Fix Sea Of Thieves ‘There Is A Missing Or Corrupt Data File That Is Required For The Game To Run’

Users encounter the Sea Of Thieves error ‘There is a missing or corrupt data file that is required for the game to run’ when trying to install the game or after an update. This means that the installation process is interrupted and it can occur due to a range of issues. Sometimes the antivirus or the Window Defender could be blocking the game, there could be a problem with the Windows Store, overclocking of CPU and RAM, older version of Windows, outdated or unstable drivers, third-party software, and rarely faulty hardware. To resolve the SOT missing or corrupt data file error, you need to try all the fixes.

I suggest that after each fix you try, run the game and check if the error still occurs. If it does, try the next fix.

Proven Fix for the Error

As reported by one of our readers, deleting the specific corrupted files and then trying to repair it through the launcher fixes the error. Works best when you are playing the game via Steam. When you get the error, note down the corrupted .Pak files shown in the error message for example Core_7225… Once you have noted the files, go to the game directory and delete the files one by one.

Now, from the Steam client, run the Verify Integrity of Game Files. This will prompt the launcher to download all the missing files you just deleted and the Sea Of Thieves ‘There Is A Missing Or Corrupt Data File That Is required For The Game To Run’ should be fixed.    

Fix 1: Set Exclusion for SotGame.exe or Antivirus Software

Sometimes the Windows Virus and Threat Protection or the third-party antivirus software can mistake the Sea Of Thieves executable as malware and prevent its functions. You could disable the security software to fix the issue, but that can be dangerous and your system may be exposed to threats. Hence, whitelist the SotGame.exe on the software and it will bypass the rules of the antivirus software allowing you to play the game. Here are the steps you can follow for the respective software.

Windows Virus & Threat Protection

1. Press Windows Key + I and select Update & Security
2. Click on Windows Security, select Virus & Threat Protection
3. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click on Manage settings
4. Locate Exclusions by scrolling down, click on Add or remove exclusions
5. Click on Add an exclusion and select File
6. Browse the Sea Of Thieves folder and locate SotGames.exe and set the exclusion.

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 2: Revert Overclocking

Game crashing is one of the major result of overclocking of the CPU, GPU, or memory. Although it can give significant boost to game performance, the overhead of the component can crash the game and even cause the BSOD. Since Sea Of Thieves does not require very high graphics, you can get the max performance without overclocking. Hence, if you have overclocked the system, revert it back. Besides user overclocking, sometimes factory overclocking can also cause the same problem, which you may be unaware of. Revert the overclocking to stock settings and reinstall the game to fix the Sea Of Thieves ‘There Is A Missing Or Corrupt Data File That Is required For The Game To Run’ error.

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Fix 3: Update the Windows

It’s a gamer’s modus operandi to keep the system up-to-date. So, check if you have blocked the automatic update of Windows.

Update the operating system to the latest Windows 10 build to fix any issue caused due to outdated OS.

Fix 4: Instable Driver Software

The video driver software is one of the main culprits when you encounter problems with a game. It could be a launch failure, game stuttering, FPS drop and more. The best way to fix this issue is to update the driver software. If the error started recently, you could always revert back the settings from the Windows restore. It will allow you to choose a time when the system functioned desirably and revert all changes to that point.  

Fix 5: Reinstall the Game

In case the problem is with the Windows Store, you will have to reinstall the game completely to fix the issue. In some rare circumstance, the Windows Store can corrupt the installation process. The good things is Sea Of Thieves developers are aware of the problem and are working on a fix. Meanwhile, simply reinstall the game and the Sea Of Thieves ‘There Is A Missing Or Corrupt Data File That Is required For The Game To Run’ error should not appear.

Fix 6: Incompatible Third-party Software

Third-party applications specifically that record games or in some way play a role in the gaming experience can have compatibility issues with the game. Discord Overlay in particular is a feature of Discord that causes problems. You must disable the Overlay as well as suspend any other third-party software that could be causing the Fix Sea Of Thieves ‘There Is A Missing Or Corrupt Data File That Is required For The Game To Run’ error.

These software inject themselves in every function of Windows and can cause launch problems. If you have recently started experiencing the problem after installing or updating a software, uninstall the software and try playing the game.

Fix 7: Faulty Hardware

Finally, if nothing has worked, there is a small change the hardware on your system has run its course and needs replacement. As a step to troubleshoot the problem, dislodge the RAM on your CPU and after cleaning reinsert it. The problem could also be with the hard drive or SSD. If you have a spare try installing the game on the other drive and check if the problem occurs. That’s all we have in this guide, we hope your Sea Of Thieves ‘There Is A Missing Or Corrupt Data File That Is Required For The Game To Run’ error is resolved. Let us know in the comments if you have a more effective solution.