Fix Cities Skylines 2 Launcher Settings Error “Invalid Game Settings”

An error with the launcher settings for Cities Skylines 2 prevents it from starting up. Players sometimes receive a message about an invalid game setting or launcher setting. The launcher error usually appears as a very lengthy prompt: “We were unable to parse the launcher settings.” Well, that’s the reason why we are here. In this article, we will explain to you some of the easiest tricks using which you can easily resolve the Cities Skylines 2 Launcher Settings error “Invalid Game Settings.”

How to Fix Cities Skylines 2 ‘Invalid Game Settings’ Error

There are issues with the Paradox launcher that lead to ‘Invalid Game Settings’ errors in Cities Skylines 2. When this error occurs, you will receive different messages, including “Launcher not found! You will receive messages such as “bootstrapper error” or “bootstrap error.” If so, there are options that you can try to move forward.

Fix 1: Reinstall the Paradox Launcher

There are times when an ‘Invalid Game Settings’ error occurs when the Paradox launcher becomes corrupted. To fix the problem, follow these steps:

• Go to your computer’s Control Panel.
• Afterward, select “Add or Remove Programs” or “Programs and Features.”
• Thereafter, in the list of installed programs, look for “Paradox Launcher”.
• It is necessary to uninstall the Paradox Launcher.
• Afterward, launch Cities Skylines 2 from your Steam library. It should prompt you to install the launcher after discovering you’ve uninstalled it.
• To reinstall Paradox, follow the installation instructions.
• Using Steam, launch Cities Skylines 2 once the launcher is installed.

Fix 2: Repair the Paradox Launcher

If you haven’t been able to resolve the issue after reinstalling the launcher, you can try repairing it. To get started, follow these steps:

• You can find Cities Skylines 2’s launcher in the Steam library under “…/SteamLibrary/steamapps/common/Cities Skylines II/Launcher.”
• Run the file “launcher-installer-windows_2023.11.msi”.
• Select “Repair” from the installation menu.
• When the repair process is complete, reopen the game via Steam.

Fix 3: Install Another Paradox Game, Then Try Again

If you are experiencing launcher issues, try installing another Paradox game. Here are the steps:

• You can later uninstall any Paradox game you don’t want in your Steam library.
• Launch the Paradox launcher from the newly installed game after installation.
• Make sure the launcher is updated or installed correctly through this new game.
• Once the launcher has been verified to work, launch Cities Skylines 2 again.

Fix 4: Make Sure Steam.exe And The Game’s .exe File Are On The Allowed List

Windows Defender-Ransomware and your antivirus program should allow steam.exe and the game’s .exe file. Paradox Launcher for Windows and Paradox Launcher for Mac may be blocked by antivirus programs occasionally. If this is the case, you must include steam.exe and the game’s .exe file on both your antivirus and Windows Defender-Ransomware allowed list.