“Failed zlib call” error in Grand Theft Auto V for PC

Last Updated: January 7, 2025

Question: I am receiving the following error in GTAV:

• Failed zlib call. Please reboot, verify the game data, or reinstall the game. For more information, please visit: http://rsg.ms/verify.

How can I resolve this?

Answer: The “failed zlib call” error is most likely caused by corrupt installation files. Depending on what platform you own the game on, this can be solved using the following steps:

Rockstar Games Launcher

Uninstall the Rockstar Games Launcher

1. Close any Rockstar Games titles that are running

2. Navigate to the Rockstar Games Launcher installation folder

   • Default: C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Launcher

3. Double-click the uninstall.exe program and uninstall the Rockstar Games Launcher

4. Leave uninstall the game data unchecked

Remove any remaining Rockstar Games Launcher and Social Club files

1. Once the uninstaller has completed, delete all of the following folders:Note: Do not delete any other folders or files as you may lose game data.

   • C:\Users\[username]\Documents\Rockstar Games\Social Club

   • C:\Users\[username]\Documents\Rockstar Games\Launcher

   • C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Launcher

   • C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Social Club

   • C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockstar Games\Social Club

2. Restart your computer

Reinstall the Rockstar Games Launcher

1. Download the Rockstar Games Launcher:

   • https://socialclub.rockstargames.com/rockstar-games-launcher

2. Double-click the Rockstar Games Launcher icon to begin installing

3. Select your preferred language and click CONTINUE

4. Click CONTINUE at the Welcome screen

5. Check I accept the terms of the License Agreement box and click CONTINUE

6. Choose an install location and click CONTINUE

7. When installation is complete, click CLOSE

When you first start the Rockstar Games Launcher, you’ll be asked if you want to scan for previously installed Rockstar Games titles on your computer.

Steam

• If using Steam, this issue may be resolved by verifying the integrity of the game cache:

  1. Open Steam

  2. Right-click GTAV in your Steam library

  3. Click Properties

  4. Click the Local Files tab on the left sidebar

  5. Click Verify integrity of game files…

  6. Once Steam finishes this process, open GTAV 

• If the above does not work, you may have to reinstall GTAV through Steam:

  1. Open Steam

  2. Right-click GTAV in your Steam library

  3. Scroll over Manage and click Uninstall

  4. Navigate to the C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto V folder on your computer and delete any folders and files located there

  5. Reinstall the game by clicking the Install button on the game’s landing page within your Steam library

  6. Open GTAV

Epic Games Launcher

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher

2. Click Library on the left sidebar

3. Find Grand Theft Auto V and click the three dots next to its name

4. Click Uninstall

5. Navigate to the C:\Program Files\Epic Games\GTA folder on your computer and delete any files and folders there

6. Restart the Epic Games Launcher and reinstall GTAV via your Library

7. Open GTAV