Localization Dx11.txt Missing Total — War ((new))

Guide: Fixing the "localization dx11.txt missing" Error in Total War

This error typically appears when launching a Total War game (e.g., Shogun 2, Rome 2, Attila, Thrones of Britannia) and can prevent the game from starting or cause crashes on launch.

Solution 1: The AppData Fix (Most Common)

The game stores user-specific data in a hidden Windows folder. You need to ensure the game has permission to write to this folder.

  1. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type %appdata% and hit Enter. (This usually takes you to C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming).
  3. Important: You may need to go up one level in the address bar to AppData and then click into the Local folder, or simply stay in Roaming depending on the specific Total War title. Look for a folder named The Creative Assembly.
  4. Open the folder for your specific game (e.g., Shogun2, Empire, Napoleon).
  5. Right-click the scripts folder (or the main game folder if scripts isn't there) and select Properties.
  6. Under the General tab, ensure the Read-only box is unchecked (it should be a blank square, not a filled square or a checkmark).
  7. Click Apply and select "Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files."
  8. Launch the game.

How to fix it

Fix: "localization_dx11.txt missing" Error in Total War Games

If you’re trying to launch a Total War game (such as Total War: Shogun 2, Rome II, Attila, or Thrones of Britannia) and encounter an error message similar to:

"localization_dx11.txt missing"

or

"Failed to find localization_dx11.txt"

don’t worry — this is a known issue, and it’s usually easy to fix.

Preventing the Error From Returning

Once you have fixed the "localization dx11.txt missing" error, take these steps to ensure it never comes back:

  1. Whitelist your entire Steam library in your anti-virus software.
  2. Never manually delete files inside the localization folder.
  3. Avoid using "Cleaner" apps like CCleaner on your Steam directories.
  4. Before updating GPU drivers, always verify game files afterward.

Solution 5: Run the Game in Windows 7 Compatibility Mode

If you are on Windows 10 or 11, permission architecture has changed. Forcing legacy compatibility often bypasses the file read error.

  1. Go to your game’s installation folder.
  2. Right-click the .exe file (e.g., Rome2.exe).
  3. Select Properties > Compatibility tab.
  4. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 7.
  5. Check Run this program as an administrator.
  6. Click Apply > OK.

Solution 1: The "Fake Launch" (5 seconds)

This is the most bizarre but effective fix for Thrones of Britannia and Attila.

  1. Navigate to your game’s installation folder (Steam > right-click game > Manage > Browse Local Files).
  2. Find the executable (e.g., Attila.exe or Rome2.exe).
  3. Double-click the .exe directly (do not launch via Steam).
  4. The game will likely complain about Steam not being open – that’s fine.
  5. Close the error.
  6. Now launch the game normally through Steam.

Many users report that this single action "wakes up" the file path registration. localization dx11.txt missing total war

Still having issues?

Check the following:

  • Antivirus: Temporarily disable it, verify files again, then re-enable with an exception for the game folder.
  • Windows permissions: Run Steam as administrator.
  • Community fixes: Visit the game’s Steam Community hub or the Total War forums — other players may have posted specific solutions for your game version.

Fix: "localization dx11.txt missing" Error in Total War Games

If you are trying to launch a classic title like Total War: Shogun 2 or Rome II and getting hit with a crash and the error message "localization dx11.txt missing," you are not alone. This frustrating error typically points to corrupted cache files or a breakdown in how the game communicates with DirectX 11.

Here is a step-by-step guide to clearing this error and getting back to the battlefield. 1. Clear Your AppData Cache (The Most Effective Fix)

The most common cause of this "missing file" error isn't actually a missing file; it's a corrupted cache folder in your system's hidden directories. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type %appdata% and hit Enter. Navigate to The Creative Assembly folder. Open the folder for the specific game (e.g., Shogun2).

Delete these specific folders (don't worry, the game will recreate them): avatar fx_cache ui_cache

scripts (Optional: rename this to scripts_old first to keep your settings). Restart the game. 2. Verify Game File Integrity

If the cache isn't the issue, Steam might have missed a file during installation or an update. Right-click the game in your Steam Library. Select Properties > Installed Files (or Local Files).

How to Fix "localization dx11.txt missing" in Total War: Shogun 2

The "localization dx11.txt missing" error is a common launch issue in Total War: Shogun 2 and sometimes Guide: Fixing the "localization dx11

typically occurs because of corrupted cache files in your AppData folder or issues with the DirectX 11 redistribution files Steam Community 1. Clear Corrupted AppData Cache

The most effective fix is to delete specific cache folders that frequently become corrupted. These files will be automatically regenerated when you next launch the game. , and hit Enter. Navigate to: The Creative Assembly Delete the following folders (if they exist): (Note: This will reset your game settings). Do not delete the save_games folder if you want to keep your progress. Steam Community 2. Verify Steam Game Integrity

Steam can automatically detect and replace missing or corrupted files, such as the missing file mentioned in the error. Steam Library Right-click on Total War: SHOGUN 2 Properties Installed Files Local Files

The "localization dx11.txt missing" error in games—most notoriously in Total War: SHOGUN 2

—is a legacy launch failure typically caused by corrupted user configuration data rather than missing game files. 🛠️ The Direct Fix: Clear AppData

The most reliable solution is to purge the game's cached settings, which forces the engine to rebuild the necessary configuration files. Press Win + R on your keyboard. Type %appdata% and hit Enter. Navigate to the folder: The Creative Assembly > Shogun2.

Delete the entire Shogun2 folder (or move it to your desktop as a backup).

Note: If you want to keep your save games, copy the save_games folder out before deleting.

Launch the game again. It will take longer to load as it regenerates the missing scripts and text files. 🔍 Why This Happens

This error is often a "catch-all" message when the game's executable fails to initialize the DirectX 11 renderer. The localization dx11.txt file itself isn't a critical game asset but part of the setup process that fails when the game's Preferences Script becomes unreadable or conflicts with modern Windows settings. Alternative Fixes if Deleting AppData Fails Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard

If the AppData purge doesn't work, technical communities on Reddit and the Steam Community suggest these steps:

Verify Game Files: Right-click the game in Steam > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.

Reinstall Redists: Run the installers found in your game directory: .../Steam/steamapps/common/total war shogun 2/redist/vcredist_x86.exe.

Repair Steam Service: Exit Steam, open a command prompt as administrator, and run: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\bin\Steamservice.exe" /repair.

Run as Admin: Set both Steam.exe and Shogun2.exe to "Run as Administrator" in their compatibility settings.

💡 Key Point: Most "missing txt" errors in older Total War titles are false flags for corrupted user profile data. If you'd like, I can help you:

Find the exact file path for other Total War titles (like Rome II or Warhammer).

Troubleshoot DirectX 11 specific crashes if the game still won't open.

Guide you through manual script editing to force the game into a lower DX mode.

Here is the "proper piece" (solution) to resolve this issue.