Sid Meier’s Civilization VI How to bypass the 2K launcher

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI How to bypass the 2K launcher

Are you tired of dealing with the new 2K launcher for Civilization VI? You’re not alone. Many players have reported issues like crashes and lag when using this launcher. But don’t worry – there’s a simple solution. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of bypassing the 2K launcher and launching Civilization VI directly. This method can significantly improve your gaming experience, allowing you to jump straight into building your empire without any unnecessary hurdles.

Quick Answer

To bypass the 2K launcher for Civilization VI, locate the game’s executable file, construct the path to this file, and set it as the launch option in Steam. This process takes about 5-10 minutes and can significantly improve game performance and stability.

A Personal Anecdote

I remember when I first encountered issues with the 2K launcher. It was a Friday night, and I was eager to start a new game of Civ VI after a long week. But every time I tried to launch the game, it would crash or freeze. Frustrated, I almost gave up for the night. That’s when I discovered this method of bypassing the launcher. Not only did it solve my problems, but it also improved the game’s overall performance. Now, I can dive into my conquests without any annoying interruptions!

Step-by-Step Guide to Bypass the 2K Launcher

Step 1: Locate Civ6’s Executable

The first step in our journey is to find the actual executable file for Civilization VI. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open your Steam library and find Sid Meier’s Civilization VI.
2. Right-click on the game and hover over Manage.
3. Click on Browse Local Files. This will open your file explorer to the game’s installation directory.
4. Navigate through the folders: Base > Binaries > Win64Steam (for Windows users).
5. For Mac or Linux users, look for a folder like Linuxx64 instead.

In this folder, you’ll find the game’s executable file. For Windows users, you’re looking for either:

• CivilizationVI.exe (for DirectX 11)
• CivilizationVI_DX12.exe (for DirectX 12)

Mac and Linux users will likely see a file simply named CivilizationVI without an extension.

Step 2: Construct the Path to the Executable

Now that we’ve found our executable, we need to create a full path to this file. This path will tell Steam exactly where to find the game when we launch it.

For Windows users:

1. In your file explorer, copy the entire path from the address bar.
2. Add the name of the executable to the end of this path, separating it with a backslash (\).

Your path might look something like this:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Sid Meier's Civilization VI\Base\Binaries\Win64Steam\CivilizationVI.exe

For Mac and Linux users, your path will use forward slashes (/) instead. It might look like this:

/home/username/.steam/steam/SteamApps/common/Sid Meier's Civilization VI/Base/Binaries/Linuxx64/CivilizationVI

Step 3: Set the Launch Options

We’re in the home stretch now! The final step is to tell Steam to use this path when launching the game. Here’s how:

1. Go back to your Steam library and right-click on Civilization VI.
2. Select Properties from the menu.
3. Look for the Launch Options text box.
4. In this box, enter the following text:

"path_to_civ6_executable" %command%

Replace “path_to_civ6_executable” with the actual path you created in Step 2. Make sure to keep the quotation marks and the %command% at the end. Here are some examples:

• Windows (DX11): "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Sid Meier's Civilization VI\Base\Binaries\Win64Steam\CivilizationVI.exe" %command%
• Windows (DX12): "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Sid Meier's Civilization VI\Base\Binaries\Win64Steam\CivilizationVI_DX12.exe" %command%
• Linux: "/home/username/.steam/steam/SteamApps/common/Sid Meier's Civilization VI/Base/Binaries/Linuxx64/CivilizationVI" %command%

What to Expect After Bypassing the 2K Launcher

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up Civilization VI to bypass the 2K launcher. Here’s what you might experience when you launch the game now:

• Steam might show a message saying the game isn’t running, even though it is. Don’t worry – this is normal and can be safely ignored.
• The game window might take a moment to appear. Be patient; it’s working behind the scenes.
• Once the game loads, you should notice improved performance and stability compared to using the 2K launcher.

Troubleshooting and Additional Tips

If you run into any issues or want to fine-tune your experience, here are some additional tips:

• If the game doesn’t launch correctly, double-check your path in the launch options. Make sure all folder names are spelled correctly and that you’re using the right slashes (\ for Windows, / for Mac/Linux).
• Some players have reported success with adding -dx11 or -dx12 to the end of their launch options to force a specific DirectX version.
• If you want to switch back to using the 2K launcher, simply clear the launch options in the Steam properties.
• Remember that bypassing the launcher means you won’t see any launcher-specific notifications or updates. Keep an eye on the Civilization VI news page for important announcements.

The Impact of Bypassing the 2K Launcher

Many players have reported significant improvements after bypassing the 2K launcher:

• Faster game launch times
• Reduced crashes and freezes
• Improved overall game performance
• A smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience

While the 2K launcher was designed to enhance the player experience, for many, it’s become more of a hindrance than a help. By bypassing it, you’re cutting out an unnecessary middleman and getting straight to the heart of what matters – building your civilization and conquering the world!

Community Feedback and Support

The Civilization community is known for its helpfulness and camaraderie. If you’re still having issues or want to discuss this method further, consider checking out these resources:

• The CivFanatics forum – a treasure trove of information and helpful players
• The Steam Civilization VI community hub – great for Steam-specific issues
• The official Civilization VI subreddit – active discussions and troubleshooting threads

Remember, every computer setup is unique, and what works for one player might not work for another. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it!

Conclusion

Bypassing the 2K launcher for Civilization VI is a simple yet effective way to enhance your gaming experience. By following these steps, you’re taking control of how you launch and play the game, potentially saving yourself from frustration and technical issues.

Whether you’re a seasoned emperor or a fledgling chieftain, this method can help you get into the game faster and with fewer hitches. So go ahead, give it a try, and may your empire stand the test of time!

Happy gaming, and remember – just one more turn!