Gray Zone Warfare 0x00020008: anti-cheat module failed to load
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Last checked
October 1, 2026
The game won't start and shows "The client failed to load the anti-cheat module at startup (0X00020008)".
Also appears as: the client failed to load the anti-cheat module at startup, failed to load the anti-cheat module, 0x00020008, 0X00020008, gray zone warfare easy anti cheat error, grey zone warfare anti cheat error
Easy Anti-Cheat couldn't start alongside the game. MADFINGER's help centre says this happens when Windows Defender or third-party antivirus blocks it, and the fix is to allow the game and Easy Anti-Cheat through.
This is a local problem with an official fix, not a ban and not a server issue.
Fix it, step by step
Allow the game and Easy Anti-Cheat through Windows Firewall
Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall > Advanced Settings > Inbound Rules > New Rule > Program, browse to
GZW\Binaries\Win64\GZWClientSteam-Win64-Shippingin the Gray Zone Warfare install folder, allow the connection with Domain, Private and Public ticked, and name it GZW. Repeat forGZWClientEACin the install folder and forC:\Program Files (x86)\EasyAntiCheat_EOS\EasyAntiCheat_EOS.exe.Add the same three files as antivirus exceptions
If you use third-party antivirus, add exceptions for the same three files using your antivirus's own guide. MADFINGER's help centre gives both steps for this error.
Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat from the game folder
If it still won't load, run MADFINGER's Easy Anti-Cheat reinstall command: copy the path of
EasyAntiCheat_EOS_Setup.exein the game's EasyAntiCheat folder, paste it into the Run box (Windows + R), addinstall 320d5d3f30f5495ebae73a8c74bc349dafter it, press Enter and accept the prompt. MADFINGER gives this for the "Easy Anticheat not installed" error; using it here is our suggestion.
Sorted. Glad that worked.
Nothing worked. Here's what to do next.
You've ruled out every step on this page, which is useful. Send this to support or drop it in the community Discord so nobody makes you repeat yourself.
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What people are saying
Notes from players who've hit this one — no time limit, an answer from months ago is still an answer.
- Nothing reported here yet.
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