Error fix
A Fatal Error dialog right as Deadlock starts almost always means a mod no longer matches the game, usually a HUD mod after a patch. The exact message tells you which kind.
Fatal Error: Unable to load layout file
Match the text in the error dialog.
Why: An outdated HUD or UI mod replaces interface files that a patch changed.
Fix: Disable HUD and UI mods, launch, and turn them back on once updated.
Why: A HUD mod references an interface element the patch renamed or removed. KothCashInMeter and similar names are the same problem.
Fix: Disable HUD mods until their authors publish a fix.
Why: A damaged or half-downloaded file, usually a .vpk.
Fix: Remove and reinstall recently added mods. If it still crashes without mods, verify game files in Steam.
Why: gameinfo.gi is missing or was edited into an invalid state.
Fix: Verify game files in Steam, then Launch modded so the app re-adds the mod paths.
Why: A config file in a mod, or a hand-edited gameinfo.gi, has a syntax error.
Fix: Disable recently added mods. If you edited gameinfo.gi by hand, paste it into the KeyValues parser to find the broken line.
Open the KeyValues parserIf Launch without mods also crashes, the problem is in the game files rather than a mod. In Steam, right-click Deadlock, open Properties > Installed Files and choose Verify integrity of game files. Your mods stay installed, and the app re-applies them the next time you launch modded.
For mods that stopped working without a crash, see Deadlock mods not working after an update. Ask on Discord to find out which mods broke with the latest patch.
An outdated HUD or UI mod. These mods replace Panorama layout files, and when a Deadlock patch changes the interface, the old files no longer match. Disable your HUD and UI mods, launch, and re-enable them once they're updated.
The same way. A HUD mod still points to an interface element that Valve renamed or removed, such as IdolCashInMeter or KothCashInMeter. Disable HUD mods until their authors release an update.
The game hit a damaged or incomplete file while reading, most often a .vpk that didn't finish downloading. Remove and reinstall your most recent mods, and verify Deadlock's files in Steam if it happens with mods disabled.
gameinfo.gi is missing or was edited into an invalid state. Verify integrity of game files in Steam to restore it, then use Launch modded in Deadlock Mod Manager to add the mod paths back correctly.
Use Launch without mods to confirm the game starts clean. Then disable half of your mods, launch modded, and keep halving the group that crashes until one mod is left.
Launch with or without mods in one click, see which mods have updates, and toggle them without touching the game folder.