Fatal Application Error, random DLL errors, Runtime Errors, Error Codes, it seems like there’s no end. Sadly, these are common problems in both Steam and Epic Games. Apart from not launching, Rocket League could also crash or fail to detect your controllers. You can approach all of these issues with the solutions we offer. The crashing may be fatal, and the reasons varied. Yet, fixing the multiplayer game is easy.
Causes Why Rocket League Won’t Launch on PC
In general, either your PC’s hardware, software, or game files could be the culprit when Rocket League won’t launch on your Windows PC. Here are the possible causes:
The game files may be corrupted There’s a dll file causing the error The Steam Overlay feature is crashing the game There’re wrong Command-Line Arguments (Epic Games only) The Update .NET Framework is out of date The DirectX 11 is out of date The C++ Package is out of date Your antivirus may be preventing the game’s launch The GPU may be overheating Your GPU’s drivers may be out of date Rocket League doesn’t has the permissions it needs There’re compatibility issues Your hard drive may be corrupted Third-party apps or mods are breaking Rocket League’s rules Your PC doesn’t meet the requirements to run Rocket League.
How to Fix Rocket League Won’t Launch on PC?
We’re going through a series of fixes. You can run down the list until you find the solution that works for your case. Our fixes mostly cover Rocket League for Windows. However, you may find solutions as a Linux or macOS user as well.
Verify Game Files on Steam
Verifying the files on Steam often fixes the issue when Rocket League won’t launch. It works because it cleans corrupted files. This is a fairly common fix for Steam users, as the game left the store in September 2020. However, Steam users can still play and update the game, but the files may suffer from corruption issues.
Verify Game Files on Epic Games
Similarly, you can verify the integrity of the Epic Games files and see if it fixes the problem. Once again, it can fix corruption issues.
Delete the Game’s Cache
The game’s cache file may also be corrupted, and it’s a common reason why Rocket League won’t launch. So, you need to erase the cache. This is the fix you should try if you’re getting NTDLL error or Runtime Error. These indicate corrupt Rocket League save files.
Rename the Rocket League Folder
The most common fix is renaming the Rocket League file. It’s a trick to make Epic Games or Steam verify and clean its files. This doesn’t work if the documents are on your OneDrive. You’d need to unlink the folders to make it work.
Delete the d3d9.dll File
The d3d9.dll file may appear in Rocket League’s game folder. If it’s there, it’s the reason why Rocket League won’t launch. You need to delete it:
Disable Steam’s Overlay Feature
Sometimes the Steam Overlay feature can be the reason for the trouble. You can disable the function and see if it fixes the problem:
Disable the Command Line Arguments (Epic Games only)
Command Arguments are additional parameters you can supply to a game launch. It’s a complex feature, though, and there could be an issue with the ones you’re using. A random bug may also add Command parameters. Here’s how to disable it:
Update your DirectX Software
You need to run DirectX 11 to play Rocket League. If the game crashes on launch or goes to a black screen, try updating the software. Click here to download the latest DirectX version.
Update the Microsoft C++ Package
Rocket League, on Windows PC, needs Microsoft C++ packages to run. You can try reinstalling the package to solve the issue. If you’re getting “.DLL” errors, this is the solution you should try.
Update the Microsoft .Net Framework
If Rocket League won’t launch, you may need to update the Microsoft .Net Framework. It’s software that allows different programming codes to communicate within your PC. Currently, the game needs Version 6.2.2 or newer to run. Here’s how to download the update.
Update Windows
An easier way to update everything you need is by letting the Windows Update software do its job:
Perform a Wide System Check
If you’re getting errors like MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140.dll, you may need to perform a comprehensive system check of your Windows system. When the process finishes, restart your computer and try opening the game again.
Allow the Anti-virus to Run the Game
It could be that your antivirus software believes the game is a virus. So, it’s preventing your PC from launching the title. The process of allowing the antivirus to run the game varies per antivirus. I recommend you check on Google how to exclude a game directory from the antivirus. In other words, you need to add Rocket League to your antivirus’ exception list. However, I will guide you on excluding the game from Windows Defender, which I use. You’ll probably find similar reasons. That way, the antivirus won’t scan anything from the folders or files you select. You’ll find a similar option on the antivirus. If you can’t, try disabling the software when you play Rocket League.
Lower your GPU’s Temperature
If you’re noticing your PC heats up during the game, it may be the cause why Rocket League won’t launch. There’s software to see your PC’s temperature. If you don’t have such a program, you can measure your computer’s temperature by touching the chassis or laptop. If you think this is the problem, there’re various things you can do:
Buy new fans for your PC Buy a new CPU cooler Buy a cooling pad for your laptop Clean your laptop or PC from dust Undervolt your PC
Update your GPU’s drivers
Your graphic card drivers need to be up to date. As it fails to get its updates, it may encounter issues launching games, like Rocket League. The way you update your video card’s drivers depends on the brand you’re using. This is because Nvidia, AMD, and Intel have different software that manages driver downloads and updates. However, through Windows, you can update either with the same process. If you see two graphic cards on Display adapters, simply repeat the process for both options. This is in case you don’t know which card is running the game.
Restore the Default Graphic Settings
If Rocket League opens but crashes back to the desktop, try the following steps.
Run the Game as Administrator
You may need administrator privileges to open the game. The title can use all its features with high integrity, therefore running properly.
Fix Compatibility Issues
Rocket League may be incompatible with your system, as the original title was released for Windows 7. Here’s how to change compatibility to fix the issue: If it doesn’t work, you can try Windows 7 compatibility. In particular, this is the fix you can try if you’re getting the Fatal Error message.
Disable Third-party Apps and Mods
Rocket League won’t launch if the third-party apps or mods you’re using break the game’s rules. These rules are:
Third-party software must not add competitive advantages Third-party software must not expose content or features in Rocket League’s code The software must not abuse or exploit the game’s service.
If you’re using the game on Steam, the app will launch Error Code 51. Alpha Console, for example, is a common crashing cause.
Close Unnecessary Apps
Some computer programs may conflict with Psyonix’s game. You need to close unnecessary apps to perform a clean startup: For example, close programs that need bandwidth (like chat clients such as Discord), web browsers, streaming services, and other games. Be sure not to mistake an app process with an essential function, though. In particular, applications like Geforce Experience or MSI Afterburner may cause a Fatal Error.
Set the Game to High Priority
Similar to above, you can set the game to High Priority on the taskbar, so your Windows runs Rocket League before anything else.
Reinstall the Game on Another Hard Drive
The problem may rely on your hard drive. If you have a PC with two hard drives or more, try uninstalling the game and reinstalling the other hard drive. Then, you can perform the CHKDisk function to perform a thorough clean of your computer’s drive.
Your System Doesn’t Meet the Minimum Requirements
Lastly, the issue may be that your system doesn’t meet Rocket League’s system requirements or at a bare minimum.