Elden Ring, the highly anticipated action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has been making waves in the gaming community since its release. However, some players have been experiencing frustrating issues with the game, particularly with launching it. If you’re one of the unlucky ones who can’t seem to get Elden Ring to launch, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll delve into the possible reasons why Elden Ring won’t launch and provide you with troubleshooting steps to get the game up and running.
System Requirements and Compatibility Issues
Before we dive into the more complex issues, let’s first check if your system meets the minimum requirements to run Elden Ring. The game’s official system requirements are:
| Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-2300 or AMD FX-6300 | Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT |
| Storage | 60 GB available space | 60 GB available space |
If your system doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s likely that Elden Ring won’t launch or will experience performance issues. Upgrading your hardware or adjusting the game’s graphics settings may help resolve the issue.
Graphics Drivers and Updates
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can also cause issues with launching Elden Ring. Make sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date by checking the official websites of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD). Updating your graphics drivers to the latest version may resolve the issue.
Operating System Updates
Similarly, outdated operating system updates can also cause compatibility issues with Elden Ring. Ensure that your Windows operating system is updated to the latest version, and install any pending updates to resolve the issue.
Game Files and Installation Issues
Corrupted or missing game files can prevent Elden Ring from launching. Here are some steps to troubleshoot game file issues:
Verifying Game Files
If you’re playing Elden Ring on Steam, you can verify the game files by following these steps:
- Open Steam and navigate to your game library
- Right-click on Elden Ring and select “Properties”
- Click on the “Local Files” tab
- Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files”
This process will check for any corrupted or missing game files and replace them with new ones.
Reinstalling the Game
If verifying game files doesn’t work, you can try reinstalling Elden Ring. This will remove any corrupted files and replace them with new ones. Be sure to backup your save files before reinstalling the game, as they may be deleted during the process.
Antivirus Software and Firewall Issues
Overly aggressive antivirus software or firewall settings can sometimes prevent Elden Ring from launching. Here are some steps to troubleshoot antivirus software and firewall issues:
Disabling Antivirus Software
Try disabling your antivirus software temporarily to see if it’s causing the issue. Be sure to re-enable your antivirus software after testing, as it’s essential for protecting your system from malware and other threats.
Allowing Elden Ring Through the Firewall
If you’re using a firewall, you may need to allow Elden Ring to pass through it. You can do this by adding the game’s executable file to your firewall’s exceptions list. Consult your firewall’s documentation for instructions on how to do this.
Conclusion
If you’re still experiencing issues with launching Elden Ring after trying the above troubleshooting steps, it may be worth contacting the game’s support team or seeking help from online forums and communities. Remember to provide detailed information about your system and the issue you’re experiencing, as this will help the support team or community members provide more accurate and effective solutions. With patience and persistence, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy the thrilling world of Elden Ring.
What are the common reasons why Elden Ring won’t launch?
The most common reasons why Elden Ring won’t launch include outdated graphics drivers, insufficient system requirements, and corrupted game files. Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues, preventing the game from launching properly. Insufficient system requirements can also hinder the game’s performance, causing it to crash or fail to launch. Additionally, corrupted game files can occur due to incomplete downloads, viruses, or disk errors, which can prevent the game from launching.
To resolve these issues, it’s essential to ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for Elden Ring and that your graphics drivers are up-to-date. You can check the system requirements on the game’s official website and compare them with your system’s specifications. Updating your graphics drivers can be done through the device manager or by downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. If you suspect corrupted game files, you can try verifying the game’s integrity through the game launcher or reinstalling the game altogether.
How do I troubleshoot Elden Ring launch issues on my PC?
To troubleshoot Elden Ring launch issues on your PC, start by checking the game’s system requirements and ensuring that your system meets the minimum specifications. Next, check for any updates for your graphics drivers and operating system. You can also try running the game as an administrator, disabling any overclocking software, and closing any unnecessary background programs. Additionally, you can try verifying the game’s integrity through the game launcher or checking for any corrupted files.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, you can try more advanced troubleshooting methods, such as checking for conflicts with other programs, updating your DirectX and Visual C++ redistributables, and disabling any antivirus software that may be interfering with the game. You can also try searching for specific error messages or codes that appear when the game fails to launch, as these can provide more detailed information about the cause of the issue. By following these steps, you can identify and potentially resolve the underlying cause of the launch issue and get back to playing Elden Ring.
What role do graphics drivers play in Elden Ring launch issues?
Graphics drivers play a crucial role in Elden Ring launch issues, as outdated or corrupted drivers can cause compatibility problems and prevent the game from launching. Graphics drivers are responsible for communicating with the game and rendering the graphics, and if they are not up-to-date or are corrupted, it can cause issues with the game’s performance. Outdated drivers can lead to crashes, freezes, and launch issues, while corrupted drivers can cause more severe problems, such as system crashes or blue screens.
To ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date, you can check the manufacturer’s website for updates or use the device manager to search for updates. You can also use third-party software to scan for outdated drivers and update them automatically. Additionally, you can try rolling back to a previous version of the driver if you’ve recently updated and are experiencing issues. By keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date, you can help prevent launch issues and ensure a smooth gaming experience in Elden Ring.
Can corrupted system files cause Elden Ring launch issues?
Yes, corrupted system files can cause Elden Ring launch issues. Corrupted system files can occur due to various reasons, such as disk errors, viruses, or incomplete updates. These corrupted files can cause issues with the game’s performance, preventing it from launching properly. System files, such as DLL files, are essential for the game’s functionality, and if they are corrupted, it can lead to launch issues, crashes, or freezes.
To resolve corrupted system file issues, you can try running the System File Checker (SFC) tool, which scans for corrupted system files and replaces them with healthy copies. You can also try running a disk check to identify and fix any disk errors that may be causing the issue. Additionally, you can try reinstalling the game or updating your operating system to ensure that you have the latest system files. By resolving corrupted system file issues, you can help prevent launch issues and ensure a smooth gaming experience in Elden Ring.
How do I fix Elden Ring launch issues caused by antivirus software?
To fix Elden Ring launch issues caused by antivirus software, you can try adding the game’s executable file to the antivirus software’s exceptions list. This will prevent the antivirus software from interfering with the game and causing launch issues. You can also try disabling the antivirus software temporarily while playing the game or adjusting the software’s settings to allow the game to run without interference.
If you’re using a third-party antivirus software, you can try checking the software’s documentation or support website for instructions on how to add exceptions or adjust settings. You can also try contacting the software’s support team for assistance. Additionally, you can try updating your antivirus software to ensure that you have the latest definitions and updates, which can help prevent false positives and launch issues. By adjusting your antivirus software settings, you can help prevent launch issues and ensure a smooth gaming experience in Elden Ring.
Can outdated Windows updates cause Elden Ring launch issues?
Yes, outdated Windows updates can cause Elden Ring launch issues. Windows updates often include fixes for bugs and security vulnerabilities, and if your system is not up-to-date, it can cause issues with the game’s performance. Outdated Windows updates can lead to compatibility problems, crashes, and launch issues, making it essential to keep your system updated.
To ensure that your Windows is up-to-date, you can check the Windows Update settings and install any available updates. You can also try checking for updates manually by going to the Windows Update website. Additionally, you can try enabling automatic updates to ensure that your system stays up-to-date. By keeping your Windows updated, you can help prevent launch issues and ensure a smooth gaming experience in Elden Ring. Regular updates can also provide additional features, security patches, and performance improvements, making it essential to stay current.