Hades II, the highly anticipated sequel to Supergiant Games’ award-winning roguelike Hades, has captivated fans with its stunning visuals, fast-paced combat, and immersive storytelling. However, like many newly released PC titles, some players are encountering a frustrating problem — Hades II not launching or failing to start on PC.
If you’ve clicked the game and nothing happens, or it crashes immediately at launch, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many PC players have reported similar issues across Steam, Epic Games, and other launchers. The good news is that these problems can often be fixed with a few tweaks and troubleshooting steps.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the possible reasons why Hades II won’t launch and provide detailed step-by-step solutions to get you back into the game.
Why Hades II is Not Launching on PC
There are several reasons why Hades II may not launch on your PC. Understanding the root cause will help you apply the right fix. Common reasons include:
- Outdated GPU drivers – Graphics drivers not updated to the latest version can cause startup crashes.
- Missing or corrupted game files – Incomplete installation or corrupted files may prevent the game from starting.
- Antivirus/Firewall interference – Security programs might block Hades II from launching.
- DirectX or Visual C++ issues – Missing or outdated runtime components can cause startup errors.
- Background apps conflicts – Overlays or third-party tools (like Discord overlay, MSI Afterburner, or RivaTuner) can interfere.
- Insufficient system resources – Low RAM or storage space can stop the game from running.
- Launcher-related bugs – Problems within Steam or Epic Games Launcher can also be the culprit.
Now that you know the possible causes, let’s go step by step through the solutions.
Fix 1: Check System Requirements
Before trying advanced fixes, make sure your PC meets the minimum requirements for Hades II.
Minimum System Requirements (Expected 2025):
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6500 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 570
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 20 GB available space
Recommended System Requirements:
- OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8700 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: SSD with 20+ GB free space
👉 If your PC does not meet these requirements, you may need to upgrade hardware before playing smoothly.
Fix 2: Run the Game as Administrator
Sometimes, games fail to launch due to lack of permissions. Running Hades II with admin rights can fix this.
- Right-click on the Hades II shortcut or
.exefile. - Select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check Run this program as administrator.
- Click Apply → OK and launch the game.
Fix 3: Verify Integrity of Game Files (Steam/Epic Games)
Corrupted or missing files can prevent Hades II from launching. Both Steam and Epic provide an option to repair game files.
On Steam:
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click Hades II → Properties.
- Go to Installed Files → click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
On Epic Games:
- Open Epic Games Launcher.
- Go to Library.
- Find Hades II, click the three dots (…).
- Select Verify.
👉 This will scan and replace any corrupted or missing files.
Fix 4: Update Your GPU Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers are one of the most common reasons why games don’t start.
- NVIDIA Users: Download latest drivers here.
- AMD Users: Download latest drivers here.
- Intel Users: Intel graphics drivers here.
After updating, restart your PC and try launching Hades II again.
Fix 5: Install/Update DirectX & Visual C++ Redistributables
Missing runtime components like DirectX or Microsoft Visual C++ can cause launch errors.
- Download DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft.
- Install/update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (x64 and x86).
- Restart your PC after installation.
Fix 6: Disable Antivirus & Firewall Temporarily
Sometimes, security software mistakenly blocks new games. To test:
- Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall.
- Try launching Hades II.
- If it works, add the game folder as an exception in your security software.
👉 Always re-enable antivirus after testing.
Fix 7: Disable Overlays and Background Apps
Overlays and third-party apps can conflict with Hades II. Disable these before launching:
- Steam Overlay → Steam Settings → In-Game → Uncheck Enable Steam Overlay.
- Discord Overlay → User Settings → Game Overlay → Turn off.
- GeForce Experience overlay.
- MSI Afterburner / RivaTuner.
Also, close unnecessary apps like Chrome, torrent clients, or recording tools to free up RAM.
Fix 8: Run the Game in Compatibility Mode
Older Windows compatibility settings can sometimes resolve startup crashes.
- Right-click Hades II.exe → Properties.
- Go to Compatibility tab.
- Check Run this program in compatibility mode for:
- Select Windows 8 or Windows 7.
- Click Apply → OK.
Fix 9: Reinstall Hades II
If none of the above works, a clean reinstall might fix corrupted installation.
- Uninstall Hades II from Steam/Epic.
- Delete leftover files in
Documents\Hades IIand installation folder. - Reinstall the game on an SSD for better performance.
Additional Tips
- Update Windows: Ensure your system is fully updated with the latest Windows updates.
- Check Storage Space: Keep at least 10 GB free on the drive where Hades II is installed.
- Change Installation Drive: Try installing on a different drive (preferably SSD).
- Use a Clean Boot: Boot Windows with only essential services running to eliminate conflicts.
- Check EA/Steam/Epic Status: Rarely, launcher outages may cause games not to launch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why won’t Hades II launch on my PC?
It’s usually caused by outdated drivers, corrupted files, or security software blocking the game.
2. Do I need DirectX 12 for Hades II?
Yes, the game supports DirectX 11/12, but DirectX 12 is recommended for smoother performance.
3. Will reinstalling Hades II delete my progress?
Not necessarily. Progress is usually stored in your Documents folder or cloud save, but always back up your save files before reinstalling.
4. Does Hades II require an SSD to run?
No, but running on an SSD significantly reduces load times and startup issues.
5. Can overlays really prevent Hades II from launching?
Yes, overlays like Discord, Steam, and GeForce Experience have been known to cause conflicts with new releases.
Conclusion
Hades II not launching on PC can be a frustrating roadblock, but in most cases, the issue is fixable with some troubleshooting. Start with simple solutions like running the game as administrator, verifying files, and updating drivers. If those don’t work, move on to reinstalling runtime libraries, disabling antivirus, and checking for corrupted files.
By carefully following these steps, you should be able to fix startup problems and enjoy smooth gameplay in Hades II. Supergiant’s masterpiece is worth the effort, and with these fixes, you’ll be back to battling mythical foes and exploring the underworld in no time.
