How to fix Helldivers 2 crashing on launch

If you’re excited to boot into Helldivers 2 but keep getting met with crashes and/or a black screen, you’re in the right place. After combing Reddit and seeing what works and doesn’t work, here is how you can fix your Helldivers 2 launch crash errors.

Helldivers 2: How to fix start up crash black screen errors

GreatestJakeEVR on Reddit posted a method to fix the Helldivers 2 launch crash errors that has worked for several people which means it has a high likelihood to work for you. The last few steps in his list can be complicated. I’ve simplified the process below, so you can easily follow along and fix Helldivers 2. Here’s what you need to do:

How to fix Helldivers 2 crashes with GameGuard trick

1. Go to your game files. Do this by right-clicking Helldivers 2 in your Steam library and clicking Properties. Select the Installed Files tab and click Browse.
2. Delete the GameGuard folder here.
3. Find helldivers2.exe in the bin folder.
4. Right-click on helldivers2.exe.
5. Select Run as Administrator
6. Press the Windows button.
7. Search Virus and select Virus & threat protection.
8. Select Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
9. Scroll down and select Ass or remove exclusions under Exclusions.
10. Add the new GameGuard folder.
11. Restart your PC.
12. Run the game.

If you follow these steps carefully, you’ll likely find a temporary fix to the Helldivers crashing on launch errors that are plaguing Steam players.

Related: Is there matchmaking in Helldivers 2?

How to fix Helldivers 2 crashes with Disable Steam Input trick

Another fix that many players reported helped get rid of the crashing error is to disable the Steam controller input. Here’s how to do that:

1. Right-click Helldivers 2 in your Steam library.
2. Select Properties.
3. Select the Controller tab.
4. Change Use default settings to Disable Steam Input in the drop-down.
5. Run the game.

How to fix Helldivers 2 crashes with Compatibility trick

The last method that worked to fix Helldiver 2 launch errors for people is to run the game in Compatibility mode. Here’s how to do that:

1. Right-click Helldivers 2 in your Steam library.
2. Select Properties.
3. Select the Installed Files tab.
4. Select Browse.
5. Go into the bin folder.
6. Right-click helldivers.exe.
7. Select Show more options.
8. Select Properties.
9. Select the Compatibility tab.
10. Check the box that says, “Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows 8.”
11. Select Apply.
12. Run the game.

If none of these fixes worked for you, then you can check out how to fix the nProtect Anti Cheat error. Many players reported that fixing that allowed their game to stop crashing. It’s likely that Arrowhead Games is aware of the issues and is working on fixing them now, but hopefully, a fix listed in this guide helps you get to enjoying Helldivers 2 faster.