Heartopia is one of the biggest early game hits of 2026. Yet, there are some players who’ve reported they can’t play Heartopia because of startup issues. For example, one of those players said this on Reddit, “I installed Heartopia on Steam, but whenever I launch it, there is only a white screen.” Some players also report Heartopia getting stuck on loading screens. This is how you can fix Heartopia not launching on a Windows PC.
Set a DirectX 11 Launch Option for Heartopia
First, try setting a Direct X 11 launch option to fix Heartopia not launching, which some players confirm can kick-start that game. Applying this possible resolution will configure Heartopia to utilize the DirectX 11 API. You can set a DirectX 11 launch option for the Heartopia game like this:
- Run the Steam software and open its Library tab.
- Right-click the Heartopia game to select Properties.
- Enter -dx11 into the text box for launch options on the General tab.
The -dx11 launch option in Steam
Start Heartopia From its Installation Folder With Administrator Rights
Some players confirm that running the game from its installation directory with admin rights set can fix Heartopia not launching. Setting admin rights for Heartopia will ensure the game can access everything it needs. This is how you can set elevated privileges for the Heartopia game:
- Go into File Explorer and open the Program Files (x86) > Steam > steamapps > common > Heartopia folder.
- Next, right-click the xdt EXE game file for Heartopia and select Properties > Compatibility.
- Select Run this program as an administrator by clicking on the checkbox for that setting.
The Run this program as an administrator option
- Click Apply to save the settings you’ve applied.
- Double-click the xdt.exe game file to run it.
Repair the Heartopia Game Files
Try repairing the game files for Heartopia to fix the game not launching. One way you can do that is to select Steam’s Verify option for Heartopia. This page on Steam’s site provides guidelines for selecting the Verify Integrity option.
Alternatively, try selecting Repairs in the launcher window to fix Heartopia not launching. Heartopia’s launcher window has a Repairs option that might come in handy for troubleshooting startup issues. Click Repairs > Confirm to select that troubleshooting option within the Heartopia launcher window.
The Repairs option in the Heartopia launcher
Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
To ensure antivirus shields aren’t causing Heartopia startup issues, try disabling them before starting the game. The Real-time protection section on this Microsoft page tells you how users can turn off the Windows antivirus. Try starting the game with that Real-time protection option disabled.
If this way to fix Heartopia not launching works for you, you’ll know the antivirus shield was causing the issue. I recommend turning the Real-time protection option back on after playing the game. You can also create an antivirus exclusion for the Heartopia game as outlined within the Exclusions part of Microsoft’s Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App page.
The Real-time protection option
Update Your GPU’s Graphical Driver
If Heartopia shows a black or white screen when you start it, you might need to update your PC’s graphics driver. This is one of the more standard troubleshooting methods you can apply in a few ways. This KeenGamer guide explains how you can update graphics drivers.
The NVIDIA graphics driver download page
Reinstall Heartopia
The last resort potential way to fix Heartopia not launching, is to reinstall the game. Applying this troubleshooting method refreshes Heartopia’s files. You can uninstall and reinstall Heartopia like this:
- Start Steam and click Library in its window.
- Right-click Heartopia to select Manage and Uninstall.
- Select Uninstall again to confirm.
Steam’s Uninstall option
- Next, click Install for the uninstalled Heartopia game in the Library tab.
- Select Install to proceed with reinstalling the software.
Other Possible Ways to Fix Heartopia Not Launching
If Heartopia still doesn’t start, there are more troubleshooting methods you can try applying. Here are some additional suggestions for kicking off that game:
- Disable overlays in software that include them, such as Steam, Discord, and the NVIDIA App.
- Add Heartopia to the exclusion list for Windows Defender Firewall (or other alternatives).
- Select the High Performance GPU Preference setting for Heartopia.
- Close the Afterburner, Razer Synapse, MSI Dragon Center, Hwinfo, and Rivatuner apps before running Heartopia.
I hope once you fix Heartopia, not launch with a troubleshooting method above. Nothing is guaranteed, but the potential resolutions covered here have worked for some players who’ve applied them. You can also ask the Heartopia support service for more possible fixes with the en*****@**.com email address.
