7 Ways to Fix The First Descendant Not Launching on a Windows PC

The First Descendant is an exciting new MMORPG, but many players have already encountered technical startup issues for that game. This is what one player said on Reddit, “First Descendant not running when I click start from Steam. I have tried every fix I could find, but the game still won’t run.” Players have also reported a black screen startup issue for The First Descendant. This is how you can fix The First Descendant not launching on Windows PCs.

Verify the Game’s Files

Steam has a Verify troubleshooting option that can repair missing or corrupted files for games. This troubleshooting option could fix The First Descendant not launching for some players since corrupted game files often cause game startup issues to arise. You can verify a game’s files by going through the steps on this Steam help page.

The Verify integrity of game files option

Disable the Overlay for Steam

Steam includes an overlay feature that enables players to access community features. Disabling that Steam overlay is a way to fix The First Descendant not launching some players confirm has worked for them. You can disable the overlay for Steam like this.

1. Run the Steam program.
2. Click Steam > Settings.
3. Select In Game to access that settings tab.
4. Toggle on the Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game setting.
   
   

   The Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game setting

Clear Steam’s Download Cache

Valve confirms clearing Steam’s download cache can fix games that don’t start installed with that gaming client. You will need to sign back into Steam after clearing its cache, but applying this potential fix doesn’t affect saved game data. This Steam page has instructions for clearing the cache in Valve’s gaming client.

The Clear Cache option

Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Apps

Some players say they had to uninstall their third-party antivirus software to fix The First Descendant not launching. If you have a third-party security app installed, try uninstalling it via the Control Panel as instructed on this Microsoft help page. You can always utilize the built-in Windows Security antivirus as an alternative.

Alternatively, you can try disabling an antivirus shield before playing The First Descendant. To do this, right-click the system tray icon for the security app and select an option for disabling the antivirus protection. However, uninstalling the app is a more surefire way to ensure it can’t interfere with The First Descendant.

Erase the M1 Folder

Some players confirm erasing the M1 folder to be a valid way to fix The First Descendant not launching on Windows PCs. However, note that the folder includes a SavedGames subfolder. Thus, erasing the M1 directory will probably affect your saved game data. This is how you can erase the M1 folder.

1. Start the Run dialog with the Windows logo key + R hotkey.
2. Enter %localappdata% into Run and select OK.
3. Right-click the M1 folder in Local to select its Delete option on the Explorer context menu.
   
   

   The M1 folder

A variation of this potential solution is to erase the Config subfolder within the M1 folder. So, it might be worth trying that first since Config doesn’t include the SavedGames subfolder. To erase that folder, navigate to the M1 > Saved directory path, right-click Config, and select Delete.

Scan Windows System Files

Windows has a System File Checker scan tool that can repair important PC files beyond a game. Running an SFC scan might repair or restore a system file The First Descendant needs. You can apply this troubleshooting method by executing an sfc /scannow command as instructed on this Microsoft webpage.

The sfc /scannow command

Reinstall First Descendant

You might need to reinstall The First Descendant if that game has a corrupted installation. However, try applying other potential fixes to address other possible causes first. These are the steps for reinstalling The First Descendant.

1. Run Steam and go into the games Library tab.
2. Click The First Descendant with the mouse’s right button to select Manage.
3. Select Uninstall twice to remove the game.
   
   

   The Uninstall option in Steam

4. Click The First Descendant in the sidebar to select that game and press its Install button.

Other Possible Ways to Fix First Descendant Not Launching

There are certainly more possible ways to fix The First Descendant not launching beyond those solutions above. If the game still doesn’t start, try doing these extra things:

• Add The First Descendant game to Windows Defender Firewall’s exclusion list or third-party alternatives.
• Update Windows by clicking Check for updates in Settings.
• Download and install the latest driver for your PC’s GPU from the AMD or NVIDIA site.
• Set a DirectX 11 launch option by entering -dx11 in Steam’s Launch Options box for The First Descendant.
• Update Visual C++ by downloading the latest X64 and X86 Visual C++ Redistributable packs from this Microsoft webpage. Double-click the downloaded files and select to install from there.

We don’t promise guaranteed fixes, but there’s quite a good chance a potential resolution above will fix The First Descendant not launching on your PC. They are potential fixes that address various possible causes for that game not starting and are confirmed to work by players. You can also send a support ticket to First Descendant’s help service for more potential fixes by clicking Submit Request on this NEXON page.