Red Dead Redemption 2 PC players report crash errors

Red Dead Redemption 2 PC players are encountering a crash error preventing them from starting the game.

RDR2 launched on PC at 8am EST / 5am PT / 1pm GMT on Tuesday, November 5. However, many players appear to be encountering a crash error at launch, with a message stating, “Red Dead Redemption 2 exited unexpectedly” and closing the game.

Players are instructed to attempt to launch the game in safe mode with reduced graphics settings. Alternatively, the message instructs players to contact Rockstar’s customer support.

Some users have reported that shutting down anti-virus software or adding the game as an exception can fix the Red Dead Redemption 2 PC crash issue.

[UPDATE: Rockstar has blamed Red Dead Redemption’s PC crash error on outdated graphics card drivers and recommended that users update their files.]

[UPDATE 2: The latest update to the Rockstar Games Launcher aims to fix crash errors experienced by Red Dead Redemption 2 PC players when attempting to start the game.]

[UPDATE 3: Rockstar has now recommended disabling anti-virus software, updating the Rockstar Launcher and clearing local profile details]

[UPDATE 4: New Red Dead Redemption 2 and Rockstar Games Launcher updates have been released in a bid to reduce crash errors being experienced by PC players.]

Red Dead Redemption 2 is available today on the Rockstar Games launcher and the Epic Games launcher, however it won’t be released on Steam until December.

Rockstar recently detailed a range of exclusive content for the PC version of Red Dead Redemption 2, including increased draw distances, improved shadows and lighting, plus new grass and fur textures.

What is the Red Dead 2 PC crash error?

How can I fix the crash issue?

Several users have reported that shutting down anti-virus software or adding the game as an exception can fix the Red Dead Redemption 2 PC crash issue. Firewalls should also be considered. Alternatively, Rockstar suggests booting the game in safe mode or updating your graphics drivers. Users can also verify their game files in the My Installed Games (Rockstar launcher) or Library (Epic Games Store) tabs.

New story mode content, which has yet to be confirmed for other platforms, includes three bounty hunter missions, two gang hideouts, two treasure maps, four weapons, plus fresh horses and trinkets to collect.

The Red Dead Redemption 2 PC launch trailer also showcases some of the new release’s graphical and technical enhancements.

Red Dead Redemption 2 will be released on Stadia when the cloud gaming platform launches on November 19.

Red Dead Redemption 2 has shipped over 25 million units worldwide since its PS4 and Xbox One release in October 2018, publisher Take-Two said in August.

The company may provide updated sales figures for the title when it reports its second quarter financial results this Thursday, November 7.