Knowing the primary cause of this error, it is still advisable to begin by restarting the computer. Restarting helps to clear the RAM and restart background services, addressing bugs and issues that contribute to the error.
1. Run another game before RDR2
Several users have reported that running another game, such as Minecraft or Roblox, before Red Dead Redemption 2, has resolved this error. It is therefore recommended to try this potential solution.
2. Sign in to Rockstar Games Launcher with the “Remember me” option
The error message suggests that your social club account lacks the necessary permissions to play the game, potentially due to issues with authentication details such as social club account cookies in the AppData folder. To address this, you could create new sign-in cookies by signing out of your social club account and then signing back in with the “Remember me” option checked. After doing so, attempt to run Red Dead Redemption 2 to see if the activation error persists.
3. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Program
Third-party antivirus software can block programs perceived as using excessive system resources. Given that Red Dead Redemption 2 demands considerable CPU, GPU, and RAM capacity, your antivirus might block the game’s executable file to reduce resource usage. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software may resolve the issue. For Avast antivirus, follow these steps. Steps for other antivirus software may vary.
4. Change the DNS server
Since the error message includes Verify your internet connection, it may also arise from internet connectivity issues. To troubleshoot, begin by changing your DNS server. DNS transforms human-readable domain names into IP addresses, facilitating connections to the correct server. A problematic DNS server can cause the activation error with Red Dead Redemption 2. Switching to a more reliable DNS server, such as Google’s, can help. Here are the steps:
5. Use a VPN
A VPN service can help determine whether a network issue is causing the problem. VPNs reroute your network connection to a server. If a routing issue from your ISP is present, using a VPN may offer a different route and IP address. Choose a suitable VPN by consulting our guide on VPNs for Gaming and Streaming.
6. Verify the Integrity of Game Files
Corruption in game files may also trigger the activation error. To rectify this, verify the integrity of game files to replace corrupted files by downloading fresh copies from the server. These steps apply to Steam. Users of other game launchers will find similar procedures.
7. Contact Rockstar Games Support
If you continue to encounter the activation error after verifying game files, contact Rockstar Games support. Many users have successfully resolved this issue with their assistance. The steps to reach support are as follows:
8. Reinstall the Game
As you wait for a response from Rockstar Games, consider reinstalling the game to see if it resolves the issue. Steps may differ based on your game launcher:
