Fix Rust Launcher Error LoadingError – Failed to Load Anti-cheat Module

Rust, developed by Facepunch Studios is a multiplayer survival genre video game that tests the ability of the player to survive against all odds. The game initially launched as a clone Arma 2, but quickly gained its own player base. In 2020, the game will finally come to console. The player in the game has to battle the elements of a post-apocalyptic world as well as human nature. Everything in the game is designed to get you. However, like most recent games, Rust also has a lot of errors and bugs such as the Rust Launcher Error LoadingError – Failed to Load Anti-cheat Module. If you have encountered the error, don’t worry the fix is simple.

What is Rust Failed to Load Easy Anti-cheat Module Error?

As we understand this, the Rust Failed to Load Anti-cheat Module error arises when the anti-cheat module of the game fails to load. As the Easy Anti-cheat module is crucial to the game, its failure to load causes the game to crash and result in the error message.

Easy Anti-cheat is a program developed by the Facepunch Studios to prevent any form of cheating or manipulation of the game system. It detects and prevents hacking and cheating in the game. If you have encountered this error, it means that the function Easy Anti-cheat services is being hindered on your computer. The primary culprit that can cause this is the antivirus software or the Windows Defender. However, if your system does not meet the minimum system requirements that can also be a cause of the problem.

Players who launched the game using the executable of the game also encountered the error. Launching the game from the Steam client is recommended if you encounter this error. Here are some simple fix you can try to resolve this error.

Fix 1: Disable Windows Defender and Antivirus

Whether you are using a third-party antivirus or rely on the Windows Defender (Virus and threat protection in Windows 10), you need to disable the security program to trouble the problem. Keeping these software turned-off for too long is not recommended so it’s essential that you follow the second fix if disabling the antivirus fixes the problem.

For most third-party antivirus, you can easily turn them off from the home screen. Here is how you can turn off the Virus & threat protection on Windows 10.

1. Press Windows Key + I and select Update & Security
2. Click on Windows Security
3. Click on Virus & threat protection
4. Click on Manage settings
5. Toggle everything Off.

Now, try launching the game from the Steam client. Is the Rust Launcher Error LoadingError – Failed to Load Anti-cheat Module fixed? If the problem is fixed, toggle everything back on and follow the fix 2.       

Fix 2: Set Exclusions in the Security Software

Since you cannot have the security of your system turned off for too long, you need to provide exception or exclusion for the Rust folder in the software. This will allow the game to bypass all the rules of the security software and play the game.

Windows Virus & threat protection

1. Press Windows Key + I and select Update & Security
2. Click on Windows Security
3. Click on Virus & threat protection
4. Click on Manage settings
5. Scroll-down to find Exclusions and click on Add or remove exclusions
6. Follow the instructions to add the exclusion for the Rust folder.

Antivirus Software

If you are using a third-party antivirus, you need to set an exception on the antivirus for Rust. Here are the steps for various antivirus programs.

Kaspersky Internet Security

• Home >> Settings >> Additional >> Threats and Exclusions >> Exclusions >> Specify Trusted Applications >> Add.

AVG

• Home >> Settings >> Components >> Web Shield >> Exceptions >> Set the exception.

Avast Antivirus

• Home >> Settings >> General >> Exclusions >> Set the exclusion.

Fix 3: Allow Rust through Firewall

The Windows Firewall monitors the packetsof data coming in and going out of your computer. It may be hindering the activity of Easy Anti-cheat, so it’s worth a shot to set an exclusion in the software for Rust, so it functions normally. Here is how you can do this.

1. Press Windows Key + I and select Update & Security
2. Click on Windows Security and select Firewall & network protection
3. Click on Allow an app through firewall
4. Locate Fallout 76 and tick both Private and Public
5. Save the changes.

Fix 4: Verify Integrity of Game Files

As this error can also occur due to corruption of game files, check the files of the game. Thankfully, on Steam you can do this very easily. Follow the steps to check the integrity of the game files on Steam.

• On Steam, go to Rust and right-click to open a menu.
• Click on Properties.
• From the taps, click on Local Files.
• Click on Verify integrity of game files.
• Let the process complete and run Rust and check if Failed to Load Easy Anti-cheat Module Error still appears.

Fix 5: Repair Easy Anti-Cheat

The problem might be with the Easy Anti-cheat program. Hence, repair it to solve the error. Here are the steps to follow.

1. Go to the installation folder of Rust and find the file – EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe
2. Right-click and select Run as administrator and select Install.
3. Once the process completes, restart the system and play the game.

If none of the above steps have resolved the error, you should uninstall and reinstall the game itself. This should resolve the Rust Launcher error.