[2021] Stellaris crashing after clean install

If you move user_empire_designs.txt from /Documents/Paradox Interactive/Stellaris/ , does the game then start?  

We are having trouble with Avast and our new launcher 2021.1 , although not necessarily this exact issue. Add stellaris.exe to the exceptions list of Avast. You should add steam.exe and C:/users//AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2.2021.1/paradox launcher.exe to that list. You may need help from Avast support in how to allow those apps through fully.



The same may apply to other antivirus apps.


Let me know if that helps!