AION 2 Won't Launch on Steam? NCGuard 0xE0000013 & Startup Crash Fixes

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Updated November 2, 2026

AION 2 Steam startup crash infographic showing NCGuard error 0xE0000013 and fixes including ASUS Aura Sync conflicts, Steam file verification, disabling overlays, and clean boot troubleshooting.

AION 2 won't launch on Steam, closes immediately after pressing Play, or crashes when the NC logo appears? The problem can happen without an error message, making it difficult to determine whether the cause is Steam, NCGuard, or another application running on your PC.

Some players encounter NCGuard error 0xE0000013, while others see a black screen with a visible cursor or hear background music without reaching the game.

You do not necessarily need to reinstall AION 2. Background software conflicts, peripheral utilities, overlays, and damaged installation files are all worth checking before attempting more disruptive fixes.

This guide explains how to identify your startup problem and troubleshoot it in a practical order, beginning with quick, reversible checks.

Quick Answer: How to Fix AION 2 Not Launching

If AION 2 crashes at startup or closes after the NC logo, try these steps:

  1. Restart Steam completely. Exit Steam, make sure it is no longer running, and reopen it.
  2. Check for an NCGuard popup. Record the exact error code, particularly 0xE0000013.
  3. Close unnecessary background applications. Check ASUS Aura Sync, Armoury Crate, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE, Process Lasso, and hardware-monitoring utilities.
  4. Restart your PC and launch AION 2 again.
  5. Verify the game files through Steam.
  6. Temporarily disable overlays such as Discord Overlay, MSI Afterburner, and RTSS.
  7. Test nonessential USB peripherals if the game still closes unexpectedly.
  8. Use a controlled clean boot to identify possible third-party service conflicts.
  9. Save NCGuard diagnostic logs and contact NCSoft Support if the problem remains unresolved.

Best place to start: If AION 2 reaches the NC logo and then disappears, check NCGuard and background applications before reinstalling the game.

If your error specifically mentions a missing DLL, jump to the XINPUT1_3.dll troubleshooting section.

Identify Your AION 2 Startup Problem

Before changing Windows settings, identify exactly what happens when you try to launch AION 2.

Different symptoms can require different troubleshooting steps.

SymptomWhat to check first
Game closes immediately after pressing PlayBackground applications
Crash at the NC logoNCGuard and software conflicts
NCGuard error 0xE0000013NCGuard popup and running processes
Black screen with cursor or musicDisplay mode and overlays
Missing XINPUT1_3.dllLegacy DirectX runtime
Game worked previously but now crashesRecent software changes
Steam Play button returns to PlayBackground processes and game files

If AION 2 closes without displaying an error, that does not automatically mean the installation is corrupted.

An application running in the background may interfere with startup even when Steam provides no explanation.

Use the table to find the most relevant section, or follow the fixes in order.

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Fix 1: Check NCGuard Error 0xE0000013

NCGuard is part of AION 2's security system.

If a security-related startup check encounters a problem, the game may close before reaching the main menu.

One error that can appear is:

NCGuard Error: 0xE0000013

This code does not establish one universal cause. A background application conflict is worth investigating, but the exact reason for the failure may differ between systems.

How to Check Your NCGuard Error

  1. Launch AION 2 through Steam.
  2. Watch for an NCGuard popup before the game closes.
  3. Record the code displayed in the popup's title.
  4. Take a screenshot if the message remains visible.
  5. Use the popup's Save option, if available, to collect diagnostic information.
  6. Check the official NCGuard instructions for guidance related to your code.

You can find the relevant instructions here:

NCSoft Support — AION 2 Closes or Crashes Shortly After Launch

What If AION 2 Closes Without Showing an Error?

Sometimes the game closes so quickly that no error message is visible.

In that situation:

  • Restart Steam.
  • Check whether unnecessary background applications are running.
  • Close nonessential peripheral and monitoring software.
  • Try launching the game again.

If the problem continues, collect available diagnostic information for NCSoft Support.

Do not assume that the absence of an error popup rules out an NCGuard-related problem.

Should You Delete or Modify NCGuard Files?

No. Avoid deleting NCGuard folders, modifying anti-cheat files, or disabling Windows security protections as routine troubleshooting steps.

These changes may create additional problems without resolving the original startup failure.

If you suspect missing or damaged files, use Steam's built-in verification tool instead.

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Fix 2: Close Applications That May Conflict With NCGuard

One of the most useful checks is identifying software that runs alongside AION 2.

Peripheral-control applications, hardware-monitoring utilities, remote-access tools, and other game security software can sometimes interfere with startup.

Check these categories:

Software categoryApplications to check
RGB and peripheral controlASUS Aura Sync, Armoury Crate, Corsair iCUE, Razer Synapse
Hardware monitoringCPU-Z, NZXT CAM
Performance and process toolsProcess Lasso, MSI Afterburner, RTSS
Remote-access softwareCitrix, remote-desktop and virtual-workspace tools
Other game softwareOther game clients and active anti-cheat applications

Important: Having one of these applications installed does not mean it is causing your crash.

The goal is to test whether temporarily closing a particular application changes the result.

How to Close Background Processes Properly

Closing an application's window does not always stop its background processes.

To check:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Select the Processes tab.
  3. Look for applications you have already closed.
  4. Select a recognized, nonessential process that is still running.
  5. Choose End task.
  6. Launch AION 2 again.

Only end processes you recognize and know are safe to close.

Avoid terminating Windows system processes, security services, or unfamiliar background tasks.

If AION 2 launches after closing a particular application, restart your PC and repeat the test to confirm whether that application is involved.

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Fix 3: Disable ASUS Aura Sync or Armoury Crate

If you use an ASUS motherboard, laptop, or RGB accessories, check whether ASUS Aura Sync or Armoury Crate is running.

An ASUS lighting-service conflict is worth investigating when AION 2 closes immediately or fails at the NC logo.

You do not need to uninstall Armoury Crate immediately. Start with a temporary test.

How to Temporarily Stop ASUS Aura Sync

  1. Close AION 2 and Steam.
  2. Press Win + R.
  3. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  4. Look for a service associated with ASUS Aura Sync or ASUS lighting control.
  5. Double-click the relevant service to open its properties.
  6. Record its current Startup type and Service status.
  7. If the service is running, select Stop.
  8. Select Apply, if necessary.
  9. Reopen Steam and test AION 2.

The exact service name may vary depending on your ASUS software version and installed components.

Do not stop unrelated ASUS system services simply because they contain ASUS in their names.

If you cannot confidently identify the lighting service, use the clean-boot method later in this guide instead.

What If the Service Starts Again Automatically?

Some services restart when their parent application launches.

If that happens, you can temporarily change the identified lighting service's startup setting for testing.

Before making the change:

  • Record its original Startup type.
  • Change only the service you intend to test.
  • Restart Windows if needed.
  • Test AION 2.
  • Restore the original setting afterward.

Avoid permanently disabling motherboard-management services without understanding what they control.

What If Disabling Aura Sync Fixes AION 2?

If the game launches after stopping the lighting service, you have identified a likely software conflict.

Check for updates to Armoury Crate and its related components.

You can also review whether the lighting utility needs to start automatically with Windows.

If you require the service for other hardware functions, restore it after testing and contact ASUS or NCSoft for further assistance.

What If You Don't Use ASUS Software?

Skip this fix.

Other applications can cause similar startup symptoms, so continue with the following sections.

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Fix 4: Check Process Lasso, Razer Synapse and USB Peripherals

Not every startup conflict involves ASUS software.

Process-management utilities, peripheral-control applications, and connected accessories are also worth checking.

Test Process Lasso

If you use Process Lasso:

  1. Close AION 2.
  2. Exit Process Lasso completely.
  3. Check Task Manager for remaining related processes.
  4. Launch AION 2 again.
  5. Restart your PC and repeat the test if the game starts successfully.

If closing Process Lasso resolves the problem, investigate its application rules and settings before enabling it again.

Do not make permanent CPU affinity or priority changes without identifying the actual conflict.

Test Razer Synapse and Corsair iCUE

Razer Synapse and Corsair iCUE can manage lighting, peripheral profiles, macros, and other device functions.

To test them:

  1. Exit the application.
  2. Check for remaining background processes.
  3. Close those processes if they are nonessential and safe to stop.
  4. Restart AION 2.

If the game starts, check for software updates and restore features gradually.

Disconnect Nonessential USB Devices

If the problem continues, try a basic peripheral test.

  1. Close AION 2.
  2. Disconnect nonessential USB accessories.
  3. Keep your primary keyboard and mouse connected.
  4. Launch the game.
  5. If it works, reconnect accessories individually.

Programmable mice, USB headsets, controllers, and other accessories are reasonable devices to test.

This does not mean those devices are universally incompatible with AION 2.

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Fix 5: Verify AION 2 Game Files on Steam

Missing or corrupted installation files can prevent AION 2 from launching correctly.

Steam includes a verification feature that checks installed files and downloads replacements when necessary.

How to Verify AION 2 Files

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Go to your Library.
  3. Right-click AION 2.
  4. Select Properties.
  5. Open Installed Files.
  6. Select Verify integrity of game files.
  7. Wait for verification to finish.
  8. Launch AION 2 again.

Steam may download replacement files if it detects an installation problem.

What If Steam Finds No Problems?

A successful verification does not rule out software conflicts, NCGuard issues, or display problems.

If AION 2 still closes after verification, continue to the next fix rather than repeatedly running the same check.

Reinstalling the game is also unlikely to help if an unrelated background service is responsible.

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Fix 6: Disable Steam, Discord and Monitoring Overlays

Overlays and monitoring utilities interact with games while they are running.

If AION 2 crashes at startup or displays a black screen, temporarily disabling them can help identify a conflict.

Disable Steam Overlay

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Right-click AION 2 in your Library.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Open General.
  5. Disable Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
  6. Restart AION 2.

Disable Discord Overlay

  1. Open Discord.
  2. Select User Settings.
  3. Open Game Overlay.
  4. Disable the overlay.
  5. Restart AION 2.

If necessary, close Discord completely for a separate test.

Close Monitoring Utilities

Temporarily exit applications such as:

  • MSI Afterburner
  • RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS)
  • Third-party FPS overlays
  • GPU and CPU monitoring utilities

Test the game after closing them.

If AION 2 starts successfully, restore the applications one at a time to identify which one may be involved.

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Fix 7: Perform a Clean Boot to Find the Conflicting Service

If AION 2 still closes and you cannot identify the responsible application, a Windows clean boot can help isolate third-party services.

A clean boot starts Windows with a reduced set of background services and startup applications.

This is an advanced troubleshooting step. It can temporarily affect other software, so record your original settings before proceeding.

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, consult its administrator before changing startup services.

Step 1: Open System Configuration

  1. Press Win + R.
  2. Type msconfig.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Open the Services tab.
  5. Check Hide all Microsoft services.

Do not skip the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.

It helps prevent essential Windows services from being disabled during the test.

Step 2: Disable Third-Party Services Temporarily

After hiding Microsoft services, select Disable all.

  1. Select Apply.
  2. Open the Startup tab.
  3. Select Open Task Manager.
  4. Record which startup applications are currently enabled.
  5. Disable nonessential startup applications.
  6. Restart Windows.

Do not indiscriminately disable required security, accessibility, device-management, or work-related software.

If you are unsure whether a service is safe to disable, leave it enabled and seek assistance.

Step 3: Test AION 2

After Windows restarts:

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Launch AION 2.
  3. Check whether the game reaches the main menu.

If AION 2 launches successfully during the clean boot, a disabled service or startup application may be responsible.

If the game still fails, the problem may lie elsewhere. Restore your settings before continuing.

Step 4: Identify the Conflicting Service

If the game works during the clean boot, do not leave every third-party service disabled permanently.

Instead:

  1. Return to msconfig.
  2. Open Services.
  3. Keep Hide all Microsoft services selected.
  4. Re-enable approximately half the services you disabled.
  5. Restart Windows.
  6. Test AION 2.
  7. If the crash returns, investigate the group you just enabled.
  8. If the game still works, investigate the remaining disabled group.
  9. Repeat until you identify the service associated with the failure.

If no service appears responsible, repeat the process with the startup applications you disabled.

Testing half at a time is more efficient than checking every application individually.

Step 5: Restore Normal Startup

When testing is complete:

  1. Open msconfig.
  2. Return to the General tab.
  3. Select Normal startup when restoring the normal configuration.
  4. Review the Services tab and restore the original enabled services.
  5. Open Task Manager's Startup apps section.
  6. Restore your previous startup-app settings.
  7. Restart Windows.

If you have identified a specific conflict, decide how to handle that application separately instead of leaving unrelated services disabled.

For additional instructions, see Microsoft's official guide: How to perform a clean boot in Windows.

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Fix 8: AION 2 Black Screen After the NC Logo

A black screen is not always the same problem as an NCGuard startup error.

Some players hear background music or see the mouse cursor while the game remains open.

Others experience a black screen followed by an immediate crash.

Identify which situation applies before trying the following steps.

Black Screen With Cursor and Music

If AION 2 remains open but does not display the normal interface:

  1. Wait briefly to see whether loading finishes.
  2. Press Alt + Enter once to test a window-mode change, if the game responds.
  3. Check whether the game window becomes visible.
  4. Close the game normally if possible.
  5. Disable overlays and restart AION 2.
  6. Verify the game files if the problem continues.

If the issue began after changing from fullscreen to borderless mode, the display-mode change is worth investigating.

However, switching window modes is only a troubleshooting test, not a guaranteed fix.

Black Screen Followed by an Immediate Crash

If the game closes completely, return to the NCGuard and background-software sections.

You can also check whether your graphics driver needs an update.

Download drivers through the official NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website rather than third-party driver-download services.

Try Disabling NVIDIA G-SYNC

If you use an NVIDIA graphics card with G-SYNC enabled and continue experiencing crashes:

  1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to the G-SYNC settings.
  3. Temporarily disable Enable G-SYNC or the relevant G-SYNC Compatible option.
  4. Apply the change.
  5. Restart AION 2.

If the change does not help, restore your previous setting.

This is a general crash troubleshooting step rather than a confirmed solution for NCGuard error 0xE0000013.

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Fix 9: NCGuard Log Says XINPUT1_3.dll Is Missing

If your NCGuard log or Windows error specifically mentions:

XINPUT1_3.dll

you may be dealing with a missing legacy DirectX component rather than a general NCGuard startup conflict.

Some software requires older DirectX runtime libraries that are not necessarily installed with the newest DirectX version alone.

How to Repair Missing XINPUT1_3.dll Components

  1. Confirm that the error specifically mentions XINPUT1_3.dll.
  2. Download the DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010) installer from Microsoft.
  3. Run directx_Jun2010_redist.exe.
  4. Choose a temporary folder to extract the installation files.
  5. Open that folder and run DXSETUP.exe.
  6. Follow the installation instructions and restart Windows if required.
  7. Launch AION 2 again.

If Microsoft's download page does not open, use the direct Microsoft installer download: directx_Jun2010_redist.exe

Important: Only use this fix if the error or NCGuard log specifically identifies a missing DirectX component. Do not download individual DLL files from unofficial websites.

This fix is relevant when the missing component is identified in an error or log. It should not be treated as a universal solution for every startup crash.

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What If AION 2 Still Won't Launch?

If you have already checked background applications, verified game files, disabled overlays, and tested a clean boot, avoid repeating the same steps without new information.

A startup failure can persist even after reinstalling the game.

At this point, focus on identifying what changed and collecting information that can help diagnose the problem.

Check What Changed Before the Crash Started

If AION 2 previously worked on the same PC, consider whether you recently changed:

  • Windows updates
  • Graphics drivers
  • Peripheral software
  • RGB or motherboard utilities
  • Hardware-monitoring applications
  • Overlays or background services
  • Other installed game clients

These changes are clues, not proof of the cause.

If a particular application was updated shortly before the issue began, check whether its normal settings or a newer compatible version resolves the problem.

Avoid rolling back important security updates without a clear reason.

Update Your Graphics Driver

If your graphics driver is outdated, install a current stable version compatible with your GPU.

Use the manufacturer's official website or software:

  • NVIDIA
  • AMD
  • Intel

Restart Windows after installation if required, then test AION 2 again.

What About Intel 13th- and 14th-Generation CPUs?

Some Intel 13th- and 14th-generation desktop systems can experience stability issues requiring separate troubleshooting.

If AION 2 displays a CPU-specific warning, consult Intel's guidance and your motherboard manufacturer's support page.

A stable BIOS update may be recommended for affected systems, but it is not a universal fix for NCGuard 0xE0000013.

Do not change CPU voltages, disable protections, or alter advanced BIOS settings without understanding the manufacturer's instructions.

Contact NCSoft Support

If AION 2 continues to close after startup, prepare the following information:

  • The exact NCGuard error code, if one appears.
  • A screenshot of the error.
  • Saved NCGuard logs, if available.
  • Your Windows version.
  • Your CPU and graphics card.
  • Applications running when the crash occurs.
  • Troubleshooting steps you already attempted.
  • Whether AION 2 previously worked on the same PC.

If the NCGuard popup includes a Save button, use it to collect diagnostic information.

Submit your report through NCSoft's AION 2 startup-crash support page: https://help.plaync.com/faq/aion2global?faqNo=7254

Including the exact error and your troubleshooting results is more useful than simply reporting that the game will not open.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does AION 2 close immediately after launching on Steam?
AION 2 may close because of an NCGuard startup interruption, background software conflict, damaged installation files, or another system problem. Start by restarting Steam, checking for an error popup, and closing nonessential peripheral-control and monitoring applications.

What is NCGuard error 0xE0000013 in AION 2?
0xE0000013 is an NCGuard error that can appear during startup. It does not establish one universal cause. Check the official NCGuard guidance, test potential software conflicts, and save diagnostic logs if the error continues.

How do I fix AION 2 crashing at the NC logo?
Restart Steam and Windows, then close nonessential background applications. Check ASUS Aura Sync, Armoury Crate, Process Lasso, and peripheral utilities if installed. If the crash continues, verify Steam files and consider a controlled clean boot.

Can ASUS Aura Sync or Armoury Crate prevent AION 2 from launching?
ASUS lighting and peripheral software can be involved in startup conflicts on some systems. Temporarily stopping the relevant Aura Sync service is a useful diagnostic test. Uninstalling Armoury Crate is not automatically necessary.

Does Process Lasso conflict with AION 2?
Process Lasso may interfere with startup on certain configurations. If you use it, exit the application completely and test AION 2 again. A successful launch after closing it suggests a possible conflict worth investigating.

Why did AION 2 suddenly stop launching when it worked before?
Changes to drivers, Windows, peripheral utilities, background applications, or other software may affect startup. Review recent changes, but do not assume that a particular update caused the problem without testing.

Will reinstalling AION 2 fix NCGuard error 0xE0000013?
Not necessarily. Reinstallation may repair installation problems, but it may not resolve a conflict involving another running application or service. Verify game files and investigate background software before attempting another full download.

How do I fix AION 2 showing a black screen with a cursor and music?
Try switching window mode with Alt + Enter if the game responds. Disable overlays and check whether the problem began after changing display modes. These are troubleshooting steps rather than guaranteed fixes.

What should I do if XINPUT1_3.dll is missing?
If an error specifically identifies XINPUT1_3.dll, use Microsoft's official DirectX End-User Runtimes package to install the relevant legacy components. Avoid downloading individual DLL files from unofficial websites.

What should I send NCSoft Support if AION 2 still won't launch?
Include the exact error code, screenshots, available NCGuard logs, system specifications, running applications, and troubleshooting steps already attempted. Mention whether the game previously worked on the same computer.

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Final Troubleshooting Checklist

Before giving up on AION 2, make sure you have checked the most relevant possibilities:

  • Restarted Steam and Windows.
  • Recorded any NCGuard error code.
  • Closed unnecessary background applications.
  • Tested ASUS Aura Sync or Armoury Crate if installed.
  • Checked Process Lasso and peripheral utilities.
  • Verified Steam game files.
  • Disabled overlays and monitoring tools.
  • Tested nonessential USB devices.
  • Used a clean boot when appropriate.
  • Collected diagnostic information for support.

The key is to identify the cause before making major system changes. AION 2 closing at the NC logo does not automatically mean the installation is broken.

Start with reversible application and service checks. Move to file verification and advanced diagnostics only when necessary.

Once the game launches normally again, you can continue progressing with our AION 2 Ariel Fragments Guide: How to Convert & Get Ariel Points and AION 2 Vakron Sky Island Hard Mode Guide: Surging Thorn & Lodestone Prison.

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