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TF3 will not start or shows a black screen

Release documentation checked October 2, 2026. Source-based steps, not our own playtest; use the actual build and active mods for your save.

Separate an unsupported computer from a hidden or broken window

First check the actual CPU and platform: Windows/Linux need AVX2, and Intel Macs are unsupported. If the game is running with a black window, try Alt+Enter and inspect its display settings. These are different branches; repeatedly reinstalling cannot establish missing CPU compatibility.

A road curves past a growing coastal city in Transport Fever 3
A detailed TF3 city scene. It illustrates the game, not an FPS benchmark or a promise for your hardware. Official press image · © Urban Games ↗

What to do

  1. Record whether a window opens, whether Steam returns to Play and the exact error text. Compare your machine with the requirements. On Steam, Help → System Information shows processor features; read AVX2 specifically, not just AVX.
  2. If the game is in the taskbar but invisible, check connected monitors. On Windows, select its window and use Win+Shift+Left Arrow or Win+Shift+Right Arrow to move it between displays. Alt+Enter can switch to windowed mode.
  3. For a black screen after changing display settings, try Alt+Enter, then choose a supported resolution and display mode. For a startup freeze, update the graphics driver and select the dedicated GPU where the computer has two graphics devices.
  4. Restart the client and verify game files. In Steam, open TF3 Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files. In GOG Galaxy, use Manage Installation → Verify / Repair. In Epic, use the game's three-dot menu → Verify.
  5. Test a fresh unmodded start and temporarily close overlay or monitoring software. If you need to reset settings, close TF3 and back up its user data first. Preserve the exact error and log before trying another change.
WATCH THIS SYSTEM

Tycoon Gameplay Overview

See the transport network and management systems in motion.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Official pre-release overview. Use the written checks for this task; older videos may describe plans that later changed.

How to tell it worked

The main menu becomes visible and a small unmodded game opens. A repaired-file message or the Steam button changing color is not enough. Once play starts, investigate performance separately if it remains slow.

If you are still stuck

AVX2 unsupported: no verified software switch removes the requirement. Linux launch errors: use the terminal output and supported-distribution requirements, not old TF2 library-copy recipes. Error 126 or a generic internal error does not identify one cause; use the crash evidence checklist and support link.

Related tasks: System requirements · Diagnose an internal-error crash · Save file location · Performance stutter