AION 2 PC Guide: Fix Crashes, Launch Issues & Black Screen

AION 2 is a free-to-play, high-fantasy MMORPG developed by NC and built on Unreal Engine 5. Serving as the official sequel to the 2008 classic, the game is available on PC via Steam and PURPLE.

Unfortunately, many players are experiencing severe performance bugs, including random crashes, startup failures, black screens, and infinite loading loops. Even worse, many are running into frustrating system errors like “The UE-AION2 Game has crashed and will close”, Fatal error, LowLevelFatalError, and the notorious “GPU Crash dump triggered DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED” message.

If you are dealing with these performance hurdles, you are in the right place. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide will show you exactly how to fix AION 2 crashing, not launching, or freezing on a black screen on your PC.

Steps To Fix AION 2 Not Working On PC

Well, here we have covered most of the fixes that can definitely help you in fixing any of the AION 2 issues mentioned above – whether it is a startup crash problem, won’t launch issues, black screen, not loading, or any other crashing errors.

So, here are the troubleshooting steps. You don’t have to follow all fixes. Follow them one-by-one and check which one works for you.

Check the AION 2 Server Status First

Before you start changing your PC’s settings, make sure the problem isn’t on NC’s end. If the developers are deploying a hotfix or performing weekly maintenance, the game will trigger instant connection errors, login loops, or immediate crashes back to your desktop.

Before troubleshooting, check the live status of the servers using these official channels:

• The Official Steam Community Hub: Check the AION 2 Steam News Feed for real-time maintenance announcements and downtime windows.
• Official Social Media & Discord: Head over to the official AION 2 Discord server or their X (formerly Twitter) account, where the community team posts live updates when servers go offline.
• Community Trackers: You can also check community-driven status boards like the Talentbuilds AION 2 Server Status Tracker or QuestLog.gg Server List to see if players in your specific region (NA, EU, or Asia) are reporting similar connection drops.

If the servers are fully operational and you are still facing issues, proceed with the fixes below!

Fix 1. Modify Game Launch Option

To fix startup and black screen issues in AION 2, players can add specific launch arguments (like forcing DirectX 11, skipping intro videos, or forcing windowed mode) directly through their game launcher.

Here is how to do it for both Steam and NC’s PURPLE launcher:

How to Modify Launch Options on Steam

• Open your Steam Library.
• Right-click on AION 2 and select Properties.
• Under the General tab, scroll down to the bottom to find the Launch Options text box.
• In the Launch Options, first type -dx11.
• Close the window and launch the game (Steam saves them automatically).
• Go ahead, launch AION 2 and check.

How to Modify Launch Options on PURPLE Launcher

• Open the PURPLE launcher and select AION 2 from your game list.
• Click on the File/Settings icon (usually next to the “Play” or “Update” button).
• Select Game Settings.
• Look for a field labeled Command Line Arguments or Launch Options.
• Check the box to enable it, then first type -dx11 in the box, and click Save/Apply.
• Go ahead, launch AION 2 and check.

Note: If the -dx11 launch option doesn’t work, then you can try -dx12 or -windowed -noborder in the launch options box one by one and check.

Fix 2. Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing game data is a leading cause of sudden crashes and startup failures, especially after a large patch. Instead of redownloading the entire game, you can use your launcher’s built-in repair tool to scan and replace broken files.

Here is how to do it depending on where you play:

For Steam Players

• Open your Steam Library.
• Right-click on AION 2 and select Properties.
• Navigate to the Installed Files tab on the left menu.
• Click the Verify integrity of game files button.
• Steam will scan your installation. If it finds any corrupted files, it will automatically redownload them.
• Launch AION 2 and check.

For NC PURPLE Launcher Players

• Launch the PURPLE app and click on AION 2 from your games list.
• Click the File / Settings icon (the gear symbol next to the Start Game button).
• Select File Repair or Scan and Repair from the dropdown menu.
• Click Confirm to start the verification process.
• Wait for the launcher to finish checking your files and patching any missing data.
• Launch AION 2 and check.

Fix 3. Update Your Graphics Card Driver

Outdated graphics drivers are the most common trigger for Unreal Engine 5 crashes, “D3D Device Lost” errors, and severe FPS stutters in AION 2. Keeping your GPU software up to date ensures your system has the proper optimizations to run the game smoothly.

Here is the quickest way to update your drivers based on your graphics card brand:

For NVIDIA Users

• Method 1 (Automatic): Open the NVIDIA App or GeForce Experience application on your PC. Click the Drivers tab in the top-left corner, hit Check for Updates, and select Express Installation.
• Method 2 (Manual): Go to the official NVIDIA Driver Downloads page. Enter your specific graphics card model and operating system, download the latest Game Ready Driver, and run the installer.

For AMD Users

• Method 1 (Automatic): Right-click your desktop and open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. Go to the Home or System tab, click Check for Updates, and follow the prompts to download the latest software.
• Method 2 (Manual): Visit the official AMD Drivers and Support hub. Select your GPU from the product list, download the correct installer for your Windows version, and run the file.

For Intel Users

• Open the Intel Arc Control application and navigate to the Drivers tab to check for updates automatically.
• Alternatively, visit the Intel Download Center to search for and download the latest Intel Arc graphics drivers manually.

Note: Always restart your PC after installing a new graphics driver to ensure the changes take effect before launching AION 2.

Fix 4. Run The Game As Admin and In Compatibility Mode

Windows security features, user account restrictions, and OS updates can sometimes block AION 2 from launching or accessing necessary system files. Bypassing these restrictions by running the game with administrative privileges or using compatibility mode often fixes persistent startup loops and instant desktop crashes.

Here is how to set it up:

Step 1: Locate the AION 2 Executable File

Before changing settings, you need to find the main game application file (AION2.exe).

• For Steam Players: Open your Steam Library → Right-click AION 2 → Manage → Browse local files. This will open the game installation folder.
• For PURPLE Launcher Players: Open the PURPLE app → Click the Settings gear next to the game button → Check the Installation Path to open the folder on your hard drive.
• Once inside the folder, look for the main application file named AION2.exe (usually located inside a subfolder like Aion2\Binaries\Win64 or Engine\Binaries\Win64).

Step 2: Configure the Properties

• Right-click on AION2.exe and select Properties.
• Click on the Compatibility tab at the top of the window.

Step 3: Enable Admin and Compatibility Settings

Steps to follow here one by one, first the run the game as admin only, next, try to enable compatibility mode and then try to enable “Disable fullscreen optimizations” and then check.

• To Run as Administrator: Check the box next to Run this program as an administrator. This grants the game full permissions to access your system hardware and memory. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes. Launch the game and check.
• To Enable Compatibility Mode: Check the box under Compatibility mode that says “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and select Windows 8/Windows 7 from the dropdown menu. (This forces Windows to handle system calls using a highly stable legacy framework, bypassing modern OS conflicts). Click Apply and then OK to save your changes. Launch the game and check.
• To Enable “Disable fullscreen optimizations”: Look under the Settings section and check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimizations. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes. Launch the game and check.

Important Note: Make sure to completely close and restart your Steam or PURPLE launcher after applying these settings so the changes register properly when you hit “Play”. Also, if that doesn’t help, then also run Steam/PURPLE as Admin and then run the game as admin and check. If these don’t work in your case, then untick all the 3 box – “Run this program as an administrator”, “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” & “Disable fullscreen optimizations” and then hit Apply and then OK to save your changes. And follow the other fixes mentioned in the post below.

Fix 5. Allow AION 2 Through Windows Firewall and Controlled Folder Access

Windows built-in security features—specifically the Windows Defender Firewall and Controlled Folder Access—are designed to protect your PC. However, they frequently mistake new, resource-heavy MMORPGs like AION 2 for unauthorized threats. This can block the game from connecting to the servers (causing connection errors) or prevent it from creating save data (causing startup crashes).

Here is how to safely grant the game access through both security features:

Part 1: Allow AION 2 Through Windows Firewall

• Press the Windows Key, type Allow an app through Windows Firewall, and press Enter.
• Click the Change settings button at the top right (you may need administrator permission).
• Click the Allow another app… button near the bottom.
• Click Browse and navigate to your AION 2 installation folder to select the main AION2.exe file.
• Once selected, click Add.
• In the list, find AION 2 and make sure both the Private and Public checkboxes are ticked.
• Click OK to save and apply the changes.

Part 2: Allow AION 2 Through Controlled Folder Access

Controlled Folder Access stops unauthorized applications from modifying files in your core directories (like Documents or Saved Games), which can cause AION 2 to crash when it tries to write configuration files.

• Open the Windows Start menu, type Windows Security, and open the app.
• Click on Virus & threat protection from the left menu or main dashboard.
• Scroll down to the bottom and click on Manage ransomware protection.
• Ensure Controlled Folder Access is turned on, then click Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
• Click Add an allowed app and choose Browse all apps.
• Navigate to your installation path, select AION2.exe, and click Open.

After allowing AION 2 through both Windows Firewall and Controlled Folder Access, launch the game and check.

Note: If you are using any third-party antivirus like Comodo, Avast, Kaspersky, AVG, McAfee, Norton, Bitdefender, ESET, Webroot, etc then allow the AION2.exe file in your antivirus program as well. Or just disable your Antivirus program and then check. Later, you can enable your Antivirus program after playing the game.

Fix 6. Repair/Install Microsoft Visual C++ Files

Unreal Engine 5 games like AION 2 rely heavily on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages to run their core systems. If these files are missing, outdated, or corrupted, the game will refuse to open.

Installing the latest combined package directly from Microsoft resolves these runtime errors immediately.

• Go to – Microsoft Visual C++ Download Page.
• Scroll down and download both x64 and x86 versions under Latest supported redistributable version.
• Run both the file one-by-one Install/Repair both of them and restart your PC and launch the game, and check.

Fix 7. Clear Steam’s Download Cache

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the game itself, but temporary files stuck in your launcher. A bloated or corrupted Steam download cache can stall game updates, block patches from applying correctly, or trigger continuous startup validation loops for AION 2. Clearing this cache flushes out corrupted temporary data and forces Steam to establish a clean connection to the game servers.

Note: This process is completely safe and will not delete your installed games, but it will log you out of Steam, so make sure you know your password before proceeding!

• Launch Steam, click Steam in the top-left corner, and select Settings.
• Click the Downloads tab in the left sidebar menu.
• Scroll down and click the Clear Cache button next to “Clear Download Cache“.
• Click Confirm on the pop-up prompt. Steam will restart automatically.
• Re-enter your Steam password to log back in and launch AION 2.

Fix 8. Run the Game on Dedicated Graphics Card Driver

Gaming laptops often run games on integrated graphics by mistake because built-in power-saving features (like NVIDIA Optimus) prioritize battery life for basic tasks.

These automated systems sometimes fail to recognize new, demanding Unreal Engine 5 titles like AION 2, causing the laptop to ignore your high-performance dedicated GPU. This accidental mix-up immediately results in severe stutters, black screens, or instant crashes at launch.

Here are the steps:

Windows Graphics Settings (Recommended)

• Open the Windows Start menu, type Graphics settings, and press Enter.
• Under Custom settings for applications, click on Add desktop app.
• Navigate to your installation folder, select AION2.exe, and click Add.
• After adding it, look for AION2 in the list, expand it, and next to GPU preference, click on the drop-down and select High performance.
• Now, launch the game and check.

For NVIDIA Users

• Right-click your desktop and open the NVIDIA Control Panel.
• Go to Manage 3D Settings in the left sidebar, then click the Program Settings tab.
• Click Add, select AION 2 from the list (or browse for AION2.exe), and click Add Selected Program.
• Under Select the preferred graphics processor for this program, choose High-performance NVIDIA processor.
• Click Apply at the bottom right.
• Now, launch the game and check.

For AMD Users

• Right-click your desktop and open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
• Navigate to Gaming → Games and select AION 2 (if it’s not listed, click the three dots in the top right to browse and add it manually).
• Under the game’s profile, look for Graphics Profile or Performance
• Set the GPU preference to High Performance or Discrete GPU.
• Now, launch the game and check.

Fix 9. Update BIOS

Some reports from players on different forums and community sites mentioned that updating the BIOS helped them to fix the AION 2 issues.

So, you should check for a BIOS update and, if available, then update it.

Pre-Update Precautions

• Save your BitLocker Recovery Key: If you use BitLocker drive encryption, copy your recovery key to a separate device. A BIOS update will reset your security chips and lock you out if you don’t have it.
• Secure Power: Ensure your desktop PC is plugged into a stable power source (ideally a UPS), or ensure your laptop is plugged into the wall and fully charged.

You can update the BIOS through your PC/Laptop manufacturer official website.

Please check the latest BIOS updates from your motherboard manufacturer. Once you update it, launch the game and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 10. Allocate More Virtual Memory (Pagefile)

When your physical RAM fills up while running resource-heavy games like AION 2, Windows shifts excess data over to a temporary hard drive cache called Virtual Memory (or the Pagefile). If this file is too small or improperly managed, your system will run out of memory, causing the game to instantly crash back to the desktop without an error code. Manually increasing this space gives the game the extra breathing room it needs.

This fix has also worked for many players. Here is how to allocate more virtual memory step-by-step:

• Press the Windows Key, type View Advanced System Settings, and press Enter.
• Under the Advanced tab, click Settings under the Performance section.
• Go to the Advanced tab in the new window and click .. under Virtual Memory.
• Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
• Select the drive in which you have installed the game. Click Custom size.
• Now, enter the values in megabytes (MB) based on your system’s physical RAM. Use this quick reference math formula (1 GB = 1024 MB):
  • Initial Size (1.5x your RAM): If you have 16 GB of RAM, type 24576. If you have 32 GB of RAM, type 49152.
  • Maximum Size (3x your RAM): If you have 16 GB of RAM, type 49152. If you have 32 GB of RAM, type 98304.

Click Set, then OK, to close the window, click Apply on the remaining windows, and restart your computer to apply the new system allocations. Launch the game and check.

Note: If it didn’t work in your case, then you can always revert these changes by going to the same place and simply tick the option Automatically manage paging file size for all drives and save it. 

Fix 11. Clear Shader Cache

As you play AION 2, your graphics card pre-compiles visual data and saves it into a temporary database called the Shader Cache. This helps the game load environments faster. However, if these files become corrupted after a game update or graphics driver install, they will conflict with Unreal Engine 5, resulting in severe frame drops, massive stuttering, or an infinite black loading screen. Purging this cache forces your GPU to generate clean, fresh files.

Here is how to clear the cache depending on your graphics card:

• Nvidia Users: Open the Nvidia Control Panel, navigate to Manage 3D Settings, find Shader Cache Size, and set it to Disabled. Apply the settings, restart your PC, and then set it back to Driver Default. After your PC restarts, launch the game and check.
• AMD Users: Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, go to Settings -> Graphics -> Advanced, and click on Reset Shader Cache. Launch the game and check.

Fix 12. Adjusting Performance Core Ratio via Intel XTU (Extreme Tuning Utility)

• Download and install Intel XTU from the official Intel website.
• Then reboot your PC – it is a must.
• Launch the XTU application and locate the Performance Core Ratio setting.
• There is no fixed value, but it is recommended to reduce the ratio by approximately 2–3 steps from its current setting. For example, if you see 52x then reduce it to 51x or 49x.

• Click the Apply button to save your changes.
• Now, launch the game and check.

Fix 13. Delete The AION 2 Saved Game Folder

When you customize your graphics settings, adjust keybinds, or load into servers, AION 2 generates local configuration and cache files in a hidden system folder. If a bad update or crash corrupts these configuration files, the game may continuously crash on startup or get stuck in an infinite loading screen loop.

Deleting this folder resets the game’s settings back to their factory defaults without touching your main game installation.

Note: This process will reset your custom in-game graphics and audio settings, but it will not delete your characters or online progress, which are safely saved on the game servers.

Here are the steps to do so:

• Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Type %localappdata% into the text field exactly as written.
• Click OK or press Enter. This will open your hidden AppData\Local file directory.
• Scroll through the list of folders until you find the folder named AION2 (or the folder associated with the publisher, NCSOFT).
• Right-click the AION2 folder and select Delete (or move it to your Recycle Bin).
• Open Steam or the PURPLE launcher and boot up the game. AION 2 will automatically generate a brand-new, uncorrupted folder with clean default files, resolving any local software profile conflicts.

Fix 14. Check Windows Time Sync

Like many modern MMORPGs, AION 2 relies heavily on secure server handshakes. If your PC time is off by even a few seconds, the anti-cheat or login servers will reject your connection.

• Right-click the clock on your Windows Taskbar and choose Adjust date and time.
• Toggle on both Set the time automatically and Set the time zone automatically.
• Click Sync now under the Additional settings tab.
• Launch the game and check.

Fix 15. Disable Overlays

Hardware overlays try to inject a visual layer over Unreal Engine 5 at startup, which frequently results in a freeze or a permanent black screen. Disabling them forces Windows to let the game take exclusive control of your monitor.

• Disable Steam Overlay: Open Steam → Click Steam (top-left) → Settings → In-Game → Toggle off Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
• Disable Discord Overlay: Launch Discord → Click the Gear icon (bottom-left) → Click Game Overlay on the left panel → Toggle off Enable in-game overlay.
• Disable NVIDIA Overlay: Open the NVIDIA App (or GeForce Experience) → Go to Settings → General → Toggle off In-Game Overlay.
• Disable AMD Overlay: Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition → Go to Settings (Gear icon) → General → Toggle off In-Game Overlay under the Preferences section.

Once you have turned off these overlays (or closed any other apps running them in the background), launch AION 2 and check if the black screen is resolved.

Fix 16. Close Anti-Cheat Conflicts & Background Apps

NCGuard (AION 2’s anti-cheat system) is highly sensitive and will block the game from booting if it detects conflicting tracking hooks or software.

• End the task for Cheat Engine, Citrix Workspace, Overwolf, OBS, Discord, or RGB controllers (Asus Aura Sync, Corsair iCUE), Afterburner, Rivatuner, Hwinfo, Razer Synapse or MSI Dragon Center from Task Manager.
• Task Scheduler: Open Windows Task Scheduler and look for background tasks like EmptyStandbyList or ISLC (Intelligent Standby List Cleaner). Disable them, as they trigger sudden game closures.
• Disconnect external USB drive, mouse, and additional joystick/controllers, multiple monitors connected to the PC.
• Unplug the Logitech or Thrustmaster racing wheel.
• Close all of your tabs to free up RAM and relaunch the game.

Fix 17. Flush DNS and Reset Network Sockets

AION 2 requires a continuous, secure connection to regional servers while loading. If your network routing cache is corrupted, the loading bar will stall permanently.

• Press the Windows Key, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
• Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
  • ipconfig /flushdns
  • netsh winsock reset
  • netsh int ip reset
• Restart your computer and try launching the game.

Fix 18. Clear the DirectX Shader Cache

A corrupted shader cache forces the game engine to recalculate graphics data during loading, leading to infinite loading screens.

• Press the Windows Key, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
• Select your main OS drive (usually C:) and click OK.
• Check the box next to DirectX Shader Cache (uncheck other boxes).
• Click OK and confirm by selecting Delete Files.
• Now, launch AION 2 and check.

Fix 19. Enable a Dynamic DNS Server

If your ISP’s default domain name servers struggle to resolve NCSoft’s verification network nodes, changing to a public DNS will bypass the lock.

• Open Settings ➔ Network & internet ➔ Advanced network settings.
• Click on your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select View additional properties.
• Next to DNS server assignment, click Edit.
• Change the setting to Manual, toggle on IPv4, and enter:
  • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
  • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)
• Click Save.
• Launch the game and check.

Note: In the Preferred DNS, if you’re entering Google DNS, then in Alternate DNS you must enter Google DNS as well, and the same goes with the Cloudflare DNS.

Fix 20. Update Windows

You must keep your PC secure and running smoothly, you should update Windows regularly. Updating will install the latest security patches, system bug fixes, and feature enhancements.

Here are the steps to update Windows:

• Click the Start Menu (or press the Windows Key) and select the Settings gear icon.
• In the left-hand sidebar, click on Windows Update.
• Click the Check for updates button at the top.
• If updates are available, Windows will download them automatically. Click Download & install if prompted.
• If required, click Restart now to apply the updates.

Fix 21. Uninstall/Re-Install AION 2 Game

If AION 2 continues to crash, freeze, or display corrupted file errors, performing a clean uninstall and re-installation is the best way to wipe out broken game files and start fresh.

Follow these steps based on whether you play the game through Steam or NCSoft’s PURPLE launcher:

Option 1: Using Steam

• Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
• Right-click AION 2, hover your mouse over Manage, and click Uninstall.
• Confirm by clicking Uninstall again in the pop-up box.
• Delete Leftover Cache: Press Windows Key + R, type %localappdata%, and press Enter. Find the folder named AION2 (or Aion2) and delete it. This ensures corrupted local settings are completely wiped.
• Re-install: Go back to your Steam Library, click on AION 2, and click the blue Install button.
  Note: Make sure to select an SSD as the install location to prevent loading screen freezes.

Option 2: Using the PURPLE Launcher

• Open the PURPLE launcher on your PC.
• Select AION 2 from your game list.
• Click on the Settings/File Options gear icon located near the “Play” button.
• Select Uninstall Game and follow the on-screen prompts to remove it.
• Re-install: Once the process finishes, the Play button will change to an Install button. Click it to download a fresh copy of the game.

Move to SSD: If the game is on an HDD, go to the Installed Files menu in Steam and click Move install folder. Select an internal Solid State Drive (SSD) to resolve texture loading bottlenecks.

Conclusion

Dealing with sudden crashes and startup failures can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you are eager to jump into the massive aerial battles of Atreia. Because AION 2 pushes modern hardware to its limits using Unreal Engine 5, keeping your system libraries up to date, optimizing your virtual memory, and ensuring the game runs on your high-performance dedicated graphics card are the keys to maintaining stability.

By working your way down this troubleshooting checklist, you should be able to bypass those disruptive LowLevelFatalError blocks and black screens entirely. If the game continues to crash even after attempting all of these steps, it may point to an optimization bug within the current patch. In that case, keep an eye out for upcoming hotfixes from NC on Steam or the PURPLE launcher, or reach out directly to their official support desk for deeper hardware diagnostics.

Author’s Note: If this guide helped you fix your game, please share this post to help other players get back into Atreia!

Also Read: Check out our latest Gaming & Troubleshooting Guides