Alex Ruben
How To Resolve The Last of Us Part I Launch Issues (FitGirl Repack 2025)
If you’re hitting walls with The Last of Us Part I from FitGirl Repack, like black screens, missing files, or the game just refuses to launch, you’re not alone. Sometimes it feels like you’re fighting with the game more than playing it. Fortunately, there are some tricks that might get it running smoothly without the headache of a full reinstall. This stuff has worked on a few setups, but of course, Windows likes to throw curveballs.
How to Fix The Last of Us Part I Not Launching
Method 1: Patching the game with the right DLL files
This is kinda weird, but sometimes the game needs specific DLLs related to Steam to function properly, even if you’re trying to run it in a crack or repack. It’s like Windows (or the repack) doesn’t automatically handle the Steam dependencies. Copying over the right DLL files can help your game recognize the Steam API on your system and launch without crashing.
- Head over to the folder where you extracted the Winhance repository or any trusted source that provides the DLLs you need.
- Find the files named
steam_api64.dllandsteamclient64.dll. Sometimes they’re in a subfolder like bin. - Copy these DLL files directly.
Trust me, if the game refuses to launch because of missing Steam API, this fixes it. On some setups, it failed the first time, then after a reboot or trying again, it worked. Not sure why it works, but it does.
Method 2: Place DLLs into the game folder explicitly
Yep, Windows can be picky. Copy those DLL files into the exact folder where the game executable lives. Usually, it’s in C:\Program Files\…\Last of Us or wherever the game is installed. Sometimes just putting the DLLs in your desktop shortcut’s location doesn’t help, so do it inside the main game folder to be sure.
- Right-click the game shortcut and select Open file location.
- Paste the DLLs you copied earlier directly into this folder.
It’s like telling the game ‘Hey, these are the right dependencies, and I know you’re not just a normal app’ — or at least that’s the hope.
Method 3: Run the game in admin mode and check compatibility settings
If it still won’t start, right-click the game executable (.exe) and choose Properties. Then, go to Compatibility and:
- Check Run this program as an administrator.
- Try setting it to run in compatibility mode for Windows 10 or Windows 11, especially if your system is a bit older or newer than what the repack expects.
This often fixes permission issues or weird startup glitches.
Option 4: Disable overlays and background apps
Background apps like GeForce Experience, Steam overlays, or Discord might trip up the launch. Turning these off temporarily can fix startup hangs. Also, disable any screen recording/overlay software, because Windows and game overlays tend to conflict — programmers sure love making things harder than necessary.
Try launching after closing those apps, then re-enable once you get it running.
Extra Tips & Common Pitfalls
Make sure your graphics drivers are as fresh as possible. Outdated drivers are often the cause of weird black screens or crashes. Also, check if your system or Windows install has pending updates — because of course, Windows wants to make your life more complicated.
Verifying game files in whatever launcher you’re using (though in a repack, that might not be available) can sometimes spot missing or corrupted files. If all else fails, a quick restart or even a fresh copy of the game can reset whatever glitch is blocking things.
Summary
- Copy correct DLL files into the game folder.
- Try running in admin mode and compatibility mode.
- Close overlays and background apps that might interfere.
- Update graphics drivers and Windows first.
Wrap-up
This all sounds a bit patchwork, but on a few machines, it’s the kind of stuff that gets the game to finally start. Not exactly elegant, but hey, if it helps you skip a reinstall or endless troubleshooting, that’s gold. Expect some trial and error, but these methods cover most of the common points of failure.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Good luck, and remember: sometimes software just needs a little nudge in the right direction.