Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC crashing with ERR_GFX_STATE error

Last Updated: May 2, 2024

Question: Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC crashes with an ERR_GFX_STATE error message when I attempt to launch the game. How can I fix this?

Answer:  If Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC is crashing on launch with an ERR_GFX_STATE error message, you may be able to resolve this error by one or more of the following troubleshooting methods:

Make sure your drivers are up to date

We always recommend keeping your video card drivers up to date with the latest version. The latest drivers for NVIDIA and AMD cards are available here:

Change the Default Graphics API to Direct X 12 from Vulkan

  1. Launch Red Dead Redemption 2

  2. From the Main Menu, select Settings

  3. Select Graphics

  4. Under Advanced Settings, select Unlocked

  5. Under Graphics API, select DirectX 12

  6. Save your settings, but do not restart the game when prompted

  7. Return to the Main Menu

  8. Exit the game

  9. Launch Red Dead Redemption 2

Disable Fullscreen Optimization

If the above does not work, you may have to launch the game as an administrator to disable full screen optimization.

Steps to Disable Fullscreen Optimization when using the Rockstar Games Launcher

  1. Open the Rockstar Games Launcher

  2. Click Settings

  3. Click Red Dead Redemption 2 under My Installed Games

  4. Click Open under View installation folder

  5. Right-click on RDR2.exe

  6. Click Properties

  7. On the Compatibility tab, check Run this program as administrator and disable full screen optimization

  8. Click OK

  9. Return to the My Installed Games menu in the Rockstar Games Launcher

  10. Launch Red Dead Redemption 2

Steps to Disable Fullscreen Optimization when using the Steam Launcher

  1. Open the Steam Launcher

  2. Click Library

  3. Right-click Red Dead Redemption 2 and select Properties

  4. Click on Local Files

  5. Click on Browse…

  6. Right-click on RDR2.exe

  7. Select Properties

  8. On the Compatibility tab, check Run this program as administrator and disable full screen optimization

  9. Click OK

  10. Return to your Library in the Steam Launcher

  11. Launch Red Dead Redemption 2

Steps to Disable Fullscreen Optimization when using the Epic Games Launcher

  1. Open the Epic Games Launcher

  2. Click Library

  3. Click the three dots next to the Red Dead Redemption 2 tile

  4. Click Manage

  5. On the Installation tab, click the folder icon

  6. Right-click on RDR2.exe

  7. Select Properties

  8. On the Compatibility tab, check Run this program as administrator and disable full screen optimization

  9. Click OK

  10. Return to your Library in the Epic Games Launcher

  11. Launch Red Dead Redemption 2

Still need help?

We're available to assist you 24/7.

Submit a Request