Uncharted 4 Avx2 Fix New
The official "fix" for the AVX2 requirement in UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection (which includes Uncharted 4
) was released by developers Naughty Dog and Iron Galaxy in Version 1.3.20812 on November 16, 2022. Official Solution
The update automatically detects your hardware and uses a "fallback" executable if your CPU does not support AVX2. Version: v1.3.20812 or newer Mechanic: The game switches to u4-l.exe Uncharted 4
) or tll-l.exe (for The Lost Legacy) to allow the game to launch on older CPUs.
How to get it: Update the game via Steam or Epic Games Store. If the game doesn't update automatically, you can verify game files on Steam to trigger the download. Alternative Workarounds
If you are unable to use the official patch (e.g., if you are on an even older CPU that also lacks standard AVX instructions), the community has documented these unofficial methods:
Intel Software Development Emulator (SDE): Some users have successfully used the Intel SDE to emulate missing instructions, though this typically results in extremely poor performance.
Community Patches: Third-party fixes were initially shared on platforms like Reddit and CS.RIN.RU before the official update was released, but these are now largely obsolete due to the official support. Technical Context
Original Requirement: At launch, the game strictly required AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2), which effectively locked out CPUs older than Intel Haswell (4th Gen) or AMD Ryzen.
Minimum Specs: The official PlayStation UK site lists the Intel i5-4430 as the minimum CPU, which natively supports AVX2. Uncharted 4 Avx2 Fix New
Uncharted 4 (Legacy of Thieves Collection) AVX2 requirement was a major hurdle for players with older CPUs (like Intel Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge), initially preventing the game from launching. The Official Fix: Patch 1.3 (v 1.3.20812) On November 16, 2022, developers Iron Galaxy
released a significant update that officially added support for non-AVX2 CPUs. Removal of Restriction
: The patch removed the hard CPU restriction, allowing the game to boot on processors that only support AVX1 (such as the i7-2600K or i7-3770). How it Works
: Discussions suggest the requirement was likely a compiler-level setting rather than a fundamental reliance on the instruction set. The fix involved providing an executable compiled without the AVX2 mandate. Other Improvements
: This same patch included camera fixes for mouse users and improved behavior while strafing in windowed mode. Why was it controversial?
The "AVX2 fix" sparked intense community debate for several reasons: Efficiency vs. Accessibility uncharted 4 avx2 fix new
: AVX2 instructions act as "accelerators" for math functions. While removing the requirement makes the game accessible, users on older hardware may still experience lower frame rates or stuttering. Legacy Hardware Viability
: Many players pointed out that while their CPUs were "old," they still possessed enough raw power to run modern titles like Elden Ring Spider-Man
, making the Uncharted lockout feel like a "sloppy developer oversight". Unofficial Workarounds
: Before the official patch, the community attempted "fixes" using tools like Intel Software Development Emulator (SDE). However, these resulted in unplayable performance, often hovering between 7–15 FPS. Performance Expectations for Older CPUs
While the game now launches, performance on non-AVX2 hardware varies:
As of recent official updates, you may no longer need a third-party "fix" for AVX2. Naughty Dog released Patch 1.3 (v1.3.20812) specifically to add support for older CPUs that lack the AVX2 instruction set. 1. Update the Game (Recommended)
The most stable way to play on an older CPU is to update to the latest official version.
Official Patch: Ensure your game is updated to at least Version 1.3.20812 or later.
The "i" Executable: Look in your game's installation folder for an executable named u4-i.exe (or similar). This version of the executable is often flagged to run without strict AVX2 requirements and may offer a smoother experience on older hardware. 2. Manual Workarounds (If Official Patch Fails)
If you are still experiencing crashes on an older system, you can use a hardware emulator or specific compatibility tweaks: Intel SDE (Software Development Emulator): Download the Intel SDE (external link). Extract it into your game folder. Create a shortcut for sde.exe and edit its Properties.
In the Target field, add the following after the file path: -hsw -- "C:\Path\To\Game\u4.exe".Note: This emulates a Haswell-era CPU. Performance will likely be much lower (potentially 7–15 FPS). Compatibility Settings: Right-click the game's main executable (u4.exe). Select Properties > Compatibility.
Check Disable Fullscreen Optimizations and Run as Administrator. 3. Troubleshooting Performance
Shader Compilation: On older CPUs, shader compilation will take a significant amount of time. Let it reach 100% on the main menu before starting the game to prevent crashes and heavy stuttering.
Driver Updates: Ensure you are using the latest drivers for your GPU from NVIDIA or AMD.
Are you using a Steam or Epic Games version of the collection, and which CPU model are you currently running? The official "fix" for the AVX2 requirement in
Uncharted Legacy of Thieves collection - startup crash [FIXED]
This is a deep guide on fixing the AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) crash in Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (specifically Uncharted 4) on PC.
This issue typically occurs because the game's executable requires a CPU instruction set (AVX2) that older CPUs (like 1st/2nd/3rd Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 or older AMD Phenom/FX processors) do not support. When the game hits this instruction, it crashes instantly, usually at the "Loading" screen or startup.
Here is the comprehensive guide to the AVX Fix.
Potential issues after applying fix
| Problem | Solution | |--------|----------| | Crash on launch | Run as admin, disable antivirus temporarily | | Lower FPS | Emulation overhead – reduce graphics | | Missing textures / glitches | Try a different patch version | | Anti-cheat errors | Offline mode only |
Method 1: Replace the game executable (most common)
- Download the patched
uncharted4.exefrom a trusted source (e.g., community discord, CS.RIN.RU thread). - Backup your original
.exe(in the game’s install folder). - Replace the original with the patched one.
- Run the game as admin (optional but helps).
1. Hardware Upgrade
The most straightforward solution is to upgrade your CPU to one that supports AVX2. This ensures compatibility with Uncharted 4 and future-proofing for other games and applications.
What is AVX2? Why Does Uncharted 4 Require It?
Before diving into the fix, it is vital to understand the enemy.
AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) is an instruction set introduced by Intel with the Haswell architecture (2013) and later by AMD with the Excavator architecture (2015). These instructions allow the CPU to perform mathematical operations on large vectors (multiple pieces of data) in a single clock cycle. Game engines love AVX2 for physics calculations, environmental decompression, and shader compilation.
Uncharted 4, being a port of a PlayStation 4 game, was compiled with AVX2 support enabled by default. The PS4’s CPU (Jaguar) does not actually support AVX2, but the PC port’s compiler (likely Clang or MSVC) assumed a modern x86-64 CPU.
Consequently, if you try to run the game on a CPU lacking AVX2 (e.g., Intel Core i7-2600K, i7-3770K, i5-2500K, or AMD Ryzen 1000 series with specific microcode issues), the CPU encounters an Invalid Opcode Exception (#UD). The game crashes before the main menu.
What is the AVX2 issue in Uncharted 4?
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (PC) requires AVX2 support.
- CPUs without AVX2 (e.g., Intel 2nd–4th Gen like i7-3770, i5-2500; some AMD FX and early Ryzen?) crash on launch or fail to load.
- Error examples: “This application requires AVX2” or instant crash.
✅ Most modern CPUs (Intel 6th Gen+ / AMD Ryzen 2000+ or newer) support AVX2.
❌ Old Intel Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge, Haswell (some early), and some AMD pre-Ryzen lack AVX2.
The Verdict: Is the New Uncharted 4 AVX2 Fix Worth It?
Absolutely—provided you adjust expectations.
The Uncharted 4 AVX2 fix new (v3.2) transforms the game from a crashing, unplayable mess into a genuinely enjoyable single-player experience on CPUs like the legendary i7-2600K or i5-3570K. You will not hit 144 FPS. You will not use Ultra textures. But you will experience Nathan Drake’s final chapter—the explosive escape from the prison, the emotional closure with Elena, and the pirate treasure of Libertalia—all on hardware that is over a decade old.
For the tinkerer, the retro-PC enthusiast, or the gamer waiting out the GPU shortage, this is a triumph of reverse engineering. The days of staring at a silent crash are over. Apply the fix, lower your settings, and sail into the sunset.
Final tip: Bookmark the GitHub repository. The developer, RedlineDrifter, has hinted at a v4.0 that will include AVX2 to AVX1 translation for even older Bulldozer-era AMD CPUs. Until then, this new fix remains the gold standard. Potential issues after applying fix | Problem |
I notice you're asking about an "AVX2 fix" for Uncharted 4 on PC.
Here's the direct, honest answer:
There is no legitimate "AVX2 fix" that enables Uncharted 4 to run on CPUs lacking AVX2 instructions.
Method 2: Intel SDE (Software Development Emulator)
Best for: Users who cannot find a pre-modded executable or want a "cleaner" method that doesn't permanently alter game files.
Intel SDE is an official tool by Intel that intercepts CPU instructions and emulates them. This is often more stable than a hacked executable but is slightly more complex to set up.
Step 1: Download Intel SDE
- Go to the Intel website and search for "Intel Software Development Emulator (SDE)".
- Download the version for Windows.
Step 2: Prepare the SDE
- Extract the downloaded archive (e.g.,
sde-external-9.xx.x-win.tar.bz2). You will need a tool like 7-Zip. - Navigate inside the extracted folder until you find
sde.exe.
Step 3: Locate the Game Executable
- Find your
Uncharted4.exepath as described in Method 1 (e.g.,D:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection\Uncharted4\Uncharted4.exe).
Step 4: Create a Batch Script Instead of typing commands every time, create a launch script.
-
Right-click on your Desktop -> New -> Text Document.
-
Open the text document and paste the following line:
"C:\Path\To\sde.exe" -avx -- "D:\Path\To\Uncharted4.exe"(Replace
C:\Path\To\sde.exewith the actual location of your sde.exe andD:\Path\To\Uncharted4.exewith your game's location. Keep the quote marks if there are spaces in the path.)Note: The
-avxflag tells the emulator specifically to handle AVX instructions, which helps performance. -
Save the file as
Launch_Uncharted4.bat(ensure you change "Save as type" to "All Files").
Step 5: Play
- Double-click the
.batfile you created. A command prompt window will open, the game will launch, and SDE will translate the AVX2 instructions in real-time.
Before applying any fix – verify your CPU actually lacks AVX2
- Download CPU-Z or HWiNFO.
- Look under “Instructions” → AVX2 absent.
- If present, update drivers/BIOS instead – you don’t need the fix.
