RDR2 Err_Gfx_State: How to Fix It Quickly in 4 Ways

This annoying error has many causes, so let's eliminate them one by one! 💪

By Vladan Ćetojević Last updated Nov 14, 2023

Many gamers face frequent issues with the RDR2 ERR_GFX_STATE, preventing them from launching or enjoying one of the most popular Rockstar titles. We were decisive in investigating this matter, and as a result, we created an ultimate list of the most common causes and suitable solutions for fixing the GFX State error in Red Dead Redemption 2.

What is GFX state error?

ERR_GFX_STATE in RDR2 is a graphics processing-related error occurring due to compatibility issues with background apps, corrupted game files, problems with DirectX 11, an outdated GPU driver, deteriorated RDR2 settings, missing Visual C++ dependencies, enabled overclock settings or pilled-up temporary files.

How do you fix GFX state error in Red Dead Redemption 2?

To fix the Red Dead Redemption 2 Err_Gfx_State error, try applying these quick checks and fixes:

Check the DirectX version: We made a complete guide on installing the latest DirectX 12, so we advise you to follow through.
Check system requirements

Proceed with the step-by-step solutions listed below.

Change launch options
Update the GPU driver
Delete RDR2 settings
Install Visual C++ dependencies

1. Change launch options

Cache files are designed to help the game launch and run smoother. However, if cache files are corrupted, you can use a launch options command to ignore them so ERR_GFX_STATE doesn’t occur in RDR2.

Launch Steam.
Right-click on Red Dead Redemption 2 and select Properties.
Scroll down to the Launch Options in the default General tab.
Paste -ignorepipelinecache and close Properties.
Launch RDR2.

2. Update the GPU driver

Time needed: 5 minutes

An outdated graphics driver won’t support your graphics card in the initial graphical processing, which can lead to the ERR_GFX_STATE. To avoid this, you must install the latest GPU driver.

Click on the Windows icon, type Device Manager, and select this tool from the search results.
Double-click on the Display Adapters section.
Right-click on your GPU and select the Update driver option.
Select the Search automatically for drivers option.
Install the driver update.
Restart your PC.

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3. Delete RDR2 settings

Some gamers discovered that deleting settings prevents RDR2 error GFX state from occurring. Initial loading after deleting these files will take a minute longer than the files generated, but it is a small price for being able to play Red Dead Redemption without this annoying GFX state error.

Use the Windows Key + E shortcut to open File Explorer.
Navigate to This PC > Documents > Rockstar Games > Red Dead Redemption 2 > Settings.
This is the default location. If you changed it, navigate to your Rockstar Games folder.
Select all files beginning with sga_, right-click on them, and select Delete.
Don’t delete bin files!
Launch RDR2 and wait for the game to regenerate settings files.

4. Install Visual C++ dependencies

Visual C++ dependencies are necessary for Windows games. Usually, they are installed with the game, but if your system requires a newer version, you might have to install them manually. By doing so you might solve the GFX state error in RDR2.

Open the official page for the Visual C++ Redist Packages download.
Click on the Link and download vc_redist suitable for your operating system architecture.
➡ X86 is for 32-bit systems.
➡ X64 is for 64-bit systems.
Run the installation package and follow the steps.
Restart your PC.

Extra steps to fix Red Dead Redemption 2 ERR_GFX_STATE:

If none of the solutions provided above managed to solve the error GFX state in RDR2, here are some additional methods to troubleshoot RDR2 ERR_GFX_STATE:

❌ Disable overclock settings: Many gamers report that Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t working well with overclock settings enabled.
🧹 Perform a Disk Cleanup: Click on the Windows icon, type Disk Cleanup, and open this app. Run the cleanup and restart your PC after.
📁 Reinstall RDR2 on C drive: If nothing else works out, we recommend you uninstall the game, restart your PC, and perform a clean RDR2 installation on your main drive.
🔬Close unnecessary background processes: Before launching the game, close all apps visible in the taskbar to prevent compatibility issues.
🔎Verify game files: This way, you will find and repair potentially corrupted game files without reinstalling RDR2.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the RDR2 ERR_GFX_STATE can be resolved by changing launch options, updating the GPU driver, deleting RDR2 settings, and installing Visual C++ dependencies. Initially, you can close background apps, verify the integrity of game files and install the latest DirectX 12.

Don’t forget to disable overclock settings and perform a Disk Cleanup. Reinstall Red Dead Redemption 2 on your main drive as a last resort. We wish you the best of luck in troubleshooting and enjoying the story of the Van der Linde gang.

Red Dead Redemption 2