Overwatch 2 is the brand new multiplayer first-person class-based shooter from Blizzard Entertainment. In this guide, we will help users who are having issues with the game. With Overwatch 2 releasing very soon and people already playing through Beta accounts, we understand that everyone wants to play it and get their launch issues sorted. Let’s move on to the solutions that we have researched in order to fix the startup issues, preventing Overwatch 2 from launching altogether or the game crashing on startup.
Fixes for Overwatch 2 Crashing On Startup, Not Starting or Won’t Launch
Before you start with the solutions, ensure that your PC meets the specifications to play the game. Once that’s cleared, here are some things you can try.
Switch from Windows 10 to 11
While the game should run fine on both operating systems, many users claimed that switching from Windows 10 to 11 fixed the issue for them. If you do consider switching the OS, ensure that Windows 11 is updated, including all the cumulative updates.
Remove rzchromasdk.dll and Unisntall Razor Products
This is another well-known fix for the issue. You will find the Overwatch 2 crahsing problem. You will find the rzchromasdk.dll in C > Windows > System32 folder. Before you delete this file, take a backup of it somewhere. Then, go ahead and delete the files. Also, if you have any of the Razor or RGB products installed, uninstall them and attempt to play the game.
Run the game in Clean Boot Environment
A clean boot environment ensures that you are running them game without any third-party applications, thus eliminating the possibility of a conflict that could lead to a crash. We have linked an article with steps to perform the clean boot.
Making sure Windows is updated
Let’s start with making sure Windows is updated and you have the latest drivers for your system. To do this, go to Settings > Windows Update in your operating system, and click on “Check for Updates” as mentioned below. This will search for major new definitions, drivers, and feature updates for your Windows 10/11.
Updating & Reinstalling GPU Drivers
The latest graphics drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel include optimizations for new games and bug fixes to ensure your GPU runs optimally. The links below will help you to go to your GPU’s vendor and search for the latest graphics driver update for your system.
Image Credits to AMD
Make sure you are running on stock settings for your CPU & GPU
Moving on to the next solution, this has been listed under the Battle.net support article for fixing Overwatch 2 related issues. Use MSI Afterburner, Intel XTU, Ryzen Master or your BIOS, anything that you used previously in-case you overclocked your components.
After disabling the overclock, launch the game. If you have not done any overclocking on your system, skip this step.
Running memory test to make sure RAM isn’t faulty
Blizzard’s support also talks about running a memory test to make sure your system RAM is functioning optimally. To do this, download the utility below and run it.
You will need to reboot to your BIOS and boot off the memory testing utility file, and to do this follow the steps documented on the website’s download page.
If the test is successful, your RAM is fine. But if the test fails, you will most probably need to contact your manufacturer to get an RMA, or use new RAM.
Close various programs
Overwatch 2 is known to interfere with overlay programs, like NZXT CAM/Rivatuner Statistics Server/FRAPS, etc. Make sure you have disabled these, and then launch the game.
Additionally, ensure through your GPU’s control panel that you do not have their overlay enabled.
A clean boot is recommended if other programs can interfere with the game and you don’t know which. It can fix the issue of the game conflicting with other programs.
Reinstalling the game
Uninstalling Overwatch 2 and then reinstalling it through the Battle.net client is a known fix from many users on community forums. We recommend trying it out and seeing what the result is as well.
While this will take time, it is a worthy fix because having corrupted game files might be the reason for why your game won’t launch, or keeps giving you a black screen, or simply crashes while playing.
Deleting settings configuration file stored in Documents Folder
Like many games, Overwatch 2 stores its settings configuration in the documents folder. Many users on forums such as Batle.net and Reddit have reported that deleting the settings configuration can fix the issue for many. Here’s how to do it:
- Navigate to the Documents folder on your PC, by opening Explorer
- Go to Documents>Overwatch>Settings
- Delete the settings file.
- When you launch the game again, it will create a new settings file.
We hope that this guide helped you in fixing issues related to Overwatch 2. After following the different solutions mentioned on this guide, we hope that it helped you in resolving launch issues of Overwatch 2 and finally play the game.
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