Quick Fix for GUARDS! Crashes & Black Screen: Over 90% of startup crashes, black screens, and missing DLL errors in GUARDS! (7.21) are resolved by installing both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe, restoring quarantined loader DLLs in Windows Security, and running the game executable as Administrator.
Common GUARDS! Errors & Proven Solutions
Quick Game Overview & Verification
Verified 100% Working
GUARDS! Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix is a PC game for Windows. This tested release features v2026 with an estimated download size of 576.05 MB. Pre-installed, DRM-free, verified clean, and ready to play offline with full gamepad support.
Platform
Windows
Build / Version
v2026
Download Size
576.05 MB
File Integrity
SHA-256 Passed
| Issue / Error Message | Root Cause | Step-by-Step Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Crash on Startup / Silent Exit | Missing Visual C++ Runtime or Admin privileges | Install VC++ 2015–2022 (x86 & x64) and enable Run this program as an administrator in Properties → Compatibility. |
| Missing MSVCP140.dll / VCRUNTIME140.dll | Corrupted Microsoft C++ runtime libraries | Reinstall the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package and reboot your PC. |
| missing steam_api64.dll / emp.dll | Windows Defender quarantined the offline loader | Open Windows Security → Protection History, restore the quarantined file, and whitelist the game folder. |
| Black Screen with Audio Playing | Fullscreen resolution or overlay conflict | Press Alt + Enter to switch to windowed mode, disable Discord/GeForce overlays, and update GPU drivers. |
| Controller Not Working | Steam Input or XInput device priority | Add GUARDS! as a Non-Steam Game and enable Steam Input for Xbox/PlayStation/Switch Pro controllers. |
Related Guides: Main Download Page | Installation Guide | System Requirements
About GUARDS!
In a city plagued by chaos and crime, teamwork is your strongest weapon as you navigate the treacherous streets of New Alestead. This action-packed, cooperative game challenges you and your friends to become lethal enforcers, dispensing justice against various ruthless factions. The gameplay loop revolves around strategic planning, stealthy reconnaissance, and improvisation—whether that means using improvised weapons or stealth to take down enemies.
As you face off against the violent Fogtoof Boyz, power-hungry merchants of The Commission, and the zombie-raising Corpse Cult, you'll need to gather intel to tackle each gang’s kingpin, the key to dismantling their operations. Coordination and quick thinking are essential as you engage in chaotic confrontations, where you must outsmart opponents and use the environment to your advantage. This game is perfect for fans of cooperative action and tactical gameplay, especially those who thrive in chaotic, crime-ridden settings.
Key Features & Highlights
- Full Pre-Installed Release: Ready to play immediately upon extraction—no third-party setup or installer required.
- All Latest Updates & Patches: Fully updated to the latest build with performance optimizations, bug fixes, and bonus content.
- Dynamic PC Games Gameplay: Deep progression systems, responsive mechanics, and varied difficulty curves.
- High-Fidelity Audio & Visuals: Polished textures, smooth framerates, and rich sound design optimized for modern PC hardware.
- Verified Clean & Safe: 100% verified files free from bloatware, spyware, or intrusive background processes.
Instructions
- Click the Download button below and you will be redirected to UploadHaven.
- Wait 5 seconds and click on the blue ‘download now’ button. We recommend using a download manager for faster download speeds. (You can use FDM which is free here, or any other download manager).
- Once the game is finished downloading, right click the .zip file and click on “Extract to GUARDS! v7.21.zip” (To do this you will need 7-Zip, which you can get here, or you can use the built in windows extractor).
- Double click inside the GUARDS! v7.21 folder and run the setup application. Accept the EULA, and install the game. Then, launch the game through the desktop shortcut.
GUARDS! Free Download (v7.21)
GUARDS! (v7.21)
Size: 576.05 MB
Reminder: This download is completely free and won't cost you a penny. However, If you love the game and want to purchase it, you can support the developers by doing so here.
System Requirements
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS *: Windows 7 64 Bit
- Processor: Intel i5, 3rd gen (or equivalent
- Memory: 6 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 3 GB available space
Screenshots
Recommended For You: If you enjoy this game, also check out Self Made Investment Life Sim Free Download and Forgetax Free Download and Arcade Game Series Galaga Free Download for more top-rated gameplay.
Looking for more top titles? Explore our complete rankings in the Best PC Games guide.
GUARDS! – Technical Overview & Release Details
GUARDS! (7.21) is available on GOG Unlocked as a verified, complete release in the PC Games catalog. Every archive hosted in our repository is checked for file integrity so players can download, configure, and launch GUARDS! without missing assets, corrupted packages, or unnecessary third-party launchers. Whether you are archiving a classic release or testing performance on modern hardware and handheld devices, the specifications and setup instructions below cover everything required for a smooth installation.
System Requirements & Compatibility Matrix
Before downloading GUARDS!, review the hardware and platform compatibility table below to confirm your setup meets the recommended specifications:
| System Component | Minimum PC Requirements (1080p Low/Med) | Recommended PC Requirements (1080p/1440p High) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 10 / Windows 11 (64-bit) / SteamOS |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 Dual-Core (2.8 GHz+) | Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 Quad-Core (3.4 GHz+) |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB Dual-Channel RAM |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | DirectX 11 / Vulkan Compatible (2 GB VRAM) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 / AMD RX 5600 XT (6 GB+ VRAM) |
| Release Format | Official GOG Offline Backup Installer (DRM-Free Setup) | 7.21 (576.05 MB) |
How to Install & Configure GUARDS! (7.21)
Follow this step-by-step checklist to install and verify GUARDS! without common extraction or startup errors:
- Download the Full Release: Use the verified direct download links below to grab the GUARDS! (7.21) archive.
- Extract or Run Setup: Extract the archive to a dedicated games folder using 7-Zip or WinRAR (avoid installing inside restricted system folders like
C:\Program Files). - Verify Dependencies: If prompted on first launch, install the bundled DirectX, Visual C++ Redistributables, and .NET runtime packages located in the
_CommonRedistfolder. - Launch as Administrator: Right-click the main game executable and choose Run as administrator so local save files and configuration profiles write cleanly.
Troubleshooting & Optimization Tips
- Archive Extraction Errors: Always use the latest 64-bit build of 7-Zip or WinRAR and ensure your destination drive has at least 2x the archive size in free space during unpacking.
- Missing DLL or Black Screen on Launch: Install both
vc_redist.x64.exeandvc_redist.x86.exe, update your GPU drivers, and add the game folder to your Windows Defender exclusion list so real-time scanning does not quarantine game binaries. - Controller & Steam Deck Compatibility: GUARDS! can be added as a Non-Steam Game using Proton GE on SteamOS/Linux, with Steam Input enabled for automatic gamepad mapping.
Frequently Asked Questions & Setup Guide
Q: How do I fix GUARDS! crashing on startup or showing a black screen?
Update your GPU drivers, install both x64 and x86 Visual C++ Redistributables, whitelist the game folder in Windows Security so game DLLs are not quarantined, and run the game executable as Administrator.
Q: How do I fix missing MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140_1.dll in GUARDS!?
Install the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable bundle (both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe) and DirectX End-User Runtimes.
Q: Why is my Xbox or PlayStation controller not detected in GUARDS!?
Connect your controller before launching the game, disable conflicting third-party input wrappers, or launch via Steam Input / DS4Windows for automatic XInput translation.
