How-to: Make Rome 1 Gold / BI / Alexander to run on Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7

This is a how-to for all people that encounter the issue of a black screen when starting up Rome Total 1 and its add-ons on modern operating systems and computers. In addition, it helps you to apply your desired screen resolution to the game.


This guide applies to:
Windows 11 Home / Pro
Windows 10 Home / Pro

The solution is easy and bullet proof. Creative Assembly is informed about that issue.

Alternative to Rome Total War 1 / BI / Alexander

Please mind that on modern computers with high resolution screens it could be very advisable to enjoy the Rome Total War Remastered version instead.

After a rocky start, well-known mods have been ported to this version.
The Remastered version allows you to enjoy the game on higher resolutions, better graphics, using classic or improved rules, as well as a handful of extensions, not included in the original game.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/885970/Total_War_ROME_REMASTERED/

Link to mods:

https://www.moddb.com/games/total-war-rome-remastered/mods

https://steamcommunity.com/app/885970/workshop/

Check your Windows 11 / 10 version

Windows key + R
issue winver in the run window

press Enter

The build number is what you are looking for:

Supported Windows 11 Versions:
Windows 11, Version 23H2 (OS build 22631):
End of Servicing: Home, Pro,: November 11, 2026.

Windows 11, Version 22H2 (OS build 22621):
End of Servicing: Home, Pro October 14, 2025.

Legacy Windows 11 versions:
Windows 11, Version 21H2 (OS build 22000):
Status: Unsupported OS, please upgrade.
End of Servicing: October 8, 2024.

Where do I learn if my Windows 11 release is still supported or not?
https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/windows11-release-information



Windows 10 Builds:
Windows 10 19045.x (aka 22H2):
Status: Currently supported OS. Last Windows 10 build. Supported until 14.10.2025.

Legacy versions (unsupported)
Status: Unsupported OS, please upgrade.
Upgrade Recommendation: Consider upgrading to a more recent version.
Windows 10 19044.x (aka 21H2)
Windows 10 19043.x (aka 21H1)
Windows 10 19042.x (aka 20H2)
Windows 10 19041.x (aka 2004)
Windows 10 18363.x (aka 1909)
Windows 10 18362.x (aka 1903)
Windows 10 17763.x (aka 1809, Fall 2018 Update)
Windows 10 17134.x (aka 1803, Spring 2018 Update)
Windows 10 15063.x (aka 1703, Creators Update)
Windows 10 14393.x (aka 1607, Anniversary Update)
Windows 10 10586.x (aka 1511, Fall Update)
Windows 10 10240.x (Initial Release)

*please note that build 17133.x was around MS revoked this one. if you are on 17133 please use Windows Update or Microsoft Media Creation Tool or Microsoft Upgrade Assistant to get to the supported release, OS reinstall is not needed.


if you have applied the fix an upgrade to a later version Windows 10 does not remove the config file.

Where do I learn if my Windows 10 release is still supported or not?
https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/release-information



*please note that build 17133.x was around MS revoked this one. if you are on 17133 please use Windows Update or Microsoft Media Creation Tool or Microsoft Upgrade Assistant to get to the supported release, OS reinstall is not needed.

if you have applied the fix an upgrade to a later version Windows 10 does not remove the config file.

Please note that Microsoft has raised the bar on the minimum system requirements from 1 GB to 2 GB RAM.

Computers need to have at least 2 GB RAM installed to qualify for the Anniversary Upgrade installation (1607 or later).

The .xxx shows the build numbers that reflect the current build based on the latest monthly cumulative update that is applied at least once a month.

Example:
Build 19045.4170 reflects that your Windows 10 is latest version 22H2.
The build number also indicates you have the cumulative Update of March 2024 is applied.

For more information on all cumulative updates (content might need some time till up to date) aswell as the manual download of the Anniversary Update visit the official Microsoft Webpage:

Source: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/march-12-2024-kb5035845-os-builds-19044-4170-and-19045-4170-24e9864f-0756-457e-bce9-3f681020d591

Solution for Rome 1 Gold

Hi guys great news, someone at TWC has found the solution for the problem that none of the Rome games will start on Windows 10 preview (or final).
Kudos to him! His solution however went too far beyond the problem as I found out tracking the real issue down based on his solution.

Kudos and credits for this solution:

HazardHawk > http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197995706862

Affected games:

Rome 1 (Gold) / Rome 1 Barbarian Invasion / Rome 1 Alexander

Why does it happen:

The game has issues if the preferences.txt contains a resolution that has a different resolution set for campaign map / strategy map than your windows resolution.

In addition, the game fails to create the preferences.txt at all if it does not exist.

Solution:

For Rome 1:

This will auto solve the issue for BI even though they are in different directories (magic)
1. Check your Steam directory
e.g., c:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Rome Total War Gold

2. if not exist create the directory preferences, process with 3.
If the preferences folder exists continue with 4.

3. download a preferences.txt from my cloud drive

https://1drv.ms/f/s!ApTx3d3fhinP9EJCwJxC_FJubLdZ

and copy it to your installation folder e.g., c:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Rome Total War Gold\preferences
WARNING: this will obviously delete your graphics and game settings except key bindings.

4. if the preferences.txt exist open it with notepad or similar and adjust the resolution to meet your windows resolution

STRATEGY_RESOLUTION:1920x1080 (Use your native resolution for desktop if different)
BATTLE_RESOLUTION:1920x1080 (Use your native resolution for desktop if different)

These values must correspond with your recommended Windows resolution*!

How to check recommended screen resolution. Do not use other than the screens recommended resolution. It will cause long term damage your screen (flat screens only,) result into blurry screen or black screen.
Windowskey + I or Settings > System > Screen > screen resolution
xxxx x xxxx (recommended)

Starting with Windows 10 20H2: Advanced Screen settings > setup your screen refresh rate to the maximum possible for a flicker free CRT or flat screen.

AA_QUALITY:AA_OFF

Also set this setting in the preferences.txt. If Antialiasing is enabled, then Rome 1 won't start regardless of if the resolutions are set correctly. Thanks to MasterofNone @TWC for this find.

Solution for Barbarian Invasion

Solution:

For Barbarian Invasion

This will auto solve the issue for BI even though they are located in different directories (magic)
1. Check your Steam directory
e.g. d:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Rome Total War Gold\bi\

2. if not exist create the directory preferences, process with 3.
If the preferences folder exists continue with 4.

3. download a preferences.txt from my cloud drive

https://1drv.ms/f/s!ApTx3d3fhinP9EJCwJxC_FJubLdZ

and copy it to your installation folder e.g. c:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Rome Total War Gold\\bi\preferences
WARNING: this will obviously delete your graphics and game settings except key bindings.

4. if the preferences.txt exist open it with notepad or similar and adjust the resolution to meet your windows resolution

STRATEGY_RESOLUTION:1920x1080 (Use your native resolution for desktop if different)
BATTLE_RESOLUTION:1920x1080 (Use your native resolution for desktop if different)

These values must correspond with your recommended Windows resolution*!

How to check recommended screen resolution. Do not use other than the screens recommended resolution. It will cause long term damage your screen (flat screens only,) result into blurry screen or black screen.
Windowskey + I or Settings > System > Screen > Screen resolution
xxxx x xxxx (recommended)

Starting with Windows 10 20H2: Advanced Screen settings > setup your screen refresh rate to the maximum possible for a flicker free CRT or flat screen.

AA_QUALITY:AA_OFF

Also set this setting in the preferences.txt. If Antialiasing is enabled, then Rome 1 won't start regardless if the resolutions are set correctly. Thanks to MasterofNone @TWC for this find.

Solution for Rome Total War Alexander

Hi guys great news, someone at TWC has found the solution for the problem that none of the Rome games will start on Windows 10 preview.
Kudos to him! His solution however went too far beyond the problem as I found out tracking the real issue down based on his solution.

Kudos and credits for this solution:

HazardHawk > http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197995706862

Affected games:

Rome 1 (Gold) / Rome 1 Barbarian Invasion / Rome 1 Alexander

Why does it happen:

The game has issues if the preferences.txt contains a resolution that has a different resolution set for campaign map / strategy map than your windows resolution.

In addition, the game fails to create the preferences.txt at all if it does not exist.

Solution:

For Rome 1 Alexander:

This will auto solve the issue for BI even though they are in different directories (magic)
1. Check your Steam directory
e.g., c:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Rome Total War Alexander

2. if not exist create the directory preferences, process with 3.
If the preferences folder exists continue with 4.

3. download a preferences.txt from my cloud drive

https://1drv.ms/t/s!ApTx3d3fhinPhLVT53Je0aUpwKlL_w?e=0a2re3

and copy it to your installation folder e.g. c:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Rome Total War Alexander\preferences

4. if the preferences.txt exist open it with notepad or similar and adjust the resolution to meet your windows resolution

STRATEGY_RESOLUTION:1920x1080 (Use your native resolution for desktop if different)
BATTLE_RESOLUTION:1920x1080 (Use your native resolution for desktop if different)

These values must correspond with your recommended Windows resolution*!

How to check recommended screen resolution. Do not use other than the screens recommended resolution. It will cause long term damage your screen (flat screens only,) result into blurry screen or black screen.
Windows key + I or Settings > System > Screen > screen resolution
xxxx x xxxx (recommended)

Starting with Windows 10 20H2: Advanced Screen settings > setup your screen refresh rate to the maximum possible for a flicker free CRT or flat screen.

Kudos and credits for this solution:

HazardHawk > http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197995706862

praemium optimus - The Hemisphere Clan Map Pack

You'll notice that there is Hemisphere Map pack in the download location.
Download and extract the zip file using File Explorer.
Find more instructions in the in a separate text file among the extracted files.

Enjoy the maps in Single Player or Multiplayer (The other player does NOT require to have this map pack to make it work)

[«DeepCoverAka187»]

Wow i forgot this since the Remastered was released soon after, but still thanks for the help Qamar :D.

[gyrovolies]

AVE al Qamar !

[al Qamar]

Updated the guide as it appears to be relevance. still.

Appreciate your kudos and steam awards!

In return, let me bring some labour of love to this guide.

latest changes
- added Windows 11 support and release information
- updated Windows 10 release information
- grammar and typo fixes
- new chapter to advise users to adopt Rome Total War Remastered as great mods are now also available, for overall better experience.
- added new chapter to explain on the bonus of the Rome Total War 1 map pack

Thank you for your continuous support!

Roma Invicta!

[Raven]

You beautiful man, it actually worked. Thanks so much! I was worried I'd have to give up on one of my favorite games.

[al Qamar]

you're welcome DeepCover

[«DeepCoverAka187»]

@al Qamar i added you as friend to not spam the guide with the screenshot but i took some to send you in private if you don't mind

[«DeepCoverAka187»]

It's always around 32, no matter what i do (max settings or low settings, ect), i used Steam FPS counter

[al Qamar]

@kleffel, the file has been added please check the new link.
18th March 2021: The guide has been updated
- fixed link for Alexander, thanks Kleffel for notifying me and your patience.

Please do not forget to rate this guide.

[al Qamar]

17th March 2021: The guide has been updated
- reflecting the latest changes on Windows 10 releases and their support state
- added updated links after Microsoft internal CMS update on KB articles.

[al Qamar]

@kleffel sorry for the very late reply, in fact the file for Alexander is no longer on my onedrive I will try to fix this within this week.
@Deepcover It is hard to tell what is causing your framerate lock at 30 fps, Is it >exactly> 29-30 fps maximum? how do you measure the FPS. Please try CapFrameX and measure again.
send me the screenshot from capframeX. I can only imagine that you are using nvidia and you have enabled adaptive refresh rate with half refresh rate. this would make 30 fps if you have 60 Hz screen.