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If Red Dead Redemption 2 crashes on PC, first note the exact error, whether it fails at launch or during play, and whether you use the Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, or Epic Games Launcher. Then update your graphics driver and Windows, restart the Rockstar Games Launcher, and follow the steps for your specific error. Rockstar’s support pages describe these as troubleshooting steps, not guaranteed fixes.
Before troubleshooting, record what happens
Write down the error message exactly as it appears and when the crash occurs: before the main menu, while loading, or during a session. Also note your launcher and GPU vendor (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). These details help you choose the relevant branch below; a symptom alone does not prove a single cause.
Start with low-risk checks
- Update your graphics driver. Get the current driver from your GPU manufacturer.
- Install available Windows updates. Restart Windows if an update requires it.
- Restart Rockstar Games Launcher. Fully close and reopen it so it can apply any available launcher updates.
Rockstar’s general RDR2 PC troubleshooting guide, last updated April 30, 2024, recommends these checks and says they resolve many common launch or crash issues. If the game still fails, Rockstar also suggests recreating the local launcher profile: in the launcher’s Settings, open Account Information and delete the local profile. You will need to sign in again. This removes local profile details; it does not delete your Rockstar account or saved games.
Match the fix to the error
ERR_GFX_STATE
- Update your graphics driver if you have not already.
- In the game, open Settings > Graphics > Advanced Settings and unlock the advanced settings.
- Change Graphics API from Vulkan to DirectX 12. Save the change without immediately restarting if prompted, return to the main menu, exit the game, then relaunch it.
- If the error remains, try running
RDR2.exeas administrator and disable fullscreen optimizations for that executable.
Rockstar documents this sequence in its ERR_GFX_STATE support article. Its instructions also include steps for the Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, and Epic Games Launcher; use the steps for the launcher where you own the game.
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ERR_GFX_INIT
Rockstar recommends resetting the game’s settings files or changing the graphics API:
- Close Red Dead Redemption 2 and the launcher.
- Open
DocumentsRockstar GamesRed Dead Redemption 2Settings. - For the settings reset, delete the files in that folder except
system.xml, then try launching again. - If you are changing the API instead, edit
system.xmlto switch between Vulkan and DirectX 12. Rockstar also advises deleting files whose names begin withsga_, if present.
Keep system.xml when following the reset procedure; deleting it is not part of Rockstar’s stated reset step. See the ERR_GFX_INIT instructions for the full guidance.
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“Red Dead Redemption 2 Exited Unexpectedly”
Rockstar identifies outdated graphics drivers as the most common cause in its Exited Unexpectedly support article. Update the driver first. If that does not help, run RDR2.exe as administrator and disable fullscreen optimizations: locate the game executable through your launcher, open its Windows file properties, and change the compatibility settings.
Unknown error FFFFFFFF
Update your graphics driver and check the graphics API setting under the game’s advanced graphics settings. Rockstar also suggests a distinct audio-device diagnostic: start the game, then connect your headphones or speakers after it has booted. This is a troubleshooting test, not a reason to buy new audio equipment. See Rockstar’s FFFFFFF error guidance.
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Error Code 18
Rockstar attributes this error to graphics API settings. In system.xml, change the API entry from Vulkan to kSettingAPI_DX12, save the file, and restart the game. The steps are in the Rockstar Games Error Code 18 article.
Check software conflicts and PC settings
Temporarily test without overlays and recording tools
Close overlays, recording, or sharing software and try the game again. Rockstar notes that these programs can interfere with communication between components. If security software may be blocking activation or a service connection, consider adding an appropriate exception. Temporarily disabling protection should be a controlled diagnostic test, not a permanent setting; restore it afterward.
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Restore automatic paging-file management only if you changed it
If crashes began after you manually customized virtual memory, check that Windows automatically manages paging-file size for all drives and test again. Rockstar says players who have not changed this setting do not need to follow its custom-virtual-memory procedure. See the custom virtual memory troubleshooting page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the installation and launcher
- Steam installation: Verify the game files through Steam’s installed-game properties.
- Storage location: Rockstar recommends an installation directory with adequate read/write speed and says internally connected drives are preferable to external USB drives for its games.
- Launcher problems: If the launcher appears corrupted, Rockstar’s general PC troubleshooting guidance suggests reinstalling the launcher.
- Last resort: Consider uninstalling and reinstalling the game only after the less disruptive checks have failed.
Rockstar’s Basic Troubleshooting for PC covers security software, installation location, Steam file verification, and launcher or game reinstallation.
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