BOMBANANA! Not Launching or Stuck on Loading Screen
A game that won't launch, or hangs on a loading screen and never gets further, is almost always a local configuration issue rather than a problem with the game itself. Since BOMBANANA! hasn't fully released yet (September 2, 2026), this guide is built from generally reliable PC-gaming troubleshooting steps rather than a confirmed list of bugs — treat it as a solid first pass, and expect more game-specific advice to accumulate on the Steam Community hub once more players are past launch.
1. Verify game files through Steam
Steam downloads can get interrupted or partially corrupted without any obvious error at the time. Verifying integrity re-checks every installed file against Steam's records and re-downloads anything that doesn't match, which fixes a surprising number of "won't launch" and "stuck loading" reports before you need to touch anything else.
2. Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables
BOMBANANA!'s minimum requirements call for DirectX-compatible sound hardware, and like most Windows games it likely depends on the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable being installed and up to date. If either is missing or outdated, the game can fail silently on launch rather than showing a clear error. Installing the latest DirectX End-User Runtime and the current Visual C++ Redistributable packages from Microsoft is a standard fix worth running through even if you're not sure it's the cause.
3. Check your antivirus and firewall
Security software occasionally flags new or recently-updated game executables, either quarantining a file silently or blocking the process from starting. Check your antivirus's quarantine/blocked list for BOMBANANA!, and add an allowlist exception for the game's install folder if you find anything. This is worth checking even if you haven't seen a pop-up warning — some antivirus tools block silently.
4. Run as administrator
Right-click the game's executable (or its Steam library entry) and choose "Run as administrator." This resolves launch failures caused by permission conflicts, particularly on systems with strict user account control settings or where the game is installed outside the default Steam library location.
5. Close conflicting background apps
Overlay software (game recording tools, chat overlays, RGB lighting controllers) occasionally conflicts with a game at launch. Try closing non-essential background apps — especially anything that injects an overlay — and launching again. This is a quick, low-risk step to rule out before digging further.
6. Restart Steam and your PC
A stale Steam client process or a Windows update waiting on a restart can both quietly cause launch failures that look unrelated. Fully close Steam (check it isn't still running in the system tray), and if that doesn't help, restart the PC entirely before trying again.
If nothing above works
At that point, it's worth checking whether other players are seeing the same issue on the Steam Community hub, or reaching out directly to bombanana@tarkgames.com. If your game launches fine but voice chat specifically isn't working once you're in, that's a separate issue — see our mic not working guide instead. And if the game launches but then crashes partway through, head to crashing to desktop.
Not launching — FAQ
Why is BOMBANANA! stuck on the loading screen?
A stuck loading screen is usually caused by a corrupted game file, an out-of-date DirectX or Visual C++ Redistributable install, or a background process (including antivirus) interfering with the game. Verifying game file integrity through Steam is the best first step.
Why won't BOMBANANA! open at all?
If the game won't launch at all — no window, no process — the most common causes are a blocked executable (check antivirus/firewall), missing runtime dependencies, or a Steam client issue. Try restarting Steam, verifying game files, and running the game as administrator.
Does BOMBANANA! need DirectX or Visual C++ Redistributables?
The system requirements list DirectX-compatible sound as a minimum requirement. Most Steam games, including this one, also depend on the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable being installed and current, which is worth checking if the game won't launch.