How to Fix PUBG Failed to Initialize Steam

By Angel Marquez | 2023-04-02 09:39:12
Our step-by-step guide on How to Fix PUBG Failed to Initialize Steam error will get you back in the game in no time. 

When PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) was released in 2017, it took the world by storm. As one of the most popular battle royale games, PUBG has millions of players from around the world joining to fight for survival. However, like with any game, PUBG can experience technical issues, one of the most common being “Failed to Initialize Steam”.

This error can be incredibly frustrating, as it prevents players from accessing the game. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this issue and get back into PUBG as quickly as possible. If you’re experiencing this message, here are some steps you can take to fix it.

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Run PUBG as administrator: The first step is to try running PUBG as an administrator. To do this, right-click on your PUBG desktop shortcut and select “Run as Administrator”. This will launch the game with full administrator access, which may help with the “Failed to Initialize Steam” error.
  • Run the Steam Client as an Administrator: The next step is to try running the Steam client as an administrator. This can be done by right-clicking on the Steam shortcut and selecting “Run as Administrator”. This will allow Steam to access all the necessary files it needs, which may help with the “Failed to Initialize Steam” error.
  • Disable Administrator Rights: If you’re still experiencing the “Failed to Initialize Steam” error, you can try disabling administrator rights by right-clicking on the Steam shortcut and selecting “Properties”. Then, go to the “Compatibility” tab and uncheck the “Run this program as an administrator” box. This should help with the issue.
  • Restart Steam: If none of the above steps are working, you can try restarting Steam. To do this, close the Steam client and then open it again. This will help reset the game files and may help fix the “Failed to Initialize Steam” error.
  • Verify the Integrity of Game Files: If the “Failed to Initialize Steam” error is still occurring, you can try verifying the integrity of game files. This will check to see if the game files are up to date and if there are any corrupted files. To do this, open the Steam client, go to the “Library” tab, right-click on PUBG and select “Properties”. Then, go to the “Local Files” tab and click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files”. This will scan the game files and attempt to fix any corrupted files.
  • Update Graphics Drivers: If you’re still experiencing the “Failed to Initialize Steam” error, you can try updating your graphics drivers. This should help with the issue as outdated drivers can cause errors with the game. To do this, go to the manufacturer’s website, download the latest drivers, and install them.
  • Reinstall Steam or PUBG: If none of the above steps are working, you can try reinstalling Steam or PUBG. To do this, open the Steam client, go to the “Library” tab, right-click on PUBG and select “Uninstall”. Then, reinstall the game. This should help with the “Failed to Initialize Steam” error.


If you’re experiencing the “Failed to Initialize Steam” error in PUBG, these steps should help you fix the issue. However, if you’re still experiencing the error after trying these steps, you may need to contact Steam or PUBG support for more help.
Platform(s): GNU/Linux, Microsoft Windows PC
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Indie, Role Playing, Early Access
Developer(s): Iron Gate AB
Publisher(s): Iron Gate AB, Coffee Stain Publishing, Coffee Stain Studios
Release date: 2 FEB 2021
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
Age rating (PEGI): 12+
Video preview



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