REFramework is one of the most essential modding tools for Capcom’s RE Engine. It powers mods in popular games like Resident Evil Village, Monster Hunter Wilds, Devil May Cry 5, and Dragon’s Dogma 2.
However, many players face a common issue where REFramework is not working or causes the game to crash right after launching. This guide explains the causes of these crashes and provides complete troubleshooting steps to fix them.
Why REFramework is Crashing or Not Working
When your game crashes immediately after installing REFramework, it usually points to a problem with the dinput8.dll injector file or a conflict with other software. This file allows REFramework to load into the game at startup. If something interferes with that process, the game fails to launch.
Common Reasons REFramework Fails or Crashes
1. Incorrect Installation or Missing Files
- Wrong Folder Location:
The most common mistake is placing the file in the wrong folder.dinput8.dllmust be placed in the game’s root directory, which is the same folder as the main executable file (for example,re8.exeorMonsterHunterWilds.exe). - Incomplete Extraction:
Make sure you extract all files from the downloaded REFramework ZIP. The archive includes a folder namedreframework, which is just as important as the DLL. Both the DLL and folder must be in the same game directory.
You can check the full installation instructions at the REFramework guide page.
2. Outdated or Incompatible Version
- After a Game Update:
When a game receives a new patch, older versions of REFramework might stop working. If your game updated recently and now crashes, you probably need a newer build.
You can always get the latest version from the official REFramework download page. - Unsupported or Modified Game Versions:
REFramework is built for legitimate and updated copies of games. Pirated or outdated versions often have different structures that prevent REFramework from loading correctly.
3. Conflicts with Other Mods or Overlays
- Conflicting DLL Files:
If you use other tools such as ReShade or DLSS/FSR injectors that also rely ondxgi.dll,version.dll, or similar files, they might interfere with REFramework. Try removing those temporarily. - Overlay Software:
Programs like Rivatuner, MSI Afterburner, Discord overlay, or antivirus overlays may also block REFramework from loading.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix REFramework Not Working
Follow these steps carefully to find and fix the cause of the crash.
Step 1: Remove Old REFramework Files
Start with a clean setup.
- Open your game’s folder (on Steam, right-click the game, choose Manage, then Browse local files).
- Delete these files if they exist:
dinput8.dllreframeworkfolderre2_framework_log.txtorreframework_crash.dmp
- If you used other mods, move files like
dxgi.dll,version.dll, ord3d12.dllto a different folder outside the game directory for now.
Step 2: Verify the Game Files
If you are using Steam, right-click the game in your library, go to Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files.
This restores any missing or broken original files that may have been affected by mods.
Step 3: Test the Game Without REFramework
Run the game without REFramework installed.
- If it runs correctly, the crash was caused by REFramework or another mod.
- If it still crashes, the issue may be caused by your GPU driver, shader cache, or a damaged game file. Try clearing the shader cache or updating your graphics drivers.
Step 4: Reinstall the Latest REFramework Version
- Download the newest compatible build from the official REFramework website.
- Extract the files and place
dinput8.dlland thereframeworkfolder into your game’s root directory. - Launch the game.
If you see a small message in the top-left corner during startup, it means REFramework has been loaded successfully.
Step 5: Disable Conflicting Software
If the crash continues after reinstalling, the issue is most likely a software conflict.
- Turn off all overlays such as Discord, Rivatuner, and GPU monitoring tools.
- Check your antivirus settings. Some security tools may mistakenly block
dinput8.dll. Add it to the list of allowed files. - Re-enable other mods one at a time to identify which one causes the crash.
Extra Tips for Players and Modders
If you play games like Monster Hunter Wilds or Resident Evil 4 Remake, you might need to use the Nightly builds of REFramework. These are updated more often and fix compatibility issues after new patches.
For more troubleshooting information and community-tested fixes, check the Steam discussions for your game, such as the Monster Hunter Wilds General Discussions section.
Quick Fix Summary for REFramework Not Working
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Game crashes on startup | DLL placed incorrectly | Place dinput8.dll in the root folder |
| Crash after game update | Outdated REFramework | Download the latest build |
| Menu not opening | Key conflict or missing file | Recheck extraction or change the hotkey |
| Game only crashes with REFramework | Software conflict | Disable overlays and antivirus software |
If REFramework not working remains unresolved after following these steps, visit the official REFramework downloads and documentation page for the latest updates and instructions.