Running into the DirectX 12 error in Marvel Rivals can be frustrating, especially when all you want to do is jump into a match.
Instead of launching, the game throws an error about your system not supporting DirectX 12, asking you to update Windows or your graphics drivers.
This issue has been widely reported by players and is usually tied to system compatibility, outdated software, or missing components. The good news is that it’s not always a dead end.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the error actually means, why it happens, and walk through step-by-step solutions that have worked for the community.
What is the DirectX 12 Error in Marvel Rivals?
Marvel Rivals is a modern, UE-based hero shooter that requires DirectX 12 and specific GPU capabilities.
If your PC doesn’t meet those requirements, or Windows and drivers aren’t up to date, the game refuses to launch and throws a DX12 support error.
The kicker is that having “DirectX 12” installed isn’t enough; your GPU must expose the right Direct3D feature level (typically 12_0 or higher) and your OS needs to be at least Windows 10 64-bit version 1909.
Source: Reddit
What Causes DirectX 12 Error in Marvel Rivals?
From the reports and documentation, the usual culprits are:
Outdated Windows build
Marvel Rivals expects Windows 10 64-bit v1909 or newer (Windows 11 works too). Older builds can block DX12 features the game needs. Players have fixed the error simply by updating to a late Windows 10 release like 22H2.
Unsupported or under-spec GPU
The game’s minimum GPU spec is GTX 1060 / RX 580 / Intel Arc A380, and it expects DX12 capability with adequate feature levels and VRAM. Integrated graphics like Intel UHD iGPUs generally won’t cut it.
Missing or outdated GPU drivers
Even if your hardware supports DX12, outdated or corrupted drivers can block initialization. Updating drivers frequently resolves the error.
Corrupted game files or missing runtime components
Damaged game files or missing Microsoft runtime components can trip initialization. Verifying files and reinstalling redistributables are common fixes across DX12 titles.
Wrong GPU being used (laptops or hybrid graphics)
Some systems try to run the game on the iGPU instead of the dedicated GPU, triggering a DX12 support failure. This shows up a lot in community threads for new shooters.
Source: Reddit
Linux/Proton compatibility issues
On Linux/Steam Deck, Proton/VKD3D feature support can lag behind what the game requires, leading to “DX12 not supported” even when hardware is fine.
15 Ways to Fix DirectX 12 Error in Marvel Rivals
1. Confirm your GPU actually supports the needed DX12 feature level
Press Win+R → dxdiag → Enter, open the Display tab, and check Feature Levels. You want to see 12_0 or higher. If you only see 11_1 or below, the GPU can’t meet Marvel Rivals’ DX12 requirement and you’ll need supported hardware (GTX 1060 / RX 580 / Arc A380 or better).
2. Verify you meet the game’s minimum specs
Minimums widely cited for Marvel Rivals include Windows 10 64-bit, i5-6600K / Ryzen 5 1600X, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1060 / RX 580 / Arc A380, DX12, and ~70 GB storage. Falling below these (especially on GPU or RAM) can prevent the game from launching.
3. Update Windows to at least Windows 10 version 1909 (preferably 22H2) or Windows 11
Go to Settings → Windows Update and install all pending updates. Numerous players reported the error vanished after updating to a recent build like 22H2.
Source: Windows Central
4. Install the latest GPU drivers (clean install)
Get drivers directly from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel. Use the “clean installation” option (or DDU if you’re comfortable) to remove remnants of old drivers that can break DX12 initialization. Many Microsoft Answers threads resolve with a straight driver update.
5. Force the game to use your dedicated GPU (laptops/hybrids)
In Windows Settings → System → Display → Graphics, add MarvelRivals.exe and set High performance (select the dGPU). Also check your NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software to prefer the high-performance GPU. On systems running only integrated UHD graphics, the game won’t meet requirements.
6. Verify & repair the game files
In Steam → Library → Marvel Rivals → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity. This is a safe, quick step that fixes many launch and runtime component issues. (Common advice in DX12 error fix videos and threads.)
7. Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2015–2022)
If runtime DLLs are missing or corrupted, DX12 initialization can fail. Reinstall the Visual C++ redistributables and restart. This is a standard step for DX-related DLL issues.
8. Update or repair DirectX components
Modern Windows includes DX12, but older components (especially legacy runtimes some titles still reference) can be refreshed with Microsoft’s installers. Avoid third-party “DirectX packs.” Use official Microsoft channels.
9. Uninstall older beta builds/launchers before installing the current game
The developer FAQ says previous beta builds aren’t compatible with the official release; uninstall them before installing the current version, or you may hit weird launch errors.
10. Disable overlays and capture utilities temporarily
Tools like GeForce Experience overlay, Radeon Overlay, Discord overlay, screen recorders, or third-party injectors sometimes conflict with DX initialization. Disable them and retry. (General best practice from large DX12 troubleshooting communities.)
11. Remove command-line flags like -dx12/-d3d12 if you previously forced them
Some players experiment with launch options; removing manual API flags is recommended in several DX12 error threads. In Steam → Properties → Launch Options, clear any -dx12 or -d3d12 overrides and test again.
12. Check VRAM and texture settings after launch
A portion of “doesn’t meet requirements” launch failures comes from systems with too little VRAM. When you do get in, keep textures/resolution modest on 6 GB or less. Community guidance for Marvel Rivals suggests 8 GB VRAM gives a smoother floor.
13. If you’re on Linux/Steam Deck, try a different Proton build
Swapping to newer Proton-GE or updated Proton versions can unlock the needed DX12 feature support in VKD3D, solving “DX12 not supported” on otherwise capable hardware.
14. As a last resort, consider an in-place Windows repair or clean install
Multiple user reports across DX12 titles, and specifically for Marvel Rivals, state that a clean Windows 10 22H2 install resolved persistent DX12 support errors after other steps failed. Back up first, of course.
15. Upgrade hardware if you’re below spec
If dxdiag shows your GPU doesn’t expose Feature Level 12_0 or if you’re on integrated graphics without dedicated VRAM, the only real fix is a supported discrete GPU. The game’s minimum list (GTX 1060 / RX 580 / Arc A380) is a reliable baseline.
What are Other Marvel Rivals Error Messages?
Marvel Rivals doesn’t only trip up on DirectX 12 issues. There’s a bunch of other error codes players bump into, especially on PC and consoles. Here's a breakdown of the most frequently reported ones and what they usually mean:
Common Error Codes and What They Mean
| Error Code / Message | What It Means |
| Error Code 4 | Server connection/authentication failure—usually during startup or login. |
| 99% Loading Stuck | Game gets stuck almost loading—often network or background programs to blame. |
| Error Code LS-0014 | Typically happens on Epic Games Store—install verification failure. |
| Error Code 10 | Network launch issue; sometimes “Unable to Fetch Account details.” |
| Error Code 5 | Seen on PlayStation—network instability or login/connectivity problems. |
| Error Code 21 | Often on Xbox—tied to DNS or synchronization issues. |
| Error Code 211 | Steam-specific launch failure—connection or server-side authentication problem. |
| Error Code 220 | Login/server issue—firewalls, DNS, or location mismatches. |
Source: Reddit
How to Play Marvel Rivals Without Lag?
Even if you fix the DirectX 12 error in Marvel Rivals, you might still run into lag or high ping during matches.
That’s where NoPing can make a big difference. NoPing is a connection optimizer designed for online games.
It works by finding the fastest and most stable routes between your computer and the game servers, cutting down unnecessary detours that often cause lag and high latency.
With NoPing, you can:
- Reduce ping and stabilize your connection.
- Avoid sudden spikes or rubberbanding during intense matches.
- Access over 3,000 supported games, including Marvel Rivals, with just a few clicks.
Here’s how to use NoPing to fix lag in Marvel Rivals:
- Sign-up through the website and download NoPing (you can try it for free)
- Open NoPing and search for Marvel Rivals inside the software
- Once you find Marvel Rivals, click on it. Choose your server on the next screen and click on “Optimize Game”.
- And that’s it, you can start playing Marvel Rivals with optimized ping!
You can test different servers within NoPing to see which gives you the lowest latency.
FAQ - DirectX 12 Error in Marvel Rivals
Does Marvel Rivals really require DirectX 12?
Yes. Both minimum and recommended specs list DirectX 12 and Windows 10 64-bit or newer. Trying to run on DX11-only hardware will fail.
What Windows version do I need for DirectX 12 in this game?
Player reports and support replies consistently reference Windows 10 64-bit version 1909 or later. Newer builds like 22H2 are strongly recommended for compatibility and security. Windows 11 is fine.
How do I check if my GPU supports the right DX12 feature level?
Open dxdiag, go to Display, and look at Feature Levels. You want 12_0 or higher. If you don’t see it, the GPU is below the game’s requirements.
Can integrated graphics (like Intel UHD) run Marvel Rivals?
Not reliably. Multiple Microsoft Answers threads emphasize that the game needs a dedicated GPU with dedicated VRAM. Integrated UHD graphics typically don’t meet the bar.
I have a Radeon RX 570 or older. Could that be the problem?
It might be. There are reports that some older cards support DX12 but lack newer DX12 feature levels or performance headroom the game expects. Check dxdiag and compare against the minimums (RX 580 or better).
I’m on Linux/Steam Deck. Why do I get DX12 errors even though my GPU is capable?
DX12 on Linux relies on VKD3D via Proton. If Proton’s DX12 translation isn’t up to the feature level the game uses, you’ll see the error. Switching to a newer Proton-GE or updated Proton build often helps.
Do I need to install a “DirectX 12 download” from somewhere?
No separate “DX12 installer” is needed for modern Windows; DX12 ships with Windows. Use Windows Update to get the newest components, and only use official Microsoft sources if you need to refresh DirectX runtimes. Avoid third-party “packs.”
Could leftover beta files cause launch problems?
Yes. The devs specifically say older beta game builds aren’t compatible with the official release: uninstall them before installing the live client.
Why do some people fix the issue only after reinstalling Windows?
If your OS has deep configuration corruption or mismatched components, a clean install resets everything. Several users reported a clean install to Windows 10 22H2 finally cleared persistent DX12 errors. It’s a last resort, but it’s effective.
Is there an official, single “one-click” fix?
No. Because the error can stem from OS, GPU capability, drivers, or runtimes, you have to work through the steps above. Start with Windows and drivers, then confirm feature level in dxdiag, and verify the game files.
The DirectX 12 error in Marvel Rivals can be annoying, but it usually comes down to system compatibility, outdated drivers, or missing updates. Once you go through the possible fixes you’ll likely get back into the game without much trouble.
And to always have the best performance to win every match in Marvel Rivals, use NoPing! Download now and start your free trial!
