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FIX: Undertale won’t launch

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Undertale is one of the best if not the best indie game Steam has to offer. From the moment the game was introduced, it received worldwide recognition that led to multiple awards and millions of sold digital copies.

If there is a super-undemanding-stable game category, Undertale must be at the leading spot.

However, there are issues that may prevent you from enjoying this amazing game. It seems that the game won’t launch for no apparent reason.

But, don’t worry, we prepared a few workarounds to help you overcome this issue.

What can I do if Undertale won’t launch?

1. Use the Steam tool to repair local files

2. Start the game from its folder instead of Steam

As we all know, with the implementation of the Steam desktop app, all the games run through theclient. However, on some occasions, the Steam app can provoke a lot of problems.

Note:Have in mind that the Steamclientmay start, nonetheless. If that is the case and the game is still faulty, move on to the next solution.

3. Delete the Steam_api.dll file

Note:This may prove harder to do for many games, but the Undertale should function well. If things take a wrong turn, you can always restore a file from the backup location.

It’s quite hard to play Steam games independently, without Steam DRM. However, there are some games that are DRM-free, and luckily, that is the case with Undertale, too.

4. Extract Undertale.exe file

Note:Some witty users from Steam community forum presented this interesting solution for this issue. Namely, it seems that the game’sexefile can be extracted withWinZip.

In the case of any problems, you can delete the newly appointed launcher and rename UndertaleOld.exe to just Undertale.exe.

⇒Get Winzip

5. Install DirectX and the latest redistributables

Also, an important thing, besides your graphics drivers being up to date, is to install the latest version ofDirectXand C++ Redistributables.

The absence of those might lead to you experiencing a plethora of issues with Undertale.

The latest version of DirectX can be downloaded from thededicated Microsoft website.

When it comes to the Visual C++ Redistributables, you can download the latest version fromthis Microsoft page.

6. Reinstall the game

We came to the last resort. If you haven’t solved your Undertale issues with the previous workarounds, reinstallation is the only viable option.

After the process is finished, you should be able to play the game seamlessly.

We hope you were able to start the game by using these workarounds. In addition, if you have any questions or suggestions, please be free to tell us in the comments below.

Explore our excellentGaming sectionfor the latest tiles and tips.

OurTech Troubleshooting Hubis the ultimate source of PC, software, and gaming solutions.

FIX: Undertale won’t launch#

What can I do if Undertale won’t launch?#

1. Use the Steam tool to repair local files#

2. Start the game from its folder instead of Steam#

3. Delete the Steam_api.dll file#

4. Extract Undertale.exe file#

5. Install DirectX and the latest redistributables#

6. Reinstall the game#