Helldivers 2 Error Code 116: “Helldivers 2, a sequel to the original 2015 game, aims to deliver an immersive experience in a treacherous galaxy. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios for PlayStation 5 and Windows, the game has faced several technical challenges since its launch.
Players have reported various issues, including crashes, lag, and difficulties with matchmaking. A common problem encountered is Error Code 116 on PC, often referred to as the ‘GameGuard Error.’
When players try to launch Helldivers 2, they may encounter this error, which can hinder their gameplay experience. The error message typically states: “Fatal Error! GameGuard: Initialize error. Please reboot your system or close any interfering applications and try again. Error code: 116.”
While the message suggests restarting the game or shutting down other programs, these troubleshooting steps may not necessarily resolve the issue for all players.”
Helldivers 2 Error Code 116: How to FIX
There are several potential factors that could be causing Error Code 116 in Helldivers 2, such as a temporary system glitch, an outdated version of the game, corrupted game files, insufficient system admin permissions, conflicts arising from VPN services, problems with GameGuard, a weak internet connection, unnecessary background processes, antivirus interference, or issues related to game installation.
If you find yourself facing this error, there’s no need to panic. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of troubleshooting steps that may help resolve the issue. Please ensure you carefully follow each step until the error is resolved. Now, let’s get started on the solutions.
1. Restart the PC
To resolve any potential temporary system conflicts or cache-related problems that may hinder game launches, it’s advisable to restart your computer manually. Restarting can effectively address various performance issues affecting your applications.
2. Run Helldivers 2 as an Administrator
To address any potential startup issues with the Helldivers 2 game application, you may need to run it manually with administrative permissions. Here’s how to grant the necessary privileges:
- 1. Launch the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
- 2. Locate Helldivers 2 and right-click on it, then select Manage.
- 3. Choose the option to Browse local files to access the game’s installation folder.
- 4. Find Helldivers2.exe and right-click on it.
- 5. Select Properties and go to the Compatibility tab.
- 6. Check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
- 7. Click Apply, then OK to save your changes.
Following these steps should help ensure that the game runs smoothly with the appropriate permissions.
3. Check Your Internet Connection
Occasionally, a sluggish or unreliable internet connection can lead to significant disruptions. It’s essential to thoroughly examine your internet connection to identify any potential issues affecting speed and stability.
If you suspect your network is malfunctioning, reaching out to your internet service provider (ISP) for technical support can be beneficial.
Additionally, consider switching from a wired connection to a wireless one, or the other way around, to determine if that resolves the problem. Testing your connection on a different network can also help isolate the issue.
4. Update Helldivers 2
An outdated game patch can lead to various conflicts and issues while running the game on your PC. To ensure optimal performance, we advise our readers to check for any available updates for the game by following these steps:
- 1. Launch the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
- 2. Locate Helldivers 2 and right-click on it.
- 3. Select Properties, then click on the Updates tab.
- 4. In the Automatic Updates section, choose the option to update this game only when you launch it.
- 5. After making these changes, restart your system to apply them.
When a new game update becomes available, it will be installed automatically upon your next launch.
5. Scan and Repair the Game Files
If you are experiencing startup errors with your game, it could be due to corrupted or missing files on your PC. To address this issue, you can follow the steps outlined below to scan and repair the game files using the Steam launcher:
- 1. Launch the Steam client on your computer.
- 2. Navigate to the Library section.
- 3. Locate and right-click on the game Helldivers 2.
- 4. Select Properties from the context menu.
- 5. In the Properties window, go to the Installed Files tab.
- 6. Click on the option to Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- 7. Allow the verification process to finish.
- 8. Once it’s completed, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
By following these steps, you can help resolve potential file issues and improve your gaming experience.
6. Try Enabling and Disabling VPN
Many players of Helldivers 2 have discovered that utilizing a VPN can be an effective way to circumvent potential server connectivity problems. To resolve error code 116, it is recommended to activate the VPN service and then disable it afterward.
7. Delete GameGuard
To refresh the installed game files for Helldivers 2 on your PC, you will need to manually remove the GameGuard folder. Follow the steps outlined below to complete this process. Afterward, ensure you verify the game files through Steam before launching the game again.
- 1. Launch the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
- 2. Right-click on Helldivers 2 in your game list.
- 3. Select Properties from the context menu.
- 4. Click on the Local Files tab.
- 5. Choose the option to Browse Local Files.
- 6. This will open the installation directory for Helldivers 2.
- 7. Locate and open the “bin” folder, then find the GameGuard folder within it.
- 8. Delete the GameGuard folder.
- 9. Finally, verify the integrity of the game files to ensure everything is in order.
Once you have completed these steps, restart your computer to implement the changes effectively.
8. Close the Nprotec Task
To resolve error code 116, it is advisable to terminate the ‘Nprotec’ process running on your Windows system. Follow these instructions to do so:
- 1. Access the Start menu and search for Task Manager to open it.
- 2. Navigate to the Processes tab and look for the nprotec task.
- 3. Right-click on the nprotec.exe entry.
- 4. Select “End task” from the menu that appears.
After completing these steps, attempt to launch Helldivers 2 again to see if the issue persists.
9. Allow GameGuard in Antivirus
To enhance your gaming experience with Helldivers 2, we recommend whitelisting the GameGuard application in your antivirus settings. Sometimes, aggressive antivirus programs can interfere with the game’s startup process. Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Press the Win+I keys together to access the Settings menu.
- 2. Navigate to the Privacy & Security section.
- 3. Click on Windows Security.
- 4. Select Virus & Threat Protection.
- 5. Find and click on Manage Ransomware Protection.
- 6. Enable the Controlled Folder Access feature.
- 7. If a prompt appears, confirm by clicking Yes.
- 8. Locate the option to Allow an app through controlled folder access and click on it.
- 9. Again, confirm by clicking Yes if prompted.
- 10. Click on Add an allowed app.
- 11. Browse to the directory where Helldivers 2 is installed, typically found at: Steam\steamapps\common\Helldivers 2\GameGuard.
- 12. Select the GameGuard.exe file and click Open to include it in the exceptions list.
- 13. Finally, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
By following these steps, you can minimize conflicts and enjoy a smoother gaming experience.
10. Check the Server Status
Server operation issues can significantly affect many Helldivers 2 players. To stay updated on server downtimes and technical difficulties, check the official @helldivers2 account on X (formerly Twitter).
If multiple players are experiencing outages, you have the option to report the issue. For server-related problems, it’s advisable to wait a few hours before attempting to connect again. If the situation improves, you can move on to exploring alternative solutions.
11. Reinstall Helldivers 2
If the previous troubleshooting methods have not resolved your issue, you may need to uninstall and then reinstall Helldivers 2 on your computer. This process can help address any installation problems or conflicts that may be hindering the game’s launch or causing error code 116. Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Open the Steam client on your computer.
- 2. Navigate to your Library and locate Helldivers 2. Right-click on the game.
- 3. Select the “Manage” option from the dropdown menu.
- 4. Click on “Uninstall” and confirm your choice if prompted.
- 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
- 6. After the uninstallation is finished, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
- 7. Relaunch Steam and proceed to reinstall Helldivers 2, preferably on a different drive if possible.
- 8. Once the installation is complete, start the game and verify if the issue persists.
This step-by-step approach should help you resolve any lingering problems with the game.
12. Contact Support
Finally, it’s important to reach out to Steam Support or PlayStation Support for assistance through their forums.
You may also consider submitting a support ticket regarding the issue to facilitate a more thorough investigation. This will enable the developers to look into the matter and work towards an effective resolution.
We hope you found this guide useful. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.