents > the Skull and Bones folder.
   
2. Right-click the Skull and Bones config file and select Delete.
   
3. Launch the game to verify if the issue has been resolved.

7. Verify the Game Files

Verifying the game files can repair any corrupted elements within them. Corruption within game files could be the cause of this issue, so it’s worth checking.

7.1 Ubisoft Launcher

1. Access Games and select Skull and Bones.
2. Click on Properties on the left side.
   
3. Select Verify files. Once the process is finished, check if the problem persists.
   

7.2 Epic Games Launcher

1. In the Library, click the three dots on Skull and Bones and select Manage.
   
2. Click Verify. Afterwards, try launching the game to determine whether the issue is fixed.
   

As can be seen, several potential solutions have been tried to fix this issue. If none of the above steps work, ensure the game’s executable file is added to the Windows Firewall exceptions and that your GPU drivers are up to date. Should the issue continue, consider reinstalling the game.

For further assistance, you can also contact Ubisoft Support.