First launch checklist before joining a server?

My order: confirm EAC status clear on site → exclusions for loader folder → HVCI/Core Isolation checked per Windows setup thread → game fully closed → run loader as admin → menu opens → set conservative profile → launch SCUM → main menu before toggling anything aggressive.

Complete setup path: Windows 10/11 with documented security features, Defender exclusions or AV off during load, verify live EAC status, close SCUM and launcher, run loader, configure profile, then start the game.

Tune aimbot and ESP before joining a populated server. Test on empty or low-pop first if possible. Misc high-risk toggles should stay off until basics work.

Save a "first-run" config profile after menu opens — if loader updates reset binds you reload the profile instead of retuning from scratch.

Do not skip the status page. "Updating" means wait — injecting into a live EAC patch window is how people write angry loader threads.

After first successful session, duplicate profile to "backup" slot if the menu allows multiple saves. Saved me once when I fat-finger deleted the wrong file.

Followed the order — status clear, exclusions, menu before game, low-pop test. Checklist helped more than random YouTube comments.