We investigated this particular issue by looking into various user reports and testing out the different repair strategies that were successfully used by other affected users. As it turns out, several different scenarios might lead to this issue. Here’s a shortlist of culprits that might be responsible for this problem: If you’re currently trying to resolve this error message, this article will provide you with a selection of potential repair strategies that other users have successfully used to resolve the Dead by Daylight ‘Initialization Error.’ Keep in mind that some of the methods presented below will not be applicable since the issue is cross-platform. For the best results, start following the instructions below in order and disregard the potential fixes that are not intended for your platform. Eventually, you should find a method that will resolve the issue (or at least identify the problem) on your gaming platform, regardless of the cause. Let’s begin!
Method 1: Investigating for a server issue
Before pursuing any other repair strategies, start your troubleshooting by ensuring the issue is not beyond your control. Several affected users have confirmed that in their case, the issue was due to a server problem that prevented the game from accessing network features. The network services may be down due to scheduled maintenance or an unplanned outage. This can happen on both PS4 due to PlayStation Network issues and on PC or Xbox One due to a problem with Xbox Live services. If you find yourself in this situation, the only troubleshooting step is to confirm the issue and wait for the server problem to be fixed by Microsoft or Sony. To verify if there’s a problem with Microsoft servers, visit this link (here) and check if any services are affected by problems. If you’re encountering the issue on a PS4 console, access this link (here) and see if any services are preceded by a red exclamation point or a question mark. If your investigation reveals that the issue is widespread and due to a server issue, you can conclude the problem is not limited to your console. In this case, it’s not advisable to follow any of the other repair strategies below since they will not resolve the problem. If this scenario applies to you, wait until Sony or Microsoft engineers address the issue. However, if the investigations don’t reveal any issues with Xbox Live or PlayStation Network services, start following the next methods below to apply repair strategies that other affected users have successfully implemented to resolve the ‘Initialization Error.’
Method 2: Ensuring that NAT is Open
As it turns out, this error message in Dead by Daylight is often linked to the fact that the Network Address Translation (NAT) is not open on the network that the gaming device (console or PC) is connected to. Several affected users reported that they managed to fix the issue and play the game normally after opening the status of NAT. By doing this, you’re ensuring that any connectivity issues caused by NAT inconsistency are eliminated. This universal fix will work regardless of the platform where you’re encountering the issue. Follow the instructions below to enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router, allowing your router to automatically forward the required ports and prevent issues like the ‘Initialization Error’. Note: If you’re certain your router doesn’t support UPnP, skip this method and move directly to Method 3. If you’re still encountering the ‘Initialization Error’ or if this method wasn’t applicable, move to the next method below.
Method 3: Clearing Persistent Storage (Xbox One Only)
Several Xbox One users encountering the ‘Initialization Error’ when trying to play Dead by Daylight reported resolution after accessing their console settings and clearing the persistent storage. This persistent storage is space automatically created by Xbox One to store content related to Blu-Ray discs inserted in your console. This fix is effective only if you own a physical copy of Dead by Daylight. Note: This method is only for Xbox One users encountering this issue. If you’re experiencing the ‘Initialization Error’ on another platform, this method is not applicable. In that case, move on to the next method below. If you’re still dealing with the ‘Initialization Error’ or if this method was not suitable, proceed to the following method.
Method 4: Power-cycling your console (console only)
If none of the methods above allowed you to resolve the problem, you might be dealing with a firmware glitch that is interfering with the game server connection. In such cases, the viable solution is to drain the power capacitors to clear the temporary data causing the issue. This procedure fixes most firmware-related issues that could trigger this error message. Users have vouched for this method’s effectiveness on both Xbox One and PS4. We’ve prepared separate guides for both console types. Follow the instructions applicable to your situation.
Power-cycling on Xbox One
Power-cycling on PS4
If this method wasn’t applicable or it didn’t work for you, follow the next method below.
Method 5: Deleting Game folder and activating Steam Cloud (PC Only)
Some Windows users encountering this issue managed to fix it by deleting Dead by Daylight’s main game folder and then enabling the Steam Cloud feature. This process reportedly forces the Steam client to resync all files and update the game to the latest version. This fix is only for PC users. Console users will not be able to use the instructions below.
