How to potentially fix Starfield Lookup Failed Error

If you've recently updated Starfield, the Lookup Failed error is a common menace you might face. This error does not crash your game or interrupt your experience directly. Instead, it's a UI glitch that will obstruct text on your menus, making it impossible for you to see a wide range of stats, from weapons to player status effects.

In this guide, we'll provide known solutions that have a good chance of fixing the problem on your end.

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What causes the Starfield Lookup Failed error?

Lookup Failed error can affect anyone (Image via Bethesda Softworks)

Starfield's Lookup failed error is a UI bug that occurs most commonly due to version mismatch and internal file inconsistency. Most players familiar with modding Bethesda games will be familiar with the error, as it also happens in Fallout 76 and Fallout 4.

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How to troubleshoot and possibly fix Starfield Lookup Failed error

The Starfield Lookup Failed error will tend to happen for a modded copy of the game. First and foremost, though, you should verify your file integrity and see if the base game is in tip-top shape.

Verifying file integrity

Verify game files first and foremost (Image via Steam)

To verify whether your Starfield copy is installed properly, try the following:

• Steam users should right-click Starfield on the library panel > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
• Xbox and/or Game Pass PC players should go to Starfield, click the drop-down menu (vertical dots) > Files > Verify and Repair.

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Check if there are loose string files

This is the rogue trader of the starfield directory (Image via Sportskeeda)

In some cases, MO2 or Starfield can create loose files while packing and unpacking archives. Loose files always overwrite the default compressed archive mega files Starfield uses, so this can cause old string file versions to override the current game files, thus causing the Looking Failed error in quest logs and/or inventory. The fix for this case is simple: go to your Data folder and check if there's a strings folder. If there is, either remove it or move it to a separate location.

Also Check: Starfield “NPCs turning hostile” Operation Starseed bug

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Checking mod version mismatch

The Starfield Lookup Failed error can sometimes crop up due to version incompatibility between mods and the game. Check if Starfield has deployed a patch recently, and if so, try the following:

• Go to your Vortex/MO2 and disable all mods.
• Try running the game unmodded to see if the problem persists.
• Afterward, you'll have to slowly enable all mads to fish out the culprit.
• Generally, this will only be mods that alter a high number of in-game records, such as SFCP.

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At least one of these fixes will remedy the issue for the vast majority of users who face the Starfield Lookup Failed error. Stay tuned for more Starfield news and updates on Sportskeeda.