FragPunk Not Launching After Anti-Cheat Screen: How to Fix

The problem often stems from compatibility issues between FragPunk’s anti-cheat system and certain hardware or software configurations. A common cause is the lack of support for AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2), a set of CPU instructions required by the game. ​

Fix 1: Enable AVX2 in BIOS

If your CPU supports AVX2, enabling it in the BIOS can resolve launch issues. Here’s how:​

1. Enter BIOS Setup:

   • Restart your computer.​
   • During startup, press the designated key (commonly F8, ESC, or Del) to enter the BIOS setup.

2. Navigate to AVX Settings:

   • In BIOS, locate the AVX settings.​
   • This may be under tabs like Advanced, CPU Configuration, or similar.​

3. Enable AVX2:

   • Find AVX2 and set it to Enabled.​

4. Save and Exit:

   • Press F10 to save changes and exit BIOS.​
   • Your system will restart with AVX2 enabled.​

For detailed instructions tailored to your motherboard, refer to the manufacturer’s manual. For example, ASUS provides specific steps on their official website. ​

Fix 2: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues. To update:​

1. Identify Your Graphics Card:

   • Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.​
   • In the Display tab, note your graphics card model.​

2. Download Latest Drivers:

   • Visit the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) for your graphics card.​
   • Download the latest drivers compatible with your operating system.​

3. Install Drivers:

   • Run the downloaded installer.​
   • Follow on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

4. Restart Your Computer:

   • Reboot to apply changes.​

Fix 3: Verify Game Files Integrity

Corrupted or missing game files can prevent launching. To verify and repair:​

1. Open Steam Library:

   • Launch Steam.​
   • Go to your Library and find FragPunk.​

2. Access Properties:

   • Right-click on FragPunk and select Properties.​

3. Verify Integrity:

   • Navigate to the Local Files tab.
   • Click Verify integrity of game files.​
   • Steam will check and repair any issues.​

Fix 4: Check for Software Conflicts

Conflicts with antivirus or security software can block the game. To address this:​

1. Temporarily Disable Antivirus:

   • Open your antivirus program.​
   • Temporarily disable real-time protection.​

2. Add Exceptions:

   • In your antivirus settings, add FragPunk and its launcher to the exceptions list.​

3. Disable Other Security Software:

   • Temporarily disable any other security software that might interfere.​

4. Test the Game:

   • Launch FragPunk to see if it starts correctly.​

Fix 5: Adjust Firewall Settings

Firewalls can block the game’s connection, preventing it from launching. To adjust settings:​

1. Open Windows Firewall:

   • Press Win + R, type firewall.cpl, and press Enter.​

2. Allow an App Through Firewall:

   • Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.​

3. Add FragPunk:

   • Click Change settings.​other app to add it.​
   • Ensure both Private and Public boxes are checked.​

4. Save Changes:

   • Click OK to apply settings.​

Fix 6: Manually Start Anti-Cheat Service

If the anti-cheat service isn’t running, the game won’t launch. To start it manually:​

1. Open Run Dialog:
   • Press

     Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

     2. Find FragPunk Anti-Cheat Service:

        • Scroll through the list of services and locate the FragPunk Anti-Cheat service.

     3. Start the Service:

        • Right-click the FragPunk Anti-Cheat service and select Start.
        • If the service is already running, try restarting it by selecting Restart.

     4. Check for Errors:

        • If the service fails to start, check for error messages that might give insight into what is blocking the service.

     Fix 7: Address Anti-Cheat and Driver Issues

     Outdated or incompatible drivers may cause issues with the anti-cheat system, blocking FragPunk from launching.

     1. Update Device Drivers:

        • Go to Device Manager by right-clicking Start and selecting Device Manager.
        • Expand categories like Display Adapters and Sound, video, and game controllers.
        • Right-click on your hardware and select Update Driver.
        • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

     2. Check for System Updates:

        • Press Win + I to open Settings.
        • Go to Update & Security and click Check for updates.
        • Install any available updates, including optional updates that may affect drivers.

     3. Reboot After Updates:

        • After updating drivers, restart your system to ensure all changes are applied.

     Fix 8: Repair Corrupted Game Files

     Corrupted or missing game files can cause FragPunk to fail at launching after the anti-cheat screen.

   • Follow these steps to repair:

     1. Access Steam Library:

        • Open Steam and navigate to your Library.

     2. Open Properties:

        • Right-click FragPunk in your Library and select Properties.

     3. Verify Integrity of Game Files:

        • Go to the Local Files tab.
        • Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
        • Steam will automatically check for corrupted or missing files and replace them.

     4. Re-launch the Game:

        • After the verification completes, try launching FragPunk again.

     Fix 9: Resolve Operating System Compatibility Issues

     Some versions of Windows may have compatibility issues with the anti-cheat system in FragPunk.

   • To resolve this:

     1. Update Windows:

        • Press Win + I to open Settings.
        • Go to Update & Security and click Check for Updates.
        • Install any pending updates, including optional updates.

     2. Compatibility Mode:

        • If the game still fails to launch, try running it in compatibility mode.
        • Right-click the FragPunk shortcut, select Properties, then go to the Compatibility tab.
        • Check Run this program in compatibility mode for and select an older version of Windows (e.g., Windows 8 or Windows 7).
        • Click Apply and then OK.
        • Try launching the game again.

     Fix 10: Bypass Anti-Cheat Screen Failure

     If you’re still unable to launch FragPunk, there may be a workaround to bypass the anti-cheat screen failure.

   • Here’s a potential solution:

     1. Reinstall Anti-Cheat:

        • Go to your Steam directory where the game is installed.
        • Navigate to the FragPunk folder, then delete or move the anti-cheat system files.
        • When you try to launch the game again, Steam will prompt you to reinstall the anti-cheat system.
        • Allow Steam to reinstall the necessary files, then attempt to launch FragPunk again.

     2. Reinstall the Game:

        • As a last resort, consider uninstalling and reinstalling FragPunk to fix potential corrupted files that could be causing issues with the anti-cheat system.

     Additional Tips

     • System Requirements: Always double-check the minimum system requirements for FragPunk to ensure your hardware is compatible.
     • Clean Boot: If you have multiple background applications running, perform a clean boot to minimize software conflicts. To do this, press Win + R, type msconfig, and disable non-essential startup programs.
     • Reinstall Anti-Cheat: If the anti-cheat is corrupted, reinstalling it can sometimes solve persistent issues.
     • Check for Overclocking: If your hardware is overclocked, try reverting to default settings, as overclocking can sometimes interfere with the anti-cheat system.
     • Seek Community Help: If you continue to experience problems, the FragPunk community may have more specific insights based on similar experiences.