[2021] Launching the game failed!

Please go here:

The latest supported Visual C++ downloads

This article lists the download links for the latest versions of Visual C++. support.microsoft.com And run the x86 and x64 installers there.

Add stellaris.exe to the exceptions list of your antivirus app; ESPECIALLY if you have Windows Defender, add it to the Ransomware "Apps Allowed Through" list.

Also if you have FRAPS or the MSI Gaming App or Rivatuner installed, disable it as it clashes with this game.

If that doesn't help:
DXDIAG is a program you run from a command prompt or the Windows start menu 'run' dialog box (or 'search programs' in Windows 7 or later). After running it will open a window and start collecting info with a progress bar in the lower-left corner. When it completes click the 'save all information' button and save it to a file then attach that file here.

Please attach your Documents/Paradox/Stellaris/settings.txt and pdx_settings.txt .
From your Documents/Paradox/Stellaris/logs/ folder, attach system.log , error.log .  

Your Windows 7 has had no major updates applied since 2014. Our games are only ever tested on Windows that is fully patched up.

Please run the Windows Updater manually, apply everything it finds, and reboot. Keep doing that until it is fully up to date, which may take several iterations. Boring I know, but you have a lot of catching up to do!

You may need to then run those VC++ installers again after that.

Good luck!  

Melendor said: Hi , I have the same problem here but I have Windows 10.
Should I do the same?

Can't do any harm, if it doesn't help best to start your own thread in case it's not actually the same problem.  

peachberrytea said: Having a similar issue.... stellaris doesn't launch (EU4 does though)
any fixes by any chance?

Steam, Windows 7, Game Version 2.8.1
ran the x86 and x64 installers, antivirus allows stellaris

Please start your own thread with full problem details and history, and the files I mention in post #2 here. Thanks.