- Gaming and consoles
- PC games and launchers
LS-0013
Epic Games LS-0013 on PC: game is unable to launch
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
The Epic Games Launcher could not start the game (LS-0013). Epic says to start by verifying the game files from the Library and, if it persists, clearing the launcher cache.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Create an exception for the game rather than leaving antivirus or parental controls off: Epic only mentions them as a temporary test.
Safe checks you can perform
- Verify game files
- Launcher cache, system and permissions
- Antivirus, firewall and background apps
- Game version and router parental controls
- Reinstall launcher and game
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Epic Games support with the steps done
- Do not attempt this professional task: Game developer support
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Epic Games support with the steps done
What they doIf LS-0013 persists after verifying, clearing the cache, checking security and reinstalling, Epic support reviews the case with the game and the steps ruled out.
They must show youthe case number and their diagnosis.
In writingthe game, the system version and the steps already tried.
Game developer support
What they doConfirms whether your game version (alpha, beta or press) is still playable or whether the fault is in the game itself or its third party launcher.
They must show youwhether the version is supported.
In writingtheir answer and the version you should install.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Verify game files
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- in the Epic Games Launcher go to Library, open the game's menu and choose to verify files; wait for it to finish and launch the game again.
- Result that matters:
- whether verification downloads or repairs files and the game starts.
- If it starts:
- files were missing or corrupted.
- If LS-0013 stays:
- files are ruled out; clear the launcher cache.
- Evidence to keep:
- a screenshot of the finished verification.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
Launcher cache, system and permissions
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- clear the launcher cache using Epic's article, update Windows or macOS and open the launcher with right-click > Run as administrator. If the game uses another launcher (Uplay, Rockstar), run that as administrator too.
- Result that matters:
- after which step the game launches again.
- If it starts after clearing the cache:
- the cache was corrupted. If it starts as administrator: it was a permissions issue.
- If nothing changes:
- move on to antivirus, firewall and background programs.
- Evidence to keep:
- which step fixed the error, with the date.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
Antivirus, firewall and background apps
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- close background applications and add the game as an exception in your antivirus and firewall (Windows Security with its guide; other antivirus with its maker's help). Flush the Windows DNS cache with Epic's article.
- Result that matters:
- whether the game starts with the exception in place.
- If it starts:
- PC security was blocking the game's connection; keep the exception, do not switch protection off.
- If it stays:
- check the game version and network parental controls.
- Evidence to keep:
- a screenshot of the exception created in the antivirus.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
Game version and router parental controls
- Who:
- you (or whoever manages the router).
- How:
- confirm you are not using an alpha, beta or press version. If you have parental controls or a blocklist on your Wi-Fi or router, turn it off temporarily and test.
- Result that matters:
- whether the game starts without the network block or on a current version.
- If it starts without parental controls:
- that filter was blocking Epic Games; adjust it rather than leaving it off.
- If the version is no longer supported:
- the case is for the game's developer.
- Evidence to keep:
- the game version type and the router setting you changed.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
Reinstall launcher and game
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- reinstall the Epic Games Launcher with Epic's article. If it persists, close the launcher, delete the game folder in the install path (default C:\Program Files\Epic Games) and reinstall from the launcher, optionally on another drive.
- Result that matters:
- whether a clean install launches without LS-0013.
- If it launches:
- the previous install was corrupted.
- If it stays with all done:
- contact Epic Games support.
- Evidence to keep:
- the reinstall date and the drive used.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Gaming and consoles
- Brand
- Epic Games
- Product type
- PC games and launchers
Known code variants
- código de error LS-0013
- Epic Games LS-0013
- error LS-0013
- Game is unable to launch
- LS0013
- No se puede iniciar el juego
What it means
Epic Games shows LS-0013 when a game cannot be launched from the launcher. Epic lists possible causes: missing or corrupted game files, a corrupted launcher cache, an outdated operating system, permissions, background programs, an antivirus or firewall blocking the game, a third party launcher (such as Uplay or Rockstar), alpha, beta or press versions no longer supported and network parental controls. The code does not say which one it is.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
Create an exception for the game rather than leaving antivirus or parental controls off: Epic only mentions them as a temporary test.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Missing or corrupted game filesCommon
It is the first thing Epic asks you to check. It is confirmed if verifying files repairs something and the game starts.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
- Corrupted launcher cachePossible
Epic says a corrupted cache can stop games launching. You can tell because several games are affected and clearing it fixes them.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
- Antivirus, firewall or parental controlsPossible
They can block the game from connecting to the internet depending on configuration. Suspect them if the error began after a PC or router security change.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
- Third party launcher or unplayable versionPossible
Games that use Uplay or Rockstar need that launcher with permissions, and alpha, beta or press versions may no longer work.
Evidence: LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
Virtual technician
Does LS-0013 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
LS-0013: Game is unable to launch
Epic Games · 2026 · official_doc
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