Experiencing the “It appears the game has terminated with an error” message in Escape From Tarkov can be extremely frustrating . This issue usually happens during startup, loading a raid, or after an update. Fortunately, you can fix it with a few reliable methods.
Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get back into the game quickly .
🛠️ What Causes the Error?
Several problems can trigger this EFT terminated with an error:
- Corrupted game files
- Outdated or unstable GPU drivers
- Insufficient system permissions
- Background apps conflicting with Tarkov
- Network instability
- Missing Windows components
- Overlays (NVIDIA, Discord, Steam) interfering with the game
Understanding the cause helps you apply the right fix faster.
✔️ Fix 1: Run the Launcher & Game as Administrator
Running Tarkov without proper permissions can cause instant crashes.
How to fix:
- Right-click EscapeFromTarkov.exe
- Select Run as administrator
- Do the same for the BSP Launcher
This allows the game to access protected system files .
✔️ Fix 2: Verify Integrity of Game Files
Corrupted files are one of the most common reasons for this crash .
Steps:
- Open the BSP Launcher
- Click Settings ⚙️
- Choose Integrity Check
The launcher will scan and repair damaged files automatically .
✔️ Fix 3: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated drivers can crash Tarkov when rendering maps or textures .
Update using:
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience
- AMD Adrenalin Software
- Intel Arc Control
Always restart your PC after updating.
✔️ Fix 4: Disable Overlays (Very Important)
Overlays often conflict with Tarkov and cause sudden termination .
Turn off these:
- Discord Overlay
- NVIDIA/AMD overlay
- Steam overlay
- MSI Afterburner overlay
Removing them improves stability instantly .
✔️ Fix 5: Close Background Programs
Some apps consume memory or interfere with BattlEye.
Close these before playing:
- Chrome / Edge
- OBS
- Razer Synapse
- Antivirus programs
- VPNs
- Overclocking tools
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → End unnecessary tasks .
✔️ Fix 6: Reinstall BattlEye Service
If BattlEye becomes corrupted, Tarkov can shut down instantly.
Steps:
- Go to your Tarkov installation folder
- Open the BattlEye folder
- Run Uninstall_BattlEye.bat
- Then run Install_BattlEye.bat
Restart your PC and try launching the game again 🖥️.
✔️ Fix 7: Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes Tarkov needs the latest Windows patches.
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
Install everything, including optional updates.
✔️ Fix 8: Lower In-Game Settings
If your system is struggling, Tarkov may crash during heavy scenes.
Try lowering:
- Texture quality
- Shadow quality
- Anti-aliasing
- Post-FX
Then restart the game 🔄.
✔️ Fix 9: Reinstall the Game (Last Resort)
If nothing works, a clean reinstall may solve deep file issues.
- Uninstall from the BSG Launcher
- Delete leftover folders in
C:\Battlestate Games\ - Reinstall using the launcher
This eliminates corrupted data completely .
Final Thoughts
The “EFT terminated with an error” message is common in Escape From Tarkov, especially after patches or when files become corrupted. Following the fixes above should help you resolve the problem quickly and get back into the action
