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[Civilization VI] 2K Launcher Sunset and Removal

BY Fairy Punchfather

PUBLISHED:

UPDATED:

Feedback matters to us, and we’ve heard you loud and clear! As of August 14, the 2K Launcher has been removed from Civilization VI on Steam. Additionally, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII will not use the 2K Launcher.

For more information regarding the sunset of the 2K Launcher for all relevant titles, please check out our main 2K Launcher Complete Sunset article.


What does this mean?

With the removal of the 2K Launcher, the launch flow for Civilization VI will be a little different depending on your distribution platform. So, we've put together some information to ensure you're launching using your preferred settings!


Launching from Steam

You’ll now be able to select Dx11 and Dx12 directly from the Steam Launch Options menu after you click “Play” for Civilization VI on Steam. Steam also allows you to select “Always use this option”, so you can even reduce this to a single click of the Play button on Steam to launch the game. No more extra steps!

One thing to note, Steam desktop shortcuts always launch using the default (top) option on any Steam Launch Options list. This means the game will always open the DirectX 12 version if you launch using a Desktop Shortcut, even if you set DirectX 11 as your preferred option. If you want to launch the DirectX 11 version, you will need to launch the game directly from the Steam Client.

If you’re not seeing the options while launching from Steam and want to change your preferred version, this can be adjusted in the game’s Properties menu on the general tab. Either right click on the game in Steam or select the gear on the game’s library page in Steam and select “Properties” and you'll be able to make the changes there. From here, you're all set!


Launching from Epic

Civilization VI on Epic will now always open the DirectX 11 version of the game. If you prefer to run the DirectX 12 version of the game, you will need to add a specific command to the game’s launch options. To do this, please follow the instructions below:

  1. Right Click on the game in the Epic Library
    • Alternatively, click the three dots that appear next to the game's name in the Epic Library.
  2. Select "Manage" 
  3. Toggle the "Launch Options" to On
  4. Enter the text "-dx12" without quotations
  5. Close the Manage window and then launch the game.

Now the game will launch with the DirectX 12 version!