Intermittent black screen when running packaged shipping build (Windows)

I’m running UE5.3 and I have a strange issue with my packaged game. I have an intermittent issue where sometimes when running my packaged build in either development or shipping it hangs at a black screen and the only way to get out of it is to end the task via task manager. Usually running the game again 2-3 times the issue generally goes away.

I’ve been unable to consistently replicate the issue. I originally thought it might be an issue with the PSO shader cache (and maybe it still is), but after much research it seems to be a possible DX12 issue as it seems be hanging before it get’s to that part.

I’ve tried clearing the shader cache and other data resources, but I can’t seem to replicate the behavior with any consistency.

The issue seems to occur:

  • The first time the game has ever been launched on that system
  • After I do an update to the game on Steam (some players)
  • Completely at random other than that, but infrequent

Is anyone familiar with this issue?