Getting into Red Dead Redemption 2 should be a breeze, but for some players, it’s turning into a head-scratching problem. Whether you’re using Steam or Epic Games, facing issues like ‘please run Red Dead Redemption 2 from the Rockstar Games Launcher’ or ‘RDR2 won’t launch on Steam’ is no fun.
This guide breaks down straightforward solutions for problems like Red Dead Redemption 2 not launching on Steam. Let’s make sure you’re back in the saddle, ready for a wild west adventure without any launch troubles.”
How To Fix Red Dead Redemption 2 Won’t Launch
Let’s troubleshoot together and rediscover the joys of the outlaw life in Red Dead Redemption 2.
1. Disable Integrated GPU (iGPU)
For many players, the RDR2 won’t launch issue on Steam fixed once they disable the integrated GPU. So try this;
- Open the Device Manager (you can open the start menu and type “Device Manager”).
- Go to the “Display Adapters” tab, which shows all the GPUs recognized by Windows.
- Identify the integrated GPU (usually named “Intel(R) HD Graphics“).
- Right-click on the integrated GPU and select “Disable Device.”
- After disabling the iGPU, try launching Red Dead Redemption 2 again.
2. Close Steam Completely and Launch via Rockstar Games Launcher
Another solution that worked like a charm is to close RDR2 on Steam and then launch it via Rockstar Game Launcher. Here are the steps to do it;
- Right-click on the Steam icon in your taskbar.
- Select “Exit” to close Steam completely.
- Launch the Rockstar Games Launcher.
- Click “Play on Steam” within the Rockstar Games Launcher.
- Log in with your Steam credentials and attempt to run the game.
3. Check for Updates or Reinstall the Vulkan Runtime
In my case, I was unable to launch RDR2 using DirectX. Once I installed Vulkan Runtime the problem of RDR2 won’t launch or crashing mid-game was fixed. In case you already have Vulkan installed then reinstall it.
- Navigate to the game’s installation folder (usually in \steam\steamapps\common\Red Dead Redemption 2\Redistributables).
- Locate the Vulkan runtime installer (e.g., VulkanRT….exe).
- Run the Vulkan runtime installer to check for updates or reinstall Vulkan.
4. Download Media Feature Pack (For Windows 10 Pro N Users)
If you are using Windows 10 Pro N and facing issues, download the Media Feature Pack.
The specific steps may vary, but you can find the Media Feature Pack on the official Microsoft website for your Windows version.
5. Verify the Integrity of Game Files
If you are facing the Red Dead Redemption 2 unable to launch game please verify your game data error. Then verify the integrity of the game file using the Steam, Epic Games, or Rockstar launcher.