Quick Fix for The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom Crashes & Black Screen: Over 90% of startup crashes, black screens, and missing DLL errors in The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom (Latest v2026 Build) are resolved by installing both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe, restoring quarantined loader DLLs in Windows Security, and running the game executable as Administrator.
Common The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom Errors & Proven Solutions
The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix is a Nintendo Switch , Adventure game for Windows. This tested release includes v2026 with an estimated download size of 1.1 GB. Provided in clean NSP/XCI format, verified working on genuine custom firmware (Atmosphere) and PC emulators (Ryujinx/Sudachi).
| Issue / Error Message | Root Cause | Step-by-Step Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Crash on Startup / Silent Exit | Missing Visual C++ Runtime or Admin privileges | Install VC++ 2015–2022 (x86 & x64) and enable Run this program as an administrator in Properties → Compatibility. |
| Missing MSVCP140.dll / VCRUNTIME140.dll | Corrupted Microsoft C++ runtime libraries | Reinstall the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package and reboot your PC. |
| missing steam_api64.dll / emp.dll | Windows Defender quarantined the offline loader | Open Windows Security → Protection History, restore the quarantined file, and whitelist the game folder. |
| Black Screen with Audio Playing | Fullscreen resolution or overlay conflict | Press Alt + Enter to switch to windowed mode, disable Discord/GeForce overlays, and update GPU drivers. |
| Controller Not Working | Steam Input or XInput device priority | Add The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom as a Non-Steam Game and enable Steam Input for Xbox/PlayStation/Switch Pro controllers. |
Related Guides: Main Download Page | Installation Guide | System Requirements
The Secret Order: Return to the Buried Kingdom is a hidden-object adventure game that originally arrived on the Nintendo Switch eShop on September 18, 2020. This NSP release is region-free (RF), which means you can install it on any Switch console regardless of the region you bought your hardware in. The package is 1.1 GB, and it bundles the full adventure — puzzle scenes, story sequences, and collectible extras — into a single file that you can load through the usual NSP installer workflow.
If you enjoy point-and-click mysteries, artifact hunting, and layered mini-games, this title sits comfortably in that space. It is developed and published by Artifex Mundi, with PQube handling the console release, and it ships with six supported languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Russian. Below you'll find the full specs, a breakdown of what the game actually offers, and a direct download link.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Version | eShop (RF) release — September 18, 2020 (estimated as the base release build) |
| File Size | 1.1 GB |
| OS | Windows (for handling and installing the NSP package) |
| Category | Adventure / Hidden Object / Puzzle |
| License | Free |
| Developer | Mike |
⬇️ Download The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom NSP (1.1 GB)
What the Game Is About
The story follows Sarah Pennington, a member of the Secret Order, as she returns to the buried kingdom to stop a familiar threat from resurfacing. The structure is classic hidden-object adventure: you move between hand-painted scenes, find listed objects, solve logic puzzles, and use inventory items on the environment to push the story forward. Each chapter mixes search scenes with mini-games such as lock mechanisms, symbol matching, and sequence puzzles, so the pacing shifts between observation and deduction.
The Switch version keeps the touch-friendly layout of the original PC release, which suits handheld play well. You can tap directly on objects in handheld mode, and the interface scales cleanly when docked. The NSP is region-free, so the eShop release installs the same way whether your console is set to the US, EU, or another region.
Key Features
- Full hidden-object adventure: search scenes, inventory puzzles, and a story-driven campaign across multiple chapters.
- Region-free NSP: installs on any Switch console, not just the region matching your eShop account.
- Six languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Russian are included in the package.
- Handheld-friendly controls: touch input works in portable mode, with standard controller support when docked.
- Single 1.1 GB file: one NSP package, no multi-part archive juggling.
- Title ID 0100971012B4E000: useful if you need to match the install to your library management tool.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Region-free release removes the usual eShop region headache.
- Genre fans get a complete hidden-object campaign in a single file.
- Language coverage is broad for a smaller adventure title.
- Touch controls make it a natural fit for handheld sessions.
- Cons:
- Hidden-object gameplay is niche — if you want action or open-world exploration, this is not that.
- You need a way to install NSP files on your Switch, which is a separate setup step.
- The file is 1.1 GB, so plan storage before you start the transfer.
- No changelog or update notes were provided for this release, so version history is limited to the base eShop build.
Who This Is For
This release suits players who already have a Switch setup capable of installing NSP files and who enjoy slower, puzzle-first adventures. If you like Artifex Mundi's catalog — or you've played similar mystery titles and want another one — the structure will feel familiar. It is less suited to players looking for fast-paced action or large open environments.
If you're browsing other genres while you're here, you might also want to look at Starters Orders Touch Horse Racing (v1.046) for a completely different pace, or Secret Flasher Manaka (v1.1.3 & Uncensored) if you're exploring other download categories on the site.
Version Freshness and Publisher Details
This is the eShop (RF) release dated September 18, 2020. No newer version number or changelog was included with the source data, so treat the build as the base release rather than a patched update. The game was developed and published by Artifex Mundi, with PQube attached to the release. The NSP carries Title ID 0100971012B4E000, which you can use to confirm the package matches before you install.
Because no update notes were supplied, there is nothing to summarize about fixes or added content. If you need a specific patch level, check the Title ID against your installer before overwriting an existing install.
Installation Guidance
The input does not include official system requirements or a step-by-step installer guide, so this section sticks to practical, general guidance rather than invented specs. You'll need a Switch environment that can accept NSP files, plus enough free storage for the 1.1 GB package. A common installer for NSP files is Goldleaf, and the input links to its releases page here. Some NSP games can also be run on PC through emulators such as YUZU or Ryujinx, though compatibility varies by title.
If you're new to the process, the input points to a general jailbreak/hack guide for the Switch. Follow that before attempting an install. Keep your installer and archive tools updated — older extraction tools sometimes throw errors on newer archives.
Download Links
The full package is available as a single 1.1 GB file. Use the button below to grab it.
⬇️ Download Now — The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom NSP
Notes Before You Download
- You only need this single file — there are no multi-part archives to combine for this release.
- No password is set on the game files in this listing.
- If a file shows as damaged or throws a CRC error, re-download it rather than extracting again.
- For broken or dead links, use the site's reupload request page.
If you like the game, support the developers by buying a copy where it is sold.
Recommended For You: If you enjoy this game, also check out Dasshutsu Adventure: Kyuukousha no Shoujo and Secret Empires of the Ancient World 3DS for more top-rated gameplay.
🎬 The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom – Official Gameplay Trailer
Looking for more top-rated recommendations? Check out our complete rankings in the Best Nintendo Switch Games guide.
Frequently Asked Questions & Setup Guide
Q: How do I fix The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom crashing on startup or showing a black screen?
Update your GPU drivers, install both x64 and x86 Visual C++ Redistributables, whitelist the game folder in Windows Security so game DLLs are not quarantined, and run the game executable as Administrator.
Q: How do I fix missing MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140_1.dll in The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom?
Install the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable bundle (both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe) and DirectX End-User Runtimes.
Q: Why is my Xbox or PlayStation controller not detected in The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom?
Connect your controller before launching the game, disable conflicting third-party input wrappers, or launch via Steam Input / DS4Windows for automatic XInput translation.
