Delta Force players have been experiencing several frustrating launch issues after recent updates. Many users report that the game either fails to start or hangs during the launch process, showing messages such as "in progress" without any clear resolution.

Common Issues Reported

1. Game Does Not Start: Players report clicking the launch button, only to find that the game’s window does not appear, or the game freezes at the loading screen. Some have noted that they can hear sounds but cannot see any visual output, leading to a black screen.

2. Error Codes: Some users have encountered specific error codes, notably code "1400004", which may indicate issues related to launching the game itself. It appears to be related to the game’s connectivity or server availability, exacerbated by poor network conditions.

3. Network Connection Difficulties: Some players have reported that launching the game leads to their internet disconnecting entirely. Reports indicate that this issue persists even after closing the game, sometimes affecting users for hours. Users have theorized that the game might be attempting to manage their IP address or firewall settings upon startup.

4. FPS and Performance Degradation: After updates, many players have noted significant drops in frames per second (FPS). While some experienced smooth gameplay pre-update, they now struggle with unplayable performance, indicated by sudden drops in FPS and extended periods of low performance.

Steps to Troubleshoot

Basic Solutions:

• Restart Your Computer: A simple restart may resolve temporary glitches causing the game to fail to launch.
• Verify Game Files: Through Steam, validate the game files to ensure none are corrupted or missing. This can often resolve launch issues.
• Reinstall the Game: Uninstalling and reinstalling can resolve issues that stem from corrupted installs. Ensure to fully uninstall using a dedicated uninstaller for the best results.
• Check for Updates: Make sure both the game and your graphics drivers are updated. Sometimes, reverting to a previous stable version of your graphics driver may also help.

Advanced Solutions:

• Adjust Firewall/Antivirus Settings: Ensure that both your game and Steam client have the necessary permissions in your firewall or antivirus software. Temporarily disable these programs to test if they cause the launch issues.
• Switch Storage Drives: Some users found success by moving the game to another drive with more available space.
• DirectPlay Activation: For some users, activating DirectPlay via Windows features has resolved startup issues. Go into Windows features and activate it under Legacy Components.

Community Fixes

Many solutions have been shared within the gaming community:

• Launch in Compatibility Mode: Right-click the game executable and try launching in compatibility mode.
• Disable Background Applications: Some have found that other running applications can interfere with the game launching properly. Disabling those may resolve the issue.
• Check for Network Issues: If you’re using a VPN or third-party firewall, these might cause connectivity troubles. Ensure that your network is stable and your IP is correctly managed.

It's critical to remember that ongoing development may introduce temporary bugs, and players are encouraged to report issues to the developers for fixes. Community forums, such as those on Steam and Reddit, are valuable resources for finding solutions from other users experiencing similar problems.

Conclusion

Despite the ongoing updates leading to several launch and performance issues in Delta Force, players can utilize various troubleshooting steps to enhance their gaming experience. Continual collaboration with the gaming community can provide insights and solutions to overcome these common issues.