If all else fails, run the game through (the standalone expansion, sometimes more compatible) or use dgVoodoo2 / DXWnd to force the game into windowed mode, which can bypass some file-loading bugs.

Older games often struggle with Windows 10 and 11 "User Account Control" (UAC) restrictions. If the game doesn't have permission to read its own subfolders, it will claim the files are missing. Right-click PR2.exe in your game folder. Select > Compatibility . Check "Run this program as an administrator."

Modern Windows protects system folders. If your game is installed in C:\Program Files (x86)\Ascaron\Port Royale 2 , the game may not have permission to even read its own translation folder.

Some players have resolved startup issues by replacing outdated system files with modern versions. Steam Community Reviewers on suggest downloading msvcp70.dll msvcr70.dll unicows.dll

Can not find translation file - Port Royale 2 - Steam Community