5 Ways to Fix the Rust Steam Load Error on a Windows PC

Rust is a popular Windows PC game, and many players have reported a Steam Load Error. A player’s Reddit post said this about that Rust error, “Yesterday, the game worked fine. As of today, I constantly get the Steam Load Error Message even though I am opening it through Steam.” Rust doesn’t launch because of this startup error. This is how you can fix the Rust Steam Load error on a Windows PC.

Read also: 6 Ways to Fix Rust Crashing on Startup on a Windows PC

Start Rust With Admin Rights Outside of Steam

Many players confirm they’ve fixed the Rust Steam Load Error by launching the game directly from its folder with admin rights set for it. However, you should still open Steam to apply this possible fix. This is how you can set Rust to run with admin rights to apply this possible solution:

1. Start the Steam client software and open the Library tab in it.
2. Right-click on your Rust game (in the sidebar) to select Manage > Browse local files.
3. Next, right-click the RUST EXE file in its folder to select Properties and Compatibility.
4. Click on the setting with the Run this program as an administrator label to select that option.
   
   

   The Compatibility tab

5. Select Apply for the setting options selected, and OK to exit.
6. Double-click the RUST EXE file you set to run as an administrator in its folder to launch the game.

Verify Rust

A few players confirm that verifying (repairing) the game can resolve the Rust Steam Load Error. Running a verification scan might repair or restore missing Rust files. Open this Steam help page to verify files and go through the steps there to apply this possible fix.

The Verify integrity of game files option

Delete the Steam_api64.dll File

Erasing the steam_api64.dll file is another potential resolution for the Rust Steam Load Error confirmed to work by players who’ve needed to fix it. This highlights that this gaming error can occur because of issues with that file. You can erase the steam_api64.dll file like this:

1. First, open File Explorer, which has a handy Windows logo + E hotkey.
2. Go to this default Rust folder location: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Rust\RustClient_Data\Plugins\x86_64.
3. Right-click the Steam_api64.dll file and select Delete to erase it.

Opt-Out of Steam Beta

Have you opted into Steam beta participation? If so, that beta participation could be a potential cause of the Rust Steam Load Error on your PC. Try opting out of the Steam beta like this:

1. Open the Steam software window.
2. Click Steam > Settings to bring up an options window.
3. Next, click the Interface tab.
   
   

   The Steam Beta Update option

4. Select No Beta on the Client Beta Participation drop-down menu.

Check the Server Status for Rust

If the Rust Steam Load Error continues after applying the potential resolutions above, check the server status for the game. It could be the case that a server issue is causing the error to occur. Open this Downdetector page to see if there’s any server issue. If there is, wait a day or two before launching Rust again.

The Downdetector page

Many players have resolved the Rust Steam Load Error by applying the potential fixes discussed above. So, there’s a good chance one of those possible fixes will resolve that Rust issue. If more fixes are needed, click Submit a Ticket on this Facepunch page to contact the game’s help service.

Best Guides for Rust

Complete Beginner's Guide

6 Ways to Fix Rust Stuttering on a Windows PC

6 Ways to Fix Rust Crashing on Startup on a Windows PC

6 Ways to Fix Regular In-Game Rust Crashing on a Windows PC

5 Ways to Fix the Rust Steam Auth Timeout Error on a Windows PC

Underwater Update Expands the Seas

Devblog 131

Early Access Review

Devblog 23