User reviews on Steam have recently highlighted an unexpected visual feature: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 black bar issue…
This has sparked debate among players, with some considering it a deliberate cinematic choice and others viewing it as a technical issue. Regardless of the intent, the black bars have become a central point of discussion surrounding the game’s visual presentation.
The presence of black bars, also known as letterboxing, throughout the game has led so many users to wonder if there is a way to remove Hellblade II black bars.
Is the Hellblade 2 black bar feature intended or a bug?
The black bars in Hellblade 2 are a visual element that frames the game’s image, resulting in a narrower aspect ratio. This technique is often used in films to achieve a specific cinematic look, and some argue that it serves a similar purpose in Hellblade 2.
The letterboxing could be intended to enhance the game’s atmospheric and immersive qualities, drawing players further into Senua’s world. However, others believe that the black bars are an unintentional flaw, perhaps a technical oversight or a limitation of the game engine.
The lack of an option to adjust or remove the Hellblade 2 black bars has fueled this theory, leading some players to seek workarounds to remove Hellblade 2 black bars.
A user on the Steam Community wrote: “Half of the screen is black bars???”, I thought it would only be for the intro but omg it’s throughout the entire game and there doesn’t seem to be a way to disable them???” about the game and Ogami on Steam has said:
“Yeah, get a 21:9 monitor. Otherwise, no,”
“Welcome to your “cinematic” experience. Enjoy your stay.”
Yet, there actually is a way to remove Hellblade 2 black bars by editing the game’s files.
How to remove Hellblade 2 black bars
In the absence of an official fix, the Hellblade II community has taken matters into their own hands. Players have discovered that modifying the game’s configuration files can remove the black bars, allowing for a fullscreen experience. This workaround involves editing specific lines of code within the game’s engine configuration file, a process that requires some technical know-how.
Here is how you can remove Hellblade 2 black bars:
- Head over to “Users\%LOCALAPPDATA%\Hellblade2\Saved\Config\Windows\” and open the “Engine.ini” file
- Enter the following lines of command to the “SystemSettings” section:
- r.NT.Lens.Distortion.Intensity=0
- r.NT.Lens.Distortion.Stretch=0
- r.NT.Lens.ChromaticAberration.Intensity=0
- r.NT.DOF.RotationalBokeh=0
- r.NT.DOF.NTBokehTransform=0
- r.FilmGrain=0
- r.NT.AllowAspectRatioHorizontalExtension=0
- r.NT.EnableConstrainAspectRatio=0
- Set the file to “Read Only”
While this solution offers a way for players to customize their visual experience to a degree, modifying the game files that way only zooms in the game and does not replace the Hellblade 2 black bars with the game’s graphics.
Another option for players seeking to remove the Hellblade 2 black bars is Flawless Widescreen, a third-party software designed to address aspect ratio issues in games. This tool offers a user-friendly interface for adjusting the game’s field of view and aspect ratio, allowing players to achieve a fullscreen experience without having to manually edit game files.
You may download Flawless Widescreen for Windows here but keep in mind that, using third-party software like Flawless Widescreen can sometimes carry risks.
Gamers are anticipating a patch
Given the ongoing discussion on the Steam Community of Hellblade 2 and community-driven solutions, it’s possible that the developers of Hellblade II will address the black bar issue in a future patch. This could involve adding an in-game option to adjust or remove the letterboxing, providing players with greater control over their visual experience. In the meantime, the debate surrounding the black bars highlights the diverse perspectives within the gaming community.
Some players value the cinematic aesthetic that the letterboxing provides, while others prioritize a fullscreen experience.
The choice of whether to embrace or remove the black bars is a personal one, and the availability of workarounds allows players to tailor the game to their individual preferences.
Is Hellblade 2 on Gamepass?
Yes, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is available on Xbox Game Pass. It was released on May 21, 2024, and is available for Xbox Series X|S consoles and PC.
You can download and play Hellblade II right now as part of your Game Pass subscription at no additional cost.
Featured image credit: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2/Steam
