iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If Valor Mortis will not start, first identify whether you are using the retail release, a demo, or an older playtest. Then restart Windows, install pending Windows and graphics-driver updates, verify the Steam installation, close nonessential background software, and compare your PC with the game’s listed minimum requirements. Those are general Steam launch checks, not guaranteed fixes for a Valor Mortis-specific defect.
Controller failures need a separate check. Steam advertises full controller support, lists Xbox controllers, and lists DualShock and DualSense controllers with USB-only support. Historical pre-alpha and demo reports describe controls disappearing after returning to the main menu, mismatched controller prompts, tutorial-screen crashes, startup crashes, a D3D12core error, and jump or heal inputs stopping. Those reports document older builds; the available official material does not verify that they still affect a current retail build or that a retail patch fixed them.
Start by identifying the build and the failure point
Before changing settings, record three details:
- Build: retail game, demo, or the 2025 pre-alpha playtest.
- Failure point: Steam does nothing, the game closes during startup, it crashes after reaching a menu, or it fails during gameplay.
- Input symptom: Steam or Windows cannot see the controller, the game sees it but assigns the wrong actions, or only particular buttons stop responding.
This distinction matters because the developer’s documented issue list is an October 6, 2025 pre-alpha announcement, while the crash examples come from a June 2026 demo-feedback thread. They are reliable records of what players and developers described in those builds, but they are not proof of a current retail defect.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Steam store snapshot used for the available requirements also contained a status mismatch: it showed an October 13, 2026 planned release date while displaying “This game is not yet available on Steam.” Store availability and requirements can change, so check the live listing and the latest official announcement before applying a workaround intended for an older build.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Run the standard Steam launch checks
Steam’s own launch guidance treats startup failures as potentially having several causes. Work through these checks in order and test the game after each major change. None is a guaranteed Valor Mortis fix.
-
Restart Windows completely
Use Start > Power > Restart, then launch Steam again. A restart clears a stalled game process and reloads driver and system services. If Steam reports that another instance is running, open Task Manager, look for a remaining Valor Mortis process, end it, and restart Steam before trying again.
-
Install Windows updates
Open Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates, install available updates, and reboot when requested. Do not assume that a system that can run another DirectX 12 game has every update needed by this title.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Update the graphics driver
Install the current driver supplied by your GPU manufacturer for your exact graphics card and Windows version. Reboot after installation. Record the driver version if you later report a crash; a version number is more useful than saying only that the driver is “up to date.”
-
Verify the Steam files
In Steam, open Library, right-click Valor Mortis, choose Properties, open Installed Files, and select Verify integrity of game files. Let the process finish before launching. Steam may reacquire damaged or missing files; it does not repair an unsupported driver, an incompatible controller connection, or a bug in the game executable.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter | USB C Dongle with 90W Max Power Delivery, 3×5Gbps USB A Data Ports, for MacBook, Dell, and More (Charger Not Included)- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
-
Close nonessential software
Exit overlays, recording tools, hardware monitors, RGB utilities, macro programs, and other background applications that are not required to run the game. This is an isolation step, not evidence that any particular program is the cause. If the game starts afterward, re-enable programs one at a time to identify a conflict.
-
Check the installation drive
Confirm that the game is installed on an SSD with enough free space for the installation and updates. The official listing marks an SSD as required. A nearly full drive can also prevent Steam from completing file operations even when the nominal game size fits.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Compare your system with the official listing
Use the table below, then check the current Steam page again because store requirements are subject to revision.
Valor Mortis PC requirements listed by Steam
| Item | Minimum listing | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 | Current Steam store requirement in the captured listing. |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i5-10600K | The listing presents these as the minimum CPU pairing. |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | Listed minimum system memory. |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | The listed minimum GPU pairing. |
| Graphics API | DirectX 12 | Your Windows installation and driver must support the required API. |
| Storage | 60 GB available space | An SSD is also marked as required. |
| Advertised performance target | 30 FPS at 1080p on Low with upscaling | This is the store listing’s stated target, not an independent benchmark or a guarantee for every system. |
Meeting a minimum specification means only that the system is within the publisher’s stated baseline. Steam’s general guidance warns that a machine at or close to minimum can still encounter launch or performance problems. Laptop GPUs, power limits, thermal throttling, unusual driver configurations, and background memory use can make two PCs with similar headline specifications behave differently.
If Valor Mortis crashes before or during startup
Separate a launch failure from a gameplay crash
If clicking Play produces no window, note whether Steam changes the button back to Play, briefly shows Stop, or displays an error. If a window appears and then closes, record the last visible screen. A crash at the logo, a crash while opening a tutorial, and a crash after loading a save point are different reports and should not be combined.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check the DirectX 12 path without assuming it is the cause
Players in the June 2026 demo-feedback thread reported an error labeled D3D12core. That label indicates where the failure surfaced, not why it happened. It does not establish that DirectX 12, a particular GPU, upscaling, or a single driver version is a universal cause. Apply the Windows, driver, file-verification, and background-software checks first, then preserve the exact error text for a report.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Understand the historical tutorial-crash reports
Individual demo posts described crashes while opening or paging tutorial screens. One player reported an EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION while viewing a tutorial. These are anecdotal reports from a demo build. They do not prove that every tutorial causes a crash, identify a common trigger, or provide a confirmed workaround. If your crash occurs at the same point, include the tutorial name or page, whether the crash happens every time, and whether a fresh launch changes the result.
Do not treat an old workaround as a retail fix
The captured official materials do not verify a current retail patch for the named startup, tutorial, or D3D12core symptoms. Avoid presenting a demo-era setting change as guaranteed. Check the game’s latest announcement, support page, or in-client update notes for instructions that match your installed build.
Fixing controller detection and mapping
1. Determine whether Windows and Steam detect the controller
Connect the controller before starting the game. In Windows, use the operating system’s game-controller test panel or the device’s manufacturer utility to confirm that buttons and axes register. In Steam, open Steam > Settings > Controller and confirm that the device appears. If neither Windows nor Steam detects it, Valor Mortis cannot receive input; troubleshoot the cable, USB port, battery, pairing, or controller hardware first.
2. Match the connection to the advertised compatibility
The Steam listing advertises full controller support and specifically names Xbox controllers. It also lists DualShock and DualSense controllers with USB-only support. A wireless DualShock or DualSense connection is therefore not covered by that listing. Switching to a wired connection can determine whether the problem is transport-related, but buying a controller is not a proven remedy for an in-game mapping bug.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
3. Check Steam Input and the active layout
Open the game’s Steam controller properties and inspect the selected layout. A community layout or an old per-game remap can send a different action than the physical button label suggests. For diagnosis, select the default layout, disconnect other gamepads, and relaunch. If the game responds correctly with one controller but not another, report the model, connection type, and Steam Input state rather than describing the symptom simply as “controller broken.”
4. Test for a lost-input state
When a button stops working, test several unrelated actions. If every control fails, the game may have lost focus or controller connection. If only one or two actions fail, inspect the active preset and bindings. Alt-tab once and return to the game, then reconnect the controller only if doing so does not risk losing progress. Record whether input returns after opening the pause menu or restarting the game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Historical Valor Mortis controller issues
Controls stopping after returning to the main menu
The October 2025 developer announcement for the pre-alpha playtest listed a problem in which controls could stop working after returning to the main menu. That statement confirms the issue existed in that playtest; it does not establish that it remains in the retail game. If you see the same sequence, document the exact navigation path and build number.
Controller-preset prompts not matching the selected preset
The same pre-alpha announcement said that changing the gamepad preset could leave tutorials and the pause menu displaying default controls. This is a display mismatch, not proof that the underlying input was remapped incorrectly. Check an actual action in gameplay rather than relying only on the on-screen button icon.
Keybind editing in the playtest
For that pre-alpha build, the developer said keybinds could not be changed from the main menu. Players had to start the game, open the pause menu, and edit controls in settings. The source does not verify that the current game uses the same menu workflow, so treat this as historical guidance only. If your current build offers a control option directly from the main menu, use that instead.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Jump and heal actions stopping
June 2026 demo feedback included a report that the default jump and heal buttons could “completely stop working.” The post describes a symptom, not a confirmed cause or a general fix. Check whether rebinding the actions, restarting the demo, or reconnecting the controller changes the behavior, and include those results in a report. Do not infer that every controller or every copy of the game has the same defect.
What the demo crash reports do and do not prove
The June 2026 feedback thread contains separate player accounts of startup crashes, tutorial-related crashes, a D3D12core error, and stopped jump or heal inputs. The reports are useful for matching symptoms, but they cannot establish prevalence, a shared root cause, or a guaranteed workaround. A single player’s hardware, driver, connection method, and game build may differ from yours.
Use the reports as clues for a precise reproduction note:
- State whether the failure occurs on every launch or only after a particular menu action.
- Copy the complete error text, including exception names and module names.
- Record Windows version, GPU model, driver version, processor, RAM, and whether the game is on an SSD.
- For controller problems, provide the exact model, wired or wireless connection, Steam Input setting, and the action that fails.
- Say whether file verification, a restart, driver update, or closing overlays changed the result.
Escalate when the general checks fail
Steam’s general guidance recommends contacting the game’s developer when its checklist does not solve the launch problem. The developer’s demo-feedback post directed players to the Steam forum and Discord for demo reports. Because that invitation was specifically tied to the demo, do not assume it is the current retail support route. Use the latest official support or reporting channel shown for your installed build.
A useful report is concise but complete. Include the game build or branch, the date and time of the failure, exact reproduction steps, the point at which the crash occurs, error text, hardware and driver details, controller model and connection, and whether the standard Steam checks helped. If a crash is intermittent, state how many attempts succeeded or failed rather than calling it constant.
Quick Recap
Quick decision checklist
- No window appears: restart, update Windows and the GPU driver, verify Steam files, close nonessential software, and compare the PC with the listed requirements.
- The game opens and then crashes: capture the screen or error text, note the exact menu or tutorial, and avoid assuming that a D3D12core label identifies the cause.
- Windows or Steam cannot see the controller: troubleshoot the cable, USB port, pairing, battery, and device detection before changing game bindings.
- Xbox controller works but DualShock or DualSense does not wirelessly: test a USB connection because the listing specifies USB-only support for those two controller families.
- Only certain actions fail: inspect the active preset and bindings, then report the exact action and build if the problem persists.
- The symptom matches a 2025 playtest or June 2026 demo report: label it as a historical match and check current official notes before applying any old workaround.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
