Some Windows users see a black screen for several seconds after alt-tabbing into Beyond All Reason. The game reloads or reapplies settings on window focus, which causes the temporary blackout. Here is what is happening and how to deal with it.
Tags: beyond all reason, alt-tab, black screen, BAR, settings, Windows, display issue
When you switch back to BAR, the Spring engine revalidates display settings. This appears as a black screen for a few seconds. The issue traces to how Windows applies exclusive fullscreen mode. If the display mode setting in BAR does not match your desktop resolution exactly, the revalidation takes longer.
Switch BAR to borderless windowed mode in settings. This eliminates the fullscreen revalidation step entirely. The game runs slightly slower in this mode on very low-end systems, but the alt-tab issue disappears completely.
BAR settings can feel overwhelming. The community handles setup questions daily, and most common issues have documented solutions already posted in support channels.
Configuration issues are simpler to solve when others have hit the same wall. Creed of Champions welcomes newcomers and helps sort out display settings in a low-pressure environment.
[Crd] The removal of toxicity, the goal of fun and learning, makes for a refreshing spot to play and spend time. It has also made a game with plenty of complexity a bit less daunting to dive into.