How to Fix Atomfall Stuck on Loading Screen on PC

Atomfall is a 2025 action-survival game developed and published by Rebellion Developments. Set in an alternate-history version of the 1960s, the game drops players into a chilling narrative where the Windscale nuclear disaster has transformed much of Northern England into a dangerous, quarantined wasteland. While the setting and story have captivated fans, some PC players have encountered a frustrating issue—Atomfall gets stuck on the loading screen and refuses to progress.

If you’re dealing with this issue, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through multiple troubleshooting methods to help you resolve the problem and get back into the game.

Why is Atomfall Stuck on the Loading Screen?

Before diving into the fixes, let’s look at some of the most common causes of this issue:

• PC Doesn’t Meet System Requirements – If your system lacks the necessary hardware, the game may struggle to load.
• Outdated Graphics Drivers – Running old GPU drivers can lead to performance issues and game crashes.
• Corrupt or Missing Game Files – If some game files are missing or damaged, the game may fail to start.
• Background Applications Consuming Resources – Other apps running in the background may be using up CPU or RAM, slowing down the loading process.
• Overlay Apps Causing Conflicts – Programs like Steam Overlay, Discord, or NVIDIA GeForce Experience can interfere with the game.
• Outdated Windows or DirectX Versions – System software updates are crucial for running modern games efficiently.
• Virtual Memory Issues – Insufficient virtual memory (pagefile) can cause freezing and slow performance.

Now that we have a better understanding of the possible causes, let’s move on to the solutions.

Fix: Atomfall is Stuck on the loading screen

Follow these solutions one by one until you find the one that works for you!

1. Check System Requirements

Before trying any fixes, ensure that your PC meets the minimum or recommended system requirements to run Atomfall.

Minimum Requirements:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 10 or later
• Processor: Intel CPU Core i5-9400f or equivalent
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia 2060 6GB or equivalent
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 60 GB available space

2. Increase Virtual RAM (Pagefile Size)

If your system runs out of available memory, increasing virtual memory can help.

How to Increase Virtual Memory:

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Go to the Advanced tab > Under Performance, click Settings.
3. In the new window, go to Advanced > Under Virtual Memory, click Change.
4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
5. Select C: Drive and choose Custom Size.
6. Set both Initial Size and Maximum Size to 4096 MB (or higher).
7. Click Set > OK, then restart your PC.

3. Check RAM and Storage Connections

If the game suddenly freezes on the loading screen, it could be due to a loose RAM stick or SSD connection.

1. Power off your PC.
2. Open the case and carefully remove the RAM and storage (HDD/SSD).
3. Clean any dust buildup with compressed air.
4. Reseat the RAM and SSD securely.
5. Restart your PC and launch the game again.

This simple hardware check can fix unexpected loading issues.

4. Update GPU Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility problems. Update your GPU drivers to the latest version.

For NVIDIA Users:

1. Open GeForce Experience > Go to Drivers.
2. Click Check for updates > Install if available.

For AMD Users:

1. Open AMD Radeon Software > Click Updates.
2. Install the latest driver update.

Restart your PC and try launching the game again.

5. Close Unnecessary Background Tasks

Excessive background applications can slow down your system.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on the Processes tab.
3. Right-click on any unnecessary apps consuming high CPU/RAM and select End Task.

Now, restart your game and check if the issue is resolved.

6. Update Atomfall

Game updates often contain bug fixes and optimizations.

For Steam Users:

1. Open Steam > Go to Library.
2. Right-click Atomfall > Click Properties.
3. Under Updates, check if an update is available.
4. If an update is available, install it and restart the game.

For Epic Games Users:

1. Open Epic Games Launcher > Go to Library.
2. Click the three-dot menu next to Atomfall.
3. Click Verify to check for updates and install them.

7. Update Windows & DirectX

Keeping Windows and DirectX updated is essential for gaming performance.

To Update Windows:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Click Update & Security > Check for updates.
3. If available, install the update and restart your PC.

To Update DirectX:

1. Download the latest DirectX Web Installer from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Install it and restart your PC.

8. Disable Overlay Applications

Overlay apps like Steam, Discord, and NVIDIA GeForce Experience can cause conflicts.

Disable Steam Overlay:

1. Open Steam > Go to Library.
2. Right-click Atomfall > Click Properties.
3. Uncheck Enable Steam Overlay while in-game.

Disable Discord Overlay:

1. Open Discord > Click Settings (⚙️ icon).
2. Click Game Overlay and turn it OFF.

Disable GeForce Experience Overlay:

1. Open GeForce Experience > Click Settings.
2. Under General, turn off In-Game Overlay.

Restart your PC and launch the game.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot prevents unnecessary startup applications from interfering with your game.

How to Perform a Clean Boot:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab > Check Hide all Microsoft services.
3. Click Disable All > Apply > OK.
4. Restart your PC and launch the game.

10. Verify Game Files (Steam & Epic Games)

If the game still won’t load, check for missing or corrupt files.

For Steam Users:

1. Go to Library > Right-click Atomfall.
2. Select Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files.

For Epic Games Users:

1. Open Epic Games Launcher > Go to Library.
2. Click the three dots next to Atomfall > Select Verify.

Final Thoughts

Getting stuck on the loading screen can take away from the excitement of diving into Atomfall’s tense and immersive world. Thankfully, in most cases, this issue can be resolved by checking your system requirements, verifying game files, updating drivers, and adjusting system or game settings.

If none of the fixes work, don’t hesitate to keep an eye on official patches or community forums for updates from Rebellion, as developers typically address major bugs post-launch. With the right tweaks, you should be able to enjoy the full Atomfall experience without further interruptions.

Have a fix that worked for you? Share it in the comments to help others in the community!