Cyberpunk 2077’s launch in 2020 was marred by a plethora of bugs and performance issues, particularly on consoles. One of the most common errors players have encountered is the message “Cyberpunk 2077 has encountered an error caused by corrupted”. This vague error message is frustrating as it crashes the game without indicating the specific cause.
This article will provide proven solutions to resolve the “encountered an error caused by corrupted” problem in Cyberpunk 2077. The main culprits causing this error include corrupted game files, incompatible mods, graphics driver problems, and Windows system file corruption. By verifying the integrity of game files, removing mods, updating drivers, and repairing system files, you can get Cyberpunk 2077 back up and running smoothly again.
Main Causes of the “Encountered an Error Caused by Corrupted” Message
There are a few key reasons why Cyberpunk 2077 crashes with this corrupted file error message:
Corrupted Game Files
Like any software, Cyberpunk 2077 is susceptible to having its game files become corrupted or go missing. Over time, this can occur due to frequent crashes, interrupted updates, storage drive issues, or other software conflicts. Verifying the integrity of game files through Steam or GoG Galaxy is the best way to check for corruption and automatically re-download any missing or damaged files.
Incompatible or Corrupted Mods
The modding community has helped improve and expand Cyberpunk 2077 in many ways. However, some mods conflict with each other or become corrupted themselves. Too many mods installed at once also tends to destabilize the game. Removing all mods and gradually re-enabling them one by one is a good troubleshooting step. Updating to the latest versions of mods also helps resolve any conflicts.
Graphics Driver Issues
Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers are a common source of game crashes and errors. Using the GeForce Experience app for NVIDIA cards or the AMD Software app for AMD cards is the best way to keep your GPU drivers optimized and up to date for Cyberpunk 2077. Driver conflicts can also occur if you have multiple GPUs installed.
System File Corruption
Corrupted Windows system files can lead to errors in many programs, including games like Cyberpunk 2077. Using the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can scan for and repair corrupted system files that may be causing the error.
Solutions to Fix Cyberpunk 2077 “Encountered an Error Caused by Corrupted”
If you are encountering the corrupted file error in Cyberpunk 2077, try these troubleshooting steps to resolve it:
Verify the Integrity of Game Files
Using the platform tools in Steam or GoG Galaxy to verify the integrity of game files is the best first step. This scan will check for any missing or corrupted game files and automatically re-download them to restore the full game.
- Steam: Right-click Cyberpunk 2077, go to Properties > Local Files tab > Verify Integrity of Game Files
- GoG Galaxy: Click More > Manage Installation > Verify / Repair
Remove or Update Mods
If you have installed mods, temporarily disabling all of them can determine if a mod conflict is responsible. To disable, rename the mods folder or remove all files from it. Test if launching the base unmodded game is now stable. If so, gradually re-enable mods a few at a time, testing stability each time, until you identify any problematic mods.
Also, check NexusMods or other mod sites for any available updates. Updates often include crucial bug fixes and compatibility changes that prevent crashing. Make sure to update mods to the latest versions. Mod managers like Vortex can automate the process.
Update Graphics Drivers
Use the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app or AMD Software (Adrenalin Edition) app to check for and install the latest stable graphics drivers optimized for Cyberpunk 2077. Keeping your GPU drivers up to date will resolve any compatibility issues with the game and fix crashes related to driver problems.
If you have multiple GPUs installed, using only one may help troubleshoot driver conflicts. After updating, restart your PC for changes to take effect.
Run System File Check and DISM
Corrupted Windows system files can lead to general instability and crashes across many games and applications. Running scans with the inbuilt Windows tools System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) can repair the system files required by Cyberpunk 2077:
- SFC Scan: Open Command Prompt as admin and run sfc /scannowto check for corrupt system files and restore from the cache.
- DISM Scan: Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthin Command Prompt to repair the system image.
Reinstall Cyberpunk 2077
If you have tried all other troubleshooting steps but the corrupted error persists, reinstalling the game may be necessary. After uninstalling Cyberpunk 2077, you can reinstall it via Steam, GoG Galaxy, or Epic Games Launcher. This will fully replace all game files that could be damaged. Make sure to save and backup any game saves separately.
Tips to Avoid Corruption and Crashing
Here are some tips to help avoid corruption and stability issues in the first place when playing Cyberpunk 2077:
- Install the game to an SSD rather than an HDD for faster loading and stability.
- Avoid overclocking components like CPU and GPU which can lead to crashes.
- Close background processes and apps when playing to free up RAM and CPU.
- Keep Windows and graphics drivers fully updated for compatibility.
- Use mods sparingly and update them regularly to avoid conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What causes the “Cyberpunk 2077 encountered an error caused by corrupted” message?
A: This error is most often caused by corrupted or missing game files, incompatible mods, outdated graphics drivers, or corrupted Windows system files.
Q: How can I verify the integrity of Cyberpunk 2077 game files?
A: Use the Verify Integrity option in Steam or the Verify/Repair option in GoG Galaxy. This scans for corrupted files and re-downloads any missing or damaged files.
Q: Do mods cause the corrupted error in Cyberpunk 2077?
A: Yes, too many mods or incompatible/corrupted mods can cause crashes with this error message. Disable all mods, test stability, and gradually re-enable one by one to identify problematic mods.
Q: Will updating my graphics drivers fix the corrupted error?
A: Yes, keeping your NVIDIA or AMD graphics drivers up-to-date can resolve crashes related to driver issues. Use GeForce Experience or AMD Software to update.
Q: What system file scan tools can repair the corrupted error?
A: Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM scans in Command Prompt to check for and repair corrupted system files causing crashes.
Q: If nothing else works, what should I do?
A: Try fully uninstalling and reinstalling Cyberpunk 2077 as a last resort, which will completely replace your game files. Make sure to backup saves.
Conclusion
The vague “encountered an error caused by corrupted” message in Cyberpunk 2077 is most often caused by corrupted game files, mod conflicts, driver issues, or Windows system file damage. Verifying and re-downloading game files through Steam or GoG Galaxy should resolve the problem in most cases. Updating graphics drivers, removing unstable mods, and running SFC and DISM scans also help troubleshoot the error. Reinstalling the game may be required if problems persist. Following the optimization tips can help prevent stability issues in the future. With these solutions, you can get back to enjoying everything Night City has to offer.
Mustafa Al Mahmud is the founder and owner of Gizmo Concept, a leading technology news and review site. With over 10 years of experience in the tech industry, Mustafa started Gizmo Concept in 2017 to provide honest, in-depth analysis and insights on the latest gadgets, apps, and tech trends.
A self-proclaimed “tech geek,” Mustafa first developed a passion for technology as a computer science student at the Hi-Tech Institute of Engineering & Technology. After graduation, he worked at several top tech firms leading product development teams and honing his skills as both an engineer and innovator. However, he always dreamed of having his own platform to share his perspectives on the tech world.
With the launch of Gizmo Concept, Mustafa has built an engaged community of tech enthusiasts who look to the site for trusted, informed takes on everything from smartphones to smart homes. Under his leadership, Gizmo Concept has become a top destination for tech reviews, news, and expert commentary.
Outside of running Gizmo Concept, Mustafa is an avid traveler who enjoys experiencing new cultures and tech scenes worldwide. He also serves as a tech advisor and angel investor for several startups. Mustafa holds a B.S. in Computer Science from HIET.