Far Cry 4 Filelistxmltxt Error Fix
To fix the "filelist.xml.txt" error in Far Cry 4, which typically occurs at startup and points to a missing or misplaced file in the materialdescriptors folder, follow these steps: 1. Verify Game Files
The most common and effective solution is to let the game launcher detect and repair missing files.
The Far Cry 4 filelist.xml.txt error typically occurs when the game fails to locate or read essential shader and material description files within the engine\shaders\materialdescriptors\ directory. This error often presents as an "Aborting Execution" crash at startup. Primary Fixes for filelist.xml.txt
The most effective ways to resolve this specific file path error involve manual file restructuring or platform-based repair tools. 1. The "data_win32" Folder Relocation
Many users have found that the game expects certain data folders to be in a different sub-directory than where they are installed.
The Fix: Navigate to your Far Cry 4 installation folder (e.g., SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Far Cry 4\). Locate the data_win32 folder. far cry 4 filelistxmltxt error fix
Drag and drop the entire data_win32 folder into the bin folder.
Note: If the folder already exists there, ensure it contains the engine sub-folders mentioned in the error message. 2. Verify Integrity of Game Files
If the file is missing or corrupted, the official launchers can re-download it automatically.
Steam: Right-click Far Cry 4 in your Library > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
Ubisoft Connect: Select the game > Properties > Verify files. Secondary Troubleshooting & Conflict Resolution To fix the "filelist
If manual file moving does not work, the error may be caused by environmental factors like cloud syncing or administrative permissions. How to FIX Far Cry 4 All Errors
✅ Fix 5: Manual Registry Clean (Advanced)
- Press
Win + R→ typeregedit - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Ubisoft\Far Cry 4 - If the key exists, ensure
InstallDirpoints to the correct path. - Back up the registry before any changes.
- Delete any malformed string values referencing
filelist.xml.txt.
For Steam Users:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click Far Cry 4 and select Properties.
- Go to the Local Files tab.
- Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Steam will replace any missing or corrupted files.
Method 9: The "No-DRM Launcher" Workaround
For legitimate users sick of Ubisoft Connect: You can bypass the launcher entirely, which often skips the filelist check.
- Download the "Far Cry 4 No-Uplay Launcher" from a trusted mod site (e.g., Nexus Mods).
- Backup your original
FarCry4.exe. - Replace it with the no-DRM launcher.
- Launch the game directly. This forces the game to ignore
filelistxml.txtvalidation.
Note: This will disable online features (which are practically dead anyway) but will get you playing.
✅ Fix 2: Manually Rename or Copy the File
-
Navigate to the Far Cry 4 installation folder:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Far Cry 4\- Or
Ubisoft Game Launcher\games\Far Cry 4\
-
Look for a file named
filelist.xml(no.txtat the end). ✅ Fix 5: Manual Registry Clean (Advanced)- If you see
filelist.xml.txt, rename it tofilelist.xml - If you see only
filelist.xml, copy it and rename the copy tofilelist.xml.txt(satisfies both possible internal checks)
- If you see
-
Also check
data_win32ordata_win64subfolders – sometimes the file resides there. -
Run the game as Administrator after this change.
Fix #3: The Nuclear Option – Delete and Reacquire
If verification says "all files are valid" but the error persists, the platform is lying. You need to force it to redownload the file.
- Navigate to the Far Cry 4 folder (see path above).
- Locate the
data_win32folder (orcommonfolder, depending on version). - Find the file named
filelistxml.txt. - Delete it. (Don’t worry – it’s a small text file, not gigabytes of data).
- Now, run Verify integrity of game files again (Fix #2).
- The platform will see the file is missing and download a fresh copy.
What Causes the Error?
The error is not related to a missing game file named filelist.xml.txt. Instead, it stems from incorrect file paths or corrupted registry entries caused by:
- Using outdated or incompatible cracks – Especially for versions like
1.10.0(the final update). - Antivirus software – Quarantining or deleting essential cracked
.dllfiles (e.g.,steam_api.dlloruplay_r1_loader.dll). - Manual editing of game files – Accidentally renaming or moving the
filelist.xml(note: no.txtextension). - Registry leftovers – From previous installations or failed updates.
Important: The legitimate game has a file called
filelist.xml(insidedata_win32/). The error incorrectly adds.txtbecause the game or crack cannot parse the correct path.