What causes the "black screen after cutscene" bug, and how do I fix it?

The ''black screen after cutscene'' bug in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a common issue that can disrupt gameplay, especially during story missions or key moments. This bug typically occurs when the game fails to transition properly from a cutscene back to gameplay, leaving players staring at a black screen. The causes can vary, including corrupted game files, outdated graphics drivers, or conflicts with in-game settings. Understanding the root of the problem and applying the right fixes can help you get back to exploring the Wild West.\n\nOne of the primary causes of this bug is corrupted or missing game files. If the game cannot load the necessary assets after a cutscene, it may result in a black screen. To fix this, verify the integrity of your game files. On PC, open the Rockstar Games Launcher, select Red Dead Redemption 2, and click on ''Settings.'' Choose ''Verify Integrity'' to scan and repair any corrupted files. On consoles, reinstalling the game can resolve this issue, though it may take some time.\n\nAnother common cause is outdated graphics drivers, particularly on PC. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a graphically intensive game, and outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues. To fix this, update your graphics drivers to the latest version. For NVIDIA users, open the GeForce Experience app and check for updates. AMD users can use the Radeon Software to update their drivers. After updating, restart your system and launch the game to see if the issue persists.\n\nIn-game settings can also contribute to the black screen bug. For example, running the game at a resolution or refresh rate that your monitor does not support can cause display issues. To fix this, navigate to the game''s settings menu and adjust the resolution and refresh rate to match your monitor''s specifications. Additionally, disabling features like V-Sync or lowering graphical settings can help stabilize the game and prevent black screens.\n\nIf the issue persists, try clearing the game''s cache. On PC, locate the ''Settings'' folder in the Red Dead Redemption 2 directory (usually found in Documents/Rockstar Games/Red Dead Redemption 2) and delete it. This will reset your in-game settings to default, which can resolve conflicts causing the black screen. On consoles, clearing the cache involves turning off the console, unplugging it for 30 seconds, and then restarting it.\n\nFor players experiencing this bug during specific missions, such as ''A Quiet Time'' in Valentine, the issue may be tied to mission triggers. In this case, reloading a previous save or restarting the mission can help. If you''re stuck in a black screen loop, try holding down the pause button (or equivalent) to force the game to skip the cutscene and return to gameplay.\n\nFinally, if none of the above solutions work, consider reaching out to Rockstar Support. They may provide additional troubleshooting steps or patches to address the issue. Keeping your game updated with the latest patches is also crucial, as developers often release fixes for known bugs.\n\nIn summary, the ''black screen after cutscene'' bug in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be caused by corrupted files, outdated drivers, or in-game settings. By verifying game files, updating drivers, adjusting settings, and clearing the cache, you can resolve this issue and continue your adventure. Always ensure your game is updated and consider reloading saves if the bug occurs during specific missions.