Destiny 2 is one of the most popular online multiplayer first person shooter (FPS) games out there. But many PC gamers face frustrating issues with the game not launching or loading properly. If you just bought Destiny 2 and can’t get it running, or have been playing it fine until now, don’t worry – this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the most common Destiny 2 launch problems on PC.
Key Takeaways:
- Outdated GPU drivers, corrupted files or software conflicts are main culprits
- Try updating drivers, verifying game files, reinstalling game/launchers
- Optimize settings like Steam Overlay, DirectX and Multithreading
- Meet minimum hardware specs, disable antivirus if needed
- Prevent issues by keeping drivers/game updated and optimizing system
Common Destiny 2 Launch Issues on PC
As a popular online FPS game, Destiny 2 offers great graphics and fast-paced multiplayer action. But that also means it demands some serious hardware capabilities and optimized software to run properly. Some common issues faced by PC gamers when trying to launch Destiny 2 include:
Game Does Not Launch At All
You click on the Destiny 2 icon on your desktop or launch it through Steam, but nothing happens. The game simply fails to initialize or open up. This usually points to an underlying software conflict or component that is preventing the game executable from doing its job.
Game Launcher Opens But Never Loads
Here the Destiny 2 launcher boots up fine and you see it trying to load in the background of your desktop. But it just gets stuck on the loading screen and is unable to progress to the main menu or in-game visuals. This likely indicates file corruption or critical game components missing.
Crashing or Hanging During Loading
In some cases, Destiny 2 begins to boot up normally and you see the splash screens and initial loading sequence. But then it abruptly crashes/closes or hangs indefinitely at a loading point. The game is unable to fully initialize and load all necessary assets cleanly.
Flickering Graphics On Launch
You are able to get into the game, but encounter major graphical glitches like black screening or endless flickering. This points to an incompatible or outdated graphics card driver that is unable to handle Destiny 2’s high rendering demands.
Understanding the specific nature of the launch failure is helpful for pinpointing potential fixes, so pay close attention to exactly how and where Destiny 2 is tripping up on your system.
Why Does Destiny 2 Fail to Launch on PC?
There are a few common culprits responsible for Destiny 2 launch errors and inability to play on PC:
Outdated or Incompatible Graphics Drivers
With constantly evolving game graphics and technology, an outdated or generic GPU driver can easily fail to provide necessary components like DirectX 12 or leave key optimizations missing. Nvidia and AMD regularly update their GeForce and Radeon graphics drivers specifically to improve support for major game titles. Not running the latest optimized drivers is a leading cause of launch issues.
Corrupted/Missing Game Files and Dependencies
Modern games have intricate file structures, loads game assets on-demand, and rely on certain directories or registries to function properly. If any core components get corrupted or inadvertently removed, it can impede the whole launch sequence and cause a crash.
Software or Hardware Incompatibilities
Sometimes Destiny 2 may trigger false positives with certain hardware monitoring apps, have problems with specific Windows versions, or react poorly to GPU overclocking. There can also be conflicts with external software like antivirus scanners or the Steam client. Mismatched components are another common culprit.
Insufficient System Specs
Don’t underestimate Destiny 2’s appetite for resources! You need a gaming-class machine meeting the recommended CPU, GPU, RAM and storage requirements for smooth performance. Not hitting those minimum benchmarks can lead to all sorts of launch failures.
Solutions to Try for Fixing Destiny 2 PC Launch
Alright, time to get troubleshooting! Work through these methods one-by-one until you strike gold:
Update Your GPU and Hardware Drivers
Having outdated drivers is one of the biggest causes of Destiny 2 crashing on launch, so this should be your first step. Download the latest Nvidia or AMD graphics drivers from their website, and install any other pending Windows/hardware updates. Reboot your PC afterwards for changes to take effect.
Disable or Whitelist Antivirus Software
Overzealous antivirus scanners are notorious for meddling with game executables and blocking necessary processes. Temporarily disabling your antivirus can help isolate any conflicts. Alternatively, add Destiny 2’s folder to whitelist so your AV ignores it.
Verify Integrity of Game Files
With Steam, you can easily initiate a validation check that scans Destiny 2’s files, re-downloads any missing or corrupted components, and repairs the installation. Open Steam > Right-click Destiny 2 > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Reinstall Game and Related Software
If file verification comes back clean, more drastic measures may be necessary. Uninstall Destiny 2 completely along with software like Steam, Battle.net, Epic Launcher, etc. Wipe any leftover registry entries and folders. Then do a clean re-install of the games launcher and Destiny 2.
Tweak Steam Settings and Components
Steam provides handy gaming-specific features but they can sometimes conflict with titles. Under Steam Settings, try toggling OFF the Steam Overlay In-Game and Steam Input Per-Game Setting for Destiny 2. Also disable Nvidia Shader Cache if enabled.
Use Windowed Display Mode
Run Destiny 2 in a resizable window instead of fullscreen exclusive. This circumvents some GPU/display manager complexities that may be interfering. Open game settings and set FullscreenMode to 0 instead of 1. May reduce fps though.
Disable DirectX 12 If Enabled
While the latest DirectX 12 interface improves performance when working properly, it has also caused launching issues for some. Switch your in-game DX Version to DX11 instead and see if it helps.
Set GPU as Primary Rendering Device
Make sure Destiny 2 is utilizing your actual installed discrete graphics card rather than integrated/generic device. Go to Video settings, change Selected Rendering GPU from Default to your Nvidia/AMD card.
Turn Off Multi-Threaded Rendering
This advanced rendering mode allows better cpu-gpu coordination but can crash on some systems. Disable the Multi-threaded Rendering option under Video settings if currently enabled.
Don’t Overload System Resources
Destiny is resource intensive, so don’t starve it by running too many background tasks. Check that CPU, RAM, VRAM, and drives aren’t being gobbled up by other processes when trying to launch. Close unused apps and browser tabs.
Meet Minimum and Recommended Specs
Confirm that your PC hardware actually meets the prescribed specs for Destiny 2. Have at least a Core i3 cpu, 6GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 660/AMD R9 graphics card, and 105GB of storage. Avoid dated components.
Can’t find any fixes that do the trick? As a last resort, try contacting Destiny 2 developer Bungie’s technical support team for assistance. Be ready with details on your specific crash symptoms, PC configuration, troubleshooting steps attempted, and any logs/errors received.
Preventing Destiny 2 Launching Issues
Once you do get Destiny 2 up and running, a little proactive maintenance goes a long way towards avoiding further launching headaches down the road:
Keep Graphics Drivers Up-To-Date
Don’t let your GPU drivers stagnate! Regularly check for Nvidia or AMD driver updates that enhance performance, compatibility and stability.
Configure Optimal Game Settings
Fine-tune your settings for fluid framerates without overtaxing hardware. Tweak resolution, Vsync, render distances etc. Disable unnecessary features like Motion Blur.
Don’t Overload Your PC
Leave ample RAM, VRAM and CPU headroom for Destiny 2’s data demands. Close other programs and browser tabs when playing. Disable background app refresh.
Regularly Verify Game File Integrity
Let Steam automatically check for and replace any corrupted Destiny 2 files that may trigger launch failures over time.
Meet Hardware Requirements
Playing on the edge of Destiny 2’s system requirements? Frequent crashes may indicate it’s time for a PC upgrade to handle modern games.
Keep Windows Updated
Regular Windows updates improve security, software compatibility and system stability – all important for avoiding launch issues.
Clean Out Old Components
Too much outdated or redundant software cluttering up your rig? Wipe drivers/registries and do a full reinstall for suspect components.
In Summary…
Getting pesky Destiny 2 PC launch failures is never fun, but some strategic troubleshooting and TLC of your system should get you back to alien-blasting action. Key takeaways are:
- Pay attention to exact symptoms – are crash on startup, loading hang, etc
- Update GPU drivers, verify game file integrity off the bat
- Check for conflicts with Steam, AV, resources contention
- Reinstall game, launchers as needed
- Tweak settings like DX version, Multithreading, Window Mode
- Prevent issues by optimizing drivers, hardware and settings
Stumped on your specific crashing issue? The Bungie.net technical support forums have a thriving community. Just be detailed in describing your PC configuration, when/how Destiny 2 crashes, troubleshooting attempted, and any error messages received. Gamers and staff alike will help steer you in the right direction!
Now shut down those bothersome background apps, give Destiny 2 ample breathing room and priority access to your hardware, cross those fingers and launch away! Here’s hoping you’ll be exploring new planets and blasting enemy aliens alongside fellow Guardians in no time. Let us know if any of these tips did the trick or if you have further suggestions. Happy gaming!
FAQ
What are some common Destiny 2 launch issues on PC?
Some common issues you may encounter are:
- Game not launching at all when clicked
- Game launcher opens but gets stuck trying to load
- Game crashes or hangs at loading screen
- Flickering display when launching game
Why does Destiny 2 fail to launch on my PC?
Potential causes for Destiny 2 not launching include:
- Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers
- Corrupted game files or missing components
- Conflicts with other software like antivirus or overlays
- Not meeting minimum system requirements
- Problems with Steam integration and components
How can I troubleshoot and fix Destiny 2 launch problems?
Here are solutions you can try to get Destiny 2 running:
- Update your GPU and other hardware drivers
- Reinstall or verify integrity of game files
- Disable or whitelist antivirus software
- Ensure hardware meets minimum specs
- Tweak settings like Steam Overlay, DirectX version
- Reinstall Destiny 2 and game launchers
- Disable Multi-threaded Rendering
