Elden Ring Anti Cheat Error [FIXED]

Fix The Elden Ring Anti-Cheat Error By Adding Config Files, Verifying Game Files, Running As Administrator, Checking Antivirus Interference, And Updating C++ Redistributables.

If you’ve just started playing the new action RPG Elden Ring, you might have encountered a frustrating issue: the anti-cheat error. Many players, including me, have faced this problem while trying to access the game’s online features.

The main reason why you might encounter this error is that the anti-cheat tool might be interfering with the game’s essential setup files during launch. Unfortunately, this issue prevents you from playing the game altogether, both online and offline, until you fix it.

Before we jump into the more detailed methods, give these easy fixes a try first:

Key Highlights

Here is a list of all the fixes you can try to solve the Anti-Cheat issue:

  1. Add Configuration Files to EasyAntiCheat’s “GameLauncher” Folder.
  2. Check Antivirus Interference with Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC).
  3. Update Outdated C++ Redistributable for EAC Compatibility.
Elden Ring anti cheat error
Elden Ring Anti-Cheat Launch Error Prompt

Add Configuration Files to the Main “EasyAntiCheat” Folder

If updating Elden Ring doesn’t work, manually fix the anti-cheat error by adding or replacing files in the “EasyAntiCheat” folder within the game directory. Download the necessary configuration files, and check for the “GameLauncher” folder in “EasyAntiCheat”.

I’ll guide you step-by-step through this process.

  1. First, use this direct Google Drive link and grab the operational Easy Anti-Cheat configuration files on your PC.
    Downloading the Anti-Cheat Configuration Files
    Downloading the Anti-Cheat Configuration Files

Download the Anti-Cheat Configuration Files in ZIP format and use extraction tools like 7Zip or WinRAR to swiftly extract its contents on your Windows PC.

Extracting the "GameLauncher" Folder
Extracting the “GameLauncher” Folder

3. After you’ve extracted the “GameLauncher” folder, the next step is to go inside it and copy all of its files. 

Copying All "GameLauncher" Folder Files
Copying All “GameLauncher” Folder Files

4. Follow this pathway to access the folder “EasyAntiCheat” folder quickly.

C:\Users\Your Username\AppData\Roaming\EasyAntiCheat\GameLauncher

In Local Disk (C:), locate the “Users” folder under your PC’s username. Access “AppData” from there, then select “Local” followed by “Roaming.”

  • Check if “Hidden items” is enabled in File Explorer to reveal missing files, including the “EasyAntiCheat” folder.
Getting to the "EasyAntiCheat" Folder
Getting to the “EasyAntiCheat” Folder

5. Open the “GameLauncher” folder within “EasyAntiCheat.” Paste the copied files from Step 3 into this folder. Replace the existing files when prompted to complete the process.

  • If “EasyAntiCheat” is not visible despite disabling “Hidden items,” create a new folder with the same name in “Roaming” and make a “GameLauncher” folder. Paste the anti-cheat config files into the new folders.
Operational "GameLauncher" Files Pasted
Operational “GameLauncher” Files Pasted

That’s about it for this solution. You can now try launching Elden Ring to see if the error has ceased to exist. If the issue is still bent on staying that way, keep on reading to employ more fixes. 

Check Whether Your Antivirus is Blocking EAC

The Easy Anti-Cheat engine provides vital information about antivirus software on its dedicated blog page. Outdated antivirus apps on Windows PCs can trigger the “Failed to initialize game launcher error” in Elden Ring.

Due to differing security standards, your antivirus may mistakenly flag Easy Anti-Cheat as malware. Update your antivirus or switch to a supported one, as Easy Anti-Cheat is aligned with reputable antivirus brands.

Here are some compatible antivirus options:

  • Avast
  • AVG
  • Bitdefender
  • Malwarebytes
  • McAfee
  • Avira
  • Kaspersky

Your best bet is to try and search if there’s an update in line for your installed antivirus software. If that doesn’t do it for you, try whitelisting Elden Ring from the antivirus directory.

Outdated C++ Redistributable

downloading c++ redists
Downloading 2012 C++ Redistributables (Image by eXputer)

My method to resolve the Elden Ring anti-cheat error involves addressing an outdated C++ redistributable, a solution that has successfully fixed this issue for numerous players.

The error usually happens because you have an old version of C++ installed, possibly from another program running in the background. To fix it, try reinstalling both versions of C++ in safe mode. This should replace the old C++ with the right versions and solve the problem causing the anti-cheat error. Here are the links to update the C++ versions to the newest ones:

  1. https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x86.exe
  2. https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe

My Take On The Elden Ring’s EAC Issue

The anti-cheat error is affecting a handful of players as shown by these forums (Steam, Microsoft, Reddit, and TomsHardware), and affects both online and offline play.

Fixing it isn’t straightforward, with solutions like adding config files manually or verifying game files varying in success. Forums and Twitter reflect frustration, and seeking solutions.

Company reports acknowledge the issue with a patch to solve the issue. The error isn’t platform-specific but might relate to compatibility issues like outdated C++ redistributables or antivirus interference.

https://twitter.com/ELDENRING/status/1497671828092989449

Patch has helped some but not all, indicating the need for further developer action. Hence you should go through all the fixes mentioned in the guide.

More Elden Ring Guides by eXputer:

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Matt Hunter is our New Releases Editor with one of the coolest Aliases ever. He loves chasing after the latest scoop in the gaming and tech industries and covers it with the utmost urgency. You’ll find him breaking some of the best news stories for his audience. He also likes to dive into interesting leaks and rumors. You can also follow Matt's gaming activity on his Steam Profile. Experience: 3+ years || Education: Bachelor's in Journalism || Ghostwritten for Several Publications || Broken 300+ Articles || Mainly Covers New Game stories on eXputer

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