How to Fix Bloodborne ‘Game Install Incomplete’ Error

In the early part of Bloodborne, you might see the message “Game Install Incomplete” when you try to open important doors in Central Yharnam. This stops you from moving forward in the game. This error means that the game is not fully installed or the system does not see all the game files. Because of this, some important areas and items stay locked.

The main reason is usually because the game is only partly installed, or some files are damaged. This often happens if you try to play before the installation is finished. Other reasons can include problems with the console’s memory or not having the latest game updates.

1. Update the Game via the Dashboard

This problem is most often caused when Bloodborne is not running the latest version, or when an update is still installing in the background.

There’s also a specific issue with the GOTY disc version, where the game does not display any indication when it’s installing an update.

If you think this applies to you, you should ensure that the game is updated to the latest version. To do this, go to the main dashboard of your PS4, select Bloodborne, then press the Options button and choose Check for Update from the menu.

Note: Make sure the game is completely closed before doing this. Updating the game is much faster when it’s not running.

After forcing your console to check for updates, let your PlayStation idle for about an hour. This extra time ensures that any background installations can finish—even if Bloodborne’s update progress isn’t shown on the dashboard.

Although there isn’t an official statement on why this happens with the GOTY Edition disc of Bloodborne, some users suggest it’s simply due to poor coding from the game developers.

2. Power Cycle Your Console

If the ‘Game Install Incomplete. Cannot load save data’ error still isn’t resolved after updating and waiting, you might be dealing with a temporary system glitch or corruption.

Often, this issue is caused by corrupted temporary files created during the Bloodborne installation. In this case, you should try power cycling your PlayStation 4.

Note: Power cycling your console will clear out any temporary data stored between shutdowns and can resolve many minor software problems. It also helps discharge the power capacitors, which can fix some firmware issues.

1. Make sure your console is fully turned off (not in rest mode).
2. Hold down the power button on the console for 10 seconds, until you hear the fans turn off.

   

3. Once you hear the second beep, release the power button.
4. After the console has shut down, unplug the power cable from the wall outlet and wait for at least 30 seconds. This ensures the power capacitors are completely drained.
5. Plug the console back in, turn it on, and let it boot up fully.
6. Try launching Bloodborne again to check if the error is resolved.

3. Create a New Character

If the above methods didn’t help and you’re still facing the ‘Game Install Incomplete. Cannot load save data’ error when loading a saved game, there’s another workaround you can try.

You can often bypass the error by creating a new character in Bloodborne, watching the opening cutscene, and playing until you reach the first bonfire (lantern). After you light the first lantern, go back to the main menu, and try loading your original saved game.

4. Restore the Licenses

If you continue to see the ‘Game Install Incomplete. Cannot load save data’ error, it’s possible there is a licensing problem. Other players have reported that restoring licenses on their console resolved the issue. This method works on all PlayStation 4 models (standard, Slim, and PS4 Pro).

1. From your PS4 home screen, go to the top menu and select Settings.

   

2. Scroll down and select Account Management, then press the X button.

   

3. In the Account Management menu, choose Restore Licenses.

   

4. At the confirmation prompt, select Restore and wait for the process to finish.

   

5. Once the operation is complete, restart your console and check to see if the error is resolved.