The superhero team-based shooter, Marvel Rivals, has generated considerable buzz among gamers, promising thrilling battles and fan-favorite characters. However, for a significant portion of its eager player base, the excitement has been quickly overshadowed by a perplexing and frustrating problem: the game simply refuses to launch.
Reports across various forums, social media, and support channels paint a clear picture of widespread launch failures, persistent crashes, and enigmatic error messages. What’s behind these widespread issues, and what can players do to finally dive into the action?
Here’s a breakdown of the common culprits and potential solutions.
Common Reasons Marvel Rivals Won’t Launch
1. System Requirements and Compatibility: The Foundation of Failure
Many of the reported launch woes stem from PCs that fall short of Marvel Rivals’ demanding system requirements. The game necessitates a modern operating system and up-to-date hardware, with particular emphasis on graphics processing. Attempting to run the game on unsupported configurations, such as older Windows versions or outdated graphics cards, frequently results in the game failing to open altogether.

A particularly common stumbling block is DirectX version mismatches. Marvel Rivals explicitly requires DirectX 12. If a player’s system doesn’t support this version, or if they attempt to force the game to use unsupported DirectX flags, the game will invariably refuse to start.
2. Corrupted or Missing Game Files: A Digital Disruption
Even if a system meets the requirements, corrupted or incomplete installation files can act as a critical roadblock. This issue is especially prevalent after a failed update or an interrupted initial installation. For Steam users, verifying the integrity of game files is a highly recommended first step, often proving to be a quick and effective resolution. This process checks for and replaces any missing or damaged files, ensuring a complete and accurate installation.
3. Outdated Drivers and Operating System: The Need for Modernity
Outdated graphics drivers or an old operating system can introduce significant compatibility problems. Players have consistently reported that updating their GPU drivers to the latest version and ensuring their Windows operating system is fully updated often resolves these frustrating launch failures. These updates often contain critical bug fixes and performance enhancements necessary for modern games.
4. Administrative Permissions and System Resources: Unseen Barriers
Sometimes, the issue isn’t about what’s missing, but what’s being restricted. Insufficient system resources or a lack of administrative privileges can actively prevent the game from starting.
Running both Steam and Marvel Rivals as an administrator can often bypass these permission-related roadblocks. Additionally, closing unnecessary background applications can free up valuable memory and CPU resources, giving the game the space it needs to launch successfully.
5. Internet Connection and Server Status: Beyond Your Control
While many problems originate on the player’s end, sometimes the issue lies with the game’s infrastructure. A poor internet connection or server downtime on Marvel Rivals’ end can directly prevent the game from opening. Players are advised to check their internet connection stability and monitor official Marvel Rivals channels for any announcements regarding server maintenance or outages.
Special Cases: Linux and Steam Deck
Linux Users: Navigating the Proton Maze
Marvel Rivals is primarily designed for the Windows operating system. While it can run on Linux using Proton, a compatibility layer, this introduces its own unique set of hurdles. Recent updates have unfortunately broken the game’s launcher under Proton, leading to the launcher hanging or failing to initiate game processes.
Workarounds for Linux users often involve bypassing the launcher entirely with special launch options (e.g., SteamDeck=1 %command%. However, these solutions can be technical and are not always foolproof.
File system permissions and the location of Proton installations (especially on NTFS drives) have also been identified as sources of problems. Ensuring Proton is installed on a compatible file system and that the user has proper read/write access is crucial for a smoother experience.
Steam Deck: A Surprising Exception
Interestingly, Steam Deck users appear to be less affected by the launcher issues plaguing their Linux desktop counterparts. This is largely because the Steam Deck can bypass the problematic launcher with the correct configuration, streamlining the launch process.

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Event-Specific Glitches: A Different Kind of Problem
It’s important to distinguish between true launch issues and event-specific bugs. Some players have confused launch failures with in-game progression blockers, such as the inability to unlock certain content (e.g., Act 3 of the Hellfire Gala event). These are not technical launch failures but rather progression tracking issues, often due to incomplete event challenges rather than a true game glitch preventing access.
Quick Fixes and Recommendations
For players struggling to get Marvel Rivals off the ground, here’s a checklist of common solutions:
- Verify Game Files: On Steam, right-click Marvel Rivals > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
- Update Drivers and OS: Ensure your GPU drivers and operating system are fully up to date.
- Check DirectX Version: Confirm your system supports DirectX 12; try launch options like
-dx12
or-dx11
if necessary. - Run as Administrator: Launch both Steam and Marvel Rivals with administrative privileges.
- Check File System and Permissions: Especially on Linux, ensure Proton and game files are not on NTFS drives and that you have proper read/write permissions.
- Monitor Server Status: Keep an eye on official Marvel Rivals channels for any server outages or maintenance announcements.
The Bottom Line
While Marvel Rivals launch issues are a common occurrence, they are usually solvable. The vast majority of these problems can be traced back to system compatibility, corrupted files, or configuration errors – particularly for those playing on Linux or with non-standard setups.
Staying updated with drivers and the operating system, diligently verifying game files, and consulting community troubleshooting guides are your best bets to overcome these hurdles and finally jump into the thrilling superhero action that Marvel Rivals promises.
Written by:
Christian