Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) Stuck on Preparing Shaders

In an intense fighting game like MK1, you can’t compensate for even the slightest of lags. A micro-second of inactivity results in the shift of fight. If you are one of those individuals, who are suffering from in-game shaders not loading, then you are at the right spot. We have all the details on Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) Stuck on Preparing Shaders.

Remember, the methods we are going to mention here in our guide aren’t engraved on stone. Every system has its background on why it’s causing the game to have issues. It could be from the servers side, or the launcher side as well. Whether it’s software or hardware, you can try out the aforementioned methods to get a kick-start.

Nevertheless, the fixes we are going to mention here are also going to help you fix performance issues, FPS Loss, and so on. Try to give these methods a try even if you are stuttering or crashing. Let’s get to the details after a quick intro to the game.

About MK1 – AKA Mortal Kombat 1

After the release of Mortal Kombat 11 (MK11), the gurus at NetherRealm Studios, and Warner Bros (WB), went ahead and renamed their next game in the franchise Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1). At this point, everyone either started from the beginning or went ahead and missed a digit. Why not NetherRealm?

Following the previous franchise base and style, Mortal Kombat 1, is referred to as a fresh start, but with the same set of rules. That same brutal fatality mechanism, on top of those saught-after characters, but with ever-flourishing graphics, and story-line.

Everything is perfect here in the franchise. The game doesn’t force you to have various microtransactions to unlock your favorite fighter, nor get those crisp cosmetics. You’re bound to love this one too here.

All in all, it’s a treat for players who are looking for the same Mortal Kombat Universe, but with a 2023 touch.

Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) Stuck on Preparing Shaders

Check MK1 System Requirements

The first step is always to read the system requirements of the game and match them with your system. Don’t get offended here because a guide is for everyone. If you already know that your system can effortlessly handle MK1, then go ahead and miss this part.

If you are someone who has doubts, then read the table below. In case you don’t meet the minimum requirements, the reason for MK1 Stuck on Preparing Shaders.

Check Internet Connectivity/Connection

It is highly likely that a network issue is causing MK1 to prepare shaders, but you might as well try this method. Restart your router to clear the internet cache, and check if the router is frying hot or not. If so, let that homie rest for a while.

Make sure there is no one using your internet at the moment, and try using an Ethernet Cable to use the internet on your PC. Change the password if your family is having a hard time, or contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

Another thing to mention is that if you can’t afford to have an ethernet cable, you can move close to the modem.

Change Game Settings

Your PC is basically tested and challenged when you install the latest game out there. MK1 is surely one of those games you would want to play and challenge your system specs. If you somehow got disappointed, there is one way of fixing Mortal Kombat 1 Stuck on Preparing Shaders. Take down the settings for the aforementioned features.

• Shadows – Medium or Low
• Anti Aliasing – 4x to 2x and so on
• Dynamic Reflections
• Ambient Occlusion – On or Off
• Volumetric Lighting (God Rays)
• Motion Blur
• Render Scaling – Below 100 Percent, depending on the choice

Lock FPS in MK1

The most simple and effective way to fix shader issues in games is simply locking the FPS. Frames Per Second is what most people refer to them, but gamers are mostly around the FPS title.

There are many methods to do this;

You can Lock FPS by using RivaTuner Statistics. We will interlink a guide to help you with FPS Lock through RivaTuner as well.

Another method is to lock the FPS inside the game. If the game doesn’t provide you with the method, you can read onwards.

• Radeon Chill
• Nvidia FPS Limiter

Taking Down Resolution

Yes, talking down the resolution from 2k to 1080p or from that to even lower helps you gain more FPS in games, hence fixing the Shaders Issue. It isn’t something we would recommend, but if performance is your main deal, it definitely helps.

Updates and Drivers

Most latest games are looking for the latest and greatest drivers, as well as updates on your system. If they don’t find them, they deserve to be angry. In return, you will face troubles like Mortal Kombat 1 Stuck on Preparing Shaders.

Try searching for updates on your Windows Search Bar, or using software like Driver Easy. We aren’t getting a sponsor, it’s just good at these things. You can try other ones as well but don’t spend a fortune on those unless you are a professional and need them.

When you are done with the updates, we recommend you install the latest Nvidia or AMD Drivers on your precious system. Don’t know how? We got you covered.

• For Nvidia users, you can just install Nvidia Experience from their official site and use that bad boy to install the latest/greatest drivers that are best suited for gaming.
• The same can be done with AMD Adrenaline. In case you have an AMD CPU, you can just use the same software to get the drivers installed, either for your integrated or dedicated GPU, as well.

Verifying Game Files and Restarting System

Steam Game Files Verification is one of the globally recognized ways to fix any game issue, taken, it’s on Steam. Epic Games also has that same feature, but we are here to discuss Steam.

• Open Steam Launcher (Updated)
• Go to Steam Library
• Find MK1 (Mortal Kombat 1)
• Right click
• Go to Properties
• Find Files Tab
• Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files”

It will take a while for the files to be verified. Most of the time, it depends on the situation, as well as the game size. After that, don’t forget to Restart your system and then click on Play. It will fix the MK1 Shaders Issue, hopefully!

Disable Background Applications and Hardware

Does your system have all the ports full? Is there any background application that is draining your system or might be suspected to cause trouble? In these cases, your game might not start at all or perform badly.

After you give your system a restart, you need to open Task Manager and cancel out all the extra background apps that are running. To make sure they don’t cause trouble again, go to the startup tab on Task Manager and disable them.

While you are at it, you can also check all the extra hardware files attached to your PC. Take the unnecessary things out and only play with the ones that are required.

Give Administrator Access to the Game

You might have heard about this one, but forget to do it yourself. Apps and Games like Steam, and MK1, require authority to run. They are resource-draining, and require access to some personal things.

Don’t worry, they are known globally and trusted by millions. Just search for the game files or find them on your desktop, and right-click. Then find “Run as Administrator”.

You can also permanently add them to Admin Authority, by going to properties and finding them in one of the tabs. Check the box, and you are good to go.

Clear System Cache

A hidden trick is sometimes going to the Windows Cache File Folder and clearing it. How to do it? We have you covered below.

• Press the Windows Key and R at the same time
• Type in “%localappdata%“
• Click OK or press Enter
• Press CTRL+A to select all
• Then right-click and press Delete

Extra Steps

• Give Firewall Permission
• Disable Antivirus
• Re-Login Steam/Launcher
• Reinstall

The Verdict

That’s it, folks! If you are facing the Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) Stuck on Preparing Shaders, you can go through the methods only by one. Hopefully, it will fix the issue for you. In case it doesn’t, you might have to report the issue to the Mortal Kombat 1 Forum or wait for a while because sometimes the Servers are down. Check MK1 Servers on their Twitter Forum. As always, Happy Gaming!

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