⚙️ ☵ Hiraeth Startup Error – Universal Steam Fix (works for other games too)

[p]A few days ago I received a report from a long‑time player — Victor Van Doos, currently with around 100 hours in Hiraeth – thank you again! ːss2heartː
Today the same issue appeared on my own machine, and fortunately I managed to find a reliable fix.[/p][p]The build is fine. The error appeared suddenly, without any game update, and the game files themselves are correct.[/p][p][/p][h2]Cause[/h2][p]A recent Windows update, a Steam issue, or something related to Steam’s download/cache system.[/p][p][/p][h2]Symptoms[/h2]

[p]Hiraeth cannot get past the loading screen[/p]
[p]If it does start, the screen may stutter heavily and/or the keyboard stops working (mouse may partially respond)[/p]
[p]Steam file verification does not fix the issue[/p]

[p][/p][h3]THIS IS NOT CAUSED BY THE GAME, YOUR SYSTEM, OR YOUR HARDWARE[/h3][p][/p]

Quick and Effective Fix

[p]Open File Explorer and go to:[/p]
```
%localappdata%\\Hiraeth\\
```
[p](Optional) Copy the SaveGames folder somewhere safe. It’s your choice — and a big vehicle update requiring new saves is coming soon anyway.[/p]
[p]Uninstall Hiraeth from Steam.[/p]
[p]Delete the entire Hiraeth folder from:[/p]
```
%localappdata%
```
[p]In Steam: Steam → Settings → Downloads → Clear Download Cache[/p]
[p]Reinstall Hiraeth on Steam.[/p]
[p](Optional) Restore your saves by copying your backup back into:[/p]
```
%localappdata%\\Hiraeth\\Saved\\SaveGames\\
```
[p]At minimum, you can restore NVideo.sav and UserSettings.sav to bring back your settings.[/p][p][/p]

[h2]This fix also works for other Steam games[/h2][p]If you encounter similar issues in other games — stuttering on startup, missing input, or the game refusing to load despite correct files — you can apply the same steps. Just replace:[/p]

%localappdata%\\Hiraeth\\

[p]with the corresponding folder for that game, for example:[/p]

%localappdata%\\GameName\\

[p]The combination of clearing Steam’s download cache and removing corrupted config files solves a wide range of Steam‑related startup problems.[/p][p][/p][h2]After applying these steps, the game runs perfectly![/h2][p][/p][p]I’m sorry for the inconvenience — as you’ll see, the issue appeared independently of the game itself, most likely due to a Windows update or a Steam cache error. I didn’t report this to Steam because, although their support usually responds quickly, I wanted to find a fast solution for everyone.[/p][p][/p][h2]Warm regards,[/h2][p]Paweł[/p]