Crash Upon FAF Client Create Game Start Up - ID3DXEffectCompiler: Compilation failed

[Superlemon65]

Hello,
Running:
Client 2025.1
Win 11, RTX3080, i7-14th, 32gb DDR5

Used to be able to launch this game with no problems, but had to wipe my SSD's and now when launching the game, i get a crash log with this being the primary warning:

warning: c:\programdata\faforever\gamedata\effects.nx2\effects\mesh.fx: unable to compile effect: c:\programdata\faforever\gamedata\effects.nx2\effects\mesh.fx reason: (716): error X4502: invalid input semantic 'TEXCOORD5'
(1707): error X4502: invalid input semantic 'TEXCOORD6'
ID3DXEffectCompiler: Compilation failed

---

Full Log:
game_24051089.log

If anyone has seen this before or could lend assistance, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[magge]

Have the same, or at least very similar, case via Discord tech-help. I have found no solution so far, and have not seen such error before.

Edit: Have added 'ID3DXEffectCompiler: Compilation failed' to your title to make it more searchable.

[Superlemon65]

I had little luck when I messed with some permissions within the hidden program data folder for the client, but would only work for one game instance then changes were auto reverted.... I have had hit and miss luck with purging the gamedata folder, and letting the client regather the data, but at this point, I am completely stuck and no consistently working solutions... depressing

[Superlemon65]

The effects file highlighted appears to be the issue, and works with low success rate when deleting it, but mostly it just re-populates and throws the error again...

Been troubleshooting for HOURS at this point

[DrColtraine]

I'm getting the same issue. I've try multiple things to fix for example re-installing graphic driver (old and new) and audio drivers and also full re-installing window and removing all data on the machine and installing old version DirectX's and Microsoft visual C++
also I've delete C:\ProgramData\FAForever\gamedata multiple time but keep coming with the fatal error.

[DrColtraine]

I've also added my system info as well

hope there is a solution soon.

[magge]

@DrColtraine Just a shot in the dark, but could you try adding /D3D9 to the command line and see if that resolves it?

[DrColtraine]

different error come up.

[DrColtraine]

[magge]

Please attach the whole error and the log. The screenshots unfortunately dont offer enough information.

[DrColtraine]

wall of stack trace removed by Moderator magge

[magge]

Please avoid pasting large stack traces directly into messages. Instead, attach the error logs as a file for easier review.

However, you have a wrong command line. Try this line:

"%s" /D3D9

Edit: I just noticed in your previous messages that you tried both command lines. If it doesnt work, then I am out of ideas - sorry!

[DrColtraine]

have try copy command line and creating the game but but still doesn't work. I've attach the log file just in case you need a log.

game_25256806.log

[DrColtraine]

As there was a new Nvidia driver 577.00 fort to give it a try and good new it creating a game. I've tested 2 fall games what over 30min and no issue. tested 5 more time each time (just launching the game) has worked.

step 1 update to 577.00 Nvidia driver
step 2 delete gamedata folder within C:\ProgramData\FAForever

I hope this help's

[LV-426]

I am experiencing the exact same TEXCOORD1 / (particle.fx or mesh.fx) compilation error on my new PC Win 11. I've tried all the standard fixes with no success: cleaning gamedata caches, windowed mode, clean reinstalls of both FA and the FAF client, driver updates, DX9 files updates, and even a clean install of Windows 10.
Symptoms:
- Game crashes during lobby initialization with the log like TS provided.
- Occasionally, the lobby loads with a "Connecting..." hang or a broken, non-interactive UI.
Note: Vanilla Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance runs perfectly fine.

The "Background Game" Workaround:
I've discovered a strange but consistent workaround: If I launch another modern game first (not every game, but e.g., Tiny Glade, Frostpunk, or X4 Foundations) and leave it running at the main menu (no need to play this game), I can Alt-Tab back to the FAF client and launch into a lobby without any crashes. Everything works perfectly as long as that other game is open... o_O
It seems like having another 3D application active forces the GPU/DirectX into a state that allows FAF to compile its shaders correctly. Hopefully, this helps others play or assists in pinning down the root cause.

[magge]

@lv-426 Are you playing on a laptop? Those can switch between integrated and dedicated graphics cards.

[LV-426]

@magge No, I have a desktop with the only one display adapter: RTX4090.

[magge]

Possible things to try (preferably on Windows 11 with the latest updates and newest drivers):

• Prefer maximum performance and select the high-performance GPU for your graphic card.

• Clear NVIDIA shader caches (DXCache / GLCache)

• Reinstall DirectX 9

• Run Supreme Commander in window mode, not just alt+tab it into the background

• Disable full screen optimizations for SC

• (Advanced) Some people, including myself a few years ago, have had good results with multi-monitor setups using dgVoodoo2. It may also help resolve your issue even on a single monitor:
  https://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/ReadmeGeneral/

If you have trouble understanding the suggestions, or AI does not help you out, just create a new support thread and 'imme a ping.