How to Fix Helldivers 2 Crashing on Launch

Helldivers 2 is the galaxy’s last line of defense and combat the imminent threat to freedom.

In this fast-paced third-person shooter, assemble squads of up to four Helldivers.

Choose diverse load-outs, from raining down freedom to charging head-first into combat.

Friendly fire is a challenge, emphasizing the importance of teamwork for victory.

The fate of the galaxy rests on the actions of all involved—stand together or fall apart.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix Helldivers 2 crashing, not launching, freezing, or connection errors.

• Fix 1: Update your graphics card
• Fix 2: Run Helldivers 2 as an administrator
• Fix 3: Clear Steam download cache
• Fix 4: Disable your overlays
• Fix 5: Disable conflicting programs
• Fix 6: Verify the integrity of game files
• Fix 7: Try different launch options
• Fix 8: Update Windows to the latest version
• Fix 9: Reinstall and whitelist GameGuard (Helldivers 2-specific)

Fix 1: Update your graphics card

• For Nvidia: Visit https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/geforce-experience/download/ > Download Now > open the app > sign up or log in > Drivers > Download.
• For AMD: Visit https://www.amd.com/en/support > Download > open the app > follow the on-screen instructions to update your graphics card.

Fix 2: Run Helldivers 2 as an administrator

1. Navigate to your Steam library.
2. Right-click Helldivers 2 > Properties > Local Files > Browse.
3. Right-click Helldivers 2 > Properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator > Enable > OK > Launch the game.

Fix 3: Clear Steam download cache

1. Open Steam and click on the Steam logo on the top left.
2. Select “Settings” and select “Download”.
3. Select “Clear Cache” and select “Confirm”.

Fix 4: Disable your overlays and inputs

• Disable Steam Overlay: Navigate to your Steam library > right-click Helldivers 2 > Properties > Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game > Disable.
• Disable Nvidia Overlay: Open Nvidia GeForce Experience > Settings > General > In-Game Overlay > Disable.
• Disable Steam Input: Navigate to your Steam library > right-click Helldivers 2 > Properties > Controller > Override for Helldivers 2 > Disable Steam Input.

Fix 5: Disable conflicting programs

• Unplug your racing wheel: Unplug the Logitech or Thrustmaster racing wheel.
• Disable gaming software: Open the task manager and end the Razer Synapse or MSI Dragon Center task.
• Close your tabs: Close all of your tabs to free up RAM and relaunch the game.

Fix 6: Verify the integrity of game files

1. Navigate to your Steam library.
2. Right-click Helldivers 2 > Properties > Local Files.
3. Click on “Verify integrity of game files”.
4. Launch Helldivers 2.

Fix 7: Try different launch options

1. Navigate to your Steam library.
2. Right-click Helldivers 2 > Properties > Launch Options.
3. Type “-dx12” and try launching the game.
   • If the game still crashes, type “-dx11” instead and launch the game.
   • If the game still crashes, type “-windowed” instead and launch the game.

Fix 8: Update Windows to the latest version

1. Search for “Check for updates” using Windows Search.
2. Update Windows to the latest version.
3. Launch Helldivers 2.

Fix 9: Reinstall and whitelist GameGuard (Helldivers 2-specific)

1. Navigate to your Steam library > right-click Helldivers 2 > Properties > Installed Files > Browse.
2. Open the bin folder and delete the GameGuard folder.
3. Right-click “helldivers2.exe” and select “Run as Administrator”.
4. Whitelist the newly downloaded GameGuard folder in your antivirus (e.g. Avast, Firewall, McAfee).
5. Restart your PC and launch Helldivers 2.

Further reading

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