[Solved] Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR 2) Not Launching – Crashing on Startup

If you’ve encountered the frustrating issue of Red Dead Redemption 2 crashing instantly after starting, you’re not alone. Several players have faced this problem across various platforms. However, worry not; there are several troubleshooting steps and solutions to get you back on the trails of the Wild West.

Verifying Game Integrity

One common culprit behind instant crashes could be missing or corrupt game files. Verifying the game integrity, especially on platforms like Steam, can help restore these files. Navigate to your game library, right-click on Red Dead Redemption 2, select Properties, head to the Local Files tab, and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”

Allowing RDR2 through Windows Firewall Defender

Sometimes, the game might be blocked by your firewall, causing it to crash on startup. Allowing Red Dead Redemption 2 through Windows Firewall Defender can resolve this issue. Go to your firewall settings, locate RDR2 in the list of applications, and ensure it’s allowed to access the network.

Updating GPU Drivers

Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers could also lead to instant crashes. Ensure your graphics card drivers are up-to-date. Visit the manufacturer’s website or use dedicated software to download and install the latest drivers compatible with your system.

Reverting Back to Vulkan

For some players, switching the game’s graphics API to Vulkan has resolved the crashing problem. Within the game settings or launcher, look for graphics or display options and switch to Vulkan if you’re currently using a different API like DirectX.

Other Potential Fixes

Running the game as an administrator, checking system requirements, and running compatibility checks might also help. Additionally, ensuring the game’s installation path doesn’t contain any special characters or spaces could resolve unexpected crashes.

Final Thoughts

Facing an immediate crash when launching Red Dead Redemption 2 can be exasperating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you can potentially resolve the issue and return to the immersive world of the Wild West. Remember to try these solutions one by one to identify what works best for your system configuration.

Don’t let crashes hinder your adventures in the Old West; troubleshoot and get back to the dusty trails and thrilling escapades Red Dead Redemption 2 offers!