Destiny 2 Screen Tearing on PC, PS4, PS5, or Xbox Consoles: How to FIX

Destiny 2 Screen Tearing on PC, PS4, PS5, or Xbox Consoles: “Destiny 2: Lightfall represents the most recent significant expansion for the acclaimed first-person shooter created by Bungie. Launched on February 28, 2023, this seventh expansion coincides with the game’s sixth anniversary of continuous content updates.

The narrative of this expansion revolves around Calus, the former emperor of the Cabal, who is a recurring character in the Destiny 2 universe.

However, similar to many video games, Destiny 2 is not without its technical challenges, as players frequently encounter screen tearing issues on platforms like PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox, which can be quite frustrating.

If you are experiencing this problem, this troubleshooting guide will provide you with comprehensive steps to resolve it. Screen flickering and tearing have become prevalent problems for gamers, whether they play on a computer or a console.

In such cases, the game may display visual glitches, including shimmering effects, which detract from the overall gaming experience.”

Fix: Destiny 2 Screen Tearing on PC

It’s quite likely that your graphics settings or V-Sync configuration are causing conflicts with the online multiplayer game. Numerous players have reported experiencing screen flickering or shimmering, particularly during cutscenes. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of potential solutions that could significantly alleviate these issues.

It’s important to note that if you’re encountering flickering or tearing during gameplay, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with the game itself.

There’s a possibility that your PC or console may be experiencing software or hardware-related issues. While many online multiplayer games do have bugs or stability problems, it’s essential to thoroughly investigate the source of the issue and attempt to resolve it on your own.

1. Enable V-Sync in Nvidia Control Panel

Enabling the Vertical Sync option in the Nvidia Control Panel for Destiny 2 is advisable to minimize potential graphical issues, particularly for users with Nvidia graphics cards.

  • To begin, access the Nvidia Control Panel via the Start menu. If it’s not already installed, you can download it from the Microsoft Store.
  • Once you have the Control Panel open, navigate to the 3D Settings section and select “Manage 3D Settings.”
  • Next, move to the “Program Settings” tab, where you will click on “Add” to find Destiny 2 in the list of installed programs on your computer. If the game does not appear, you can click on “Browse” and navigate to the folder where Destiny 2 is installed.
  • Locate the Destiny 2 folder and select the DyingLight2.exe file, then ensure it is added to the list of programs.
  • Afterward, scroll down to find the Vertical Sync option, click on it, and set it to “On.” This action will ensure that Destiny 2 utilizes V-Sync each time you launch the game.

Finally, restart your computer to implement the changes, and then run the game to see if the graphical issues have been resolved.

2. Try Lowering In-Game Graphics Settings

To address frame rate drops or stuttering in Destiny 2, consider adjusting the graphics settings on your PC or console. Reducing certain visual options may enhance your gaming experience.

Specifically, you can try disabling features such as texture quality, shadow effects, vertical sync (v-sync), and anti-aliasing. These adjustments can lead to a noticeable improvement in frame per second (FPS) and overall gameplay smoothness.

3. Update GPU Drivers

If you haven’t yet updated the graphics driver on your Windows computer, it’s essential to install the latest version to ensure optimal performance. Follow these steps to check for available updates:

  • 1. Press the Windows key and the X key simultaneously to open the Quick Link Menu.
  • 2. From the options presented, select Device Manager.
  • 3. In Device Manager, locate and double-click on Display adapters.
  • 4. Find your dedicated graphics card in the list, right-click on it, and select Update driver.
  • 5. Choose the option to Search automatically for drivers.

If an update is available, your system will automatically download and install it. After the installation is complete, be sure to restart your computer to apply the changes right away.

4. Close Unnecessary Background Tasks

To optimize your PC’s performance, consider closing any unnecessary background processes that may be consuming valuable system resources. It’s important to keep essential applications like Destiny 2, Steam, and other critical processes active. Here’s how you can manage your background tasks effectively:

  • 1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab.
  • 3. Identify and select any tasks that you wish to terminate.
  • 4. Click on the “End Task” button for each selected process, ensuring you do this for each task one at a time.

After you’ve closed the unnecessary tasks, restart your computer to apply the changes. This should help address any issues with screen flickering or tearing in Destiny 2.

5. Check Your Internet Connection

It’s important to verify that your PC has a stable internet connection. Slow speeds or intermittent connectivity can lead to difficulties when launching games or retrieving data from servers.

To troubleshoot, consider switching your connection type from wired (Ethernet) to wireless (Wi-Fi) to see if that resolves any network issues.

If you’re experiencing problems related to your IP address or DNS settings, switching to Google’s DNS might help. This can mitigate issues like rubberbanding, stuttering, or lag that can occur due to an unreliable internet connection.

6. Update Destiny 2

An outdated version of a game can lead to various glitches and problems. To ensure a smoother experience in Destiny 2, it’s advisable to update your game by following the instructions below. If an update is available, you can easily install the latest patch.

**For Steam Users:

  • 1. Launch the Steam client.
  • 2. Navigate to your Library.
  • 3. Select Destiny 2 from the list on the left.
  • 4. The client will automatically check for updates. If an update is present, click on the “Update” button.
  • 5. The installation may take a moment. Once it’s completed, close the Steam client.
  • 6. Restart your PC to apply the changes, then attempt to launch the game again.

**For Epic Games Launcher Users:

  • 1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
  • 2. Go to your Library.
  • 3. Click on the three dots next to Destiny 2 Stay Human.
  • 4. Ensure that the Auto Update feature is enabled.

By keeping your game updated, you can enhance your gaming experience and minimize potential issues.

7. Verify Integrity of Game Files

In the event that you encounter issues with your game files, such as corruption or missing data, follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the problem effectively.

**For Steam Users:

  • 1. Open the Steam application and navigate to your Library.
  • 2. Locate Destiny 2 in your list of installed games and right-click on it.
  • 3. Select “Properties” from the context menu, then head over to the “Local Files” tab.
  • 4. Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files” to initiate the verification process.
  • 5. Allow the process to complete fully before continuing.
  • 6. After verification is finished, restart your computer to ensure changes take effect.

**For Epic Games Launcher Users:

  • 1. Launch the Epic Games Launcher and go to your Library.
  • 2. Find Destiny 2 Stay Human and click on the three-dot menu next to it.
  • 3. Choose the “Verify” option to begin checking your game files for integrity.
  • 4. Wait for the verification process to finish, then restart the launcher to apply any necessary updates.

By following these instructions, you can efficiently identify and correct any issues with your game files.

8. Set High Performance in Power Options

To enhance performance on your Windows system, consider switching from the default Balanced power mode to the High-Performance mode. While this may lead to increased power consumption or reduced battery life, it can significantly improve system responsiveness. Here’s how to make the change:

  • 1. Open the Start Menu and type “Control Panel” into the search bar, then select it from the results.
  • 2. Navigate to **Hardware and Sound** and then click on **Power Options**.
  • 3. Select the **High Performance** option to activate it.
  • 4. After making this adjustment, be sure to close the window. To ensure the changes take effect, fully shut down your computer by clicking on the Start Menu, then selecting **Power** followed by **Shut Down**.
  • 5. Once your system has completely powered off, you can turn it back on.

This adjustment should provide you with a noticeable improvement in performance.

9. Set High Priority in Task Manager

To ensure your game operates smoothly, you can set its priority to a higher level using the Task Manager in Windows. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Right-click the Start Menu and choose Task Manager from the list.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab, then locate the Destiny 2 process.
  • 3. Right-click on the Destiny 2 entry and select “Set Priority,” then choose “High.”
  • 4. Exit the Task Manager.

After completing these steps, launch Destiny 2 to see if the crashing issues have been resolved.

10. Update Windows

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is crucial for both everyday users and gamers, as it helps minimize system errors, enhances compatibility, and prevents crashes. The latest updates often bring new features, performance enhancements, and important security fixes. Here’s how you can update your system:

  • 1. Press the Windows key + I to access the Settings menu.
  • 2. Navigate to Update & Security, then click on the Windows Update section.
  • 3. Select the option that says Check for updates.
  • 4. If a feature update is available, click on Download and install.
  • 5. The update process may take some time to finish.
  • 6. After the update is complete, be sure to restart your computer to finalize the installation.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your system runs smoothly and securely.

Fix: Destiny 2 Screen Tearing on PS4 and PS5

If you’re using the PS4 or PS5 console and facing the flickering screen issue quite often, then make sure to follow the methods below one by one until the problem gets fixed.

1. Use Another Graphics Mode

Experiencing frame drops in certain games is a common occurrence, even on the PS4 or PS5 consoles. To address this issue, consider exploring different graphics modes available in the game’s settings menu.

This can help determine if the higher graphics settings are impacting system performance. Adjusting the graphics mode or lowering the graphics quality slightly, based on your preferences, may resolve the problem.

2. Reboot the PS4/PS5 Console

For PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users experiencing performance problems, whether with the system itself or during gameplay, a quick restart of your console can often help resolve these issues.

Rebooting your PS4 or PS5 may effectively address common problems such as game crashes, lag, stuttering, and screen flickering. Occasionally, a simple reset is all it takes to refresh the system and improve your gaming experience.

3. Update PlayStation Firmware

To prevent any potential graphical issues or lagging on your PS4 or PS5, it is advisable to keep your system software up to date. Follow these instructions to install the latest update:

  • 1. Navigate to the Settings menu.
  • 2. Select the System option.
  • 3. Choose System Software, then click on System Software Update and Settings.
  • 4. Finally, select the option to Update System Software and choose Update Using Internet.

4. Update Destiny 2

If it’s been a while since you last updated Destiny 2 on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, it’s important to ensure your game is current. Follow these simple steps to check for updates:

  • 1. Power on your PS4 or PS5 and go to the Home screen.
  • 2. Navigate to the top menu.
  • 3. Select the “Games” tab.
  • 4. Locate Destiny 2 in the list and highlight it.
  • 5. Press the Options button on your controller.
  • 6. From the menu that appears, select “Check for Update.”

Keeping your game updated will enhance your gaming experience and ensure access to the latest features and fixes.

5. Power Cycle your PS4/PS5

Occasionally, technical issues such as system errors, crashes, lagging, or screen flickering can arise due to glitches or cache problems. One effective method to resolve these performance issues is to clear the temporary cache by performing a power cycle on your console.

To do this, start by completely shutting down your console. After it’s turned off, unplug the power cable from the back of the unit. Allow approximately 30 seconds to pass before reconnecting the power cable. Finally, power on your PS4 or PS5 and check if the problem persists. This process can help restore optimal performance.

6. Keep PS4/PS5 in a well-ventilated area

In certain situations, your PS4 or PS5 console may experience performance issues or game lag due to overheating.

Insufficient air circulation in your gaming environment can lead to hardware stress, which can adversely impact your gaming experience. It is essential to place your console in an area with good ventilation to determine whether overheating is a concern.

Ensuring adequate airflow and maintaining a cooler room temperature can significantly enhance the performance of your PS4 or PS5.

Avoid positioning the console in cramped spaces or exposing it to direct sunlight, as these conditions can lead to overheating and subsequent performance problems.

7. Check your TV or Monitor

One potential factor contributing to lag in Destiny 2 on the PS4 or PS5 could be related to the refresh rate settings of your TV or monitor. It’s possible that a temporary glitch or an incompatibility between the console’s output and the display’s refresh rate may be causing performance issues.

8. Check the HDMI port

It’s advisable to thoroughly inspect the HDMI ports on both your console and display device. Misalignments or dust accumulation can lead to connectivity problems. To address this, carefully disconnect the HDMI cable and use a burst of air to remove any dust or debris from the HDMI port.

9. Check the Free Hard Drive Space

Insufficient hard drive storage can lead to problems when launching applications, in addition to causing glitches, slow loading times, lag, and graphical anomalies.

It’s essential to verify the available storage space on your hard drive before jumping to any conclusions about performance issues.

If you find that your free storage is critically low, consider removing any unnecessary games or applications from your PlayStation console, and then reassess if the screen tearing problem persists.

10. Eject the Game Disc and Gently Clean It

For those utilizing the disc edition of the PlayStation console, maintaining the physical discs can be quite challenging. Scratches, damage, or even dust can significantly impact both the disc’s condition and your overall gaming experience.

To mitigate these issues, it’s advisable to carefully remove the game disc and clean it with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any smudges or dirt. After cleaning, reinsert the disc to see if the problem persists.

11. Try Playing Another Game on PS4/PS5

Sometimes PlayStation games may not run properly which is a bit of a letdown. Make sure to play another game on the PS4/PS5 console to check for the issue or wait for some time to try again.

12. Clear Destiny 2 Game Data

To address various problems related to game launching or performance, you might consider clearing the saved game data on your console. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Navigate to **Settings** and then select **Application Saved Data Management**.
  • 2. Choose from **System Storage**, **Online Storage**, or **USB Storage**, and proceed to select **Delete**.
  • 3. Find **Destiny 2** in the list of games, and either check the specific files you wish to remove or simply select **All**.
  • 4. Confirm your selection by clicking on **Delete**, then press **OK** to finalize the action.
  • 5. After the deletion process is complete, restart your console and see if the screen flickering issue in Destiny 2 on your PS4 or PS5 has been resolved.

13. Rebuild Database

Rebuilding the database on your PlayStation can effectively address various potential errors or issues you might encounter. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. First, completely power off your console. Disconnect the power cable and allow it to sit unplugged for about 2-3 minutes.
  • 2. Reconnect the power cable and turn the console back on. This action will help in automatically clearing the cached data from the system.
  • 3. After the restart, check if the problem with Destiny 2 Stay Human has been resolved. If not, proceed with the next steps.
  • 4. Press and hold the Power button on the PlayStation until you hear two beeps—note that the second beep will occur after approximately seven seconds.
  • 5. Your console will enter Safe Mode. Connect your controller to the console using a USB cable, then press the PS Button on the controller.
  • 6. You will see an option labeled “Rebuild Database.” Select this option and confirm your choice.
  • 7. The process may take a while, depending on the size of the data on your hard drive, so please be patient.
  • 8. Once the rebuilding process is complete, simply restart your system as you normally would.

This should help in resolving ongoing issues with your game.

14. Hard Reset your Console

Typically, conducting a hard reset on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 can resolve various system errors or issues related to cached game data. Here’s how to perform this reset:

  • 1. Start by powering down your console completely.
  • 2. After the console is off, press and hold the Power button. Keep holding it until you hear two beeps within a few seconds.
  • 3. At this point, you will be presented with two reset options.
  • 4. Choose the appropriate reset option for your PlayStation.
  • 5. Allow the reset process to finish, and then ensure you log back into your PlayStation account.
  • 6. Once logged in, proceed to install Destiny 2 and attempt to launch the game.

This method can often clear up any persistent issues you may be experiencing.

15. Don’t Put in Rest Mode

To enhance your gaming experience, it’s advisable to avoid using rest mode on your console, as this can lead to glitches or unintended system behavior. To ensure smooth gameplay, refrain from activating rest mode during your sessions. Here’s how to adjust your settings:

  • 1. Navigate to the Settings menu on your PS5.
  • 2. Select the Power Saving option.
  • 3. Choose the “Set Time Until PS4/PS5 Enters Rest Mode” setting.
  • 4. Change the option to “Don’t Put in Rest Mode.”
  • 5. Finally, restart your console to implement these changes.
  • By following these steps, you can help maintain optimal performance while gaming.

Fix: Destiny 2 Screen Tearing on Xbox Consoles

If you’re using the Xbox gaming console and facing the screen tearing issue with the Destiny 2 game then make sure to follow the methods below.

1. Check System Updates

Before exploring any other troubleshooting options, it’s advisable to check for system updates on your Xbox console, as running an outdated version can lead to screen-related problems. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Press the Home button on your Xbox console to access the Dashboard.
  • 2. Navigate to the bottom of the menu and select Settings.
  • 3. Choose System and then click on Updates.
  • 4. If an update is available, select Update Console and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
  • 5. After the update is finished, be sure to restart your console to ensure all changes take effect.

2. Update Destiny 2

To ensure optimal performance of your game, it’s important to update the game version on your console. An outdated or corrupted version of the game can lead to a variety of problems. Here’s how you can check for updates:

  • 1. Navigate to the “My Games and Apps” section on your Dashboard.
  • 2. Select “Manage” and then proceed to “Updates.”
  • 3. Look for any available updates for Destiny 2; they should be clearly listed.
  • 4. If updates are available, initiate the update process by pressing the A button on your controller.

Additionally, for a more seamless experience, consider setting your console to automatically update games.

You can do this by going to the Settings menu, selecting “System,” and then choosing “Updates.” This way, your game will update automatically whenever your console is connected to the internet.

3. Power Cycle your Xbox Console

It’s important to consider utilizing a power cycle method on your Xbox console to rule out any potential firmware issues or glitches. Simply rebooting the console may not be sufficient, as a power cycle can effectively clear temporary glitches and cache-related problems. Here’s how to perform a power cycle:

  • 1. Turn off the Xbox console.
  • 2. Disconnect the power cable from both the console and the wall outlet.
  • 3. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
  • 4. Reconnect the power cable.

Finally, power on your Xbox and check if the screen flickering problem has been resolved.

4. Reinstall the Game

To resolve any game-related issues with Destiny 2 on your Xbox console, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling the game. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

  • 1. Start by pressing the Xbox button on your controller to bring up the Guide menu.
  • 2. Navigate to **My Games and Apps**, then select **See All** and proceed to **Games**.
  • 3. Switch to the **Ready to Install** tab and click on **Queue**.
  • 4. Locate Destiny 2 in the list of games available for installation.
  • 5. Press the **Menu** button on your controller.
  • 6. From the options, select **Manage Game & Add-ons** or **Manage App**.
  • 7. Choose Destiny 2 and click on **Uninstall All**.
  • 8. Confirm your choice by selecting **Uninstall All** once more.
  • 9. Allow the uninstallation process to finish completely.
  • 10. To ensure all changes are applied, restart your console.
  • 11. After the reboot, press the Xbox button again to access the Guide menu.
  • 12. Head back to **My Games and Apps**, select **See All**, and go to **Games**.
  • 13. Find the **Ready to Install** tab and select **Install** next to Destiny 2.
  • 14. Wait for the installation to complete, and then restart your console again.

Following these steps can help eliminate any persistent issues with the game.

5. Reset the Console

If the previous troubleshooting methods haven’t resolved your issue, you can manually reset your console by following these steps. This process can effectively eliminate system glitches and clear cache data problems. Here’s how to proceed:

  • 1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to access the Guide menu.
  • 2. Navigate to **Profile & system** and then select **Settings**.
  • 3. Go to **System** and choose **Console info**.
  • 4. Click on **Reset console**.
  • 5. A prompt will appear asking, “Reset your console?” Here, select **Reset and remove everything**. Please note that this option will erase all user data, including accounts, saved games, settings, and all installed applications and games.
  • – While you can opt for **Reset and keep my games & apps**, this may not resolve the issue in many situations.
  • 6. After making your selection, the Xbox will begin the process of deleting data and resetting to factory settings.
  • 7. Wait for the operation to finish before restarting your console.

That’s all there is to it! We hope this guide proves useful. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Destiny 2 Lightfall Crashing or Not Loading on PS4, PS5, and Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S: How to FIX

No Man’s Sky Screen Flickering or Tearing Issue on PC: How to FIX

Destiny 2: Lightfall Crashing at Startup on PC: How to FIX

Leave a Comment