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2XKO: How To Potentially Fix Vanguard Error Code VAN-81

By / 2XKO, Tech / October 9, 2025

The Vanguard Error Code VAN-81 is preventing many users from playing 2XKO during the beta period. This solution will fix the error for good.

Picture of Vi being ready for a power-punch
Vi is ready for a power-punch (Image via Riot Games)

The Vanguard error with code VAN-81 in 2XKO is preventing many players from accessing the game. For those unaware, 2XKO is currently available on early access in many regions, including the US, Brazil, India, Japan, the UK, and more. Many players have since joined the game, but some are unable to play this game due to the Vanguard error. In this article, we are sharing a simple fix that should solve this error for good.

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Note: Parts of this article are subjective and reflect the writer’s opinions. Also, the fixes mentioned here are not guaranteed to work for every user.

Best Possible Solution for Vanguard Error Code VAN-81 in 2XKO

Picture of all the characters available in 2XKO
All the characters available in 2XKO (Image via RIOT Games)

The Vanguard error with code VAN-81 indicates an issue with the Vanguard anti-cheat, which prevents it from launching. If the anti-cheat doesn’t load, the game won’t run. It is possible that the anti-cheat files got corrupted or didn’t install correctly in the first place. There isn’t a mechanism to reinstall the Vanguard anti-cheat.

However, if you delete all the anti-cheat files, it triggers the launcher to download the files again. Follow these steps to delete Vanguard anti-cheat to trigger a reinstallation:

  • Go to the “C:\Program Files\” directory in Windows Explorer.
  • Next, delete the “Riot Vanguard” folder.
  • Next, go to the Recycle Bin and delete the “Riot Vanguard” folder from there as well.
  • Now, restart your PC once.
  • Next, launch 2XKO from the launcher again, and it will trigger the reinstallation of the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat.

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That’s it. Now, the game should launch just fine without the Vanguard error with code VAN-81. However, if this method doesn’t work, you will have to reinstall the game and the launcher, but in that particular order. After that, reinstall the launcher and the game, which should also reinstall the anti-cheat, potentially fixing the problem.

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