When you’re all set to play Escape from Tarkov and suddenly get hit with a “Files are corrupted” error, it’s incredibly frustrating. This issue is common with the Steam version of the game, and the fix usually involves resetting your launcher connection and making sure your account is synced correctly.
In this guide, we’ll walk through every step clearly — from downloading the official launcher to linking it with your Steam installation — so you can get back to your game without confusion.
Let’s begin.
🔐 1. Log In to the Official Escape from Tarkov Website
Before we change anything on your PC, we first need to verify that your Battlestate Games (BSG) account is working correctly. The game checks account details through the launcher, so even if you’re playing through Steam, logging in once on the official site helps reset missing credentials.
Why this step matters
The corruption error often happens when:
- Your BSG account is not recognized
- Steam cannot sync with Tarkov’s launcher
- Login tokens are outdated
Visiting the official website forces the account system to refresh.
Steps
Let’s move to the actual process:
- Go to the official Escape from Tarkov website:
https://www.escapefromtarkov.com/ - Click Login on the top-right corner.
- Sign in with your registered email.
If you cannot log in because of email issues (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.), you can:
- Use a Gmail account
- Or create a new Gmail account for the game
Once logged in successfully, continue to the next step.
⚙️ 2. Download the Official Tarkov Launcher
After logging in, you’ll need to download the official launcher. Even if you installed Tarkov from Steam, the launcher still plays a crucial role in validating files and linking your account.
Why this step helps
The launcher repairs missing files, syncs account data, and resets any corrupted launcher-related information that Steam sometimes misses.
Steps
Let’s walk through it:
- After logging in, click Profile on the website.
- Go to Settings.
- Open Downloadable Content.
- Find the Escape from Tarkov Launcher download option.
- Click Download.
Once downloaded:
- Double-click the
.exefile - Allow permissions when prompted
- Click Next → Next → Install
- Wait for the installation to finish
Now you have the launcher installed — but don’t start the game from here yet.
🔑 3. Log In to the Launcher (Important!)
After installation, open the official Tarkov launcher.
Why this step matters
The launcher creates:
- Fresh authentication tokens
- Updated file paths
- New game configuration files
Even if it shows “Buy”, don’t panic — this screen appears for Steam users because the launcher cannot detect Steam ownership directly.
Steps
- Open the launcher.
- Log in using the same email you used on the website.
- When you see the Buy option, simply close the launcher.
This login is enough to refresh your account link.
▶️ 4. Launch the Game From Steam (Not the Launcher)
Now return to Steam.
Why Steam launch is required
Steam holds the license for your specific version of Tarkov, meaning official access happens through Steam, not the separate launcher.
Steps
- Open Steam
- Go to your Library
- Select Escape from Tarkov
- Click Play
This time the game should open normally without the corruption error.
You’ll see that the game runs fine because the launcher has already refreshed your credentials behind the scenes.
🔄 5. If the Error Still Appears — Re-Point the Launcher to Steam’s Game Folder
Sometimes the launcher needs to be manually pointed to the Steam installation folder.
Let’s move to this alternative fix.
Steps
- Run the downloaded launcher again
- Click Yes when asked for permission
- When you reach the Browse option:
- Click Browse
- Navigate to your game folder
The default path for Steam installs is usually:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\
Inside common, find the folder:
Escape From Tarkov
or whichever exact game directory name appears.
- Select the folder
- Click Next → Install
- Wait for the installation to complete
- Click Finish
- Log in once again in the launcher
- Close the launcher
- Relaunch the game through Steam
Your game should now start normally.
🎉 6. Game Launch Successful
If everything was done correctly, your game should now launch without any “files are corrupted” warning. The key is ensuring your Steam installation and the official launcher share the same account and file path.
This method resolves the issue for almost all players.
❓ FAQs
1. Why does Tarkov show the “Buy” option in the official launcher?
Steam purchases are not detected directly by the standalone launcher. That “Buy” button is normal. The launcher is only used for authentication — you still play through Steam.
2. Can I uninstall the launcher after fixing the error?
No, keep it installed. Tarkov may need it again for verification.
3. What if the website won’t let me log in?
Use Gmail — it tends to work best with Battlestate’s login system.
4. Does this method delete my game files?
No, this method does NOT delete or reinstall the game. It simply repairs connections.
5. Do I need to reinstall Steam?
No. The fix is entirely launcher/account related.
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