Running the Game

If a game won't start, work through these steps in order.

1

Install the common runtimes

Missing DLL errors are almost always a runtime issue. Grab the Visual C++ redistributables from the Common Redists (link here) and make sure your GPU drivers are up to date.

Do this once

Install these once and you're set for almost every game. No need to redo it for each title.
2

Add an antivirus exclusion

Our releases are checked before being released, but antivirus software sees cracked files and can delete them silently during extraction. Exclude your games folder before extracting.

How to exclude a folder in Windows Security:

  1. Open Windows Security
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection
  3. Select Manage settings
  4. Scroll to Exclusions
  5. Click Add or remove exclusions
  6. Choose the item you want excluded, for example C:\Games

Game still won't launch?

If you did the steps above, and your game is still not launching, you need to re-extract the game to the excluded folder, as the damage has already been made.
3

Launch the game with the right .exe

Open the extracted folder and run the first .exeyou see. Other .exe files won't work.

A No Licenses error means you used the wrong .exe. Use the one a few folders further in.

Not seeing the .exe? It got deleted by your antivirus. Restore it from quarantine.

4

Disable the overlay if needed

Our releases ship with a custom Goldberg Tools.bat. If something isn't working, run it. It can:

  • Change the language for you
  • Disable the overlay (it causes issues on some systems)
  • Apply OnlineFix

Changing language

Language changes don't always work, since some games need extra files.
5

Game still crashing?

Try these in order:

  1. Install the Common Redists (get them here).
  2. Disable the overlay with Goldberg Tools.bat.
  3. Add an antivirus exclusion and restore any quarantined files.

Nothing helped? Join our Discord for community support.

6

Play multiplayer

Where possible, we include OnlineFix files. Apply them with Goldberg Tools.bat, then run the .exe from inside the folder.

Already applied?

Some games come with OnlineFix already applied. Check the credits section on the game page to be sure.
7

Saves & updates

Saves usually live in AppData or Documents. To update, grab the newer build from the game page and install it over the old one. Your saves won't be affected.

If you have trouble finding your save, join our Discord for more help.

8

Why are some files hidden?

These hidden files are part of every release:

  • steam_settings
  • ColdClientLoader.ini
  • GameOverlayRenderer.dll
  • GameOverlayRenderer64.dll
  • steamclient.dll
  • steamclient64.dll

These files are needed for our releases to work, since we use a different method than most sites. They're just hidden so the folder stays clean.

Still stuck?

Join our community on Discord for real-time help, release announcements, and updates.

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