Can't Launch Game

[Gray Matter Guerrilla]

(edit) SOLVED: Had to change a Windows audio setting - turned on 'spatial audio'.

System -> Sound -> All Sound Devices -> Properties (of whatever device you use)
Under 'Spatial Sound' turn ON 'Windows Sonic for Headphones' (Mine was OFF before)

If it's already ON, then toggle to OFF may work too.
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Original Post Below:

RDR2 will boot into the main menu, but will not progress into the game itself: stays in the loading screen of endless photos.

I've tried:
- verify game files (via Rockstar launcher; I did not purchase through Steam)
- opened w/ admin permission (both launcher and rdr2.exe)
- uninstalled/reinstalled
- removed everything from the folder: Documents\Rockstar Games\Red Dead Redemption 2\Profiles

Nothing....
What else can I try?

In settings, it's running in DX12 (or says to be, at least).

I'm running in 4K resolution....could that be the problem?? I played it in 4k several months ago though.... I lowered it down to 2K but then the game becomes stuck when hitting 'apply'.

Good grief, I know this is a 5 year old game, but this is beyond ridiculous as I see a lot of other posts with similar issues....
All of my other games run fine, old and new (including 10+ year old Skyrim).

Specs:
Win11
13700K, 4090, 32 gb RAM
installed on nvme m.2 drive.

I also have a DAC/Amp combo for my headphones, but I don't see that causing an issue??

Any help much appreciated!

[FDR-2383]

i've reinstalled the game lik 5-6 times and still can't launch... bad review given just now...

[Gray Matter Guerrilla]

Originally posted by Frederick2383:

i've reinstalled the game lik 5-6 times and still can't launch... bad review given just now...

What are your PC specs and graphic settings, if you don't mind me asking?

[rekt0ro]

It happens when you load to story mode or online mode?
Did you try Vulkan api?

[Gray Matter Guerrilla]

Originally posted by SchredZ:

It happens when you load to story mode or online mode?
Did you try Vulkan api?

Story mode. Didn't try online mode, but I probably should have.

Didn't try Vulkan as I've had issue with that in other games...BUT, I probably should have tried that too. Will give that a shot when I reinstall it (again).

[Kenshin]

what is this solution?

[bachjs]

can't start due to rockstar launcher failing. tried to reinstall many times but it doesn't start at all.
BTW: it was launching until today. something is failing. nothing change on my end.

[Kenshin]

same. Launcher says "Do you allow this app to make changes to your device?" i am clicking yes but nothing happens and launcher doesnt open. In task manager it seems already opened but there is nothing about launcher

[Kruger]

Originally posted by Kenshin:

same. Launcher says "Do you allow this app to make changes to your device?" i am clicking yes but nothing happens and launcher doesnt open. In task manager it seems already opened but there is nothing about launcher

same issues

[Gray Matter Guerrilla]

Last time I had launcher issues, I uninstalled the launcher, then re-installed it and that worked for me. Might not work for everyone though.
Also, I'm not sure if uninstalling the launcher removes any installed games or not? I would assume it would not, but it could.

Rockstar games are along the lines of Bethesda games...they have some of the most wonkiest, bug-ridden pieces of software around, imo. Still enjoyable, but good grief, the bugs!

[Gray Matter Guerrilla]

Originally posted by Kenshin:

what is this solution?

Don't know yet. I will try some more 'solutions' today or tomorrow and post if I come up with anything successful....

[Gray Matter Guerrilla]

Completely uninstalled RDR2 + GTA IV + Rockstar launcher, then used 'Revo Uninstaller' to remove all leftover traces in registry and elsewhere. Just finished installing the launcher and currently downloading RDR2 (AGAIN) to give it another go.

If the above doesn't work, then this game is seriously broken.

Will update once I give this another go... Ugh, this is getting old.

[Gray Matter Guerrilla]

Got it working! (A complete fresh install did not help anything.)

Had to change a Windows audio setting - turned on 'spatial audio'.

System -> Sound -> All Sound Devices -> Properties (of whatever device you use)
Under 'Spatial Sound' turn on 'Windows Sonic for Headphones' (Mine was OFF before)

I read somewhere that if it's already ON, then turning it OFF may do the trick too. For whatever reason, this causes RDR2 to not load. Absolutely ridiculous....

Also read that enabling OneDrive worked for some? I didn't try this and I still have OneDrive disabled, but worth mentioning.

[martct]

Thank You for Your work and investigation. Unfortunately, it is not working for me. I am going to try disable Onedrive...

[Gray Matter Guerrilla]

Originally posted by martct:

Thank You for Your work and investigation. Unfortunately, it is not working for me. I am going to try disable Onedrive...

Ah, sorry it didn't work for you. I hope enabling/disabling OneDrive does it.
If it doesn't, keep experimenting + searching online for a solution.

I just happened to read some random, obscure reddit post about 'spatial sound'. Good luck to you.