Troubleshooting: Why You Might Can’t Download Marvel Rivals on Your PS5 and How to Fix It

Updated: 20th May 2025 3 min read

Marvel Rivals has rapidly become a sensation in the hero shooter genre, drawing in players with its dynamic combat and beloved characters. However, the excitement of downloading and jumping into the game has been met with frustration for some PlayStation 5 users who have encountered difficulties getting the game onto their console.

If you’ve found yourself stuck, staring at a download error or an absent game file, here’s a look at the most common reasons behind these issues and practical steps to get you into the battle.

No Preload Option Was Available

One initial point of confusion for some eager players stemmed from the game’s release strategy. Unlike many highly anticipated titles, Marvel Rivals did not offer a preload period for PS5 users.

This meant that players could only begin downloading the game once it officially went live. Attempting to find the game available for download or installation before its designated launch time would simply result in it being unavailable.

Sometimes, You Have to Start Manually

For users who acquired the game but found that the download didn’t automatically initiate, a simple manual step is often the solution. Navigate to your PS5’s Downloads/Uploads screen.

Here, you should find Marvel Rivals listed. You may need to manually select the game and choose “Start Copy/Download Now” to begin the installation process. If you have other downloads running, pausing them can help prioritize Marvel Rivals and ensure it starts without delay.

Insufficient Storage Space is a Frequent Culprit

Modern games require substantial storage, and Marvel Rivals is no exception, often needing over 40GB of free space. One of the most common reasons for a download failing or being blocked is simply not having enough room on your PS5’s solid-state drive.

To check your available space, go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage. If your free space is below the game’s requirement, you’ll need to make room. Consider deleting games you no longer play, unused applications, or captured media (screenshots and video clips) to free up the necessary gigabytes.

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Old Beta Files Causing Conflict?

Players who participated in previous beta tests for Marvel Rivals might face a unique hurdle. The PlayStation Network could potentially recognize and prompt you to download the outdated beta version of the game, which is no longer functional. If you suspect this is the case:

  1. Go to your Game Library and find any existing Marvel Rivals beta files.
  2. Delete these beta files entirely from your console.
  3. Go directly to the PlayStation Store, search specifically for “Marvel Rivals,” and ensure you are selecting and downloading the official launch version of the game.

Addressing Installation and Login Errors

Beyond download initiation, some users have reported encountering errors during the installation process itself or when attempting to log in after installation. Several troubleshooting steps can resolve these:

  • Restart Your PS5: A full restart can clear temporary glitches. Turn off your console completely (don’t just enter rest mode) and then power it back on.
  • Clear Cache: A more thorough step involves clearing the system cache. Turn off your PS5, unplug it from the power outlet for a few minutes, and then plug it back in and restart.
  • Reinstall: If an update or the initial installation seems corrupted, deleting the game files and attempting a fresh download and installation is often effective.

The Standard Download Process

For most players, downloading Marvel Rivals is a smooth operation:

  1. Power on your PS5 and open the PlayStation Store.
  2. Use the search bar to find “Marvel Rivals.”
  3. Select the game from the search results.
  4. Choose the “Download” option.
  5. Monitor the download progress in your Downloads section (accessible from the PS5 home screen).

Summary: Simple Fixes for Common Problems

Many download and installation issues with Marvel Rivals on PS5 can be resolved by addressing a few key areas: confirming the game is officially live, manually starting the download if needed, ensuring ample storage space, removing any old beta files, and performing basic troubleshooting like restarting the console.

While server congestion on launch days can occasionally cause temporary download hiccups, checking your storage, ensuring you have the correct version, and restarting your PS5 are often the quickest paths to getting Marvel Rivals up and running. By following these steps, most players should be able to overcome download barriers and join the thrilling battles across the multiverse.

Written by:

Christian