How to Fix “Could not load CitizenGame.dll or [name].dll” Error in FiveM

The “Could not load CitizenGame.dll or [name].dll” error in FiveM occurs when an anti-virus client has removed critical game files or when these files have become corrupted. This error prevents FiveM from launching properly and impacts the gameplay experience.

Symptoms

Users encountering this error may experience the following symptoms:

• Could not load CitizenGame.dll
• Could not load [name].dll
• Error loading component [name].dll

Solutions

To resolve the “Could not load CitizenGame.dll or [name].dll” error, follow these step-by-step solutions:

1. Temporarily Disable Your Anti-Virus Software

1. Locate the anti-virus software icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom-right corner of the screen).
2. Right-click on the icon and look for an option to temporarily disable or pause the protection.
3. Choose the appropriate duration for disabling the anti-virus software. This may vary based on the software you are using.
4. Launch FiveM to see if the error persists.

2. Repair Your FiveM Install

1. Close the FiveM client and any related processes. Open the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and ensure there are no FiveM processes running.
2. Go to the Control Panel on your computer.
3. Click on “Programs” or “Programs and Features,” depending on your Windows version.
4. Locate “FiveM” in the list of installed programs and select it.
5. Click on “Repair” or “Modify” and follow the on-screen instructions to repair the installation.
6. After the repair process is complete, relaunch FiveM to check if the error is resolved.

3. Delete the %localappdata%/FiveM/FiveM Application Data/caches.xml File

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialogue.
2. Type %localappdata% and press Enter. This will take you to the local app data folder.
3. Navigate to the “FiveM” folder.
4. Locate the “FiveM Application Data” folder and open it.
5. Look for the “caches.xml” file and delete it.
6. Restart FiveM and check if the error is fixed.

4. Update FiveM

1. Ensure you have the latest version of FiveM installed. Visit the official FiveM website to download any available updates.
2. Install the update and restart your computer.
3. Launch FiveM to see if the error has been resolved.

5. Check for Windows Updates

1. Go to the Windows Start menu and open “Settings.”
2. Click on “Update & Security.”
3. Click on “Check for updates.”
4. If updates are available, download and install them.
5. Restart your computer and relaunch FiveM to check if the error is fixed.

Conclusion

The “Could not load CitizenGame.dll or [name].dll” error in FiveM can be frustrating, but it is usually caused by anti-virus software removing critical game files or by corruption. By following the step-by-step solutions outlined above, you can resolve the issue and get back to enjoying your FiveM gameplay experience. Remember to re-enable your anti-virus software after completing the troubleshooting process to ensure the security of your system. Additionally, keeping your game and system software updated is essential to prevent such errors in the future. Happy gaming