How to Fix the ‘Corrupt Game Data’ Error in GTA V

When you see the error message “Corrupt game data. Please reboot, verify the game data, or reinstall the game”, it indicates that GTA V has detected integrity issues with its game files. This typically occurs when:

• Critical game files are missing or damaged (often due to sudden system crashes or improper shutdowns).
• Game updates are interrupted (from unstable internet connections or power outages).
• The initial installation did not complete properly (especially if disk space ran out during installation).
• Modifications were made to game files (including third-party mods or plugins that alter core game data).

This error serves as a protective measure—Rockstar’s system prevents the game from running with compromised files to avoid potential crashes or save file corruption.

Now that you understand the potential causes, let’s walk through the troubleshooting steps to fix this error.

1. Delete the “pc_settings.bin” File

The pc_settings.bin file contains all your in-game settings and preferences. When this file becomes corrupted (often due to unexpected crashes or improper game closures), it can cause startup failures or data verification errors. By deleting this file:

• The game will automatically generate a fresh, uncorrupted version when launched.
• Your settings will reset to default (you can reconfigure them afterward).

1. Exit GTA V completely.
2. Right-click Rockstar Launcher in the system tray → Exit.
3. Check Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to ensure no Rockstar processes remain.
4. Navigate to the settings folder:
   Documents → Rockstar Games → GTA V → Profiles → [Your Profile]
5. Find pc_settings.bin.
6. Hold Shift + Right-click → Delete (permanent removal).

   Note: The game will create a fresh settings file when relaunched.

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated, corrupted, or missing graphics drivers are a common cause of game errors. These drivers act as translators between your hardware and games—when they malfunction, games may misinterpret graphical data or fail to load assets properly.

So, updating to the latest drivers can help ensure your drivers are neither outdated nor corrupted, potentially resolving any related errors.

For NVIDIA Graphics Drivers

1. Visit NVIDIA’s Driver Download page and enter your GPU model and operating system in the Manual Driver Search section. Click Search.
2. Locate the most recent driver version (typically the first result) and click Download.
3. On the next page, click Download again to save the installer.
4. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
5. After installation, restart your computer and check if the game launches properly.

For AMD Graphics Drivers

1. Go to AMD’s Driver Support page and enter your GPU details under Search or Browse Drivers and Support by Product. Click Submit.
2. Select your version of Windows from the list.
3. Find the driver with the most recent Release Date and click its Download button.
4. Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.
5. Restart your system after installation and test if the error persists.

3. Verify Game Files

Like every other game or driver, the game files of GTA V can become corrupted or unreadable over time. This can happen due to interrupted downloads, system crashes, or antivirus interference. Verifying the game files allows Steam to scan your game’s installation files, identify any missing or corrupted files, and attempt to repair or re-download them.

1. Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
2. Right-click on GTA V in your library and select Properties.
3. In the Properties window, select Local Files from the left-side menu.
4. Click Verify integrity of game files… to begin the scan.
5. Steam will now compare your game files with the official versions and automatically:
   • Identify any missing or corrupted files.
   • Download necessary replacements.
   • Repair damaged files.
6. After completion, restart Steam and check if the issue persists.

4. Reinstall the Game

If nothing seems to work, your best option is to reinstall the entire game. Sometimes, persistent file corruption, conflicts from previous updates, or a faulty installation can cause issues that no other fixes can resolve. Reinstalling GTA V will completely remove all problematic files and replace them with fresh, default game files.

1. Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
2. Right-click on GTA V in your game list and select Manage.
3. From the dropdown menu, choose Uninstall.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Uninstall when prompted.

Delete Remaining Game Files

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type %localappdata% and press Enter to open the Local AppData folder.
3. Locate and select the Rockstar Games folder.
4. Right-click the folder and choose Delete to remove all residual files.
5. After completing these steps, restart your computer before reinstalling the game fresh.