Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed open-world RPG from FromSoftware, has captivated gamers with its challenging gameplay and stunning environments. However, like any complex game, it can sometimes encounter technical issues. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common Elden Ring errors and provide step-by-step solutions to help you get back into the game.
Understanding Elden Ring: A Quick Overview
Released in February 2022, Elden Ring quickly gained a reputation for its brutal difficulty and immersive world. The game’s intricate settings, inspired by Norse mythology, offer a vast and unforgiving landscape filled with challenging enemies and hidden secrets.
Common Elden Ring Errors and Solutions
Application has stopped working
- Update graphics drivers: Ensure your GPU drivers are up-to-date.
- Verify game integrity: Check for corrupted game files using the platform’s verification tool.
- Lower graphics settings: Reduce in-game graphics settings to see if it improves stability.
- Check for conflicts: Temporarily disable any third-party overlay software or antivirus programs.
Elden Ring Error Code 0xc0000142 – Missing or Corrupted System File Error
- Corrupted System Files: Verify Game Integrity: Launch Steam, go to your library, right-click on Elden Ring, select “Properties”, go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files”. This will scan for and replace any missing or corrupted files.
- Windows System File Checker (SFC): Run the SFC tool to scan and repair any corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow”.
- Missing DLL Files: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables: Ensure you have the latest Visual C++ Redistributables installed. You can download them from Microsoft’s official website.
Check for Missing DLLs: Use a tool like Dependency Walker to scan for missing DLL files and download them if necessary. - Outdated Drivers: Update Graphics Drivers: Update your graphics card drivers to the latest version. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the appropriate drivers.
- Antivirus Interference: Temporarily Disable Antivirus: If your antivirus software is interfering with the game, try temporarily disabling it to see if the error persists.
- If nothing works, then reinstall the game
Elden Ring Error Code 0xc000007b – Missing or Corrupted Runtime Library
- Missing or Corrupted Runtime Libraries: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables: Ensure you have the latest Visual C++ Redistributables installed. You can download them from Microsoft’s official website.
- For the other fixes, try the solutions provided in the preceding error fix.
- If nothing works, a reinstall may be required.
Failed to initialize Easy Anti-Cheat
- Run as administrator: Right-click on the game executable and choose Run as administrator.
- Disable antivirus: Temporarily disable real-time protection in your antivirus software.
- Update Easy Anti-Cheat: Ensure Easy Anti-Cheat is up-to-date.
Failed to initialize Easy Anti-Cheat Server
- Check network connection: Verify your internet connection is stable and not blocked by any firewall.
- Disable VPN: Temporarily disable any VPN software.
- Restart game and PC: A simple restart can often resolve network-related issues.
DirectX 12 Feature Level 12.0 is required
- Update graphics drivers: Ensure your GPU supports DirectX 12 and has the latest drivers installed.
- Upgrade hardware: If your hardware is outdated, consider upgrading your graphics card.
Failed to initialize graphics device
- Update graphics drivers: Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues.
- Check for hardware compatibility: Ensure your hardware meets the minimum system requirements for Elden Ring.
- Reduce graphics settings: Lowering in-game settings can sometimes resolve graphics-related errors.
Failed to load shader
- Verify game integrity: Check for corrupted game files.
- Update graphics drivers: Outdated drivers can cause shader compilation issues.
- Reduce graphics settings: Lowering settings can reduce the load on your GPU.
The application has encountered a critical error
- Verify game integrity: Check for corrupted game files.
- Update graphics drivers: Outdated drivers can cause stability issues.
- Check for conflicts: Temporarily disable any third-party overlay software or antivirus programs.
Elden Ring has stopped working
- Verify game integrity: Check for corrupted game files.
- Update graphics drivers: Outdated drivers can cause crashes.
- Reduce graphics settings: Lowering settings can improve stability.
Read more How to Fix Baldur’s Gate 3 Errors: Gamer’s Guide
Failed to initialize Steam DRM
- Restart Steam: A simple restart can resolve DRM-related issues.
- Verify game integrity: Check for corrupted game files.
- Run as administrator: Right-click on the game executable and choose Run as administrator.
Failed to initialize online services
- Check network connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable and not blocked by any firewall.
- Restart game and PC: A simple restart can resolve network-related issues.
- Disable VPN: Temporarily disable any VPN software.
Elden Ring offers a thrilling and challenging gaming experience, but technical issues can sometimes hinder your progress. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can hopefully overcome common errors and continue your journey through the Lands Between. Remember, patience and perseverance are key in this unforgiving world.