diff --git a/Source/DiabloUI/dialogs.cpp b/Source/DiabloUI/dialogs.cpp
index ed1b3e9ec..8b125b76b 100644
--- a/Source/DiabloUI/dialogs.cpp
+++ b/Source/DiabloUI/dialogs.cpp
@@ -62,6 +62,9 @@ bool Init(std::string_view caption, std::string_view text, bool error, bool rend
 				LogError("{}", SDL_GetError());
 		}
 	}
+	if (!IsHardwareCursor() && !ArtCursor) {
+		ArtCursor = LoadPcx("ui_art\\cursor", /*transparentColor=*/0);
+	}
 	LoadDialogButtonGraphics();
 
 	OptionalClxSprite dialogSprite = LoadDialogSprite(!caption.empty(), error);
diff --git a/Source/appfat.cpp b/Source/appfat.cpp
index 8eed34ed9..6b281b955 100644
--- a/Source/appfat.cpp
+++ b/Source/appfat.cpp
@@ -44,13 +44,18 @@ void FreeDlg()
 	SNetDestroy();
 }
 
+[[noreturn]] void DisplayFatalErrorAndExit(std::string_view title, std::string_view body)
+{
+	FreeDlg();
+	UiErrorOkDialog(title, body);
+	diablo_quit(1);
+}
+
 } // namespace
 
 void app_fatal(std::string_view str)
 {
-	FreeDlg();
-	UiErrorOkDialog(_("Error"), str);
-	diablo_quit(1);
+	DisplayFatalErrorAndExit(_("Error"), str);
 }
 
 #ifdef _DEBUG
@@ -62,32 +67,27 @@ void assert_fail(int nLineNo, const char *pszFile, const char *pszFail)
 
 void ErrDlg(const char *title, std::string_view error, std::string_view logFilePath, int logLineNr)
 {
-	FreeDlg();
-
-	std::string text = fmt::format(fmt::runtime(_(/* TRANSLATORS: Error message that displays relevant information for bug report */ "{:s}\n\nThe error occurred at: {:s} line {:d}")), error, logFilePath, logLineNr);
-
-	UiErrorOkDialog(title, text);
-	diablo_quit(1);
+	DisplayFatalErrorAndExit(
+	    title,
+	    fmt::format(fmt::runtime(_(/* TRANSLATORS: Error message that displays relevant information for bug report */ "{:s}\n\nThe error occurred at: {:s} line {:d}")),
+	        error, logFilePath, logLineNr));
 }
 
 void InsertCDDlg(std::string_view archiveName)
 {
-	std::string text = fmt::format(
-	    fmt::runtime(_("Unable to open main data archive ({:s}).\n"
-	                   "\n"
-	                   "Make sure that it is in the game folder.")),
-	    archiveName);
-
-	UiErrorOkDialog(_("Data File Error"), text);
-	diablo_quit(1);
+	DisplayFatalErrorAndExit(_("Data File Error"),
+	    fmt::format(fmt::runtime(_("Unable to open main data archive ({:s}).\n"
+	                               "\n"
+	                               "Make sure that it is in the game folder.")),
+	        archiveName));
 }
 
 void DirErrorDlg(std::string_view error)
 {
-	std::string text = fmt::format(fmt::runtime(_(/* TRANSLATORS: Error when Program is not allowed to write data */ "Unable to write to location:\n{:s}")), error);
-
-	UiErrorOkDialog(_("Read-Only Directory Error"), text);
-	diablo_quit(1);
+	DisplayFatalErrorAndExit(
+	    _("Read-Only Directory Error"),
+	    fmt::format(fmt::runtime(_(/* TRANSLATORS: Error when Program is not allowed to write data */ "Unable to write to location:\n{:s}")),
+	        error));
 }
 
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/control.cpp b/Source/control.cpp
index dfe576592..d8ade43b8 100644
--- a/Source/control.cpp
+++ b/Source/control.cpp
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@
 #include "utils/screen_reader.hpp"
 #include "utils/sdl_geometry.h"
 #include "utils/sdl_ptrs.h"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_case.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 #include "utils/string_or_view.hpp"
@@ -876,22 +877,22 @@ void UpdateLifeManaPercent()
 	MyPlayer->UpdateHitPointPercentage();
 }
 
-void InitMainPanel()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMainPanel()
 {
 	if (!HeadlessMode) {
 		BottomBuffer.emplace(GetMainPanel().size.width, (GetMainPanel().size.height + PanelPaddingHeight) * (IsChatAvailable() ? 2 : 1));
 		pManaBuff.emplace(88, 88);
 		pLifeBuff.emplace(88, 88);
 
-		LoadCharPanel();
-		LoadLargeSpellIcons();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadCharPanel());
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadLargeSpellIcons());
 		{
-			const OwnedClxSpriteList sprite = LoadCel("ctrlpan\\panel8", GetMainPanel().size.width);
+			ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(const OwnedClxSpriteList sprite, LoadCelWithStatus("ctrlpan\\panel8", GetMainPanel().size.width));
 			ClxDraw(*BottomBuffer, { 0, (GetMainPanel().size.height + PanelPaddingHeight) - 1 }, sprite[0]);
 		}
 		{
 			const Point bulbsPosition { 0, 87 };
-			const OwnedClxSpriteList statusPanel = LoadCel("ctrlpan\\p8bulbs", 88);
+			ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(const OwnedClxSpriteList statusPanel, LoadCelWithStatus("ctrlpan\\p8bulbs", 88));
 			ClxDraw(*pLifeBuff, bulbsPosition, statusPanel[0]);
 			ClxDraw(*pManaBuff, bulbsPosition, statusPanel[1]);
 		}
@@ -901,7 +902,7 @@ void InitMainPanel()
 	if (IsChatAvailable()) {
 		if (!HeadlessMode) {
 			{
-				const OwnedClxSpriteList sprite = LoadCel("ctrlpan\\talkpanl", GetMainPanel().size.width);
+				ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(const OwnedClxSpriteList sprite, LoadCelWithStatus("ctrlpan\\talkpanl", GetMainPanel().size.width));
 				ClxDraw(*BottomBuffer, { 0, (GetMainPanel().size.height + PanelPaddingHeight) * 2 - 1 }, sprite[0]);
 			}
 			multiButtons = LoadCel("ctrlpan\\p8but2", 33);
@@ -917,11 +918,11 @@ void InitMainPanel()
 	MainPanelFlag = false;
 	LevelButtonDown = false;
 	if (!HeadlessMode) {
-		LoadMainPanel();
-		pMainPanelButtons = LoadCel("ctrlpan\\panel8bu", 71);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadMainPanel());
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(pMainPanelButtons, LoadCelWithStatus("ctrlpan\\panel8bu", 71));
 
 		static const uint16_t CharButtonsFrameWidths[9] { 95, 41, 41, 41, 41, 41, 41, 41, 41 };
-		pChrButtons = LoadCel("data\\charbut", CharButtonsFrameWidths);
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(pChrButtons, LoadCelWithStatus("data\\charbut", CharButtonsFrameWidths));
 	}
 	ResetMainPanelButtons();
 	if (!HeadlessMode)
@@ -939,14 +940,16 @@ void InitMainPanel()
 
 	if (!HeadlessMode) {
 		InitSpellBook();
-		pQLogCel = LoadCel("data\\quest", static_cast<uint16_t>(SidePanelSize.width));
-		GoldBoxBuffer = LoadCel("ctrlpan\\golddrop", 261);
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(pQLogCel, LoadCelWithStatus("data\\quest", static_cast<uint16_t>(SidePanelSize.width)));
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(GoldBoxBuffer, LoadCelWithStatus("ctrlpan\\golddrop", 261));
 	}
 	CloseGoldDrop();
 	CalculatePanelAreas();
 
 	if (!HeadlessMode)
 		InitModifierHints();
+
+	return {};
 }
 
 void DrawMainPanel(const Surface &out)
diff --git a/Source/control.h b/Source/control.h
index d99cddb86..5a757bc19 100644
--- a/Source/control.h
+++ b/Source/control.h
@@ -8,9 +8,11 @@
 #include <cstddef>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <optional>
+#include <string>
 #include <string_view>
 
 #include <SDL.h>
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #ifdef USE_SDL1
 #include "utils/sdl2_to_1_2_backports.h"
@@ -127,7 +129,7 @@ void DrawFlaskValues(const Surface &out, Point pos, int currValue, int maxValue)
  */
 void UpdateLifeManaPercent();
 
-void InitMainPanel();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMainPanel();
 void DrawMainPanel(const Surface &out);
 
 /**
diff --git a/Source/diablo.cpp b/Source/diablo.cpp
index 65342a561..7615268c7 100644
--- a/Source/diablo.cpp
+++ b/Source/diablo.cpp
@@ -90,6 +90,8 @@
 #include "utils/parse_int.hpp"
 #include "utils/paths.h"
 #include "utils/screen_reader.hpp"
+#include "utils/sdl_thread.h"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 #include "utils/utf8.hpp"
 
@@ -1269,68 +1271,77 @@ void DiabloDeinit()
 		SDL_Quit();
 }
 
-void LoadLvlGFX()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadLvlGFX()
 {
 	assert(pDungeonCels == nullptr);
 	constexpr int SpecialCelWidth = 64;
 
+	const auto loadAll = [](const char *cel, const char *til, const char *special) -> tl::expected<void, std::string> {
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(pDungeonCels, LoadFileInMemWithStatus(cel));
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(pMegaTiles, LoadFileInMemWithStatus<MegaTile>(til));
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(pSpecialCels, LoadCelWithStatus(special, SpecialCelWidth));
+		return {};
+	};
+
 	switch (leveltype) {
 	case DTYPE_TOWN:
 		if (gbIsHellfire) {
-			pDungeonCels = LoadFileInMem("nlevels\\towndata\\town.cel");
-			pMegaTiles = LoadFileInMem<MegaTile>("nlevels\\towndata\\town.til");
-		} else {
-			pDungeonCels = LoadFileInMem("levels\\towndata\\town.cel");
-			pMegaTiles = LoadFileInMem<MegaTile>("levels\\towndata\\town.til");
+			return loadAll(
+			    "nlevels\\towndata\\town.cel",
+			    "nlevels\\towndata\\town.til",
+			    "levels\\towndata\\towns");
 		}
-		pSpecialCels = LoadCel("levels\\towndata\\towns", SpecialCelWidth);
-		break;
+		return loadAll(
+		    "levels\\towndata\\town.cel",
+		    "levels\\towndata\\town.til",
+		    "levels\\towndata\\towns");
 	case DTYPE_CATHEDRAL:
-		pDungeonCels = LoadFileInMem("levels\\l1data\\l1.cel");
-		pMegaTiles = LoadFileInMem<MegaTile>("levels\\l1data\\l1.til");
-		pSpecialCels = LoadCel("levels\\l1data\\l1s", SpecialCelWidth);
-		break;
+		return loadAll(
+		    "levels\\l1data\\l1.cel",
+		    "levels\\l1data\\l1.til",
+		    "levels\\l1data\\l1s");
 	case DTYPE_CATACOMBS:
-		pDungeonCels = LoadFileInMem("levels\\l2data\\l2.cel");
-		pMegaTiles = LoadFileInMem<MegaTile>("levels\\l2data\\l2.til");
-		pSpecialCels = LoadCel("levels\\l2data\\l2s", SpecialCelWidth);
-		break;
+		return loadAll(
+		    "levels\\l2data\\l2.cel",
+		    "levels\\l2data\\l2.til",
+		    "levels\\l2data\\l2s");
 	case DTYPE_CAVES:
-		pDungeonCels = LoadFileInMem("levels\\l3data\\l3.cel");
-		pMegaTiles = LoadFileInMem<MegaTile>("levels\\l3data\\l3.til");
-		pSpecialCels = LoadCel("levels\\l1data\\l1s", SpecialCelWidth);
-		break;
+		return loadAll(
+		    "levels\\l3data\\l3.cel",
+		    "levels\\l3data\\l3.til",
+		    "levels\\l1data\\l1s");
 	case DTYPE_HELL:
-		pDungeonCels = LoadFileInMem("levels\\l4data\\l4.cel");
-		pMegaTiles = LoadFileInMem<MegaTile>("levels\\l4data\\l4.til");
-		pSpecialCels = LoadCel("levels\\l2data\\l2s", SpecialCelWidth);
-		break;
+		return loadAll(
+		    "levels\\l4data\\l4.cel",
+		    "levels\\l4data\\l4.til",
+		    "levels\\l2data\\l2s");
 	case DTYPE_NEST:
-		pDungeonCels = LoadFileInMem("nlevels\\l6data\\l6.cel");
-		pMegaTiles = LoadFileInMem<MegaTile>("nlevels\\l6data\\l6.til");
-		pSpecialCels = LoadCel("levels\\l1data\\l1s", SpecialCelWidth);
-		break;
+		return loadAll(
+		    "nlevels\\l6data\\l6.cel",
+		    "nlevels\\l6data\\l6.til",
+		    "levels\\l1data\\l1s");
 	case DTYPE_CRYPT:
-		pDungeonCels = LoadFileInMem("nlevels\\l5data\\l5.cel");
-		pMegaTiles = LoadFileInMem<MegaTile>("nlevels\\l5data\\l5.til");
-		pSpecialCels = LoadCel("nlevels\\l5data\\l5s", SpecialCelWidth);
-		break;
+		return loadAll(
+		    "nlevels\\l5data\\l5.cel",
+		    "nlevels\\l5data\\l5.til",
+		    "nlevels\\l5data\\l5s");
 	default:
-		app_fatal("LoadLvlGFX");
+		return tl::make_unexpected("LoadLvlGFX");
 	}
 }
 
-void LoadAllGFX()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadAllGFX()
 {
 	IncProgress();
 #if !defined(USE_SDL1) && !defined(__vita__)
 	InitVirtualGamepadGFX();
 #endif
 	IncProgress();
-	InitObjectGFX();
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitObjectGFX());
 	IncProgress();
-	InitMissileGFX(gbIsHellfire);
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMissileGFX(gbIsHellfire));
 	IncProgress();
+	return {};
 }
 
 /**
@@ -2911,7 +2922,7 @@ void LoadGameLevelStash()
 	gbIsHellfireSaveGame = isHellfireSaveGame;
 }
 
-void LoadGameLevelDungeon(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadGameLevelDungeon(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
 {
 	if (firstflag || lvldir == ENTRY_LOAD || !myPlayer._pLvlVisited[currlevel] || gbIsMultiplayer) {
 		HoldThemeRooms();
@@ -2922,7 +2933,7 @@ void LoadGameLevelDungeon(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlay
 
 		IncProgress();
 
-		InitMonsters();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMonsters());
 		InitItems();
 		CreateThemeRooms();
 
@@ -2943,16 +2954,17 @@ void LoadGameLevelDungeon(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlay
 	} else {
 		HoldThemeRooms();
 		InitGolems();
-		InitMonsters();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMonsters());
 		InitMissiles();
 		InitCorpses();
 
 		IncProgress();
 
-		LoadLevel();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadLevel());
 
 		IncProgress();
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 void LoadGameLevelSyncPlayerEntry(lvl_entry lvldir)
@@ -3006,7 +3018,7 @@ void LoadGameLevelSetVisited()
 	}
 }
 
-void LoadGameLevelTown(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadGameLevelTown(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
 {
 	for (int i = 0; i < MAXDUNX; i++) { // NOLINT(modernize-loop-convert)
 		for (int j = 0; j < MAXDUNY; j++) {
@@ -3022,7 +3034,7 @@ void LoadGameLevelTown(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
 	IncProgress();
 
 	if (!firstflag && lvldir != ENTRY_LOAD && myPlayer._pLvlVisited[currlevel] && !gbIsMultiplayer)
-		LoadLevel();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadLevel());
 	if (gbIsMultiplayer)
 		DeltaLoadLevel();
 
@@ -3031,22 +3043,23 @@ void LoadGameLevelTown(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
 	for (int x = 0; x < DMAXX; x++)
 		for (int y = 0; y < DMAXY; y++)
 			UpdateAutomapExplorer({ x, y }, MAP_EXP_SELF);
+	return {};
 }
 
-void LoadGameLevelSetLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadGameLevelSetLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
 {
 	LoadSetMap();
 	IncProgress();
-	GetLevelMTypes();
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetLevelMTypes());
 	IncProgress();
 	InitGolems();
-	InitMonsters();
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMonsters());
 	IncProgress();
 	if (!HeadlessMode) {
 #if !defined(USE_SDL1) && !defined(__vita__)
 		InitVirtualGamepadGFX();
 #endif
-		InitMissileGFX(gbIsHellfire);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMissileGFX(gbIsHellfire));
 		IncProgress();
 	}
 	InitCorpses();
@@ -3071,7 +3084,7 @@ void LoadGameLevelSetLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPla
 		InitItems();
 		SavePreLighting();
 	} else {
-		LoadLevel();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadLevel());
 	}
 	if (gbIsMultiplayer) {
 		DeltaLoadLevel();
@@ -3082,9 +3095,10 @@ void LoadGameLevelSetLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPla
 	PlayDungMsgs();
 	InitMissiles();
 	IncProgress();
+	return {};
 }
 
-void LoadGameLevelStandardLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadGameLevelStandardLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &myPlayer)
 {
 	CreateLevel(lvldir);
 
@@ -3093,10 +3107,10 @@ void LoadGameLevelStandardLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &
 	SetRndSeedForDungeonLevel();
 
 	if (leveltype != DTYPE_TOWN) {
-		GetLevelMTypes();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetLevelMTypes());
 		InitThemes();
 		if (!HeadlessMode)
-			LoadAllGFX();
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadAllGFX());
 	} else if (!HeadlessMode) {
 		IncProgress();
 
@@ -3106,7 +3120,7 @@ void LoadGameLevelStandardLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &
 
 		IncProgress();
 
-		InitMissileGFX(gbIsHellfire);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMissileGFX(gbIsHellfire));
 
 		IncProgress();
 		IncProgress();
@@ -3144,6 +3158,7 @@ void LoadGameLevelStandardLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir, const Player &
 		ResyncMPQuests();
 	else
 		ResyncQuests();
+	return {};
 }
 
 void LoadGameLevelCrypt()
@@ -3166,7 +3181,7 @@ void LoadGameLevelCalculateCursor()
 	CheckCursMove();
 }
 
-void LoadGameLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadGameLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir)
 {
 	_music_id neededTrack = GetLevelMusic(leveltype);
 
@@ -3177,13 +3192,13 @@ void LoadGameLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir)
 
 	IncProgress();
 
-	LoadTrns();
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadTrns());
 	MakeLightTable();
-	LoadLevelSOLData();
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadLevelSOLData());
 
 	IncProgress();
 
-	LoadLvlGFX();
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadLvlGFX());
 	SetDungeonMicros();
 	ClearClxDrawCache();
 
@@ -3216,9 +3231,9 @@ void LoadGameLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir)
 	Player &myPlayer = *MyPlayer;
 
 	if (setlevel) {
-		LoadGameLevelSetLevel(firstflag, lvldir, myPlayer);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadGameLevelSetLevel(firstflag, lvldir, myPlayer));
 	} else {
-		LoadGameLevelStandardLevel(firstflag, lvldir, myPlayer);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadGameLevelStandardLevel(firstflag, lvldir, myPlayer));
 	}
 
 	SyncPortals();
@@ -3228,7 +3243,7 @@ void LoadGameLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir)
 	IncProgress();
 
 	if (firstflag) {
-		InitMainPanel();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMainPanel());
 	}
 
 	IncProgress();
@@ -3250,6 +3265,7 @@ void LoadGameLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir)
 	CompleteProgress();
 
 	LoadGameLevelCalculateCursor();
+	return {};
 }
 
 bool game_loop(bool bStartup)
diff --git a/Source/diablo.h b/Source/diablo.h
index dad7b00e6..a4063ad9a 100644
--- a/Source/diablo.h
+++ b/Source/diablo.h
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ void diablo_focus_pause();
 void diablo_focus_unpause();
 bool PressEscKey();
 void DisableInputEventHandler(const SDL_Event &event, uint16_t modState);
-void LoadGameLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir);
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadGameLevel(bool firstflag, lvl_entry lvldir);
 bool IsDiabloAlive(bool playSFX);
 void PrintScreen(SDL_Keycode vkey);
 
diff --git a/Source/engine/assets.cpp b/Source/engine/assets.cpp
index 691ebc356..3647ab2bb 100644
--- a/Source/engine/assets.cpp
+++ b/Source/engine/assets.cpp
@@ -233,4 +233,9 @@ tl::expected<AssetData, std::string> LoadAsset(std::string_view path)
 	return AssetData { std::move(data), size };
 }
 
+std::string FailedToOpenFileErrorMessage(std::string_view path, std::string_view error)
+{
+	return fmt::format(fmt::runtime(_("Failed to open file:\n{:s}\n\n{:s}\n\nThe MPQ file(s) might be damaged. Please check the file integrity.")), path, error);
+}
+
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/engine/assets.hpp b/Source/engine/assets.hpp
index 9a5ccdcf6..a0e5a41b6 100644
--- a/Source/engine/assets.hpp
+++ b/Source/engine/assets.hpp
@@ -221,9 +221,11 @@ struct AssetHandle {
 };
 #endif
 
+std::string FailedToOpenFileErrorMessage(std::string_view path, std::string_view error);
+
 [[noreturn]] inline void FailedToOpenFileError(std::string_view path, std::string_view error)
 {
-	app_fatal(fmt::format(fmt::runtime(_("Failed to open file:\n{:s}\n\n{:s}\n\nThe MPQ file(s) might be damaged. Please check the file integrity.")), path, error));
+	app_fatal(FailedToOpenFileErrorMessage(path, error));
 }
 
 inline bool ValidatAssetRef(std::string_view path, const AssetRef &ref)
diff --git a/Source/engine/load_cel.cpp b/Source/engine/load_cel.cpp
index c9879c40b..b3d11511e 100644
--- a/Source/engine/load_cel.cpp
+++ b/Source/engine/load_cel.cpp
@@ -2,12 +2,17 @@
 
 #include <cstddef>
 #include <cstdint>
+#include <string>
 
 #ifdef DEBUG_CEL_TO_CL2_SIZE
 #include <iostream>
 #endif
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
+#include "appfat.h"
 #include "mpq/mpq_common.hpp"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
@@ -19,15 +24,15 @@
 
 namespace devilution {
 
-OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadCelListOrSheet(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths)
+tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet, std::string> LoadCelListOrSheetWithStatus(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths)
 {
 	char path[MaxMpqPathSize];
 	*BufCopy(path, pszName, DEVILUTIONX_CEL_EXT) = '\0';
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
-	return LoadClxListOrSheet(path);
+	return LoadClxListOrSheetWithStatus(path);
 #else
 	size_t size;
-	std::unique_ptr<uint8_t[]> data = LoadFileInMem<uint8_t>(path, &size);
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(std::unique_ptr<uint8_t[]> data, LoadFileInMemWithStatus<uint8_t>(path, &size));
 #ifdef DEBUG_CEL_TO_CL2_SIZE
 	std::cout << path;
 #endif
@@ -35,4 +40,11 @@ OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadCelListOrSheet(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue
 #endif
 }
 
+OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadCelListOrSheet(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths)
+{
+	tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet, std::string> result = LoadCelListOrSheetWithStatus(pszName, widthOrWidths);
+	if (DVL_PREDICT_FALSE(!result.has_value())) app_fatal(result.error());
+	return std::move(result).value();
+}
+
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/engine/load_cel.hpp b/Source/engine/load_cel.hpp
index 289c31524..83739a040 100644
--- a/Source/engine/load_cel.hpp
+++ b/Source/engine/load_cel.hpp
@@ -1,9 +1,13 @@
 #pragma once
 
 #include <cstdint>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #include "engine/clx_sprite.hpp"
 #include "utils/pointer_value_union.hpp"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
 #define DEVILUTIONX_CEL_EXT ".clx"
@@ -13,6 +17,8 @@
 
 namespace devilution {
 
+tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet, std::string> LoadCelListOrSheetWithStatus(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths);
+
 OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadCelListOrSheet(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths);
 
 inline OwnedClxSpriteList LoadCel(const char *pszName, uint16_t width)
@@ -20,11 +26,23 @@ inline OwnedClxSpriteList LoadCel(const char *pszName, uint16_t width)
 	return LoadCelListOrSheet(pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> { width }).list();
 }
 
+inline tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteList, std::string> LoadCelWithStatus(const char *pszName, uint16_t width)
+{
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet result, LoadCelListOrSheetWithStatus(pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> { width }));
+	return std::move(result).list();
+}
+
 inline OwnedClxSpriteList LoadCel(const char *pszName, const uint16_t *widths)
 {
 	return LoadCelListOrSheet(pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> { widths }).list();
 }
 
+inline tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteList, std::string> LoadCelWithStatus(const char *pszName, const uint16_t *widths)
+{
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet result, LoadCelListOrSheetWithStatus(pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> { widths }));
+	return std::move(result).list();
+}
+
 inline OwnedClxSpriteSheet LoadCelSheet(const char *pszName, uint16_t width)
 {
 	return LoadCelListOrSheet(pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> { width }).sheet();
diff --git a/Source/engine/load_cl2.cpp b/Source/engine/load_cl2.cpp
index a8deb6991..e1730f730 100644
--- a/Source/engine/load_cl2.cpp
+++ b/Source/engine/load_cl2.cpp
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 #include <utility>
 
 #include "mpq/mpq_common.hpp"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
@@ -16,17 +17,24 @@
 
 namespace devilution {
 
-OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadCl2ListOrSheet(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths)
+tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet, std::string> LoadCl2ListOrSheetWithStatus(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths)
 {
 	char path[MaxMpqPathSize];
 	*BufCopy(path, pszName, DEVILUTIONX_CL2_EXT) = '\0';
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
-	return LoadClxListOrSheet(path);
+	return LoadClxListOrSheetWithStatus(path);
 #else
 	size_t size;
-	std::unique_ptr<uint8_t[]> data = LoadFileInMem<uint8_t>(path, &size);
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(std::unique_ptr<uint8_t[]> data, LoadFileInMemWithStatus<uint8_t>(path, &size));
 	return Cl2ToClx(std::move(data), size, widthOrWidths);
 #endif
 }
 
+OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadCl2ListOrSheet(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths)
+{
+	tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet, std::string> result = LoadCl2ListOrSheetWithStatus(pszName, widthOrWidths);
+	if (!result.has_value()) app_fatal(result.error());
+	return std::move(result).value();
+}
+
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/engine/load_cl2.hpp b/Source/engine/load_cl2.hpp
index 95dec272b..85bf46e1a 100644
--- a/Source/engine/load_cl2.hpp
+++ b/Source/engine/load_cl2.hpp
@@ -3,7 +3,9 @@
 #include <array>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <cstring>
+#include <string>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <function_ref.hpp>
 
 #include "appfat.h"
@@ -14,6 +16,7 @@
 #include "utils/endian.hpp"
 #include "utils/pointer_value_union.hpp"
 #include "utils/static_vector.hpp"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
@@ -24,10 +27,11 @@
 
 namespace devilution {
 
+tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet, std::string> LoadCl2ListOrSheetWithStatus(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths);
 OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadCl2ListOrSheet(const char *pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> widthOrWidths);
 
 template <size_t MaxCount>
-OwnedClxSpriteSheet LoadMultipleCl2Sheet(tl::function_ref<const char *(size_t)> filenames, size_t count, uint16_t width)
+tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteSheet, std::string> LoadMultipleCl2Sheet(tl::function_ref<const char *(size_t)> filenames, size_t count, uint16_t width)
 {
 	StaticVector<std::array<char, MaxMpqPathSize>, MaxCount> paths;
 	StaticVector<AssetRef, MaxCount> files;
@@ -70,6 +74,12 @@ OwnedClxSpriteSheet LoadMultipleCl2Sheet(tl::function_ref<const char *(size_t)>
 #endif
 }
 
+inline tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteList, std::string> LoadCl2WithStatus(const char *pszName, uint16_t width)
+{
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet result, LoadCl2ListOrSheetWithStatus(pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> { width }));
+	return std::move(result).list();
+}
+
 inline OwnedClxSpriteList LoadCl2(const char *pszName, uint16_t width)
 {
 	return LoadCl2ListOrSheet(pszName, PointerOrValue<uint16_t> { width }).list();
diff --git a/Source/engine/load_clx.cpp b/Source/engine/load_clx.cpp
index 6326a04ae..2e016ddae 100644
--- a/Source/engine/load_clx.cpp
+++ b/Source/engine/load_clx.cpp
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 #include "utils/sdl2_to_1_2_backports.h"
 #endif
 
+#include "appfat.h"
 #include "engine/assets.hpp"
 #include "engine/load_file.hpp"
 
@@ -28,11 +29,19 @@ OptionalOwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadOptionalClxListOrSheet(const char *path)
 	return OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet::FromBuffer(std::move(data), size);
 }
 
-OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadClxListOrSheet(const char *path)
+tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet, std::string> LoadClxListOrSheetWithStatus(const char *path)
 {
 	size_t size;
-	std::unique_ptr<uint8_t[]> data = LoadFileInMem<uint8_t>(path, &size);
-	return OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet::FromBuffer(std::move(data), size);
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<uint8_t[]>, std::string> data = LoadFileInMemWithStatus<uint8_t>(path, &size);
+	if (!data.has_value()) return tl::make_unexpected(std::move(data).error());
+	return OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet::FromBuffer(std::move(data).value(), size);
+}
+
+OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadClxListOrSheet(const char *path)
+{
+	tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet, std::string> result = LoadClxListOrSheetWithStatus(path);
+	if (!result.has_value()) app_fatal(result.error());
+	return std::move(result).value();
 }
 
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/engine/load_clx.hpp b/Source/engine/load_clx.hpp
index f53476e77..5a74037cc 100644
--- a/Source/engine/load_clx.hpp
+++ b/Source/engine/load_clx.hpp
@@ -1,16 +1,29 @@
 #pragma once
 
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include "clx_sprite.hpp"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 
 namespace devilution {
 
 OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet LoadClxListOrSheet(const char *path);
 
+tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet, std::string> LoadClxListOrSheetWithStatus(const char *path);
+
 inline OwnedClxSpriteList LoadClx(const char *path)
 {
 	return LoadClxListOrSheet(path).list();
 }
 
+inline tl::expected<OwnedClxSpriteList, std::string> LoadClxWithStatus(const char *path)
+{
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet result, LoadClxListOrSheetWithStatus(path));
+	return std::move(result).list();
+}
+
 inline OwnedClxSpriteSheet LoadClxSheet(const char *path)
 {
 	return LoadClxListOrSheet(path).sheet();
diff --git a/Source/engine/load_file.hpp b/Source/engine/load_file.hpp
index 1c91b2ef6..84827ff67 100644
--- a/Source/engine/load_file.hpp
+++ b/Source/engine/load_file.hpp
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #include <cstring>
 #include <memory>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <fmt/core.h>
 
 #include "appfat.h"
@@ -18,24 +19,49 @@
 namespace devilution {
 
 template <typename T>
-void LoadFileInMem(const char *path, T *data)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadFileInMemWithStatus(const char *path, T *data)
 {
 	size_t size;
 	AssetHandle handle = OpenAsset(path, size);
-	if (!ValidateHandle(path, handle))
-		return;
-	if ((size % sizeof(T)) != 0)
-		app_fatal(StrCat("File size does not align with type\n", path));
-	handle.read(data, size);
+	if (!handle.ok()) {
+		if (HeadlessMode) return {};
+		return tl::make_unexpected(FailedToOpenFileErrorMessage(path, handle.error()));
+	}
+	if ((size % sizeof(T)) != 0) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(StrCat("File size does not align with type\n", path));
+	}
+	if (!handle.read(data, size)) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected("handle.read failed");
+	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 template <typename T>
-void LoadFileInMem(const char *path, T *data, std::size_t count)
+void LoadFileInMem(const char *path, T *data)
+{
+	const tl::expected<void, std::string> result = LoadFileInMemWithStatus<T>(path, data);
+	if (!result.has_value()) app_fatal(result.error());
+}
+
+template <typename T>
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadFileInMemWithStatus(const char *path, T *data, std::size_t count)
 {
 	AssetHandle handle = OpenAsset(path);
-	if (!ValidateHandle(path, handle))
-		return;
-	handle.read(data, count * sizeof(T));
+	if (!handle.ok()) {
+		if (HeadlessMode) return {};
+		return tl::make_unexpected(FailedToOpenFileErrorMessage(path, handle.error()));
+	}
+	if (!handle.read(data, count * sizeof(T))) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected("handle.read failed");
+	}
+	return {};
+}
+
+template <typename T>
+void LoadFileInMem(const char *path, T *data, std::size_t count)
+{
+	tl::expected<void, std::string> result = LoadFileInMemWithStatus<T>(path, data, count);
+	if (!result.has_value()) app_fatal(result.error());
 }
 
 template <typename T>
@@ -45,34 +71,53 @@ bool LoadOptionalFileInMem(const char *path, T *data, std::size_t count)
 	return handle.ok() && handle.read(data, count * sizeof(T));
 }
 
+template <typename T, std::size_t N>
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadFileInMemWithStatus(const char *path, std::array<T, N> &data)
+{
+	return LoadFileInMemWithStatus(path, data.data(), N);
+}
+
 template <typename T, std::size_t N>
 void LoadFileInMem(const char *path, std::array<T, N> &data)
 {
 	LoadFileInMem(path, data.data(), N);
 }
 
-/**
- * @brief Load a file in to a buffer
- * @param path Path of file
- * @param numRead Number of T elements read
- * @return Buffer with content of file
- */
 template <typename T = std::byte>
-std::unique_ptr<T[]> LoadFileInMem(const char *path, std::size_t *numRead = nullptr)
+tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<T[]>, std::string> LoadFileInMemWithStatus(const char *path, std::size_t *numRead = nullptr)
 {
 	size_t size;
 	AssetHandle handle = OpenAsset(path, size);
-	if (!ValidateHandle(path, handle))
-		return nullptr;
-	if ((size % sizeof(T)) != 0)
-		app_fatal(StrCat("File size does not align with type\n", path));
+	if (!handle.ok()) {
+		if (HeadlessMode) return {};
+		return tl::make_unexpected(FailedToOpenFileErrorMessage(path, handle.error()));
+	}
+	if ((size % sizeof(T)) != 0) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(StrCat("File size does not align with type\n", path));
+	}
 
 	if (numRead != nullptr)
 		*numRead = size / sizeof(T);
 
 	std::unique_ptr<T[]> buf { new T[size / sizeof(T)] };
-	handle.read(buf.get(), size);
-	return buf;
+	if (!handle.read(buf.get(), size)) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected("handle.read failed");
+	}
+	return { std::move(buf) };
+}
+
+/**
+ * @brief Load a file in to a buffer
+ * @param path Path of file
+ * @param numRead Number of T elements read
+ * @return Buffer with content of file
+ */
+template <typename T = std::byte>
+std::unique_ptr<T[]> LoadFileInMem(const char *path, std::size_t *numRead = nullptr)
+{
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<T[]>, std::string> result = LoadFileInMemWithStatus<T>(path, numRead);
+	if (!result.has_value()) app_fatal(result.error());
+	return std::move(result).value();
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/Source/engine/sound.cpp b/Source/engine/sound.cpp
index b91258818..235f1d61c 100644
--- a/Source/engine/sound.cpp
+++ b/Source/engine/sound.cpp
@@ -11,8 +11,10 @@
 #include <memory>
 #include <mutex>
 #include <optional>
+#include <string>
 
 #include <SDL.h>
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #include "engine/assets.hpp"
 #include "init.h"
@@ -20,6 +22,7 @@
 #include "utils/log.hpp"
 #include "utils/math.h"
 #include "utils/sdl_mutex.h"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/stdcompat/shared_ptr_array.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 #include "utils/stubs.h"
@@ -46,7 +49,7 @@ std::string GetMp3Path(const char *path)
 	return mp3Path;
 }
 
-bool LoadAudioFile(const char *path, bool stream, bool errorDialog, SoundSample &result)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadAudioFile(const char *path, bool stream, SoundSample &result)
 {
 	bool isMp3 = true;
 	std::string foundPath = GetMp3Path(path);
@@ -56,8 +59,9 @@ bool LoadAudioFile(const char *path, bool stream, bool errorDialog, SoundSample
 		foundPath = path;
 		isMp3 = false;
 	}
-	if (!ref.ok())
-		ErrDlg("Audio file not found", StrCat(path, "\n", SDL_GetError(), "\n"), __FILE__, __LINE__);
+	if (!ref.ok()) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(StrCat("Audio file not found\n", path, "\n", SDL_GetError(), "\n" __FILE__ ":", __LINE__));
+	}
 
 #ifdef STREAM_ALL_AUDIO_MIN_FILE_SIZE
 #if STREAM_ALL_AUDIO_MIN_FILE_SIZE == 0
@@ -73,10 +77,7 @@ bool LoadAudioFile(const char *path, bool stream, bool errorDialog, SoundSample
 
 	if (stream) {
 		if (result.SetChunkStream(foundPath, isMp3, /*logErrors=*/true) != 0) {
-			if (errorDialog) {
-				ErrDlg("Failed to load audio file", StrCat(foundPath, "\n", SDL_GetError(), "\n"), __FILE__, __LINE__);
-			}
-			return false;
+			return tl::make_unexpected(StrCat("Failed to load audio file\n", foundPath, "\n", SDL_GetError(), "\n" __FILE__ ":", __LINE__));
 		}
 	} else {
 #if !defined(STREAM_ALL_AUDIO_MIN_FILE_SIZE) || STREAM_ALL_AUDIO_MIN_FILE_SIZE == 0
@@ -84,24 +85,18 @@ bool LoadAudioFile(const char *path, bool stream, bool errorDialog, SoundSample
 #endif
 		AssetHandle handle = OpenAsset(std::move(ref));
 		if (!handle.ok()) {
-			if (errorDialog)
-				ErrDlg("Failed to load audio file", StrCat(foundPath, "\n", SDL_GetError(), "\n"), __FILE__, __LINE__);
-			return false;
+			return tl::make_unexpected(StrCat("Failed to load audio file\n", foundPath, "\n", SDL_GetError(), "\n" __FILE__ ":", __LINE__));
 		}
 		auto waveFile = MakeArraySharedPtr<std::uint8_t>(size);
 		if (!handle.read(waveFile.get(), size)) {
-			if (errorDialog)
-				ErrDlg("Failed to read file", StrCat(foundPath, ": ", SDL_GetError()), __FILE__, __LINE__);
-			return false;
+			return tl::make_unexpected(StrCat("Failed to read file\n", foundPath, ": ", SDL_GetError(), __FILE__ ":", __LINE__));
 		}
 		const int error = result.SetChunk(waveFile, size, isMp3);
 		if (error != 0) {
-			if (errorDialog)
-				ErrSdl();
-			return false;
+			return tl::make_unexpected(SDL_GetError());
 		}
 	}
-	return true;
+	return {};
 }
 
 std::list<std::unique_ptr<SoundSample>> duplicateSounds;
@@ -185,16 +180,23 @@ void snd_play_snd(TSnd *pSnd, int lVolume, int lPan)
 	pSnd->start_tc = tc;
 }
 
-std::unique_ptr<TSnd> sound_file_load(const char *path, bool stream)
+tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<TSnd>, std::string> SoundFileLoadWithStatus(const char *path, bool stream)
 {
 	auto snd = std::make_unique<TSnd>();
 	snd->start_tc = SDL_GetTicks() - 80 - 1;
 #ifndef NOSOUND
-	LoadAudioFile(path, stream, /*errorDialog=*/true, snd->DSB);
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadAudioFile(path, stream, snd->DSB));
 #endif
 	return snd;
 }
 
+std::unique_ptr<TSnd> sound_file_load(const char *path, bool stream)
+{
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<TSnd>, std::string> result = SoundFileLoadWithStatus(path, stream);
+	if (!result.has_value()) app_fatal(result.error());
+	return std::move(result).value();
+}
+
 TSnd::~TSnd()
 {
 	if (DSB.IsLoaded())
@@ -281,7 +283,7 @@ void music_start(_music_id nTrack)
 #else
 	const bool stream = true;
 #endif
-	if (!LoadAudioFile(trackPath, stream, /*errorDialog=*/false, music)) {
+	if (!LoadAudioFile(trackPath, stream, music).has_value()) {
 		music_stop();
 		return;
 	}
diff --git a/Source/engine/sound.h b/Source/engine/sound.h
index 6ca096314..d03793202 100644
--- a/Source/engine/sound.h
+++ b/Source/engine/sound.h
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@
 #include <memory>
 #include <string>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include "levels/gendung.h"
 #include "utils/attributes.h"
 
@@ -56,6 +58,7 @@ extern _music_id sgnMusicTrack;
 void ClearDuplicateSounds();
 void snd_play_snd(TSnd *pSnd, int lVolume, int lPan);
 std::unique_ptr<TSnd> sound_file_load(const char *path, bool stream = false);
+tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<TSnd>, std::string> SoundFileLoadWithStatus(const char *path, bool stream = false);
 void snd_init();
 void snd_deinit();
 _music_id GetLevelMusic(dungeon_type dungeonType);
diff --git a/Source/engine/sound_stubs.cpp b/Source/engine/sound_stubs.cpp
index f766e9376..45f062b13 100644
--- a/Source/engine/sound_stubs.cpp
+++ b/Source/engine/sound_stubs.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ _music_id sgnMusicTrack = NUM_MUSIC;
 void ClearDuplicateSounds() { }
 void snd_play_snd(TSnd *pSnd, int lVolume, int lPan) { }
 std::unique_ptr<TSnd> sound_file_load(const char *path, bool stream) { return nullptr; }
+tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<TSnd>, std::string> SoundFileLoadWithStatus(const char *path, bool stream) { return nullptr; }
 TSnd::~TSnd() { }
 void snd_init() { }
 void snd_deinit() { }
diff --git a/Source/gamemenu.cpp b/Source/gamemenu.cpp
index 0a983288e..e2e5aa87c 100644
--- a/Source/gamemenu.cpp
+++ b/Source/gamemenu.cpp
@@ -310,7 +310,9 @@ void gamemenu_load_game(bool /*bActivate*/)
 	DeactivateVirtualGamepad();
 	FreeVirtualGamepadTextures();
 #endif
-	LoadGame(false);
+	if (tl::expected<void, std::string> result = LoadGame(false); !result.has_value()) {
+		app_fatal(result.error());
+	}
 #if !defined(USE_SDL1) && !defined(__vita__)
 	if (renderer != nullptr) {
 		InitVirtualGamepadTextures(*renderer);
diff --git a/Source/interfac.cpp b/Source/interfac.cpp
index 2dde740af..a43cac914 100644
--- a/Source/interfac.cpp
+++ b/Source/interfac.cpp
@@ -6,8 +6,10 @@
 
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <optional>
+#include <string>
 
 #include <SDL.h>
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #include "control.h"
 #include "engine.h"
@@ -236,11 +238,12 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 	IncProgress();
 
 	Player &myPlayer = *MyPlayer;
+	tl::expected<void, std::string> loadResult;
 	switch (uMsg) {
 	case WM_DIABLOADGAME:
 		IncProgress(2);
-		LoadGame(true);
-		IncProgress(2);
+		loadResult = LoadGame(true);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress(2);
 		break;
 	case WM_DIABNEWGAME:
 		myPlayer.pOriginalCathedral = !gbIsHellfire;
@@ -249,8 +252,8 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 		IncProgress();
 		pfile_remove_temp_files();
 		IncProgress();
-		LoadGameLevel(true, ENTRY_MAIN);
-		IncProgress();
+		loadResult = LoadGameLevel(true, ENTRY_MAIN);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress();
 		break;
 	case WM_DIABNEXTLVL:
 		IncProgress();
@@ -265,8 +268,8 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 		currlevel = myPlayer.plrlevel;
 		leveltype = GetLevelType(currlevel);
 		IncProgress();
-		LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_MAIN);
-		IncProgress();
+		loadResult = LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_MAIN);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress();
 		break;
 	case WM_DIABPREVLVL:
 		IncProgress();
@@ -281,8 +284,8 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 		leveltype = GetLevelType(currlevel);
 		assert(myPlayer.isOnActiveLevel());
 		IncProgress();
-		LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_PREV);
-		IncProgress();
+		loadResult = LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_PREV);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress();
 		break;
 	case WM_DIABSETLVL:
 		// Note: ReturnLevel, ReturnLevelType and ReturnLvlPosition is only set to ensure vanilla compatibility
@@ -301,8 +304,8 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 		currlevel = static_cast<uint8_t>(setlvlnum);
 		FreeGameMem();
 		IncProgress();
-		LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_SETLVL);
-		IncProgress();
+		loadResult = LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_SETLVL);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress();
 		break;
 	case WM_DIABRTNLVL:
 		IncProgress();
@@ -317,8 +320,8 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 		IncProgress();
 		currlevel = GetMapReturnLevel();
 		leveltype = GetLevelType(currlevel);
-		LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_RTNLVL);
-		IncProgress();
+		loadResult = LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_RTNLVL);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress();
 		break;
 	case WM_DIABWARPLVL:
 		IncProgress();
@@ -331,8 +334,8 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 		FreeGameMem();
 		GetPortalLevel();
 		IncProgress();
-		LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_WARPLVL);
-		IncProgress();
+		loadResult = LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_WARPLVL);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress();
 		break;
 	case WM_DIABTOWNWARP:
 		IncProgress();
@@ -347,8 +350,8 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 		currlevel = myPlayer.plrlevel;
 		leveltype = GetLevelType(currlevel);
 		IncProgress();
-		LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_TWARPDN);
-		IncProgress();
+		loadResult = LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_TWARPDN);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress();
 		break;
 	case WM_DIABTWARPUP:
 		IncProgress();
@@ -362,8 +365,8 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 		currlevel = myPlayer.plrlevel;
 		leveltype = GetLevelType(currlevel);
 		IncProgress();
-		LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_TWARPUP);
-		IncProgress();
+		loadResult = LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_TWARPUP);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress();
 		break;
 	case WM_DIABRETOWN:
 		IncProgress();
@@ -378,11 +381,20 @@ void DoLoad(interface_mode uMsg)
 		currlevel = myPlayer.plrlevel;
 		leveltype = GetLevelType(currlevel);
 		IncProgress();
-		LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_MAIN);
-		IncProgress();
+		loadResult = LoadGameLevel(false, ENTRY_MAIN);
+		if (loadResult.has_value()) IncProgress();
 		break;
 	default:
-		app_fatal("Unknown progress mode");
+		loadResult = tl::make_unexpected<std::string>("Unknown progress mode");
+		break;
+	}
+
+	if (!loadResult.has_value()) {
+		SDL_Event event;
+		event.type = CustomEventToSdlEvent(WM_ERROR);
+		event.user.data1 = new std::string(std::move(loadResult).error());
+		SDL_PushEvent(&event);
+		return;
 	}
 
 	SDL_Event event;
@@ -413,6 +425,9 @@ void ProgressEventHandler(const SDL_Event &event, uint16_t modState)
 			drawnProgress = sgdwProgress;
 		}
 		break;
+	case WM_ERROR:
+		app_fatal(*static_cast<std::string *>(event.user.data1));
+		break;
 	case WM_DONE: {
 		// We may have loaded a new palette.
 		// Temporarily switch back to the load screen palette for fade out.
diff --git a/Source/interfac.h b/Source/interfac.h
index 9b445c538..a5316f519 100644
--- a/Source/interfac.h
+++ b/Source/interfac.h
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ enum interface_mode : uint8_t {
 
 	// Asynchronous loading events.
 	WM_PROGRESS,
+	WM_ERROR,
 	WM_DONE,
 
 	WM_FIRST = WM_DIABNEXTLVL,
diff --git a/Source/levels/gendung.cpp b/Source/levels/gendung.cpp
index 8f5d9e6da..ae53779e9 100644
--- a/Source/levels/gendung.cpp
+++ b/Source/levels/gendung.cpp
@@ -4,10 +4,12 @@
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <memory>
 #include <stack>
+#include <string>
 #include <utility>
 #include <vector>
 
 #include <ankerl/unordered_dense.h>
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #include "engine/clx_sprite.hpp"
 #include "engine/load_file.hpp"
@@ -24,6 +26,7 @@
 #include "options.h"
 #include "utils/bitset2d.hpp"
 #include "utils/log.hpp"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 
 namespace devilution {
 
@@ -426,17 +429,18 @@ void CreateDungeon(uint32_t rseed, lvl_entry entry)
 	Make_SetPC(SetPiece);
 }
 
-void LoadLevelSOLData()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadLevelSOLData()
 {
 	switch (leveltype) {
 	case DTYPE_TOWN:
-		if (gbIsHellfire)
-			LoadFileInMem("nlevels\\towndata\\town.sol", SOLData);
-		else
-			LoadFileInMem("levels\\towndata\\town.sol", SOLData);
+		if (gbIsHellfire) {
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("nlevels\\towndata\\town.sol", SOLData));
+		} else {
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("levels\\towndata\\town.sol", SOLData));
+		}
 		break;
 	case DTYPE_CATHEDRAL:
-		LoadFileInMem("levels\\l1data\\l1.sol", SOLData);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("levels\\l1data\\l1.sol", SOLData));
 		// Fix incorrectly marked arched tiles
 		SOLData[9] |= TileProperties::BlockLight | TileProperties::BlockMissile;
 		SOLData[15] |= TileProperties::BlockLight | TileProperties::BlockMissile;
@@ -464,28 +468,29 @@ void LoadLevelSOLData()
 		SOLData[450] |= TileProperties::BlockLight | TileProperties::BlockMissile;
 		break;
 	case DTYPE_CATACOMBS:
-		LoadFileInMem("levels\\l2data\\l2.sol", SOLData);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("levels\\l2data\\l2.sol", SOLData));
 		break;
 	case DTYPE_CAVES:
-		LoadFileInMem("levels\\l3data\\l3.sol", SOLData);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("levels\\l3data\\l3.sol", SOLData));
 		// The graphics for tile 48 sub-tile 171 frame 461 are partly incorrect, as they
 		// have a few pixels that should belong to the solid tile 49 instead.
 		// Marks the sub-tile as "BlockMissile" to avoid treating it as a floor during rendering.
 		SOLData[170] |= TileProperties::BlockMissile;
 		break;
 	case DTYPE_HELL:
-		LoadFileInMem("levels\\l4data\\l4.sol", SOLData);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("levels\\l4data\\l4.sol", SOLData));
 		SOLData[210] = TileProperties::None; // Tile is incorrectly marked as being solid
 		break;
 	case DTYPE_NEST:
-		LoadFileInMem("nlevels\\l6data\\l6.sol", SOLData);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("nlevels\\l6data\\l6.sol", SOLData));
 		break;
 	case DTYPE_CRYPT:
-		LoadFileInMem("nlevels\\l5data\\l5.sol", SOLData);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("nlevels\\l5data\\l5.sol", SOLData));
 		break;
 	default:
-		app_fatal("LoadLevelSOLData");
+		return tl::make_unexpected("LoadLevelSOLData");
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 void SetDungeonMicros()
diff --git a/Source/levels/gendung.h b/Source/levels/gendung.h
index f582c1850..f6f8ede9c 100644
--- a/Source/levels/gendung.h
+++ b/Source/levels/gendung.h
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ struct Miniset {
 	return HasAnyOf(SOLData[dPiece[coords.x][coords.y]], property);
 }
 
-void LoadLevelSOLData();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadLevelSOLData();
 void SetDungeonMicros();
 void DRLG_InitTrans();
 void DRLG_MRectTrans(WorldTilePosition origin, WorldTilePosition extent);
diff --git a/Source/lighting.cpp b/Source/lighting.cpp
index 6b7ea2876..32429c468 100644
--- a/Source/lighting.cpp
+++ b/Source/lighting.cpp
@@ -8,6 +8,9 @@
 #include <algorithm>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <numeric>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #include "automap.h"
 #include "diablo.h"
@@ -15,6 +18,7 @@
 #include "engine/points_in_rectangle_range.hpp"
 #include "player.h"
 #include "utils/attributes.h"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 
 namespace devilution {
 
@@ -260,11 +264,11 @@ void DoVision(Point position, uint8_t radius, MapExplorationType doAutomap, bool
 	}
 }
 
-void LoadTrns()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadTrns()
 {
-	LoadFileInMem("plrgfx\\infra.trn", InfravisionTable);
-	LoadFileInMem("plrgfx\\stone.trn", StoneTable);
-	LoadFileInMem("gendata\\pause.trn", PauseTable);
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("plrgfx\\infra.trn", InfravisionTable));
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadFileInMemWithStatus("plrgfx\\stone.trn", StoneTable));
+	return LoadFileInMemWithStatus("gendata\\pause.trn", PauseTable);
 }
 
 void MakeLightTable()
diff --git a/Source/lighting.h b/Source/lighting.h
index fbef5c923..9e5e0be19 100644
--- a/Source/lighting.h
+++ b/Source/lighting.h
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 #include <type_traits>
 #include <vector>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <function_ref.hpp>
 
 #include "automap.h"
@@ -65,7 +66,7 @@ void DoUnLight(Point position, uint8_t radius);
 void DoLighting(Point position, uint8_t radius, DisplacementOf<int8_t> offset);
 void DoUnVision(Point position, uint8_t radius);
 void DoVision(Point position, uint8_t radius, MapExplorationType doAutomap, bool visible);
-void LoadTrns();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadTrns();
 void MakeLightTable();
 #ifdef _DEBUG
 void ToggleLighting();
diff --git a/Source/loadsave.cpp b/Source/loadsave.cpp
index 2e65c9421..93dbda4d9 100644
--- a/Source/loadsave.cpp
+++ b/Source/loadsave.cpp
@@ -9,9 +9,11 @@
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <cstring>
 #include <numeric>
+#include <string>
 
 #include <SDL.h>
 #include <ankerl/unordered_dense.h>
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <fmt/core.h>
 
 #include "automap.h"
@@ -37,6 +39,7 @@
 #include "utils/algorithm/container.hpp"
 #include "utils/endian.hpp"
 #include "utils/language.h"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 
 namespace devilution {
 
@@ -1911,7 +1914,7 @@ void SaveLevel(SaveWriter &saveWriter, LevelConversionData *levelConversionData)
 		myPlayer._pSLvlVisited[setlvlnum] = true;
 }
 
-void LoadLevel(LevelConversionData *levelConversionData)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadLevel(LevelConversionData *levelConversionData)
 {
 	char szName[MaxMpqPathSize];
 	std::optional<SaveReader> archive = OpenSaveArchive(gSaveNumber);
@@ -1920,7 +1923,7 @@ void LoadLevel(LevelConversionData *levelConversionData)
 		GetPermLevelNames(szName);
 	LoadHelper file(std::move(archive), szName);
 	if (!file.IsValid())
-		app_fatal(_("Unable to open save file archive"));
+		return tl::make_unexpected(std::string(_("Unable to open save file archive")));
 
 	if (leveltype != DTYPE_TOWN) {
 		for (int j = 0; j < MAXDUNY; j++) {
@@ -1948,7 +1951,7 @@ void LoadLevel(LevelConversionData *levelConversionData)
 		}
 		if (!gbSkipSync) {
 			for (size_t i = 0; i < ActiveMonsterCount; i++)
-				SyncMonsterAnim(Monsters[ActiveMonsters[i]]);
+				RETURN_IF_ERROR(SyncMonsterAnim(Monsters[ActiveMonsters[i]]));
 		}
 		for (int &objectId : ActiveObjects)
 			objectId = file.NextLE<int8_t>();
@@ -2011,6 +2014,7 @@ void LoadLevel(LevelConversionData *levelConversionData)
 		if (player.plractive && player.isOnActiveLevel())
 			Lights[player.lightId].hasChanged = true;
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 const int DiabloItemSaveSize = 368;
@@ -2018,7 +2022,7 @@ const int HellfireItemSaveSize = 372;
 
 } // namespace
 
-void ConvertLevels(SaveWriter &saveWriter)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> ConvertLevels(SaveWriter &saveWriter)
 {
 	// Backup current level state
 	bool tmpSetlevel = setlevel;
@@ -2037,7 +2041,7 @@ void ConvertLevels(SaveWriter &saveWriter)
 		leveltype = GetLevelType(currlevel);
 
 		LevelConversionData levelConversionData;
-		LoadLevel(&levelConversionData);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadLevel(&levelConversionData));
 		SaveLevel(saveWriter, &levelConversionData);
 	}
 
@@ -2057,7 +2061,7 @@ void ConvertLevels(SaveWriter &saveWriter)
 			continue;
 
 		LevelConversionData levelConversionData;
-		LoadLevel(&levelConversionData);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadLevel(&levelConversionData));
 		SaveLevel(saveWriter, &levelConversionData);
 	}
 
@@ -2068,6 +2072,7 @@ void ConvertLevels(SaveWriter &saveWriter)
 	setlvlnum = tmpSetlvlnum;
 	currlevel = tmpCurrlevel;
 	leveltype = tmpLeveltype;
+	return {};
 }
 
 void RemoveInvalidItem(Item &item)
@@ -2349,16 +2354,18 @@ void RemoveEmptyInventory(Player &player)
 	}
 }
 
-void LoadGame(bool firstflag)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadGame(bool firstflag)
 {
 	FreeGameMem();
 
 	LoadHelper file(OpenSaveArchive(gSaveNumber), "game");
-	if (!file.IsValid())
-		app_fatal(_("Unable to open save file archive"));
+	if (!file.IsValid()) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(std::string(_("Unable to open save file archive")));
+	}
 
-	if (!IsHeaderValid(file.NextLE<uint32_t>()))
-		app_fatal(_("Invalid save file"));
+	if (!IsHeaderValid(file.NextLE<uint32_t>())) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(std::string(_("Invalid save file")));
+	}
 
 	if (gbIsHellfireSaveGame) {
 		giNumberOfLevels = 25;
@@ -2388,8 +2395,9 @@ void LoadGame(bool firstflag)
 	int tmpNummissiles = file.NextBE<int32_t>();
 	int tmpNobjects = file.NextBE<int32_t>();
 
-	if (!gbIsHellfire && IsAnyOf(leveltype, DTYPE_NEST, DTYPE_CRYPT))
-		app_fatal(_("Player is on a Hellfire only level"));
+	if (!gbIsHellfire && IsAnyOf(leveltype, DTYPE_NEST, DTYPE_CRYPT)) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(std::string(_("Player is on a Hellfire only level")));
+	}
 
 	for (uint8_t i = 0; i < giNumberOfLevels; i++) {
 		DungeonSeeds[i] = file.NextBE<uint32_t>();
@@ -2411,11 +2419,11 @@ void LoadGame(bool firstflag)
 		LoadPortal(&file, i);
 
 	if (gbIsHellfireSaveGame != gbIsHellfire) {
-		pfile_convert_levels();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(pfile_convert_levels());
 		RemoveEmptyInventory(myPlayer);
 	}
 
-	LoadGameLevel(firstflag, ENTRY_LOAD);
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(LoadGameLevel(firstflag, ENTRY_LOAD));
 	SetPlrAnims(myPlayer);
 	SyncPlrAnim(myPlayer);
 
@@ -2444,7 +2452,7 @@ void LoadGame(bool firstflag)
 		// For petrified monsters, the data in missile.var1 must be used to
 		// load the appropriate animation data for the monster in missile.var2
 		for (size_t i = 0; i < ActiveMonsterCount; i++)
-			SyncMonsterAnim(Monsters[ActiveMonsters[i]]);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(SyncMonsterAnim(Monsters[ActiveMonsters[i]]));
 		for (int &objectId : ActiveObjects)
 			objectId = file.NextLE<int8_t>();
 		for (int &objectId : AvailableObjects)
@@ -2559,6 +2567,7 @@ void LoadGame(bool firstflag)
 	}
 
 	gbIsHellfireSaveGame = gbIsHellfire;
+	return {};
 }
 
 void SaveHeroItems(SaveWriter &saveWriter, Player &player)
@@ -2810,9 +2819,9 @@ void SaveLevel(SaveWriter &saveWriter)
 	SaveLevel(saveWriter, nullptr);
 }
 
-void LoadLevel()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadLevel()
 {
-	LoadLevel(nullptr);
+	return LoadLevel(nullptr);
 }
 
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/loadsave.h b/Source/loadsave.h
index 023c4090e..0d139e143 100644
--- a/Source/loadsave.h
+++ b/Source/loadsave.h
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@
 
 #include <cstdint>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include "pfile.h"
 #include "player.h"
 #include "utils/attributes.h"
@@ -34,14 +36,14 @@ void RemoveEmptyInventory(Player &player);
  * @brief Load game state
  * @param firstflag Can be set to false if we are simply reloading the current game
  */
-void LoadGame(bool firstflag);
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadGame(bool firstflag);
 void SaveHotkeys(SaveWriter &saveWriter, const Player &player);
 void SaveHeroItems(SaveWriter &saveWriter, Player &player);
 void SaveGameData(SaveWriter &saveWriter);
 void SaveGame();
 void SaveLevel(SaveWriter &saveWriter);
-void LoadLevel();
-void ConvertLevels(SaveWriter &saveWriter);
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadLevel();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> ConvertLevels(SaveWriter &saveWriter);
 void LoadStash();
 void SaveStash(SaveWriter &stashWriter);
 
diff --git a/Source/lua/modules/dev/monsters.cpp b/Source/lua/modules/dev/monsters.cpp
index 00855ebd2..4d3e869da 100644
--- a/Source/lua/modules/dev/monsters.cpp
+++ b/Source/lua/modules/dev/monsters.cpp
@@ -58,7 +58,9 @@ std::string DebugCmdSpawnUniqueMonster(std::string name, std::optional<unsigned>
 	if (!found) {
 		if (LevelMonsterTypeCount == MaxLvlMTypes)
 			LevelMonsterTypeCount--; // we are running out of monster types, so override last used monster type
-		id = AddMonsterType(uniqueIndex, PLACE_SCATTER);
+		tl::expected<size_t, std::string> idResult = AddMonsterType(uniqueIndex, PLACE_SCATTER);
+		if (!idResult.has_value()) return std::move(idResult).error();
+		id = idResult.value();
 		CMonster &monsterType = LevelMonsterTypes[id];
 		InitMonsterGFX(monsterType);
 		monsterType.corpseId = 1;
@@ -131,7 +133,9 @@ std::string DebugCmdSpawnMonster(std::string name, std::optional<unsigned> count
 	if (!found) {
 		if (LevelMonsterTypeCount == MaxLvlMTypes)
 			LevelMonsterTypeCount--; // we are running out of monster types, so override last used monster type
-		id = AddMonsterType(static_cast<_monster_id>(mtype), PLACE_SCATTER);
+		tl::expected<size_t, std::string> idResult = AddMonsterType(static_cast<_monster_id>(mtype), PLACE_SCATTER);
+		if (!idResult.has_value()) return std::move(idResult).error();
+		id = idResult.value();
 		CMonster &monsterType = LevelMonsterTypes[id];
 		InitMonsterGFX(monsterType);
 		monsterType.corpseId = 1;
diff --git a/Source/misdat.cpp b/Source/misdat.cpp
index d00677971..62ed3f604 100644
--- a/Source/misdat.cpp
+++ b/Source/misdat.cpp
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 
 #include <array>
 #include <cstdint>
+#include <string>
 #include <vector>
 
 #include <expected.hpp>
@@ -17,6 +18,7 @@
 #include "missiles.h"
 #include "mpq/mpq_common.hpp"
 #include "utils/file_name_generator.hpp"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
@@ -397,28 +399,31 @@ uint8_t MissileFileData::animLen(uint8_t dir) const
 	return MissileAnimLengths[animLenIdx][dir];
 }
 
-void MissileFileData::LoadGFX()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> MissileFileData::LoadGFX()
 {
 	if (sprites)
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	if (name[0] == '\0')
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
 	char path[MaxMpqPathSize];
 	*BufCopy(path, "missiles\\", name, ".clx") = '\0';
-	sprites.emplace(LoadClxListOrSheet(path));
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(sprites, LoadClxListOrSheetWithStatus(path));
 #else
 	if (animFAmt == 1) {
 		char path[MaxMpqPathSize];
 		*BufCopy(path, "missiles\\", name) = '\0';
-		sprites.emplace(OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet { LoadCl2(path, animWidth) });
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OwnedClxSpriteList spriteList, LoadCl2WithStatus(path, animWidth));
+		sprites.emplace(OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet { std::move(spriteList) });
 	} else {
 		FileNameGenerator pathGenerator({ "missiles\\", name }, DEVILUTIONX_CL2_EXT);
-		sprites.emplace(OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet { LoadMultipleCl2Sheet<16>(pathGenerator, animFAmt, animWidth) });
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OwnedClxSpriteSheet spriteSheet, LoadMultipleCl2Sheet<16>(pathGenerator, animFAmt, animWidth));
+		sprites.emplace(OwnedClxSpriteListOrSheet { std::move(spriteSheet) });
 	}
 #endif
+	return {};
 }
 
 MissileFileData &GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID graphicId)
@@ -437,18 +442,19 @@ const MissileData &GetMissileData(MissileID missileId)
 	return MissilesData[static_cast<std::underlying_type_t<MissileID>>(missileId)];
 }
 
-void InitMissileGFX(bool loadHellfireGraphics)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMissileGFX(bool loadHellfireGraphics)
 {
 	if (HeadlessMode)
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	for (size_t mi = 0; mi < MissileSpriteData.size(); ++mi) {
 		if (!loadHellfireGraphics && mi >= static_cast<uint8_t>(MissileGraphicID::HorkSpawn))
 			break;
 		if (MissileSpriteData[mi].flags == MissileGraphicsFlags::MonsterOwned)
 			continue;
-		MissileSpriteData[mi].LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(MissileSpriteData[mi].LoadGFX());
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 void FreeMissileGFX()
diff --git a/Source/misdat.h b/Source/misdat.h
index 17fc2c843..4d50bb9b7 100644
--- a/Source/misdat.h
+++ b/Source/misdat.h
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <type_traits>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include "effects.h"
 #include "engine/clx_sprite.hpp"
 #include "spelldat.h"
@@ -183,7 +185,7 @@ struct MissileFileData {
 	[[nodiscard]] uint8_t animDelay(uint8_t dir) const;
 	[[nodiscard]] uint8_t animLen(uint8_t dir) const;
 
-	void LoadGFX();
+	tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadGFX();
 
 	void FreeGFX()
 	{
@@ -209,7 +211,7 @@ MissileFileData &GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID graphicId);
 
 void LoadMissileData();
 
-void InitMissileGFX(bool loadHellfireGraphics = false);
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMissileGFX(bool loadHellfireGraphics = false);
 void FreeMissileGFX();
 
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/monster.cpp b/Source/monster.cpp
index 311a899cc..b09331f25 100644
--- a/Source/monster.cpp
+++ b/Source/monster.cpp
@@ -12,8 +12,10 @@
 #include <algorithm>
 #include <array>
 #include <numeric>
+#include <string>
 #include <string_view>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <fmt/core.h>
 #include <fmt/format.h>
 
@@ -48,6 +50,7 @@
 #include "utils/language.h"
 #include "utils/log.hpp"
 #include "utils/static_vector.hpp"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 #include "utils/utf8.hpp"
 
@@ -405,7 +408,7 @@ Point GetUniqueMonstPosition(UniqueMonsterType uniqindex)
 	return position;
 }
 
-void PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType uniqindex, size_t minionType, int bosspacksize)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType uniqindex, size_t minionType, int bosspacksize)
 {
 	const auto &uniqueMonsterData = UniqueMonstersData[static_cast<size_t>(uniqindex)];
 	const size_t typeIndex = GetMonsterTypeIndex(uniqueMonsterData.mtype);
@@ -414,7 +417,7 @@ void PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType uniqindex, size_t minionType, int bosspa
 
 	Monster &monster = Monsters[ActiveMonsterCount];
 	ActiveMonsterCount++;
-	PrepareUniqueMonst(monster, uniqindex, minionType, bosspacksize, uniqueMonsterData);
+	return PrepareUniqueMonst(monster, uniqindex, minionType, bosspacksize, uniqueMonsterData);
 }
 
 void ClearMVars(Monster &monster)
@@ -445,7 +448,7 @@ void ClrAllMonsters()
 	}
 }
 
-void PlaceUniqueMonsters()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> PlaceUniqueMonsters()
 {
 	for (size_t u = 0; u < UniqueMonstersData.size(); ++u) {
 		if (UniqueMonstersData[u].mlevel != currlevel)
@@ -467,21 +470,22 @@ void PlaceUniqueMonsters()
 		if (uniqueType == UniqueMonsterType::WarlordOfBlood && Quests[Q_WARLORD]._qactive == QUEST_NOTAVAIL)
 			continue;
 
-		PlaceUniqueMonst(uniqueType, minionType, 8);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(uniqueType, minionType, 8));
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
-void PlaceQuestMonsters()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> PlaceQuestMonsters()
 {
 	if (!setlevel) {
 		if (Quests[Q_BUTCHER].IsAvailable()) {
-			PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::Butcher, 0, 0);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::Butcher, 0, 0));
 		}
 
 		if (currlevel == Quests[Q_SKELKING]._qlevel && UseMultiplayerQuests()) {
 			for (size_t i = 0; i < LevelMonsterTypeCount; i++) {
 				if (IsSkel(LevelMonsterTypes[i].type)) {
-					PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::SkeletonKing, i, 30);
+					RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::SkeletonKing, i, 30));
 					break;
 				}
 			}
@@ -489,40 +493,40 @@ void PlaceQuestMonsters()
 
 		if (Quests[Q_LTBANNER].IsAvailable()) {
 			auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l1data\\banner1.dun");
-			SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld());
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld()));
 		}
 		if (Quests[Q_BLOOD].IsAvailable()) {
 			auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l2data\\blood2.dun");
-			SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld());
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld()));
 		}
 		if (Quests[Q_BLIND].IsAvailable()) {
 			auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l2data\\blind2.dun");
-			SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld());
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld()));
 		}
 		if (Quests[Q_ANVIL].IsAvailable()) {
 			auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l3data\\anvil.dun");
-			SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld() + Displacement { 2, 2 });
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld() + Displacement { 2, 2 }));
 		}
 		if (Quests[Q_WARLORD].IsAvailable()) {
 			auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\warlord.dun");
-			SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld());
-			AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::WarlordOfBlood, PLACE_SCATTER);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld()));
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::WarlordOfBlood, PLACE_SCATTER));
 		}
 		if (Quests[Q_VEIL].IsAvailable()) {
-			AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Lachdan, PLACE_SCATTER);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Lachdan, PLACE_SCATTER));
 		}
 		if (Quests[Q_ZHAR].IsAvailable() && zharlib == -1) {
 			Quests[Q_ZHAR]._qactive = QUEST_NOTAVAIL;
 		}
 
 		if (currlevel == Quests[Q_BETRAYER]._qlevel && UseMultiplayerQuests()) {
-			AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Lazarus, PLACE_UNIQUE);
-			AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::RedVex, PLACE_UNIQUE);
-			PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::Lazarus, 0, 0);
-			PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::RedVex, 0, 0);
-			PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::BlackJade, 0, 0);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Lazarus, PLACE_UNIQUE));
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::RedVex, PLACE_UNIQUE));
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::Lazarus, 0, 0));
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::RedVex, 0, 0));
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::BlackJade, 0, 0));
 			auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\vile1.dun");
-			SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld());
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), SetPiece.position.megaToWorld()));
 		}
 
 		if (currlevel == 24) {
@@ -538,38 +542,40 @@ void PlaceQuestMonsters()
 				}
 			}
 			if (UberDiabloMonsterIndex == -1)
-				PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::NaKrul, 0, 0);
+				RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::NaKrul, 0, 0));
 		}
 	} else if (setlvlnum == SL_SKELKING) {
-		PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::SkeletonKing, 0, 0);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::SkeletonKing, 0, 0));
 	} else if (setlvlnum == SL_VILEBETRAYER) {
-		AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Lazarus, PLACE_UNIQUE);
-		AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::RedVex, PLACE_UNIQUE);
-		AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::BlackJade, PLACE_UNIQUE);
-		PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::Lazarus, 0, 0);
-		PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::RedVex, 0, 0);
-		PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::BlackJade, 0, 0);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Lazarus, PLACE_UNIQUE));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::RedVex, PLACE_UNIQUE));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::BlackJade, PLACE_UNIQUE));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::Lazarus, 0, 0));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::RedVex, 0, 0));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonst(UniqueMonsterType::BlackJade, 0, 0));
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
-void LoadDiabMonsts()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadDiabMonsts()
 {
 	{
-		auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\diab1.dun");
-		SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), DiabloQuad1.megaToWorld());
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(auto dunData, LoadFileInMemWithStatus<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\diab1.dun"));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), DiabloQuad1.megaToWorld()));
 	}
 	{
-		auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\diab2a.dun");
-		SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), DiabloQuad2.megaToWorld());
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(auto dunData, LoadFileInMemWithStatus<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\diab2a.dun"));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), DiabloQuad2.megaToWorld()));
 	}
 	{
-		auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\diab3a.dun");
-		SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), DiabloQuad3.megaToWorld());
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(auto dunData, LoadFileInMemWithStatus<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\diab3a.dun"));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), DiabloQuad3.megaToWorld()));
 	}
 	{
-		auto dunData = LoadFileInMem<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\diab4a.dun");
-		SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), DiabloQuad4.megaToWorld());
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(auto dunData, LoadFileInMemWithStatus<uint16_t>("levels\\l4data\\diab4a.dun"));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(SetMapMonsters(dunData.get(), DiabloQuad4.megaToWorld()));
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 void DeleteMonster(size_t activeIndex)
@@ -3126,7 +3132,7 @@ void EnsureMonsterIndexIsActive(size_t monsterId)
 
 } // namespace
 
-size_t AddMonsterType(_monster_id type, placeflag placeflag)
+tl::expected<size_t, std::string> AddMonsterType(_monster_id type, placeflag placeflag)
 {
 	const size_t typeIndex = GetMonsterTypeIndex(type);
 	CMonster &monsterType = LevelMonsterTypes[typeIndex];
@@ -3147,21 +3153,22 @@ size_t AddMonsterType(_monster_id type, placeflag placeflag)
 			}
 		}
 
-		InitMonsterSND(monsterType);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMonsterSND(monsterType));
 	}
 
 	monsterType.placeFlags |= placeflag;
 	return typeIndex;
 }
 
-void InitTRNForUniqueMonster(Monster &monster)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitTRNForUniqueMonster(Monster &monster)
 {
 	char filestr[64];
 	*BufCopy(filestr, R"(monsters\monsters\)", UniqueMonstersData[static_cast<size_t>(monster.uniqueType)].mTrnName, ".trn") = '\0';
-	monster.uniqueMonsterTRN = LoadFileInMem<uint8_t>(filestr);
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(monster.uniqueMonsterTRN, LoadFileInMemWithStatus<uint8_t>(filestr));
+	return {};
 }
 
-void PrepareUniqueMonst(Monster &monster, UniqueMonsterType monsterType, size_t minionType, int bosspacksize, const UniqueMonsterData &uniqueMonsterData)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> PrepareUniqueMonst(Monster &monster, UniqueMonsterType monsterType, size_t minionType, int bosspacksize, const UniqueMonsterData &uniqueMonsterData)
 {
 	monster.uniqueType = monsterType;
 	monster.maxHitPoints = uniqueMonsterData.mmaxhp << 6;
@@ -3219,7 +3226,7 @@ void PrepareUniqueMonst(Monster &monster, UniqueMonsterType monsterType, size_t
 		monster.maxDamageSpecial = 4 * monster.maxDamageSpecial + 6;
 	}
 
-	InitTRNForUniqueMonster(monster);
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitTRNForUniqueMonster(monster));
 	monster.uniqTrans = uniquetrans++;
 
 	if (uniqueMonsterData.customToHit != 0) {
@@ -3251,6 +3258,7 @@ void PrepareUniqueMonst(Monster &monster, UniqueMonsterType monsterType, size_t
 		monster.flags &= ~MFLAG_ALLOW_SPECIAL;
 		monster.mode = MonsterMode::Stand;
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 void InitLevelMonsters()
@@ -3270,46 +3278,46 @@ void InitLevelMonsters()
 	uniquetrans = 0;
 }
 
-void GetLevelMTypes()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> GetLevelMTypes()
 {
-	AddMonsterType(MT_GOLEM, PLACE_SPECIAL);
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_GOLEM, PLACE_SPECIAL));
 	if (currlevel == 16) {
-		AddMonsterType(MT_ADVOCATE, PLACE_SCATTER);
-		AddMonsterType(MT_RBLACK, PLACE_SCATTER);
-		AddMonsterType(MT_DIABLO, PLACE_SPECIAL);
-		return;
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_ADVOCATE, PLACE_SCATTER));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_RBLACK, PLACE_SCATTER));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_DIABLO, PLACE_SPECIAL));
+		return {};
 	}
 
 	if (currlevel == 18)
-		AddMonsterType(MT_HORKSPWN, PLACE_SCATTER);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_HORKSPWN, PLACE_SCATTER));
 	if (currlevel == 19) {
-		AddMonsterType(MT_HORKSPWN, PLACE_SCATTER);
-		AddMonsterType(MT_HORKDMN, PLACE_UNIQUE);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_HORKSPWN, PLACE_SCATTER));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_HORKDMN, PLACE_UNIQUE));
 	}
 	if (currlevel == 20)
-		AddMonsterType(MT_DEFILER, PLACE_UNIQUE);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_DEFILER, PLACE_UNIQUE));
 	if (currlevel == 24) {
-		AddMonsterType(MT_ARCHLICH, PLACE_SCATTER);
-		AddMonsterType(MT_NAKRUL, PLACE_SPECIAL);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_ARCHLICH, PLACE_SCATTER));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_NAKRUL, PLACE_SPECIAL));
 	}
 
 	if (!setlevel) {
 		if (Quests[Q_BUTCHER].IsAvailable())
-			AddMonsterType(MT_CLEAVER, PLACE_SPECIAL);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_CLEAVER, PLACE_SPECIAL));
 		if (Quests[Q_GARBUD].IsAvailable())
-			AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Garbud, PLACE_UNIQUE);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Garbud, PLACE_UNIQUE));
 		if (Quests[Q_ZHAR].IsAvailable())
-			AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Zhar, PLACE_UNIQUE);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Zhar, PLACE_UNIQUE));
 		if (Quests[Q_LTBANNER].IsAvailable())
-			AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::SnotSpill, PLACE_UNIQUE);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::SnotSpill, PLACE_UNIQUE));
 		if (Quests[Q_VEIL].IsAvailable())
-			AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Lachdan, PLACE_UNIQUE);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::Lachdan, PLACE_UNIQUE));
 		if (Quests[Q_WARLORD].IsAvailable())
-			AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::WarlordOfBlood, PLACE_UNIQUE);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType::WarlordOfBlood, PLACE_UNIQUE));
 
 		if (UseMultiplayerQuests() && currlevel == Quests[Q_SKELKING]._qlevel) {
 
-			AddMonsterType(MT_SKING, PLACE_UNIQUE);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_SKING, PLACE_UNIQUE));
 
 			int skeletonTypeCount = 0;
 			_monster_id skeltypes[NUM_MTYPES];
@@ -3319,7 +3327,7 @@ void GetLevelMTypes()
 
 				skeltypes[skeletonTypeCount++] = skeletonType;
 			}
-			AddMonsterType(skeltypes[GenerateRnd(skeletonTypeCount)], PLACE_SCATTER);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(skeltypes[GenerateRnd(skeletonTypeCount)], PLACE_SCATTER));
 		}
 
 		_monster_id typelist[MaxMonsters];
@@ -3344,21 +3352,22 @@ void GetLevelMTypes()
 
 			if (nt != 0) {
 				int i = GenerateRnd(nt);
-				AddMonsterType(typelist[i], PLACE_SCATTER);
+				RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(typelist[i], PLACE_SCATTER));
 				typelist[i] = typelist[--nt];
 			}
 		}
 	} else {
 		if (setlvlnum == SL_SKELKING) {
-			AddMonsterType(MT_SKING, PLACE_UNIQUE);
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_SKING, PLACE_UNIQUE));
 		}
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
-void InitMonsterSND(CMonster &monsterType)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMonsterSND(CMonster &monsterType)
 {
 	if (!gbSndInited)
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	const char *prefixes[] {
 		"a", // Attack
@@ -3378,15 +3387,16 @@ void InitMonsterSND(CMonster &monsterType)
 		for (int j = 0; j < 2; j++) {
 			char path[64];
 			*BufCopy(path, "monsters\\", soundSuffix, prefix, j + 1, ".wav") = '\0';
-			monsterType.sounds[i][j] = sound_file_load(path);
+			ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(monsterType.sounds[i][j], SoundFileLoadWithStatus(path));
 		}
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
-void InitMonsterGFX(CMonster &monsterType, MonsterSpritesData &&spritesData)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMonsterGFX(CMonster &monsterType, MonsterSpritesData &&spritesData)
 {
 	if (HeadlessMode)
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	const _monster_id mtype = monsterType.type;
 	const MonsterData &monsterData = MonstersData[mtype];
@@ -3413,52 +3423,54 @@ void InitMonsterGFX(CMonster &monsterType, MonsterSpritesData &&spritesData)
 	}
 
 	if (IsAnyOf(mtype, MT_NMAGMA, MT_YMAGMA, MT_BMAGMA, MT_WMAGMA))
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::MagmaBall).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::MagmaBall).LoadGFX());
 	if (IsAnyOf(mtype, MT_STORM, MT_RSTORM, MT_STORML, MT_MAEL))
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::ThinLightning).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::ThinLightning).LoadGFX());
 	if (mtype == MT_SNOWWICH) {
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarBlue).LoadGFX();
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarBlueExplosion).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarBlue).LoadGFX());
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarBlueExplosion).LoadGFX());
 	}
 	if (mtype == MT_HLSPWN) {
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarRed).LoadGFX();
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarRedExplosion).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarRed).LoadGFX());
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarRedExplosion).LoadGFX());
 	}
 	if (mtype == MT_SOLBRNR) {
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarYellow).LoadGFX();
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarYellowExplosion).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarYellow).LoadGFX());
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BloodStarYellowExplosion).LoadGFX());
 	}
 	if (IsAnyOf(mtype, MT_NACID, MT_RACID, MT_BACID, MT_XACID, MT_SPIDLORD)) {
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::Acid).LoadGFX();
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::AcidSplat).LoadGFX();
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::AcidPuddle).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::Acid).LoadGFX());
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::AcidSplat).LoadGFX());
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::AcidPuddle).LoadGFX());
 	}
 	if (mtype == MT_LICH) {
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::OrangeFlare).LoadGFX();
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::OrangeFlareExplosion).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::OrangeFlare).LoadGFX());
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::OrangeFlareExplosion).LoadGFX());
 	}
 	if (mtype == MT_ARCHLICH) {
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::YellowFlare).LoadGFX();
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::YellowFlareExplosion).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::YellowFlare).LoadGFX());
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::YellowFlareExplosion).LoadGFX());
 	}
 	if (IsAnyOf(mtype, MT_PSYCHORB, MT_BONEDEMN))
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BlueFlare2).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BlueFlare2).LoadGFX());
 	if (mtype == MT_NECRMORB) {
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::RedFlare).LoadGFX();
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::RedFlareExplosion).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::RedFlare).LoadGFX());
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::RedFlareExplosion).LoadGFX());
 	}
 	if (mtype == MT_PSYCHORB)
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BlueFlareExplosion).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BlueFlareExplosion).LoadGFX());
 	if (mtype == MT_BONEDEMN)
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BlueFlareExplosion2).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::BlueFlareExplosion2).LoadGFX());
 	if (mtype == MT_DIABLO)
-		GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::DiabloApocalypseBoom).LoadGFX();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(GetMissileSpriteData(MissileGraphicID::DiabloApocalypseBoom).LoadGFX());
+
+	return {};
 }
 
-void InitAllMonsterGFX()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitAllMonsterGFX()
 {
 	if (HeadlessMode)
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	using LevelMonsterTypeIndices = StaticVector<size_t, 8>;
 	std::vector<LevelMonsterTypeIndices> monstersBySprite(GetNumMonsterSprites());
@@ -3478,12 +3490,12 @@ void InitAllMonsterGFX()
 		for (size_t i = 1; i < monsterTypes.size(); ++i) {
 			MonsterSpritesData spritesDataCopy { std::unique_ptr<std::byte[]> { new std::byte[spritesDataSize] }, spritesData.offsets };
 			memcpy(spritesDataCopy.data.get(), spritesData.data.get(), spritesDataSize);
-			InitMonsterGFX(LevelMonsterTypes[monsterTypes[i]], std::move(spritesDataCopy));
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMonsterGFX(LevelMonsterTypes[monsterTypes[i]], std::move(spritesDataCopy)));
 		}
 		LogVerbose("Loaded monster graphics: {:15s} {:>4d} KiB   x{:d}", firstMonster.data().spritePath(), spritesDataSize / 1024, monsterTypes.size());
 		totalUniqueBytes += spritesDataSize;
 		totalBytes += spritesDataSize * monsterTypes.size();
-		InitMonsterGFX(firstMonster, std::move(spritesData));
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMonsterGFX(firstMonster, std::move(spritesData)));
 	}
 	LogVerbose(" Total monster graphics:                 {:>4d} KiB {:>4d} KiB", totalUniqueBytes / 1024, totalBytes / 1024);
 
@@ -3492,9 +3504,10 @@ void InitAllMonsterGFX()
 		for (size_t i = 0; i < ActiveMonsterCount; i++) {
 			Monster &monster = Monsters[ActiveMonsters[i]];
 			if (!monster.animInfo.sprites)
-				SyncMonsterAnim(monster);
+				RETURN_IF_ERROR(SyncMonsterAnim(monster));
 		}
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 void WeakenNaKrul()
@@ -3519,7 +3532,7 @@ void InitGolems()
 	}
 }
 
-void InitMonsters()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMonsters()
 {
 	if (!gbIsSpawn && !setlevel && currlevel == 16)
 		LoadDiabMonsts();
@@ -3534,10 +3547,10 @@ void InitMonsters()
 		}
 	}
 	if (!gbIsSpawn)
-		PlaceQuestMonsters();
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceQuestMonsters());
 	if (!setlevel) {
 		if (!gbIsSpawn)
-			PlaceUniqueMonsters();
+			RETURN_IF_ERROR(PlaceUniqueMonsters());
 		size_t na = 0;
 		for (int s = 16; s < 96; s++) {
 			for (int t = 16; t < 96; t++) {
@@ -3577,12 +3590,12 @@ void InitMonsters()
 		}
 	}
 
-	InitAllMonsterGFX();
+	return InitAllMonsterGFX();
 }
 
-void SetMapMonsters(const uint16_t *dunData, Point startPosition)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> SetMapMonsters(const uint16_t *dunData, Point startPosition)
 {
-	AddMonsterType(MT_GOLEM, PLACE_SPECIAL);
+	RETURN_IF_ERROR(AddMonsterType(MT_GOLEM, PLACE_SPECIAL));
 	if (setlevel)
 		for (int i = 0; i < MAX_PLRS; i++)
 			AddMonster(GolemHoldingCell, Direction::South, 0, false);
@@ -3600,11 +3613,12 @@ void SetMapMonsters(const uint16_t *dunData, Point startPosition)
 		for (WorldTileCoord i = 0; i < size.width; i++) {
 			auto monsterId = static_cast<uint8_t>(SDL_SwapLE16(monsterLayer[j * size.width + i]));
 			if (monsterId != 0) {
-				const size_t typeIndex = AddMonsterType(MonstConvTbl[monsterId - 1], PLACE_SPECIAL);
+				ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(const size_t typeIndex, AddMonsterType(MonstConvTbl[monsterId - 1], PLACE_SPECIAL));
 				PlaceMonster(ActiveMonsterCount++, typeIndex, startPosition + Displacement { i, j });
 			}
 		}
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 Monster *AddMonster(Point position, Direction dir, size_t typeIndex, bool inMap)
@@ -4232,18 +4246,18 @@ bool LineClear(tl::function_ref<bool(Point)> clear, Point startPoint, Point endP
 	return position == endPoint;
 }
 
-void SyncMonsterAnim(Monster &monster)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> SyncMonsterAnim(Monster &monster)
 {
 #ifdef _DEBUG
 	// fix for saves with debug monsters having type originally not on the level
 	CMonster &monsterType = LevelMonsterTypes[monster.levelType];
 	if (monsterType.corpseId == 0) {
-		InitMonsterGFX(monsterType);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitMonsterGFX(monsterType));
 		monsterType.corpseId = 1;
 	}
 #endif
 	if (monster.isUnique()) {
-		InitTRNForUniqueMonster(monster);
+		RETURN_IF_ERROR(InitTRNForUniqueMonster(monster));
 	}
 	MonsterGraphic graphic = MonsterGraphic::Stand;
 
@@ -4285,6 +4299,7 @@ void SyncMonsterAnim(Monster &monster)
 	}
 
 	monster.changeAnimationData(graphic);
+	return {};
 }
 
 void M_FallenFear(Point position)
diff --git a/Source/monster.h b/Source/monster.h
index a4d722431..1e8efb267 100644
--- a/Source/monster.h
+++ b/Source/monster.h
@@ -10,7 +10,9 @@
 
 #include <array>
 #include <functional>
+#include <string>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <function_ref.hpp>
 
 #include "engine.h"
@@ -479,21 +481,21 @@ extern size_t ActiveMonsterCount;
 extern int MonsterKillCounts[NUM_MTYPES];
 extern bool sgbSaveSoundOn;
 
-void PrepareUniqueMonst(Monster &monster, UniqueMonsterType monsterType, size_t miniontype, int bosspacksize, const UniqueMonsterData &uniqueMonsterData);
+tl::expected<void, std::string> PrepareUniqueMonst(Monster &monster, UniqueMonsterType monsterType, size_t miniontype, int bosspacksize, const UniqueMonsterData &uniqueMonsterData);
 void InitLevelMonsters();
-void GetLevelMTypes();
-size_t AddMonsterType(_monster_id type, placeflag placeflag);
-inline size_t AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType uniqueType, placeflag placeflag)
+tl::expected<void, std::string> GetLevelMTypes();
+tl::expected<size_t, std::string> AddMonsterType(_monster_id type, placeflag placeflag);
+inline tl::expected<size_t, std::string> AddMonsterType(UniqueMonsterType uniqueType, placeflag placeflag)
 {
 	return AddMonsterType(UniqueMonstersData[static_cast<size_t>(uniqueType)].mtype, placeflag);
 }
-void InitMonsterSND(CMonster &monsterType);
-void InitMonsterGFX(CMonster &monsterType, MonsterSpritesData &&spritesData = {});
-void InitAllMonsterGFX();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMonsterSND(CMonster &monsterType);
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMonsterGFX(CMonster &monsterType, MonsterSpritesData &&spritesData = {});
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitAllMonsterGFX();
 void WeakenNaKrul();
 void InitGolems();
-void InitMonsters();
-void SetMapMonsters(const uint16_t *dunData, Point startPosition);
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitMonsters();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> SetMapMonsters(const uint16_t *dunData, Point startPosition);
 Monster *AddMonster(Point position, Direction dir, size_t mtype, bool inMap);
 /**
  * @brief Spawns a new monsters (dynamically/not on level load).
@@ -534,7 +536,7 @@ bool DirOK(const Monster &monster, Direction mdir);
 bool PosOkMissile(Point position);
 bool LineClearMissile(Point startPoint, Point endPoint);
 bool LineClear(tl::function_ref<bool(Point)> clear, Point startPoint, Point endPoint);
-void SyncMonsterAnim(Monster &monster);
+tl::expected<void, std::string> SyncMonsterAnim(Monster &monster);
 void M_FallenFear(Point position);
 void PrintMonstHistory(int mt);
 void PrintUniqueHistory();
diff --git a/Source/objects.cpp b/Source/objects.cpp
index 77234d982..6dacad65e 100644
--- a/Source/objects.cpp
+++ b/Source/objects.cpp
@@ -7,9 +7,11 @@
 #include <cmath>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <ctime>
+#include <string>
 
 #include <algorithm>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <fmt/core.h>
 
 #include "DiabloUI/ui_flags.hpp"
@@ -3671,10 +3673,10 @@ bool IsItemBlockingObjectAtPosition(Point position)
 	return false;
 }
 
-void LoadLevelObjects(uint16_t filesWidths[65])
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadLevelObjects(uint16_t filesWidths[65])
 {
 	if (HeadlessMode)
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	for (const ObjectData objectData : AllObjects) {
 		if (leveltype == objectData.olvltype) {
@@ -3690,12 +3692,13 @@ void LoadLevelObjects(uint16_t filesWidths[65])
 		ObjFileList[numobjfiles] = static_cast<object_graphic_id>(i);
 		char filestr[32];
 		*BufCopy(filestr, "objects\\", ObjMasterLoadList[i]) = '\0';
-		pObjCels[numobjfiles] = LoadCel(filestr, filesWidths[i]);
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(pObjCels[numobjfiles], LoadCelWithStatus(filestr, filesWidths[i]));
 		numobjfiles++;
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
-void InitObjectGFX()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitObjectGFX()
 {
 	uint16_t filesWidths[65] = {};
 
@@ -3728,7 +3731,7 @@ void InitObjectGFX()
 		}
 	}
 
-	LoadLevelObjects(filesWidths);
+	return LoadLevelObjects(filesWidths);
 }
 
 void FreeObjectGFX()
diff --git a/Source/objects.h b/Source/objects.h
index fb8822232..576787d15 100644
--- a/Source/objects.h
+++ b/Source/objects.h
@@ -7,6 +7,9 @@
 
 #include <cmath>
 #include <cstdint>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #include "cursor.h"
 #include "engine/clx_sprite.hpp"
@@ -322,7 +325,7 @@ inline Object &ObjectAtPosition(Point position)
  */
 bool IsItemBlockingObjectAtPosition(Point position);
 
-void InitObjectGFX();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitObjectGFX();
 void FreeObjectGFX();
 void AddL1Objs(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2);
 void AddL2Objs(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2);
diff --git a/Source/panels/charpanel.cpp b/Source/panels/charpanel.cpp
index 5b49fe9f6..67d0c5c82 100644
--- a/Source/panels/charpanel.cpp
+++ b/Source/panels/charpanel.cpp
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 #include <algorithm>
 #include <string>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <fmt/format.h>
 #include <function_ref.hpp>
 
@@ -20,6 +21,7 @@
 #include "utils/enum_traits.h"
 #include "utils/format_int.hpp"
 #include "utils/language.h"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 #include "utils/surface_to_clx.hpp"
 
@@ -270,17 +272,17 @@ void DrawStatButtons(const Surface &out)
 
 } // namespace
 
-void LoadCharPanel()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadCharPanel()
 {
-	OptionalOwnedClxSpriteList background = LoadClx("data\\charbg.clx");
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OptionalOwnedClxSpriteList background, LoadClxWithStatus("data\\charbg.clx"));
 	OwnedSurface out((*background)[0].width(), (*background)[0].height());
 	RenderClxSprite(out, (*background)[0], { 0, 0 });
 	background = std::nullopt;
 
 	{
-		OwnedClxSpriteList boxLeft = LoadClx("data\\boxleftend.clx");
-		OwnedClxSpriteList boxMiddle = LoadClx("data\\boxmiddle.clx");
-		OwnedClxSpriteList boxRight = LoadClx("data\\boxrightend.clx");
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OwnedClxSpriteList boxLeft, LoadClxWithStatus("data\\boxleftend.clx"));
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OwnedClxSpriteList boxMiddle, LoadClxWithStatus("data\\boxmiddle.clx"));
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OwnedClxSpriteList boxRight, LoadClxWithStatus("data\\boxrightend.clx"));
 
 		const bool isSmallFontTall = IsSmallFontTall();
 		const int attributeHeadersY = isSmallFontTall ? 112 : 114;
@@ -298,6 +300,7 @@ void LoadCharPanel()
 	}
 
 	Panel = SurfaceToClx(out);
+	return {};
 }
 
 void FreeCharPanel()
diff --git a/Source/panels/charpanel.hpp b/Source/panels/charpanel.hpp
index a6aef2881..947b6e1ef 100644
--- a/Source/panels/charpanel.hpp
+++ b/Source/panels/charpanel.hpp
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
 #pragma once
 
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include "engine/clx_sprite.hpp"
 #include "engine/surface.hpp"
 
@@ -8,7 +12,7 @@ namespace devilution {
 extern OptionalOwnedClxSpriteList pChrButtons;
 
 void DrawChr(const Surface &);
-void LoadCharPanel();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadCharPanel();
 void FreeCharPanel();
 
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/panels/mainpanel.cpp b/Source/panels/mainpanel.cpp
index 05423fef3..fbab7f567 100644
--- a/Source/panels/mainpanel.cpp
+++ b/Source/panels/mainpanel.cpp
@@ -2,6 +2,9 @@
 
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <optional>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #include "control.h"
 #include "engine/clx_sprite.hpp"
@@ -12,6 +15,7 @@
 #include "utils/language.h"
 #include "utils/sdl_compat.h"
 #include "utils/sdl_geometry.h"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 #include "utils/surface_to_clx.hpp"
 
 namespace devilution {
@@ -66,12 +70,12 @@ void RenderMainButton(const Surface &out, int buttonId, std::string_view text, i
 
 } // namespace
 
-void LoadMainPanel()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadMainPanel()
 {
 	std::optional<OwnedSurface> out;
 	constexpr uint16_t NumButtonSprites = 6;
 	{
-		OptionalOwnedClxSpriteList background = LoadClx("data\\panel8bucp.clx");
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(OptionalOwnedClxSpriteList background, LoadClxWithStatus("data\\panel8bucp.clx"));
 		out.emplace((*background)[0].width(), (*background)[0].height() * NumButtonSprites);
 		int y = 0;
 		for (ClxSprite sprite : ClxSpriteList(*background)) {
@@ -134,6 +138,7 @@ void LoadMainPanel()
 	PanelButtonDownGrime = std::nullopt;
 	PanelButtonGrime = std::nullopt;
 	PanelButton = std::nullopt;
+	return {};
 }
 
 void FreeMainPanel()
diff --git a/Source/panels/mainpanel.hpp b/Source/panels/mainpanel.hpp
index 0b9bf70f8..a0b788ccd 100644
--- a/Source/panels/mainpanel.hpp
+++ b/Source/panels/mainpanel.hpp
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
 #pragma once
 
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include "engine/clx_sprite.hpp"
 
 namespace devilution {
@@ -7,7 +11,7 @@ namespace devilution {
 extern OptionalOwnedClxSpriteList PanelButtonDown;
 extern OptionalOwnedClxSpriteList TalkButton;
 
-void LoadMainPanel();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadMainPanel();
 void FreeMainPanel();
 
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/panels/spell_book.cpp b/Source/panels/spell_book.cpp
index 081490000..23ead32ef 100644
--- a/Source/panels/spell_book.cpp
+++ b/Source/panels/spell_book.cpp
@@ -2,7 +2,9 @@
 
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <optional>
+#include <string>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <fmt/format.h>
 
 #include "control.h"
@@ -20,6 +22,7 @@
 #include "player.h"
 #include "spelldat.h"
 #include "utils/language.h"
+#include "utils/status_macros.hpp"
 
 namespace devilution {
 
@@ -130,11 +133,11 @@ StringOrView GetSpellPowerText(SpellID spell, int spellLevel)
 
 } // namespace
 
-void InitSpellBook()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitSpellBook()
 {
-	spellBookBackground = LoadCel("data\\spellbk", static_cast<uint16_t>(SidePanelSize.width));
-	spellBookButtons = LoadCel("data\\spellbkb", SpellBookButtonWidth());
-	LoadSmallSpellIcons();
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(spellBookBackground, LoadCelWithStatus("data\\spellbk", static_cast<uint16_t>(SidePanelSize.width)));
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(spellBookButtons, LoadCelWithStatus("data\\spellbkb", SpellBookButtonWidth()));
+	return LoadSmallSpellIcons();
 }
 
 void FreeSpellBook()
diff --git a/Source/panels/spell_book.hpp b/Source/panels/spell_book.hpp
index d65c1a742..9d15381e4 100644
--- a/Source/panels/spell_book.hpp
+++ b/Source/panels/spell_book.hpp
@@ -1,11 +1,15 @@
 #pragma once
 
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include "engine/clx_sprite.hpp"
 #include "engine/surface.hpp"
 
 namespace devilution {
 
-void InitSpellBook();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> InitSpellBook();
 void FreeSpellBook();
 void CheckSBook();
 void DrawSpellBook(const Surface &out);
diff --git a/Source/panels/spell_icons.cpp b/Source/panels/spell_icons.cpp
index b1b0e9dea..f14670078 100644
--- a/Source/panels/spell_icons.cpp
+++ b/Source/panels/spell_icons.cpp
@@ -84,24 +84,25 @@ const SpellIcon SpellITbl[] = {
 
 } // namespace
 
-void LoadLargeSpellIcons()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadLargeSpellIcons()
 {
 	if (!gbIsHellfire) {
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
-		LargeSpellIcons = LoadClx("ctrlpan\\spelicon_fg.clx");
-		LargeSpellIconsBackground = LoadClx("ctrlpan\\spelicon_bg.clx");
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(LargeSpellIcons, LoadClxWithStatus("ctrlpan\\spelicon_fg.clx"));
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(LargeSpellIconsBackground, LoadClxWithStatus("ctrlpan\\spelicon_bg.clx"));
 #else
-		LargeSpellIcons = LoadCel("ctrlpan\\spelicon", SPLICONLENGTH);
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(LargeSpellIcons, LoadCelWithStatus("ctrlpan\\spelicon", SPLICONLENGTH));
 #endif
 	} else {
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
-		LargeSpellIcons = LoadClx("data\\spelicon_fg.clx");
-		LargeSpellIconsBackground = LoadClx("data\\spelicon_bg.clx");
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(LargeSpellIcons, LoadClxWithStatus("data\\spelicon_fg.clx"));
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(LargeSpellIconsBackground, LoadClxWithStatus("data\\spelicon_bg.clx"));
 #else
-		LargeSpellIcons = LoadCel("data\\spelicon", SPLICONLENGTH);
+		ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(LargeSpellIcons, LoadCelWithStatus("data\\spelicon", SPLICONLENGTH));
 #endif
 	}
 	SetSpellTrans(SpellType::Skill);
+	return {};
 }
 
 void FreeLargeSpellIcons()
@@ -112,14 +113,15 @@ void FreeLargeSpellIcons()
 	LargeSpellIcons = std::nullopt;
 }
 
-void LoadSmallSpellIcons()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadSmallSpellIcons()
 {
 #ifdef UNPACKED_MPQS
-	SmallSpellIcons = LoadClx("data\\spelli2_fg.clx");
-	SmallSpellIconsBackground = LoadClx("data\\spelli2_bg.clx");
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(SmallSpellIcons, LoadClxWithStatus("data\\spelli2_fg.clx"));
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(SmallSpellIconsBackground, LoadClxWithStatus("data\\spelli2_bg.clx"));
 #else
-	SmallSpellIcons = LoadCel("data\\spelli2", 37);
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(SmallSpellIcons, LoadCelWithStatus("data\\spelli2", 37));
 #endif
+	return {};
 }
 
 void FreeSmallSpellIcons()
diff --git a/Source/panels/spell_icons.hpp b/Source/panels/spell_icons.hpp
index 3a303c0c0..8d3d2e357 100644
--- a/Source/panels/spell_icons.hpp
+++ b/Source/panels/spell_icons.hpp
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
 #pragma once
 
 #include <cstdint>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #include "engine/clx_sprite.hpp"
 #include "engine/point.hpp"
@@ -106,10 +109,10 @@ void DrawSmallSpellIconBorder(const Surface &out, Point position);
  */
 void SetSpellTrans(SpellType t);
 
-void LoadLargeSpellIcons();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadLargeSpellIcons();
 void FreeLargeSpellIcons();
 
-void LoadSmallSpellIcons();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> LoadSmallSpellIcons();
 void FreeSmallSpellIcons();
 
 } // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/pfile.cpp b/Source/pfile.cpp
index a9d7ac5eb..33d2f216e 100644
--- a/Source/pfile.cpp
+++ b/Source/pfile.cpp
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 #include <string_view>
 
 #include <ankerl/unordered_dense.h>
+#include <expected.hpp>
 #include <fmt/core.h>
 
 #include "codec.h"
@@ -778,10 +779,10 @@ void pfile_save_level()
 	SaveLevel(saveWriter);
 }
 
-void pfile_convert_levels()
+tl::expected<void, std::string> pfile_convert_levels()
 {
 	SaveWriter saveWriter = GetSaveWriter(gSaveNumber);
-	ConvertLevels(saveWriter);
+	return ConvertLevels(saveWriter);
 }
 
 void pfile_remove_temp_files()
diff --git a/Source/pfile.h b/Source/pfile.h
index 87fbf54d9..df10fca08 100644
--- a/Source/pfile.h
+++ b/Source/pfile.h
@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@
 #pragma once
 
 #include <cstdint>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <expected.hpp>
 
 #include "DiabloUI/diabloui.h"
 #include "player.h"
@@ -122,7 +125,7 @@ bool pfile_ui_save_create(_uiheroinfo *heroinfo);
 bool pfile_delete_save(_uiheroinfo *heroInfo);
 void pfile_read_player_from_save(uint32_t saveNum, Player &player);
 void pfile_save_level();
-void pfile_convert_levels();
+tl::expected<void, std::string> pfile_convert_levels();
 void pfile_remove_temp_files();
 std::unique_ptr<std::byte[]> pfile_read(const char *pszName, size_t *pdwLen);
 void pfile_update(bool forceSave);
diff --git a/Source/utils/attributes.h b/Source/utils/attributes.h
index b14787c01..9a7121d0c 100644
--- a/Source/utils/attributes.h
+++ b/Source/utils/attributes.h
@@ -11,6 +11,12 @@
 #define DVL_HAVE_ATTRIBUTE(x) 0
 #endif
 
+#ifdef __has_builtin
+#define DVL_HAVE_BUILTIN(x) __has_builtin(x)
+#else
+#define DVL_HAVE_BUILTIN(x) 0
+#endif
+
 #if DVL_HAVE_ATTRIBUTE(format) || (defined(__GNUC__) && !defined(__clang__))
 #define DVL_PRINTF_ATTRIBUTE(fmtargnum, firstarg) \
 	__attribute__((__format__(__printf__, fmtargnum, firstarg)))
@@ -110,3 +116,11 @@
 #else
 #define DVL_UNREACHABLE()
 #endif
+
+#if DVL_HAVE_BUILTIN(__builtin_expect)
+#define DVL_PREDICT_FALSE(x) (__builtin_expect(false || (x), false))
+#define DVL_PREDICT_TRUE(x) (__builtin_expect(false || (x), true))
+#else
+#define DVL_PREDICT_FALSE(x) (x)
+#define DVL_PREDICT_TRUE(x) (x)
+#endif
diff --git a/Source/utils/sdl_thread.h b/Source/utils/sdl_thread.h
index 10fae419e..336a8ec5e 100644
--- a/Source/utils/sdl_thread.h
+++ b/Source/utils/sdl_thread.h
@@ -1,66 +1,69 @@
-#pragma once
-
-#include <SDL.h>
-#include <memory>
-#ifdef USE_SDL1
-#include "utils/sdl2_to_1_2_backports.h"
-#endif
-#include "appfat.h"
-
-namespace devilution {
-
-namespace this_sdl_thread {
-inline SDL_threadID get_id()
-{
-	return SDL_GetThreadID(nullptr);
-}
-} // namespace this_sdl_thread
-
-class SdlThread final {
-	static int SDLCALL ThreadTranslate(void *ptr);
-	static void ThreadDeleter(SDL_Thread *thread);
-
-	std::unique_ptr<SDL_Thread, void (*)(SDL_Thread *)> thread { nullptr, ThreadDeleter };
-
-public:
-	SdlThread(int(SDLCALL *handler)(void *), void *data)
-#ifdef USE_SDL1
-	    : thread(SDL_CreateThread(handler, data), ThreadDeleter)
-#else
-	    : thread(SDL_CreateThread(handler, nullptr, data), ThreadDeleter)
-#endif
-	{
-		if (thread == nullptr)
-			ErrSdl();
-	}
-
-	explicit SdlThread(void (*handler)(void))
-	    : SdlThread(ThreadTranslate, (void *)handler)
-	{
-	}
-
-	SdlThread() = default;
-
-	bool joinable() const
-	{
-		return thread != nullptr;
-	}
-
-	SDL_threadID get_id() const
-	{
-		return SDL_GetThreadID(thread.get());
-	}
-
-	void join()
-	{
-		if (!joinable())
-			return;
-		if (get_id() == this_sdl_thread::get_id())
-			app_fatal("Thread joined from within itself");
-
-		SDL_WaitThread(thread.get(), nullptr);
-		thread.release();
-	}
-};
-
-} // namespace devilution
+#pragma once
+
+#include <memory>
+
+#include <SDL.h>
+
+#ifdef USE_SDL1
+#include "utils/sdl2_to_1_2_backports.h"
+#endif
+#include "appfat.h"
+#include "utils/attributes.h"
+
+namespace devilution {
+
+namespace this_sdl_thread {
+inline SDL_threadID get_id()
+{
+	return SDL_GetThreadID(nullptr);
+}
+} // namespace this_sdl_thread
+
+class SdlThread final {
+	static int SDLCALL ThreadTranslate(void *ptr);
+	static void ThreadDeleter(SDL_Thread *thread);
+
+	std::unique_ptr<SDL_Thread, void (*)(SDL_Thread *)> thread { nullptr, ThreadDeleter };
+
+public:
+	SdlThread(int(SDLCALL *handler)(void *), void *data)
+#ifdef USE_SDL1
+	    : thread(SDL_CreateThread(handler, data), ThreadDeleter)
+#else
+	    : thread(SDL_CreateThread(handler, nullptr, data), ThreadDeleter)
+#endif
+	{
+		if (thread == nullptr)
+			ErrSdl();
+	}
+
+	explicit SdlThread(void (*handler)(void))
+	    : SdlThread(ThreadTranslate, (void *)handler)
+	{
+	}
+
+	SdlThread() = default;
+
+	bool joinable() const
+	{
+		return thread != nullptr;
+	}
+
+	SDL_threadID get_id() const
+	{
+		return SDL_GetThreadID(thread.get());
+	}
+
+	void join()
+	{
+		if (!joinable())
+			return;
+		if (get_id() == this_sdl_thread::get_id())
+			app_fatal("Thread joined from within itself");
+
+		SDL_WaitThread(thread.get(), nullptr);
+		thread.release();
+	}
+};
+
+} // namespace devilution
diff --git a/Source/utils/status_macros.hpp b/Source/utils/status_macros.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2b8766c3b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Source/utils/status_macros.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include "utils/attributes.h"
+
+#define RETURN_IF_ERROR(expr)                                         \
+	if (auto result = expr; DVL_PREDICT_FALSE(!result.has_value())) { \
+		return tl::make_unexpected(std::move(result).error());        \
+	}
+
+#define STATUS_MACROS_CONCAT_NAME_INNER(x, y) x##y
+#define STATUS_MACROS_CONCAT_NAME(x, y) STATUS_MACROS_CONCAT_NAME_INNER(x, y)
+
+#define ASSIGN_OR_RETURN_IMPL(result, lhs, rhs)                                                        \
+	auto result = rhs;                            /* NOLINT(bugprone-macro-parentheses): assignment */ \
+	if (DVL_PREDICT_FALSE(!result.has_value())) { /* NOLINT(bugprone-macro-parentheses): assignment */ \
+		return tl::make_unexpected(std::move(result).error());                                         \
+	}                                                                                                  \
+	lhs = std::move(result).value(); /* NOLINT(bugprone-macro-parentheses): assignment */
+
+#define ASSIGN_OR_RETURN(lhs, rhs) \
+	ASSIGN_OR_RETURN_IMPL(         \
+	    STATUS_MACROS_CONCAT_NAME(_result, __COUNTER__), lhs, rhs)