Failed to Connect to Steam Marvel Rivals Error Code 5: Complete Fix Guide

12/20/2025

Failed to Connect to Steam Marvel Rivals Error Code 5: How to Fix It

Running into <cite index="1-6">"Failed to Connect to Steam. Error Code: 5"</cite> when launching Marvel Rivals? <cite index="1-5">This connection error has been showing up for many players</cite>, but don't worry—most cases can be resolved with the right troubleshooting steps. This guide covers everything you need to know about Error Code 5 and how to get back into the action.

What is Marvel Rivals Error Code 5?

<cite index="1-6">Error Code 5 in Marvel Rivals is a connection problem that shows up when the game can't establish a proper link with Steam's servers</cite>. <cite index="1-7,1-8">This error usually appears as "Failed to Connect to Steam. Error Code: 5" right when you're trying to start the game</cite>.

When Error Code 5 Appears:

  • During initial game launch from Steam
  • After the Marvel Rivals launcher opens
  • When attempting to log into your account
  • After game updates or patches

<cite index="7-7">Marvel Rivals Error Code 5 is a connection-related issue, typically meaning the game client cannot authenticate your session with the server</cite>.

💡 Related Issues: If you're experiencing other connection problems, check out our guides on Marvel Rivals Error Code 4, Error Code 10, and Error Code 220.

What Causes Error Code 5?

Understanding the root causes helps you choose the right fix:

Server-Side Problems

<cite index="1-1,1-2">The truth about Error Code 5 is that it's mostly out of your control. Since the problem usually comes from the developer's side or Steam's servers, there isn't much you can do except wait for them to fix it</cite>. <cite index="1-14">The Marvel Rivals team has acknowledged this issue and said they're working with Steam to solve it</cite>.

Network Authentication Issues

<cite index="3-2">The network error arises due to missing permissions, corrupted game files, issues with the current DNS, a misconfigured time zone, conflicts triggered by the firewall, and improper game installation</cite>.

<cite index="5-23">If you get error 5, it's not able to resolve hostnames when connecting to their servers</cite>.

Local Configuration Problems

<cite index="1-10,1-11">Your internet connection can also play a part in this problem. If your connection is slow or unstable when you're trying to log in, you might not be able to complete the verification process with Steam</cite>.

Security Software Interference

<cite index="3-3,3-4">Windows Defender Firewall has also been found to block Marvel Rivals, triggering Failed to connect to Steam Error Code: 5 on the PC. So, verify whether the firewall is blocking it and then whitelist the game</cite>.

How to Fix Error Code 5: Step-by-Step Solutions

Try these fixes in order—many players resolve the issue with the first few methods:

1. Keep Clicking Continue (Official Fix)

<cite index="1-16,1-17">The developers have suggested one simple trick that sometimes helps: keep clicking the "Continue" button multiple times when you see the error. Some players report that this eventually gets them through, though it doesn't work for everyone</cite>.

Steps:

  1. When Error Code 5 appears, don't close the launcher
  2. Click "Continue" repeatedly (10-20 times)
  3. Wait a few seconds between attempts
  4. <cite index="2-5">Keep trying, and it may go away</cite>

2. Flush and Refresh DNS (Most Effective)

<cite index="5-7">Confirm that: ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew then ipconfig /registerdns fixed the Error code 5 issue</cite>. This is one of the most reliable community-verified solutions.

For Windows Users:

  1. Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)"
  2. Run these commands in order: 
    ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
  3. Close Command Prompt
  4. Fully restart Steam
  5. Launch Marvel Rivals

<cite index="5-22,5-23">Most of these networking protocols and configurations should happen automatically. If you get error 5, it's not able to resolve hostnames when connecting to their servers</cite>.

3. Clear Local Configuration Files

<cite index="4-1">THIS WORKS ON PC IDK IF IT WILL WORK ON CONSOLE Here are the steps: Launch the game on Steam/Epic When the Marvel Rivals Launcher pops up, click on "Clear Local Configuration Files" Thats it!</cite>

Steps:

  1. Launch Marvel Rivals from Steam
  2. Wait for the Marvel Rivals Launcher to appear
  3. Look for the gear/settings icon
  4. Click on "Clear Local Configuration Files"
  5. Restart the launcher and try connecting again

<cite index="2-12">Some players cleared redundant files via launcher and after doing this, they were able to connect</cite>.

4. Run Steam as Administrator

<cite index="3-11">For 3 out of 5 users, simply running Steam with administrative privileges fixed the Failed to connect to Steam error in Marvel Rivals on a Windows PC</cite>.

Steps:

  1. Close Steam completely (check system tray)
  2. Right-click on Steam icon on your desktop
  3. Select "Run as administrator"
  4. Launch Marvel Rivals through Steam
  5. Test if the error persists

5. Change DNS to Google Public DNS

<cite index="3-21">In a few cases of Marvel Rivals Failed to connect to Steam error on Windows, Xbox, and PlayStation, switching to Google's Public DNS cleared out network-based inconsistencies</cite>.

Windows DNS Configuration:

  1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter
  2. Right-click your active network connection
  3. Select "Properties"
  4. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"
  5. Click "Properties"
  6. Select "Use the following DNS server addresses"
  7. Enter:
    • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
  8. Click OK and restart your computer

6. Verify Game Files

Corrupted game files can prevent proper Steam authentication:

For Steam Users:

  1. Open Steam Library
  2. <cite index="3-12,3-13">Right-click on Marvel Rivals, select Properties, go to the Installed Files tab, and click on Verify integrity of game files</cite>
  3. <cite index="3-14">Wait for Steam to repair/replace any problematic game files and then check for improvements</cite>

7. Configure Firewall Settings

<cite index="3-3,3-4,3-5">Windows Defender Firewall has also been found to block Marvel Rivals, triggering Failed to connect to Steam Error Code: 5 on the PC. Also, check for blocks imposed by any third-party firewall or security software!</cite>

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S and type "Windows Defender Firewall"
  2. Click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall"
  3. Click "Change settings"
  4. Click "Allow another app"
  5. Browse to: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\MarvelRivals
  6. Select the Marvel Rivals launcher (.exe file)
  7. Click "Add" and ensure both Private and Public are checked
  8. Also add Steam.exe to the exceptions

8. Sync Time and Date Settings

<cite index="3-23,3-24,3-25">Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to Time & language from the left pane, and click on Date & time. Enable the toggles for Set time zone automatically and Set time automatically. Now, click on the Sync now button</cite>.

Incorrect system time can prevent authentication with Steam servers.

9. Power Cycle Your Network

<cite index="5-25,5-26">Unplug your modem and router, turn your computer off and wait 5-15 minutes. Turn router on, turn computer on</cite>.

This clears cached network data and establishes fresh connections.

10. Try a Gaming VPN (Advanced)

<cite index="7-11,7-12">PC players should try using ExitLag – a powerful tool that can fix connectivity issues by optimizing network routing. It's especially effective against packet loss, ping spikes, and unstable routes that often cause Error Code 5 in Marvel Rivals</cite>.

VPN Options:

  • ExitLag (gaming-optimized)
  • NoPing (low latency)
  • Cloudflare WARP (free option)

Note: Use VPN only if other methods fail, as it may affect ping.

Why Is This Happening?

<cite index="7-23,7-24">One of the most important things to recognize is that many cases of this error are not caused by your internet, system, or setup. The problem often arises from backend server issues</cite>.

<cite index="7-25,7-26">The Marvel Rivals development team has acknowledged and resolved related bugs in previous patches. Some community sources have reported that the issue was declared resolved around August 15, 2025</cite>.

<cite index="7-27">This means that, in many instances, no amount of local troubleshooting will fix the issue</cite>.

Prevention Tips

To minimize future Error Code 5 occurrences:

  • Keep game updated: Install patches as soon as they're available
  • Maintain stable internet: Use wired connections when possible
  • Use public DNS: Keep Google DNS (8.8.8.8) configured permanently
  • Allow Steam through firewall: Add permanent exceptions
  • Check server status: Follow Marvel Rivals social media for maintenance announcements
  • Verify files regularly: Run Steam's verify integrity tool monthly

When Nothing Works

If you've tried all solutions without success:

  1. Check Server Status:

  2. Wait It Out: <cite index="1-2">Since the problem usually comes from the developer's side or Steam's servers, there isn't much you can do except wait for them to fix it</cite>

  3. Contact Support:

    • Submit a ticket through Marvel Rivals Support{:rel="nofollow"}
    • Report the issue on official Discord
    • Include error screenshots and attempted fixes

Conclusion

Marvel Rivals Error Code 5 is primarily a Steam connection authentication issue that affects many players. <cite index="1-15">Make sure your internet connection is stable and working properly</cite>, then try the DNS refresh commands and clearing local configuration files—these are the most effective community-verified solutions.

Remember that <cite index="1-12,1-13">the truth about Error Code 5 is that it's mostly out of your control. Since the problem usually comes from the developer's side or Steam's servers, there isn't much you can do except wait for them to fix it</cite>.

If one solution doesn't work immediately, don't give up—try the next method. Many players report success after combining multiple fixes, particularly DNS refresh + running Steam as admin + clearing configuration files.

Need More Help?

Explore our other Marvel Rivals troubleshooting guides:

For the latest Marvel Rivals codes and updates, visit our homepage regularly. Good luck, and see you in the game!

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