Many players of Wuthering Waves have encountered that frustrating moment when the launcher freezes on the 'Verifying File Integrity' screen. Isn't it annoying when you're all set for an epic adventure, only to be held back by a technical glitch? Even in 2025, after the game's initial release in 2024, this issue can still pop up due to ongoing updates or system quirks. Players on PC or Steam Deck often report it getting stuck for hours, wasting precious waveplates and gaming time. But don't worry—several reliable fixes exist, based on proven methods from the game's early days, and they're still relevant today. Kuro Games has been rolling out frequent patches, but some users might face this hiccup with new content drops. So, let's dive into practical solutions to get you back into the action swiftly and smoothly.
🤔 Is It Really Stuck or Just a Visual Glitch?
Sometimes, that 'Verifying File Integrity' message might not be frozen—it could be a visual error! Imagine the progress bar stuck at a certain percentage, but in reality, the process is humming along in the background. How can you tell? Well, the easiest fix is to simply wait it out. Give it at least an hour, even if your PC isn't the speediest. This patience trick works more often than you'd think, as many players have discovered. If it resolves itself, great! But if it remains stuck after that, it's time to move on to other strategies. Here's a quick reminder: always ensure your system meets the latest game requirements in 2025 to avoid such delays.

💻 PC-Specific Solutions: Tweak Those Priorities
For PC gamers, one effective method involves using the Task Manager to boost priority settings. Why does this work? It allocates more system resources to the launcher, helping it push through the verification bottleneck. Follow these steps carefully:
-
Open Task Manager by pressing
Ctrl + Alt + Del, then switch to the Details tab using the menu icon (those three horizontal lines). -
Locate the files
KRInstallExternal.exeandlauncher.exe—they're usually listed close together. -
Right-click on
KRInstallExternal.exe, hover over 'Set Priority', and select 'High'. Confirm any prompts that pop up. -
Repeat the same process for
launcher.exe. -
Let the launcher run for a few minutes to see if it unsticks. If not, try restarting your system as a quick follow-up.
This method has saved countless players from endless loading screens. Remember, in 2025, keeping your drivers updated can prevent such issues—so check for GPU or OS updates regularly!

🔄 The Classic Restart Trick
Ever heard the saying, 'Turn it off and on again'? It's not just a meme—it's a legit fix! If the priority tweak doesn't work, force-close the launcher and restart it. Here’s how:
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Open the Windows taskbar, right-click on
launcher.exe, and select 'End Task' to shut it down completely. -
Then, reboot your PC or Steam Deck and launch Wuthering Waves afresh. This simple step can clear temporary glitches and get things moving again. Players often overlook this, but in the fast-paced world of 2025 gaming, a quick restart can be a lifesaver. Plus, it only takes a minute to try!
⏳ When All Else Fails: Wait for Patches
What if none of the above methods help? Don't panic—Kuro Games is known for their rapid response. Since 2024, they've been patching Wuthering Waves almost daily to squash bugs like this. In 2025, with the game more stable, such issues are rarer, but they can still arise from server-side problems or major updates. How do you handle it? Close the game, check official forums or social media for outage announcements, and give it a few hours. Often, the developers deploy a fix before you know it. Patience is key, and you'll be diving back into the starting cutscene in no time!

🚀 Pro Tips for a Smoother Experience in 2025
To wrap up, let's summarize the best practices to avoid this error altogether. Isn't it better to prevent headaches than fix them? Here's a handy table comparing the solutions and their success rates based on player feedback from 2024 to now:
| Solution Method | Estimated Time | Success Rate | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wait at least 1 hour | 60+ minutes | High (80%) | For visual glitches or slow PCs |
| Set priority in Task Manager | 5-10 minutes | Medium (70%) | When stuck on PC |
| Restart launcher/PC | 2-5 minutes | High (85%) | Quick fix after minor glitches |
| Wait for game patch | Varies | High (90%) | For server or update issues |
Additionally, consider these preventative steps in 2025:
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✅ Regularly verify game files through the launcher options to catch errors early.
-
✅ Update your OS and drivers monthly—new patches often optimize performance.
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✅ Monitor Kuro Games' announcements; they're proactive about fixes.
By following these tips, you'll minimize downtime and maximize your fun. After all, who wouldn't want uninterrupted adventures in the ever-evolving world of Wuthering Waves? 😊