Alex Ruben
How To Fix The Last of Us PC Not Working After Install in 2025
If you’ve been messing around with the FitGirl repack of The Last of Us Part I and it’s not cooperating—crashes, black screens, DLL errors, or it just refuses to launch—that’s more common than you’d think. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of missing DLLs, some emulator needed, or a weird setting that’s messing everything up. This guide aims to get you through those typical headache points, so you can actually get into the game instead of wasting hours troubleshooting. Expect a few frustration moments, but after some tinkering, it should run smoother.
How to Fix The Last of Us Part I FitGirl Repack Not Launching
Method 1: Install the Goldberg Emulator
Why it helps: This emulator is often needed for repacks that rely on cracked or modified files, letting the game run as if everything’s in order. Usually, if the game crashes at startup or gives DLL errors, this is a good place to start. On some setups, just installing the emulator can fix the black screen or missing DLL issues—no promises it’s perfect on the first try, but it’s worth a shot.
When it applies: If the game is throwing DLL errors or refuses to start at all.
What to expect: After installing the emulator and placing its files properly, launching the game should get you further, hopefully to the actual gameplay, rather than a crash loop.
Here’s what to do:
- Open your web browser (Chrome, Edge, whatever).
- Head over to the Goldberg Emulator.
- Download the latest build—it’s usually a ZIP or RAR file.
- Extract it to a folder you remember—recommendation: on your desktop or a dedicated games folder.
Method 2: Copy Required DLL Files into the Game Folder
Why it helps: Missing DLL files, especially things like steam_api64.dll, are common hurdles. If those files aren’t in the game’s directory, Windows can’t load the game properly. Simply placing the right DLLs where the game expects them often solves the black screens or startup errors.
When it applies: After installing or emulating, especially if error messages point to missing DLLs.
What to expect: The game will stop complaining about missing DLLs and should start more reliably.
Steps to do:
- Go into the Goldberg Emulator folder you extracted earlier.
- Find files like
steam_api64.dllor other DLLs mentioned in error messages. - Copy those files (Ctrl + C).
Method 3: Paste DLL Files into the Game Directory
Why it helps: The game needs those DLLs in its folder, not just the emulator’s folder, to load correctly on startup. If they’re not in the right place, Windows can’t find them, which confuses the game and causes crashes or black screens.
When it applies: After copying DLLs from the emulator, if errors still pop up.
What to expect: Launching should be smoother, with fewer missing DLL errors.
Step-by-step:
- Right-click on the game shortcut and select Open file location.
- This takes you to the actual game’s install folder.
- Paste the DLL files you copied (Ctrl + V) directly into this folder.
Method 4: Run the Game in Compatibility Mode & Check Settings
Why it helps: Sometimes Windows’ compatibility settings or unnecessary background processes block the game from launching properly. Adjusting flags like compatibility mode and disabling overlays can fix launch issues or black screens.
When it applies: If the game still crashes or blacks out immediately after starting, even after DLL fixes.
What to expect: A more stable launch, fewer weird errors.
Steps:
- Right-click the game executable (.exe) in its folder.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose an older Windows version, like Windows 10.
- Also, check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
- Apply changes and try launching again.
Extra Tip: Update Graphics Drivers & Verify Game Files
Another thing that’s kind of a shot in the dark but often helps: Make sure your GPU drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause weird crashes or black screens. Also, if you’re using Steam or any platform that verifies files, give that a try because corrupted or missing game files are a pain.
Wrap-up
Most of these fixes have worked for folks stumbling over the FitGirl version of The Last of Us Part I. It’s kinda weird that a cracked game needs so much tinkering, but Windows and game files are sometimes just not aligned without a little nudge. Keep in mind, some setups might require a combo of these steps. Don’t get discouraged if it’s not perfect on the first try—sometimes, a reboot or reapplying the DLLs helps.
Summary
- Download and extract Goldberg Emulator
- Copy DLL files from the emulator folder
- Paste them into the game directory
- Run the game in compatibility mode if needed
- Update video drivers & verify game files if possible
Final thoughts
Nothing beats a good ol’ brute-force approach for these things sometimes. It’s a bit of trial and error, but hopefully, this gets the game running for most folks. Fingers crossed, this helps someone skip a chunk of the headaches.