Intel Iris Xe Compatibility Issue with Elden Ring: Nightreign- Game Crashes at launch

[WaleedEn]

Dear Intel Support Team/ @DhannielM_Intel ,

I’m writing to express my frustration and disappointment regarding a major compatibility issue between Intel Iris Xe graphics and the newly released Elden Ring: Nightreign.

To be clear, this is not a performance issue. My system has successfully run Elden Ring and the demanding Shadow of the Erdtree DLC without any problems. Both have performed consistently well on Intel Iris Xe graphics.

However, with Nightreign, the situation has completely changed:

The game crashes to a white screen immediately upon launch, even while using the latest Intel graphics drivers.

System Information:

• Laptop Model: Framework Laptop 13

• Processor: 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1185G7 @ 3.00GHz (4 cores / 8 threads)

• RAM: 16 GB

• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro)

• Graphics: Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics

• Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit, Version 22H2 (Build 19045)

• Graphics Driver Version: 32.0.101.6913 (Dated 2025-06-21)

• BIOS Version: 03.20 (Framework), dated 2024-06-03

What I’ve Tried:

1. Disabling the GPU in Device Manager allows the game to launch, but at an unplayable 5 FPS, relying on software rendering. It proves the game can launch, but not with Iris Xe enabled.

2. Reverting to older Intel drivers (e.g., version 27.20.xxxx) allows the game to start, but introduces a red-tinted overlay across the entire screen — making it equally unplayable.

3. I have used Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU), but I am open to trying it if recommended by Intel for clean driver reinstallation.

4. In-Game Display Settings: Unfortunately, the game crashes before any settings can be applied or viewed. It does not reach the main menu when Iris Xe is active.

To reiterate: the game only launches when Iris Xe is bypassed or downgraded, and never in a functional, playable state.

This issue is especially frustrating given that Nightreign is part of Elden Ring, a flagship title built on FromSoftware’s proprietary engine. It’s baffling that my system. Which handles both the base game and its massive DLC now fails to even launch the new content.

I understand that Intel may not be directly responsible for third-party game optimization, but I respectfully ask your team to:

• Reproduce the issue internally using Intel Iris Xe, and

• Investigate a fix or driver-level workaround.

There is a growing number of Iris Xe users experiencing this exact issue. We’re not seeking high performance, just want the game to launch and be playable, as it was with the previous titles.

Thank you for your time and attention. I hope this information helps your team in resolving the issue.

Sincerely,
Waleed Enaya 

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello WaleedEn,

Thank you for posting in Intel Communities.

The Intel Iris Xe Graphics does not meet the minimum specifications established by the game developer. While some users may have been able to run previous versions or similar games, this particular version appears to use updated rendering features that are either not supported or unstable on this hardware. We recommend contacting the game developer directly, as they are in the best position to determine if support or a workaround can be provided.

I hope this addresses your concerns.

Sincerely,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[WaleedEn]

even if it doesnt meet the minimum specifications established by the game developer. If I disable the Xe graphic drivers the game does launch using Microsoft Basic Display Adapter. Only issue is that the screen in tainted in red.

Other users also reported similar findings. Since they got to launch the game (with the red taint) and adjust the settings to ultra low 720p. The game runs at 30 frames which is very acceptable, but the red taint prevents you from seeing anything clearly. 

This issue is similar a previous case
"How to Fix GRANBLUE FANTASY: RELINK Red Screen on INTEL Iris XE Driver Ver. 31.0.101.5186"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PCGksZmB5k 

Where the player (using mods) was able to remove the red screen. Although to do so you must disable the anticheat which renders you unable to connect to the game servers and must play offline/solo.

also referencing an old post by  @Alex487 

https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/Elden-Ring-Nightreign-White-Screen-Crash-Caused-by-Driver-Not/td-p/1695634 

I firmly believe that this issue can be solved via proper driver update. As the Xe GPU is more than capable of running the game decently at low settings.

Please escalate this issue!! the problem is clearly driver side. Many users are affected and waiting for a fix.
 

[WaleedEn]

.

[Rudra2]

@WaleedEn  , honestly you are better of trying to contact fromsoftware , as they might patch it in future updates , better of trying to contact through bandai nacom , intel wont do much , i tried to reach them as well but got same answers "Intel Iris Xe Graphics does not meet minimum specifications " 

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello WaleedEn,

I understand your point, but this is a hardware compatibility issue that can't be fixed with a driver update. Here are the key points:

• Intel Iris Xe Graphics doesn't meet the game's minimum specifications.
• This version uses updated rendering features that aren't supported or are unstable on this hardware.
• I recommend contacting the game developer to see if there's a workaround or if they're firm on their requirements.

Since we don't have a solution, you'll need to reach out to the game developer for next steps. I'll close this thread, but if you need help in the future, please submit a new question, as this thread won't be monitored anymore.

Sincerely,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician