If Helldivers 2 isn’t launching on Steam, there are several common causes for this issue, ranging from corrupted files to system compatibility issues.
Below are a variety of troubleshooting steps you can follow to try and resolve the issue.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Verify Game Files
Sometimes, the game files on your PC can get corrupted, which prevents it from launching. Steam has an option to verify the integrity of game files.
Here’s how you can do it:
Open Steam and go to your Library.
Right-click on Helldivers 2 in your game list and select Properties.
Go to the Local Files tab.
Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Wait for Steam to check and fix any missing or corrupted files.
Once the process is complete, try launching the game again.
2. Check System Requirements
Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Helldivers 2. Even if your specs seem fine, check for updates on drivers or any specific compatibility issues with the game.
Minimum System Requirements (for reference):
OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 / AMD Radeon RX 470
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 20 GB available space
If your system is under the minimum requirements, the game might fail to launch or run poorly.
Also Read : Capital One General System Error
3. Run Steam as Administrator
Sometimes, Steam doesn’t have the right permissions to launch a game properly, especially if it’s trying to access specific system resources like files or networks.
To run Steam as administrator:
Close Steam completely.
Right-click on the Steam shortcut or executable file (
steam.exe).Select Run as Administrator.
Try launching Helldivers 2 again from your Library.
This will give Steam the necessary permissions to launch games and might resolve any permission-related issues.
4. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
Sometimes, an overprotective antivirus or firewall can block certain game files or processes, preventing them from running. To test if this is the case:
Disable your antivirus software or firewall temporarily.
Try to launch Helldivers 2 again.
If the game launches, whitelist the game and Steam in your antivirus and firewall software, then enable it again.
Be cautious when disabling your antivirus or firewall, and make sure to turn it back on once you’ve finished testing.
5. Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can often cause issues with game launches. Ensure your GPU drivers are up-to-date by visiting the manufacturer’s website:
NVIDIA: NVIDIA Drivers
AMD: AMD Drivers
Intel: Intel Drivers
Once updated, restart your computer and try launching the game again.
6. Launch the Game in Compatibility Mode
If Helldivers 2 is having trouble with the version of Windows you are running, you can try running the game in compatibility mode:
Go to the game’s installation folder (usually found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Helldivers 2).
Right-click on the game executable (typically
Helldivers2.exe) and select Properties.Under the Compatibility tab, check the box that says Run this program in compatibility mode for and select Windows 7 or Windows 8 from the dropdown.
Click Apply and OK.
Try launching the game again.
7. Update or Reinstall DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables
Some games depend on certain versions of DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables to run. If these are outdated or corrupted, the game might not launch.
To update or reinstall:
DirectX: Download the latest version of DirectX from Microsoft’s website.
Visual C++ Redistributables: Download the latest versions from the Microsoft support page.
After installing these, restart your PC and try launching Helldivers 2 again.
8. Check for Background Applications
Sometimes, background applications (especially overlay programs like Discord, GeForce Experience, or MSI Afterburner) can interfere with game launches. Try closing unnecessary background programs:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Look for any unnecessary apps running and end task on them (especially overlay software).
Try launching the game again.
9. Reinstall the Game
If the above steps don’t work, you can try reinstalling Helldivers 2 to fix any corrupted installation files.
Right-click on Helldivers 2 in your Steam Library.
Select Manage > Uninstall.
Once uninstalled, go to the Store page and click Install again to reinstall the game.
10. Check Steam Beta and Client Updates
Steam occasionally rolls out updates or beta features that might cause issues with launching certain games. You can disable Steam Beta or check for updates:
Open Steam.
Go to Steam in the top-left corner and select Settings.
In the Account tab, click on Change under Beta participation.
Select None – Opt out of all beta programs.
Click OK and restart Steam.
Additionally, check if there are any pending Steam client updates under Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates.
11. Check Game Logs
Sometimes, Helldivers 2 will produce a crash log if the game fails to launch. These logs can help diagnose what went wrong. You can find these logs by navigating to the game’s installation folder (usually under C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Helldivers 2), or sometimes within Steam logs.
12. Contact Steam or Game Support
If none of the above steps work, it’s possible there’s a more specific issue with the game. You can:
Contact Steam Support: Steam Support
Contact Helldivers 2 Support (if available): Check the game’s official support page or community forums on Steam for specific advice.
Summary
Try verifying game files, checking system requirements, updating drivers, or running the game in compatibility mode to solve launch issues with Helldivers 2. If these steps don’t resolve the problem, a reinstall or checking for any specific error logs may provide further insight into the issue. If the game still won’t launch, reaching out to Steam or the developer might be the final solution.
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