How to Fix Persona 3 Reload Not Starting or Crashing Problem?

When Persona 3 Reload fails to launch or crashes, it often leaves players unable to start or continue their game, reflecting a breakdown in the game’s execution or its compatibility with the system. This error commonly stems from issues such as outdated system drivers, incompatibility with system specifications, and conflicts with other software running on the computer.

These issues frequently arise from a mismatch between the game’s requirements and the user’s system configuration, as well as potential software conflicts, particularly with antivirus programs or outdated drivers.

However, such problems can also emerge from issues with explorer.exe. It’s somewhat rare, but crashes due to explorer.exe have been noted. While these are primarily the causes, other factors such as corrupted game files and high graphics settings can lead to similar issues.

Having discussed the causes, let us now focus on the solutions to resolve this issue.

1. Reinstall the GPU drivers using DDU

Typically, GPU drivers are uninstalled via the device manager. In this instance, however, we will use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU), an application designed to entirely remove drivers without leaving behind any residual files.

Since GPU driver issues can cause this problem, it’s recommended to uninstall the GPU drivers with DDU before reinstalling them.

1. Download the Display Driver Uninstaller using the provided link.
2. After downloading, extract the file using WinRar or 7zip.
   
3. Boot into safe mode by following the steps outlined in the linked article.
4. Open the extracted DDU folder and execute the DDU v18.0.7.2 7zip file.
5. Click Extract and open the folder that appears.
   
6. Launch the Display Driver Uninstaller application.
   
7. Select the GPU and its brand from the right panel.
8. Click on Clean and Restart.
9. Subsequently, restart your PC to exit safe mode.
10. Go to your GPU manufacturer’s website, download, and install the latest driver available.
    
11. Finally, restart your computer again and check if the issue has been resolved.

2. Close Explorer.exe while playing Persona 3 Reload

For some users, a problem with Explorer.exe causes Persona 3 Reload to crash. This issue is similar to a past one with Forza Horizon on Game Pass, where terminating the explorer.exe process was necessary for crash-free gameplay.

Creating a batch file can automate the process of ending and restarting the explorer.exe when you launch or close Persona 3 Reload.

1. Press the Win key, type NotePad, and run it as administrator by right-clicking on it and selecting the appropriate option.
   
2. In Notepad, paste the following script:

   @echo off
   START explorer.exe shell:AppsFolder\SEGAofAmericaInc.L0cb6b3aea_s751p9cej88mt!AppPersona3ReloadShipping
   TIMEOUT /T 70 /NOBREAK
   taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
   :LOOP
   TASKLIST | FIND /I "P3R" >nul 2>&1
   IF ERRORLEVEL 1 (
   GOTO CONTINUE
   ) ELSE (
   ECHO Persona 5 Reload is running
   TIMEOUT /T 5
   GOTO LOOP
   )
   :CONTINUE
   START explorer.exe
   EXIT

   

3. Save the script by pressing Ctrl + S.
4. When saving, make sure to add .bat at the end of the filename.
   
5. Run the batch file, then launch Persona 3 Reload to see if the issue is resolved.

3. Run the game on an integrated GPU

Since Persona 3 Reload is not exceptionally demanding, it may be beneficial to run it on an integrated GPU. However, reinstalling the GPU driver is still recommended as it could resolve crashing or launch issues. If you have already done this, you can attempt running Persona 3 Reload on an integrated GPU.

1. Press the Win key, type Graphics Settings, and press Enter.
   
2. Click Browse and navigate to the installation folder of Persona 3 Reload.
   
3. Find the path P3R > Binaries > Win64.
4. Select the executable file for P3R and click on Add.
   
5. With the game added, select Persona 3 Reload and click Options.
6. Choose Power Saving and click Save.
   
7. If using the Xbox app, select Microsoft Store app from custom options and click Browse.
   
8. Select Persona 3 Reload from the list and repeat steps 5 and 6.
9. Launch Persona 3 Reload to see if the problem persists.

4. Switch to Window Mode or Borderless Screen

If the game launches without issues, consider switching to Window Mode or Borderless Fullscreen.

These modes are similar but different in that fullscreen mode takes up the entire screen, while borderless fullscreen or window mode does not. This distinction can sometimes resolve crashes or launching issues. Hence, it is advisable to try this before attempting other fixes.

1. Access Config > Display Settings.
   
2. Lower the resolution if set to 4k, recommending 1920×1080.
3. Set the screen mode to Window or Borderless Fullscreen.
   
4. Save the settings and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Disconnect Your Second Monitor

Some users with dual monitors have encountered this issue. If you have two monitors, disconnect one, change your screen mode to Window or Borderless Fullscreen, then reconnect the monitor and try playing the game again.

6. Run Persona 3 Reload as an Administrator

Running a program with administrative privileges can prevent conflicts with the Windows antivirus program, which sometimes blocks the program from running and causes crashes or launching issues. Here is how to execute Persona 3 Reload with administrative rights:

1. Launch Steam and head to your Library.
2. Right-click on Persona 3 Reload, go to Manage, and then select Browse Local Files.
   
3. Inside the folder, find the P3R > Binaries > Win64 path.
4. Right-click on the executable file, then select Properties.
   
5. In the Compatibility tab, check Run this program as an administrator.
6. Click Apply, then OK to finalize the settings.
   
7. Launch the game to see if the issue has been remedied.

7. Run the Game with -dx11 Through Launch Options

Utilizing the -dx11 launch option might prevent game crashes as sometimes the latest DirectX versions or other APIs can cause instability. Adjusting launch options in this way forces the game to load with specific settings before reading any other configuration files.

7.1 For Steam Users

1. In Steam, go to Library.
2. Right-click on Persona 3 Reload and select Properties.
   
3. In the Launch Options section, type the -dx11 command.
   
4. Try launching the game to see if the issue still occurs.

7.2 For Non-Steam Users

1. Find the directory where Persona 3 Reload is installed.
2. Right-click on the executable file, then select Properties.
   
3. Add -dx11 at the end of the target field.
   
4. Click Apply and then OK.
5. Launch the game to verify whether the issue has been resolved.

8. Verify the Game Files

If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to consider verifying the game files. This can help fix problems caused by file corruption which might be the root of persisting issues.

8.1 For Steam

1. Launch Steam and go to the Library section.
2. Right-click on Persona 3 Reload and choose Properties.
   
3. Go to the Local Files tab and click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
   
4. After the verification process completes, try launching the game to see if the issue has been resolved.

8.2 For Xbox App

1. Open the Xbox app, find Persona 3 Reload, and select Manage.
   
2. Select the Files tab and click on Verify and Repair.
   
3. Once the repair process is complete, launch the game to check for the issue.