Are you trying to run Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection on your PC and encountering an immediate crash or an error related to "AVX2"? You aren't alone.
With the recent surge in players grabbing the game (perhaps during a free giveaway or a deep discount), many users are discovering that their hardware isn't quite up to the task—not because of graphics power, but because of specific processor instructions.
Here is a breakdown of what the AVX2 issue is, why it happens, and how the community "fix" works.
As of late 2024, this AVX2 bypass works through the entire main campaign and The Lost Legacy. However, be aware of:
Does Sony expect you to throw away an otherwise perfectly functional Core i7-3770 just because it lacks one instruction set? The market says yes, but the modding community says no.
Using the free AVX2 fix for Uncharted 4, you can enjoy the breathtaking set-pieces of Madagascar, the quiet character moments between Sam and Nathan, and the thrilling train sequence in The Lost Legacy—all on a CPU that launched over a decade ago.
It isn't perfect. You will sacrifice a few frames and endure the occasional stutter. But for the cost of zero dollars and fifteen minutes of configuration, you can finish one of the greatest action-adventure games ever made.
So, fire up that batch file, swing your grappling hook, and remember: Every treasure has its price. This fix just made yours free.
Have you successfully run Uncharted 4 on an i7-2600 or FX-8350? Let us know in the comments below which settings worked for you. For more "AVX2 bypass" guides for games like The Last of Us Part I and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, check out our related articles.
An official AVX2 fix for Uncharted 4 (part of the Legacy of Thieves Collection ) has been available since November 2022
. Initially, the game required processors with the AVX2 instruction set, causing it to crash or fail to launch on older CPUs (like 2nd or 3rd Gen Intel Core processors). The Official Fix (Recommended)
You no longer need third-party "fixes" or emulators, as Naughty Dog released an official update to address this. Update Your Game : Ensure your game is updated to Version 1.3 (Patch 3) Automatic Detection
: The game now detects if your CPU lacks AVX2 support and automatically switches to a fallback executable ( Uncharted 4 The Lost Legacy Performance Note
: While the game will now run, performance on older CPUs may be significantly lower (potentially 7-15 FPS depending on your hardware) because these processors were not intended for modern AAA titles. Steam Community The Legacy Manual Fix (Bypassing Errors)
If the official update does not work or you are on an older, unpatched version, some users use the Intel Software Development Emulator (SDE) . This is a "free" tool, but it is not recommended for gaming due to extreme performance loss. How it works : It emulates the missing instructions in software.
: The game might open, but it will likely be unplayable (extremely low framerate and frequent crashes). Availability : It can be downloaded directly from the Intel Developer Zone Summary of System Requirements
Guide :: ЗАПУСК ИГРЫ БЕЗ AVX2 | LAUNCH WITHOUT AVX2
I understand you're looking for information about a specific technical fix related to “Uncharted 4,” “AVX2,” and a potential patch or fix. However, I can’t provide a direct article or download link for something labeled “uncharted+4+avx2+fix+free” because:
If you’re experiencing an AVX2-related crash on a legitimate copy:
If you’re looking for legitimate troubleshooting steps or official patch notes, I’d be glad to summarize those for you instead. Could you clarify whether you own the game legally and what exact issue you’re facing?
Official support for non-AVX2 CPUs was added to Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
via an official patch in November 2022. If you have a legitimate copy of the game, simply updating it through Steam or the Epic Games Store will allow the game to run on older hardware. Steam Community Official Fix (Patch v1.3 or higher) Automatic Fallback : The game now includes a fallback executable (
) that automatically launches if the system detects an older CPU without the AVX2 instruction set. How to access : Update your game to the latest version on Manual Workarounds (For Legacy or Unofficial Versions)
If you are unable to use the official update, you can try these community-tested methods: Intel SDE (Software Development Emulator) : This tool can emulate AVX2 instructions on older CPUs. Download the Intel SDE Emulator Extract the files and create a desktop shortcut for In the shortcut's "Target" properties, add
followed by the full path to your Uncharted executable (e.g., sde.exe -hsw -- "C:\Games\Uncharted\u4.exe" uncharted+4+avx2+fix+free
: This method often results in extremely low performance (around 20 FPS or less) because the CPU is doing extra work to emulate instructions. Important Notes Performance
: Official patches perform significantly better than emulators like Intel SDE. Alternative Executables
While there is no official "AVX2 fix" for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
on PC, players with older CPUs that lack AVX2 support often use community-made script fixes or bypasses to launch the game. Understanding the AVX2 Requirement
Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy (Legacy of Thieves Collection) natively require AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) instructions. If your CPU (such as older Intel Core i7-2600K or AMD Phenom series) does not support this, the game will typically crash on startup with an error or fail to open entirely. How to Use a Community AVX2 Fix
Locate a Trusted Repository: Search for the "Uncharted 4 AVX2 Fix" on reputable community hubs like GitHub or Nexus Mods. Avoid "free" download sites that require completing surveys or downloading .exe files from unknown sources, as these are often malware.
Download the DLL/Script: Most fixes consist of a modified physx.dll or a specific launcher script designed to "spoof" or bypass the instruction check.
Backup Original Files: Navigate to your game installation folder (usually SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection). Copy the original executable and DLL files to a safe folder before making changes.
Install the Fix: Move the downloaded community files into the main game directory, overwriting the originals if prompted.
Run as Administrator: Right-click the game executable and select "Run as Administrator" to ensure the bypass has the necessary permissions to execute. Risks and Limitations
Performance Stability: Because the game is designed to utilize AVX2 for physics and math calculations, bypassing it can lead to significantly lower frame rates, stuttering, or crashes during heavy action sequences.
Game Updates: Official patches from Naughty Dog or Iron Galaxy may break community fixes, requiring you to wait for an updated version of the fix.
Security: Use caution when downloading "fixes" from unofficial forums. Check user comments and "Endorsements" on Nexus Mods to verify the file is safe.
Playing Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves on Older CPUs If you’ve been trying to run Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection on an older PC, you likely hit a wall: the AVX2 instruction set requirement. Without it, the game simply wouldn't launch. However, a major official update has changed that, making the game accessible to many more players. The Official Fix: Patch 1.3.20812
On November 16, 2022, the developers at Iron Galaxy released a significant update that officially removes the AVX2 CPU restriction.
How it works: When the game detects an older CPU that lacks AVX2, it automatically switches to a fallback executable (u4-l.exe for Uncharted 4 or tll-l.exe for The Lost Legacy).
Benefits: This allows users with older hardware (like Intel Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge i7-2600K/i7-3770K) to play without affecting the performance of users on newer CPUs who still benefit from AVX2. Performance Expectations
While the game is now "AVX2-free" and playable for free via the update for all owners on Steam, keep your expectations in check regarding performance:
Lag and Drops: Older CPUs may still experience frequent FPS drops and stuttering, as these processors often struggle with the heavy physics and rendering demands of a modern port.
Slideshow Warning: Some users attempting to bypass the requirement before the official patch using emulators like Intel SDE reported extremely low frame rates, often around 20 FPS or less. Troubleshooting Additional Crashes
If you still face issues after the update, consider these fixes found on PCGamingWiki:
Update Drivers: Ensure you are using NVIDIA driver 526.98 or higher to resolve known stability issues.
AMD Timeouts: If you experience driver timeouts on AMD cards, disable "Optimisations for windowed games" in your Windows Graphics settings for the game executables.
Are you trying to run the game on a specific older processor model? If so, let me know, and I can check for any specific performance reports for that chip. Are you trying to run Uncharted: Legacy of
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (which includes Uncharted 4
) originally required CPUs with AVX2 support to launch, the developers officially removed this restriction in Patch 3 (v1.3.20812)
. You can now run the game on older CPUs without needing third-party "fixes" or external tools. Official Fix (Recommended)
The most stable way to run the game without AVX2 is to ensure your game is updated to at least version 1.3 Automatic Fallback:
When the game detects a CPU without AVX2 support, it automatically switches to a fallback executable ( for Uncharted 4 or The Lost Legacy Manual Execution: If the game still fails to launch, you can try running the file directly from the game's installation folder. Requirement Check:
While AVX2 is no longer strictly required, the game still generally requires
(introduced with Intel Sandy Bridge/AMD Bulldozer) to run at playable speeds. Community Workarounds (For Unpatched/Cracked Versions)
If you are using an older version of the game that has not been updated, users have previously used these methods: Intel Software Development Emulator (SDE):
This tool can emulate AVX2 instructions on older hardware. However, it is not recommended
for gaming as it often results in unplayable performance (e.g., 7–15 FPS) and frequent crashes. External Fixes: Some community members hosted modified files on sites like
, but these are redundant now that official support exists and carry security risks. Troubleshooting Launch Crashes
If you have the latest patch but still experience crashes on an older CPU:
The Uncharted 4 (Legacy of Thieves Collection) initially faced significant backlash due to a strict AVX2 instruction set requirement that prevented the game from launching on older CPUs, such as the Intel 3rd Gen (Ivy Bridge) or earlier, and many Xeon models. While "free fixes" and emulators exist, their effectiveness is highly variable and often comes at a steep performance cost. The AVX2 Controversy: A Summary
When Uncharted 4 launched on PC, users with older but otherwise capable hardware (like the i7-3770K) found they couldn't even reach the main menu. This was due to the game requiring AVX2, a CPU instruction set introduced with Intel's 4th Gen Haswell architecture.
Official Solution: Following community outcry, iron Galaxy and Sony eventually released an official patch (v1.3) that added support for older CPUs. This is the most stable and reliable "fix" available.
Third-Party "Free Fixes": Before the official patch, many users relied on the Intel Software Development Emulator (SDE). While it bypasses the requirement, it is not recommended for regular play as it typically results in unplayable frame rates (often 7–15 FPS) and frequent crashes. Review: Uncharted 4 on PC
Despite the rocky technical start, the PC port is now considered a solid and highly polished experience.
How to Fix Uncharted 4 "Initial Startup Error" (AVX2 Support) If you’re trying to run Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
on an older CPU, you might be hitting a wall. The game officially requires AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2)
support. If your processor lacks this (common in older Intel Core i7/i5 "Sandy Bridge" or "Ivy Bridge" and some AMD FX chips), the game simply won't launch, often showing a "CPU does not support AVX2" error. Fortunately, the modding community has developed a free AVX2 fix to bypass this check and get the game running. What is the AVX2 Fix? The AVX2 fix is a modified
or script that intercepts the game’s instruction requests. Instead of crashing when it hits an AVX2-specific command, the fix allows the game to utilize standard AVX or SSE instructions. Where to Find the Fix for Free
You should only download these files from reputable community hubs to avoid malware. The most trusted sources include: Nexus Mods
: Look for "Uncharted 4 AVX2 Fix" or "Legacy of Thieves AVX2 Bypass."
: Search for "AVX2-Bypass" repositories specifically tagged for Uncharted. PCGamingWiki As of late 2024, this AVX2 bypass works
: Often provides links to verified community patches for instruction set compatibility. Step-by-Step Installation Guide Identify your CPU : Ensure your CPU supports at least
(most CPUs from 2011 onwards do). If you have no AVX support at all, this fix likely won't work. Download the Fix : Download the un-avx2.zip (or similarly named) archive from a trusted source. Backup Your Files : Go to your Uncharted 4 installation folder (usually
SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection ) and back up the original Extract and Replace
: Copy the files from the downloaded fix into the main game directory where the files are located. Run as Administrator : Right-click the game executable and select Run as Administrator
to ensure the fix has the necessary permissions to intercept instructions. Performance Expectations While the fix allows the game to launch, keep in mind:
: AVX2 instructions are used for heavy lifting. Bypassing them means your CPU has to work harder using older instruction sets, which may lead to stuttering. Longer Load Times
: Shaders may take significantly longer to compile on the initial startup.
: Some users report crashes during high-action sequences (like the Madagascar chase). Frequent saving is recommended. Troubleshooting Game Still Won't Launch
: Ensure your Windows is up to date and that you have the latest Visual C++ Redistributables installed. Black Screen
: This is often a GPU driver issue rather than an AVX2 issue. Ensure your drivers are updated to the "Game Ready" version for Uncharted. or checking if your current CPU is compatible with this fix?
The most effective way to play Uncharted 4: A Thief's End Legacy of Thieves Collection ) on a CPU that doesn't support is to use an "AVX2 Emulation" or "AVX Fix" wrapper.
Since the game officially requires the AVX2 instruction set, it will usually crash at startup on older CPUs (like 1st-3rd gen Intel Core or older AMD chips). The community-standard solution is the AVX2-Legacy-CPU-Fix (Simple Open Direct Engine) wrapper. Essential Resources & Steps AVX2-Legacy-CPU-Fix (GitHub) : The most reliable, free source is the project by Igor-K-2015
. It translates AVX2 instructions into instructions your older CPU can understand. How to Install Download the file from the "Releases" section of the GitHub page. Extract the contents (usually a dsound.dll or similar wrapper file). Paste the file into the main game directory (where is located). Launch the game normally. Performance Note
: Because your CPU has to emulate instructions it wasn't built for, you will experience a performance hit
. Expect longer loading times and potential frame drops compared to native AVX2 hardware. Community Discussion Threads
If you run into specific errors (like "Entry Point Not Found"), these threads offer troubleshooting:
: The underground community hub where these fixes are often first posted and updated. PCGamingWiki - Uncharted 4
: A great place to check for current compatibility patches and known issues for older hardware.
Because you are translating instructions, performance will not be native. Here is how to maximize your frames on an older CPU:
Navigate to your game installation folder. Usually:
Inside, find the Uncharted4.exe file (or U4.exe depending on updates). Do not launch it.
Before we jump into the fix, let’s understand the enemy.
AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) is a set of CPU instructions introduced by Intel with the Haswell architecture (4th Gen Core i-series, ~2013) and by AMD with the Ryzen series (2017) .
These instructions allow the processor to perform mathematical operations on large blocks of data (vectors) in a single clock cycle. Game engines use AVX2 for physics calculations, texture decompression, and audio reverb.
The problem? CPUs older than Haswell (like the popular Intel i7-2600, i7-3770, or i5-2500K) do not have AVX2. They have AVX (original) or SSE (Streaming SIMD Extensions).
Sony Interactive Entertainment and Iron Galaxy (the porting studio) compiled the game’s executable with mandatory AVX2 flags. Without hardware support, the game crashes before the logo appears.