Steam is one of the most popular PC gaming platforms of all time with hundreds of thousands of games from all genres available both free and paid. The platform also has a number of social options that make playing with friends a breeze.
However, just like everything else tech, it isn’t immune to random bugs and glitches. In this article, we’re talking about the missing Steam-API.dll error you can see in Max Payne 3 or other games on the platform, its causes and what you can do to fix the problem.
What causes the error?
The error is mainly caused by file corruption or incomplete updates and can affect pretty much every game on the platform. Other common causes include:
- Incomplete game downloads.
- The game file has been blocked by an antivirus program.
- Activation issues with Rockstar.
Also read: How to fix Steam error: This item is currently unavailable in your region?
How to fix this?
Here are five fixes you can try out.
Restart your router
Restarting your router can help eliminate any unseen network or connectivity issues you may face. You have to turn off your router, wait a bit, and then turn it back on again.
Restart your game
One of the easiest ways to fix the problem is to restart the game. Restarting games and programs often resolves temporary bugs that can cause crashes or connectivity issues. Once the game is stopped completely (you can verify this using the Task Manager), relaunch it using Steam, and it should work just fine.
Also read: How to fix Steam Deck error formatting SD card?
Disable your antivirus
Sometimes, overly aggressive antivirus programs get in the way of games and even Steam. The best way to verify this is to disable the antivirus for some time and run the game again. If the game runs fine, chances are the antivirus program is blocking some of its files and you should add it as an exception.
Check out our detailed guide on how to disable your antivirus in Windows 10.
Verify Game Files
Corrupted game files can often lead to issues like this, not just in Max Payne 3 but other games. Luckily, Steam has a built-in feature that verifies your game files and reinstalls any files that might be damaged. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Head over to your Steam Library, right-click on Max Payne 3 and select Properties.
Step 2: Head over to the Local Files tab.
Step 3: Click on Verify integrity of local files… and let Steam do its thing.
Now try relaunching the game.
Reinstall
If checking game files didn’t work out, your best bet is to delete the game from Steam and reinstall it from scratch. Ensure to overwrite your game save with the new installation, as corrupt saved files can also cause this issue.
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