Crashing? Black screen? Here's the likely fix.

[Zarkonnen]

If you have a recent AMD graphics card like the RX 580, make sure you have the stable drivers (currently 22.5.1) installed. The optional drivers (currently 22.8.1) are not compatible with the game.

There are three ways to fix this issue:

1. Install the version 22.5.1 drivers from https://www.amd.com/en/support/graphics/radeon-500-series/radeon-rx-500-series/radeon-rx-580

2. Activate graphics compatibility mode in the game's startup screen.

3. FInd Airships.exe in the game install folder and set its compatibility mode to "Windows 8" in the properties.

I have investigated this problem extensively, and unfortunately, the fault is AMD's to fix. I have contacted them but so far received no reply.

[FarAwayBuyer]

Thanks for the tip. I have an RX 580 with the latest stable drivers installed (22.7.1 was released as the recommended version on July 25, 2022). The game simply doesn't launch for me.

I haven't installed the optional version (22.8.1). Should I assume that this game isn't currently compatible with 22.7.1 either?

[Zarkonnen]

Originally posted by FarAwayBuyer:

Thanks for the tip. I have an RX 580 with the latest stable drivers installed (22.7.1 was released as the recommended version on July 25, 2022). The game simply doesn't launch for me.

I haven't installed the optional version (22.8.1). Should I assume that this game isn't currently compatible with 22.7.1 either?

Quite possibly. Can you try 22.5.1?

[FarAwayBuyer]

Thanks for the help. Normally I would but am flying out on business for the next few days and won't have access to my gaming rig again for a little while.

I'll refund for now but keep an eye out on the site, as the game seems very intriguing and I love to support the indie efforts like you have here!

[Antares]

Is there any plan to make the new updated drivers compatible? AMD no longer provides me the option to use 22.5.1, instead listing 22.8.1 as the latest version, thus I am unable to downgrade for whatever reason.

The main issue I have when using the game normally is that it will launch and won't be functional (menus won't open, or will open to black screen). I have however managed to activate Graphic Compatibility mode, and that seems to work, albeit making the ships look rather bad.

[Key]

22.5.1 works fine for me (RX 580).

[Antares]

Originally posted by Key:

22.5.1 works fine for me (RX 580).

That's intended, the issue is with the newer versions

[Caesar]

I am also having issue playing the game outside of using the graphics compatibility mode, I may be wrong but I can't paint cargo doors or anything besides armour and the paint isn't what I remember it being like before I upgraded my PC, definitely would like the option of being able to actually play the game without having to use the graphics compatibility mode.

[Antares]

Originally posted by Cameronbot4:

I am also having issue playing the game outside of using the graphics compatibility mode, I may be wrong but I can't paint cargo doors or anything besides armour and the paint isn't what I remember it being like before I upgraded my PC, definitely would like the option of being able to actually play the game without having to use the graphics compatibility mode.

That's what Im thinking. Although the game is still fully enjoyable with the Graphic Compatibility mode, it would be great to see the new AMD drivers supported

[Zarkonnen]

Originally posted by Cameronbot4:

I am also having issue playing the game outside of using the graphics compatibility mode, I may be wrong but I can't paint cargo doors or anything besides armour and the paint isn't what I remember it being like before I upgraded my PC, definitely would like the option of being able to actually play the game without having to use the graphics compatibility mode.

Have you tried downgrading the drivers as suggested above?

[Zarkonnen]

Originally posted by Antares:

Originally posted by Cameronbot4:

I am also having issue playing the game outside of using the graphics compatibility mode, I may be wrong but I can't paint cargo doors or anything besides armour and the paint isn't what I remember it being like before I upgraded my PC, definitely would like the option of being able to actually play the game without having to use the graphics compatibility mode.

That's what Im thinking. Although the game is still fully enjoyable with the Graphic Compatibility mode, it would be great to see the new AMD drivers supported

Unfortunately it's more the case that the AMD drivers have a bug and don't correctly compile some perfectly simple and reasonable shaders. I'm working on reporting this problem to them.

[Antares]

Originally posted by Zarkonnen:

Originally posted by Antares:

That's what Im thinking. Although the game is still fully enjoyable with the Graphic Compatibility mode, it would be great to see the new AMD drivers supported

Unfortunately it's more the case that the AMD drivers have a bug and don't correctly compile some perfectly simple and reasonable shaders. I'm working on reporting this problem to them.

That sounds awful, I hope AMD will get to work on your report Zarkonnen. It wouldn't be the first time a drivers update from them caused issues on a game.

[Eliphaser]

Originally posted by Antares:

Originally posted by Zarkonnen:

Unfortunately it's more the case that the AMD drivers have a bug and don't correctly compile some perfectly simple and reasonable shaders. I'm working on reporting this problem to them.

That sounds awful, I hope AMD will get to work on your report Zarkonnen. It wouldn't be the first time a drivers update from them caused issues on a game.

yeah, I stopped considering AMD GPUs after having several driver issues in older games, like neon pink/yellow/green eye-damaging environments in early 2000s games

AMD makes excellent CPUs, but the GPU department feels potentially iffy with indie and retro gaming

[FarAwayBuyer]

I appreciate your diligence in helping to run this to ground. Stuff like this has to be the bane of indie developers in particular, but your attention to detail (and circling back to educate us on the problem) is much appreciated!

[Nukem950]

I can confirm that the issue also exists in the versions 22.8.2 and 22.9.2.

[|716ID| Jek]

issue still exists on 22.9.2.... :'(