2K Launcher Is Officially Gone, Making Game Launching Seamless on Steam and Epic
PC gamers rejoice the much-maligned 2K Launcher has been permanently removed! Now, you can launch popular titles like BioShock Remastered, Civilization VI, and XCOM 2 directly from Steam or the Epic Games Store, eliminating the frustrations that came with the launcher, including performance issues.
While the removal improves usability, some games require a few additional steps for a seamless transition. Here's a breakdown:
For Steam Users:
Completely close Steam (not just minimize).
Reboot your PC to ensure no lingering processes are active.
Restart Steam and click Play to launch your game directly.
For Epic Games Store Users:
Ensure you've installed the latest updates for your games.
Click Play, and your favorite 2K games will now launch directly.
Game-Specific Changes
Bioshock Series & The Quarry:Launch directly with no extra steps needed on both Steam and Epic.
Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition: Launching differs slightly between Steam and Epic. Detailed instructions are provided on the 2K support page for optimal setup.
Civilization VI:
Steam: The launcher was removed earlier this year. No additional steps required.
Epic: Launches directly into the DirectX 11 version by default. For DirectX 12, follow 2K's guide for setup.
Civilization V: Uses Steam’s built-in launch options. Default is DirectX 9 unless manually changed. Desktop shortcuts will always launch the default option.
XCOM 2: On Steam, the Original XCOM 2 Mod Launcher replaces the 2K launcher, preserving mod support. This update enables mods even on the Steam Deck.
XCOM: Chimera Squad Features a mod-enabled launcher option alongside a direct game-launch alternative. Mod support is also available for Steam Deck users.
What This Means for Gamers
By eliminating the 2K Launcher, players can enjoy smoother performance, faster game startups, and a more direct path to their favorite titles. With mod functionality retained and even enhanced for Steam Deck, this is a significant quality-of-life improvement for the PC gaming community.
Are you thrilled about the 2K Launcher’s removal? How has it affected your gaming experience? Let us know in the comments below!
