As of November 18, 2024, the 2K Launcher has been removed from every game that used it on
Epic and Steam. Additionally, we also removed the “2K Launcher Beta”, a completely separate
launcher, from Sid Meier’s Civilization V.
On November 25, a follow-up update was sent out via Steam to make sure the 2K Launcher was fully removed. You may notice the 2KLauncher folder was replaced with a text file called 2kLauncherRemoved.txt. This file isn’t needed, and you can safely delete it!
To remove the remaining files, you can find the guide on how to get clear of them all here: [2K Launcher] Removing 2K Launcher Files
This change impacts each of the games differently, with varying degrees of complexity, so here
are a few quick things to know:
Removing the Launcher
We've done the heavy lifting, but to take it all the way home there might be one step left for you. First thing is to try closing and reopening Steam - that means completely closing and not just using the X to minimize the platform. Rebooting your PC is a good way to be sure it happened. For Epic, just make sure you've downloaded the most recent update for the game.
Click Play and Go!
Bioshock Remastered, Bioshock 2 Remastered, Bioshock Infinite, The Quarry, and Marvel’s Midnight Suns will now all launch directly into the game as soon as you click Play.
Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition
The Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition games on Steam and the Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition games on Epic will each have slightly different paths to getting into the games. Please see our [MAFIA: TRILOGY] 2K Launcher Sunset and Removal for more information.
Civilization VI
Civilization VI on Steam had the launcher removed earlier this year, so no additional steps are needed.
In the case of Civilization VI for Epic, it now directly opens into the game when launched from Epic. The version opened by default is the DirectX 11 version. If you would like to play the DirectX 12 version of the game instead, please see our [Civilization VI] 2K Launcher Sunset for instructions on how to open that version at launch instead.
Civilization V
Civilization V now uses the Steam Launch options to open the game. The order is the same as was present in the previous Launcher, so the default (top) option is “Play Sid Meier’s Civilization V (DirectX 9)”, followed by “Play Sid Meier’s Civilization V (DirectX 10/11)”, and “Play Sid Meier’s Civilization V (Touch)”. As with all Steam games that have launch options, the desktop shortcut will always open the default option, in this case the DirectX 9 version. For more details we have the [Civilization V] Launcher Removal ready for you!
XCOM 2
XCOM 2 for Steam is a special case, as the launcher included Mod support functionality. You
can read more about this on our [XCOM 2] 2K Launcher Sunset and Removal.
Of note, these changes will let you enable mods on the Steam Deck!
XCOM 2 on Epic will now open the Original XCOM 2 Mod Launcher, detailed in the linked article above.
XCOM: Chimera Squad
XCOM: Chimera Squad also has the Mod launcher as optional, with a secondary option available to directly launch the game. Mods are also available on Steam Deck for Chimera Squad as well, but please see our [XCOM: Chimera Squad] 2K Launcher Sunset and Removal article for some important information.
FAQ
Q: Why is the 2K Launcher still opening when I launch the game on Steam? I thought you said you removed it?
A: If you are not seeing the updated launch flow, a simple restart of Steam will resolve the issue. Sometimes changes in launch options are only applied the next time Steam itself is opened. Turning it off and on again legitimately works here - just make sure you are fully closing Steam and not just minimizing it.
Q: Why don’t I see these Steam launch options when I use my Desktop Shortcut?
A: Steam will always open whatever the top launch option on the Steam Launch Option list is when launching a game from a Desktop shortcut, even if you have selected one of the other options as your preferred option. This is how Steam Desktop Shortcuts currently function. If you prefer to use one of the other options, you will need to launch the game through Steam itself rather than the game’s Desktop Shortcut.
Q: Does this mean you uninstalled the 2K Launcher from my PC?
A: The 2K Launcher files may still be present on your computer. If you'd like to delete them, please see our [2K Launcher] Removing 2K Launcher Files article.
Q: Will this impact my game’s save files?
A: No, your saved games shouldn’t be impacted by this change.
Q: I’ve been bypassing the 2K Launcher, will this impact me?
A: Technically no, this wouldn’t impact you and your game will continue to run like before. Since the command you’re using will now be unnecessary, you can continue to use that launch option or remove it entirely.
Q: Will I lose access to any of my games?
A: No, so long as you purchased the game on Steam or Epic, you’ll continue to have access to it on that platform.
Q: I’m still having the same issues in my game as when I was using the 2K Launcher, why aren’t my issues fixed?
A: Since this update only removed the 2K Launcher and adjusted launch flows, this means the issue you’re experiencing was unrelated. In this case, we recommend you submit a support ticket.
Q: Can I still use the 2K Launcher if I want to?
A: We currently have no plans to allow an optional 2K Launcher setting, but we appreciate your interest.