View source for Support/Troubleshooting/Game won’t start

This page helps if clicking '''Launch''' in Steam briefly changes to '''Running''' and then back to '''Launch''' without opening the game.

'''If you see a crash or error message (for example “Fatal error!”), or if crash files are created, this is likely a game crash.'''  
Please see [[Support/Troubleshooting/Crashes]] instead.

== Step 1: Try the quick checks ==
Before doing anything else, try the following:

* Verify game files in Steam  
  <small>Right-click the game → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity</small>
* Restart your computer
* Make sure Windows and your GPU drivers are up to date

If the game still does not start, continue below.

== Step 2: Check antivirus or security software ==
If Out of Ore does not open and no crash message appears, the most common cause is third-party antivirus or security software blocking the game.

This can happen '''silently''', without showing any warning or error message.  
In these cases, the game may briefly appear in Task Manager and then immediately close.

=== Known problematic software ===
The following software has been confirmed to cause issues in some cases:
* Comodo Antivirus
* AVG
* Avast
* Bitdefinder

For a more complete list, see [[Support/Troubleshooting/Incompatible software]].

=== What to do ===
'''Recommended option:'''
Some third-party antivirus software may interfere with Out of Ore.
If you are comfortable doing so, you may temporarily uninstall third-party antivirus software and rely on '''Windows Defender''', which is included with Windows.

<small>Windows Defender provides built-in protection and is sufficient for many users.</small>

'''Alternative option:'''
If you prefer to keep your antivirus software:
* Add the '''entire Out of Ore installation folder''' as an exception / trusted application
* Restart your computer
* Launch the game again

== Step 3: Additional checks ==
If the game still does not start:

* Try launching the game directly from the installation folder
* Temporarily disable antivirus software and test again
* Verify that all game files are present by using Steam’s file verification.
** Missing or quarantined files (for example DLL files) are usually restored by this process.

== Still having problems? ==

If the game still does not start after trying the steps above, the best place to get help is our Discord server.

Please post your issue in the '''game-help''' forum channel, where other players and the development team can help investigate the problem.

* Discord server: https://discord.gg/nmc  
* Game help forum: https://discord.com/channels/463319805311582208/1251084151243804713

When posting, please include the following information if possible:
* Windows version
* GPU model
* Installed antivirus or security software
* What happens when you click '''Launch''' in Steam

Providing this information helps us and other players help you much faster.