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 removes critical game files or they become corrupted. This prevents the FiveM client from launching properly, leading to various error messages.

Symptoms

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

Solutions

Follow these step-by-step solutions to fix the “Could not load CitizenGame.dll or [name].dll” error in FiveM:

1. Temporarily Disable Your Anti-Virus Software

1. Locate your anti-virus software in the system tray or taskbar.
2. Right-click on the anti-virus icon and look for options related to “disable” or “turn off protection.”
3. Temporarily disable the real-time protection or the entire anti-virus suite.
4. Confirm any prompts to proceed.

2. Repair Your FiveM Install

1. Close the FiveM client if it’s currently running.
2. Go to the Control Panel on your computer.
3. Click on “Programs” or “Programs and Features.”
4. Find FiveM in the list of installed programs.
5. Right-click on FiveM and select “Repair” or “Modify.”
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.

3. Ensure All FiveM Processes Are Closed

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Windows Task Manager.
2. Look for any FiveM-related processes in the “Processes” or “Details” tab.
3. If you find any, select them and click “End Task” or “End Process.”

4. Delete the %localappdata%/FiveM/FiveM Application Data/caches.xml file

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue.
2. Type %localappdata% and press Enter. This will take you to the Local AppData folder.
3. Navigate to the “FiveM” folder.
4. Open the “FiveM Application Data” folder.
5. Locate the “caches.xml” file and delete it.

5. Try to Launch the FiveM Client Again

1. Re-enable your anti-virus software if you previously disabled it.
2. Launch the FiveM client from the shortcut or the installation directory.
3. If the error persists, try restarting your computer and launching FiveM again.

Additional Tips

• Make sure to add FiveM to your anti-virus software’s exceptions list to prevent it from flagging essential game files as threats.
• Check for any pending updates for your anti-virus software and install them, as updates may resolve compatibility issues.
• If the error continues despite trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to the FiveM community forums or support channels for further assistance.

Conclusion

The “Could not load CitizenGame.dll or [name].dll” error in FiveM can be frustrating, but by following these step-by-step solutions, you can resolve the issue and get back to enjoying your GTA V multiplayer experience. Remember to re-enable your anti-virus software after making the necessary changes, and consider adding FiveM to the exceptions list to avoid future conflicts. With these fixes, you should be able to launch FiveM smoothly and join your favourite custom servers without any hassle