SOMA won't start - if everything elese fails

Quick guide to fix SOMA startup issues by adjusting display refresh rates for compatibility with high-refresh monitors.

Introduction

Some time ago, SOMA was working perfectly for me. However, after a two-week break, the game suddenly wouldn’t start.

Useful Resources for Troubleshooting

I tried every fix I could find, including resources from the links below, but nothing seemed to work. (I’d still recommend checking out these links for additional troubleshooting tips):

Frictional Games Support – SOMA Won’t Start [frictionalgames.zendesk.com]
Frictional Games Forum Thread [forum.frictionalgames.com]

Identifying the Issue

After thoroughly reviewing all log files, I found an entry in X:\user\Documents\My Games\Soma\Main\hpl.log that read:

 Setting display mode: 1920 x 1200 - 32 bpp 60 hz 

and the only changes I’d made since last playing were upgrading to a new monitor with a higher refresh rate and adjusting the display’s refresh rate settings in Windows.

Here’s the fix that worked for me:

1. Check Your Display Refresh Rate
   In your Windows display settings, temporarily lower your monitor’s refresh rate to 60 Hz.
   
   
2. Launch SOMA
   Try launching the game again. It should start as normal with the 60 Hz setting.
   
   
3. Set Your Target Refresh Rate in SOMA Settings
   Once the game is running, go into the game’s settings and set the refresh rate to your preferred target rate.
   
   
4. Revert Windows Settings to Your Target Refresh Rate
   After closing the game, go back into your Windows display settings and set your monitor back to your preferred refresh rate.

As a last resort

If none of the above options worked and you want to play the game then you can change the game executable file. Keep in mind that some Steam features such as achievements might not work for you.

Finding Soma_NoSteam.exe path

1. Right Click on SOMA in your library
   
2. Manage..
   
3. Browse local files
   
4. Copy path to Soma_NoSteam.exe

Changing SOMA lunching file

1. Right Click on SOMA in your library
   
2. Go to Properties
   
3. Set Launch Options
   
4. Enter this command

"FULL PATH TO Soma_NoSteam.exe" %command% 

e.g.

 "F:\Games\SteamLauncher\steamapps\common\SOMA\Soma_NoSteam.exe" %command%