Which (Steam, Epic Games, standalone) are you using? What antivirus software do you run on your PC?
If you own the game on Steam and you are seeing this error, the cause is almost certainly that you have tampered with the game's files (e.g., attempted to apply a DLC unlocker) or the game's files have been corrupted by another process. missing steam-api.ini file
To help narrow down the exact fix for your setup, let me know: What is throwing this error? Which (Steam, Epic Games, standalone) are you using
If this file is missing, the game cannot load its settings, resulting in an error and preventing launch. Common Reasons for Missing steam-api.ini To help narrow down the exact fix for
These files are frequently bundled with malware, trojans, or crypto-miners. Always rely on recreating the file yourself, restoring it from your own antivirus quarantine, or letting an official client like Steam repair the directory.
Before proceeding, it's crucial to note that these files are often part of game cracks and may violate a game's terms of service. Use them at your own risk and ensure you own a legitimate copy of the game.