Monster Hunter Wilds Not Launching – Steam PC Fix

Many players are reporting Monster Hunter Wilds not launching on PC, crashing on startup, or failing to open after clicking Play on Steam. This issue usually appears due to DirectX problems, corrupted DLL files, or broken crash reports. Fortunately, you can fix it using the steps below. ✅

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Why Monster Hunter Wilds Is Not Launching ⚠️

This issue can occur because of:

• Outdated or corrupted DirectX 12 files
• Missing or broken DLL files like dto.dll
• Corrupted crash logs and shader cache
• Incompatible launch options
• Outdated GPU drivers

Fixing these problems restores normal game startup. 🎮

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Step 1: Update DirectX 12 Properly 🔄

Monster Hunter Wilds requires a clean and updated DirectX setup.

1. Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
2. Confirm DirectX 12 is installed.
3. Download the latest DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft.
4. Install it and restart your PC.

A fresh DirectX installation fixes most launch crashes. ✔️

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Step 2: Replace Corrupted DLL Files (dto.dll Fix) 🧩

Missing or broken DLL files can stop the game from launching.

1. Go to the game installation folder:
   Steam > Library > Monster Hunter Wilds > Manage > Browse Local Files
2. Locate dto.dll if present.
3. Delete the corrupted file.
4. Verify game files through Steam (see next step).

Steam will automatically download a clean version. 🔧

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Step 3: Verify Game Files on Steam ✅

This fixes missing or damaged files instantly.

1. Open Steam Library.
2. Right-click Monster Hunter Wilds.
3. Select Properties > Installed Files.
4. Click Verify integrity of game files.

This process ensures all required files are correct. 🛠️

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Step 4: Delete Corrupted Crash Reports & Shader Cache 🧹

Old crash logs can force the game to crash repeatedly.

1. Press Win + R, paste: %localappdata%\MonsterHunterWilds
2. Delete folders like CrashReports, Saved, and ShaderCache.
3. Restart your PC.

This resets corrupted runtime data. 🔄

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Step 5: Update GPU Drivers 🎮

Outdated graphics drivers often cause launch failures.

• NVIDIA: Update via GeForce Experience
• AMD: Update via Adrenalin Software
• Intel: Update via Intel Driver Assistant

Always install the latest WHQL driver, then reboot. ✔️

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Step 6: Set Proper Launch Options ⚙️

Incorrect rendering settings can block startup.

1. Open Steam > Monster Hunter Wilds > Properties.
2. Under Launch Options, try one of these: -dx12 or -dx11
3. Launch the game and test stability.

Switching APIs resolves GPU compatibility issues. 🎯

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Step 7: Disable Overlays and Background Apps 🚫

Overlays can interfere with the game engine.

• Disable Steam Overlay
• Disable Discord Overlay
• Close MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, and screen recorders

This improves launch success and performance. ⚡

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Step 8: Run the Game as Administrator 🔐

Admin permissions help bypass access restrictions.

1. Navigate to the game’s .exe file.
2. Right-click and choose Run as Administrator.
3. Optionally set permanent admin permissions.

This avoids permission-related crashes. ✔️

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Conclusion ✅

The Monster Hunter Wilds not launching issue is usually caused by DirectX problems, corrupted DLL files, or broken crash data. Updating DirectX 12, replacing dto.dll, deleting crash reports, and adjusting launch options fix the problem for most players.