As of November 18, 2024, the 2K Launcher has been removed from every game that used it on Epic and Steam. Additionally, we also removed the “2K Launcher Beta”, a completely separate launcher, from Sid Meier’s Civilization V.

On November 25, a follow-up update was sent out via Steam to make sure the 2K Launcher was fully removed. You may notice the 2KLauncher folder was replaced with a text file called 2kLauncherRemoved.txt. This file isn’t needed, and you can safely delete it!

https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/34845053169939--2K-Launcher-Complete-Sunset#h_01JBCNYWH2Q8X3MAWETFS82N9A

2 hours ago

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FAQ

Q: Why is the 2K Launcher still opening when I launch the game on Steam? I thought you said you removed it?

A: If you are not seeing the updated launch flow, a simple restart of Steam will resolve the issue. Sometimes changes in launch options are only applied the next time Steam itself is opened. Turning it off and on again legitimately works here - just make sure you are fully closing Steam and not just minimizing it.

Q: Why don’t I see these Steam launch options when I use my Desktop Shortcut?

A: Steam will always open whatever the top launch option on the Steam Launch Option list is when launching a game from a Desktop shortcut, even if you have selected one of the other options as your preferred option. This is how Steam Desktop Shortcuts currently function. If you prefer to use one of the other options, you will need to launch the game through Steam itself rather than the game’s Desktop Shortcut.

Q: Does this mean you uninstalled the 2K Launcher from my PC?

A: The 2K Launcher files may still be present on your computer. If you'd like to delete them, please see our [2K Launcher] Removing 2K Launcher Files article.

Q: Will this impact my game’s save files?

A: No, your saved games shouldn’t be impacted by this change.

Q: I’ve been bypassing the 2K Launcher, will this impact me?

A: Technically no, this wouldn’t impact you and your game will continue to run like before. Since the command you’re using will now be unnecessary, you can continue to use that launch option or remove it entirely.

Q: Will I lose access to any of my games?

A: No, so long as you purchased the game on Steam or Epic, you’ll continue to have access to it on that platform.

Q: I’m still having the same issues in my game as when I was using the 2K Launcher, why aren’t my issues fixed?

A: Since this update only removed the 2K Launcher and adjusted launch flows, this means the issue you’re experiencing was unrelated. In this case, we recommend you submit a support ticket.

Q: Can I still use the 2K Launcher if I want to?

A: We currently have no plans to allow an optional 2K Launcher setting, but we appreciate your interest.

2 hours ago
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This is good news very good news I wish all other launchers for Epic/Steam would be removed

2 hours ago
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+1

1 hour ago
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Great news -- just saved nearly 900Mb in my HD. :D

Cheers!

2 hours ago
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Damn, I just finished XCOM 2 a few days ago. Couldn't they do this sooner?!?

2 hours ago
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good riddance

1 hour ago
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Wish EA,Ubisoft & Rockstar would do the same with their useless launchers.

1 hour ago
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And Paradox

47 minutes ago
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Thanksgiving came early

1 hour ago
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Good!

38 minutes ago
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I came across it only while playing Mafia DE, it wasn't intrusive or really annoying if I remember well.

That's all the positives I can (maybe mistakenly) say, it surely won't be missed.

28 minutes ago
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"Q: Can I still use the 2K Launcher if I want to?" - Said no one ever...

18 minutes ago
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Saw the news earlier and very glad about it. Took them long enough, considering this stupidity was implemented in September 2022 already and I haven't heard a single good word about it ever since. :D

11 minutes ago
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cool. its god awful
2k launcher kills every single game ive tried on steam deck
makes them crash on launch

7 minutes ago
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