Localization_FinalRelease.dll is Missing or Not Found [Solved]

The Localization_FinalRelease.dll file is a Dynamic Link Library linked to Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. It’s critical for the game’s effective functioning, and if the DLL is missing or corrupt, the game may fail to launch.

Errors with Localization_FinalRelease.dll usually arise due to repeated rewriting of the DLL, file deletion by the active antivirus, or an improper game installation.

Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the PC and install all pending updates for Windows and Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. For most of you, these basic checks will fix the error!

How can I fix Localization_FinalRelease.dll errors in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI?

1. Add/replace Localization_FinalRelease.dll

The easiest solution is to get a new copy of Localization_FinalRelease.dll and add it to the affected PC if the DLL is currently missing or replace the problematic one if it’s corrupted. For those wondering where it’s stored, the Localization_FinalRelease.dll location is: Sid Meier's Civilization VI Gathering Storm\Base\Binaries\Win64Steam

So, go to another PC running the same Windows iteration and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit), and with the game installed > copy the DLL to a USB flash drive > connect the flash drive to the affected PC > move Localization_FinalRelease.dll to the same path > restart the computer to apply the changes.

2. Delete Localization_FinalRelease.dll and verify the integrity of game files

1. Go to Sid Meier’s Civilization VI folder where the DLL is stored, and delete it.
2. Launch Steam, navigate to Library from the top, right-click on Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, and select Properties.
3. Go to the Installed Files tab, and click on Verify the integrity of game files.
4. Once the repairs are made, relaunch the game and check for improvements.

After you delete the DLL and run an integrity check on the game files, it automatically downloads a fresh copy of Localization_FinalRelease.dll, fixing any corruption with the file.

3. Whitelist Localization_FinalRelease.dll in your antivirus

NOTE

The steps listed below are for Windows Security, the built-in antivirus. If you are using a third-party solution, check its official website for the exact steps.

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security, and click on the relevant result.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
4. Now, click on Add or remove exclusions.
5. Click the Add an exclusion button and select File from the list.
6. Navigate to Sid Meier’s Civilization VI directory, select Localization_FinalRelease.dll, and click on Open.
7. Finally, restart the computer and verify whether the game now launches without throwing an error.

If Localization_FinalRelease.dll errors keep appearing even after replacing the DLL, your antivirus might be deleting the file. In such cases, adding an exclusion for Localization_FinalRelease.dll is the best option. Remember, you should never disable the antivirus!

4. Reinstall Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Select Sid Meier’s Civilization VI from the list, and click on Uninstall.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and restart the PC.
4. Now, reinstall Sid Meier’s Civilization VI from Steam and check for improvements.

If a quick removal doesn’t work, some leftover files from the initial installation might be conflicting with Windows. Here, I recommend using a top-rated software uninstaller to delete all app-related files and Registry entries and only then proceed with the reinstallation!

5. Use a DLL repair tool

When all else fails, the last option is to use a reliable DLL repair tool. It will scan the PC for missing and corrupt DLLs, and replace them with a fresh copy from its database.

A key benefit of using a DLL repair tool is that it downloads the compatible DLL version, i.e., for 32-bit Windows, you get Localization_FinalRelease.dll 32-bit, and for 64-bit Windows, Localization_FinalRelease.dll 64-bit.

In my experience, Localization_FinalRelease.dll errors, though rare, are easy to fix. Mostly, simply replacing the DLL or deleting it and repairing the game files will get things up and running.

Before you leave, learn all about DLL errors in Windows and take suitable measures to prevent these from reappearing!

For any queries or to share more fixes with our readers, drop a comment below.