How to fix ‘files required to play’ error in GTA Online

Souhardya Choudhury
GTA Online character on a motorcycle

Want to fix the ‘files required to play’ error on GTA Online? Look no further as here’s how you can fix it in GTA Online.

The ‘files required to play GTA Online could not be downloaded from the Rockstar Games Service’ error is one of the most apparent technical issues in GTA Online. However, if you are facing this, there’s no need to worry as there are plenty of methods to tackle this problem.

On that note, here’s how to fix the ‘files required to play’ error in GTA Online and get back to wreaking havoc in the game.

Best ways to fix ‘files required to play’ error in GTA Online

Here are the best ways to fix the ‘files required to play GTA Online could not be downloaded from the Rockstar Games Service’ error:

  • Changing Domain Name Servers (DNS.)
  • Resetting Wi-Fi router.
  • Checking GTA Online server status.
  • Using a VPN.

Change your Domain Name Servers (DNS)

As suggested by Rockstar in their official blog, changing your DNS can be a great way to fix this issue in GTA Online. Here’s how to do it in Rockstar’s suggested way:

For PC:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click Network and Internet
  3. Under Advanced network settings, click on Change adapter options
  4. Right-click on your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, depending on which you are currently using, then select Properties
  5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and make sure the box is checked
  6. Click Properties
  7. Select Use the following DNS server
  8. Enter the following DNS addresses in their respective text box:
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  9. Select Validate settings upon exit
  10. Click OK
  11. Select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and make sure the box is checked
  12. Click Properties
  13. Enter the following DNS addresses in their respective text box:
    • Preferred DNS server: 2001:4860:4860::8888
    • Alternate DNS server: 2001:4860:4860::8844
  14. Select Validate settings upon exit
  15. Click OK

For PlayStation:

  1. Open the Home Screen
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Select Network
  4. Select Set Up Internet Connection
  5. Select either Wi-Fi or LAN (depending on what you use to connect)
  6. Select Custom
  7. For IP Address Settings, select Automatic
  8. For DHCP Host Name, select Do Not Specify
  9. For DNS Settings, select Manual
  10. Enter the following DNS addresses in their respective field:
    • Primary DNS = 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary DNS = 8.8.4.4
  11. For MTU settings, select Automatic
  12. For Proxy Server, select Do Not Use

For Xbox:

  1. Open the Home Screen
  2. Select Settings
  3. Select All Settings
  4. Select Network
  5. Select Advanced Settings
  6. Select DNS Settings
  7. Select Manual
  8. Enter the following DNS addresses in their respective fields:
    • Primary DNS = 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary DNS = 8.8.4.4

Try resetting your Wi-Fi router

Resetting your Wi-Fi router is another great way of fixing this issue in GTA Online as it refreshes the entire state of your connection. Simply unplug your router and leave it like that for about 10 minutes, as suggested by Rockstar, and plug it back in again.

Check the GTA Online server status

Checking the GTA Online server status is a pretty handy method of determining problems early on. If the servers are down, the best code of action is to wait until they are up, and that might remove all the errors you are facing in the game.

Try using a VPN

You can try and use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) by installing third-party VPN software before accessing the game. This should remove any discrepancies with your IP address and let you play the game by changing the location of your network connection.

What is ‘files required to play’ error in GTA Online?

Rockstar Games have confirmed that the ‘files required to play’ error in GTA Online occurs when there is a communication issue between Rockstar Games Services and your connection’s IP address. This can happen at any moment after a weekly update or a major patch in the game.

If none of the methods mentioned above worked for you, don’t worry as you can always reach out to Rockstar Support directly. For more on the game, check out our other guides:

How to cancel a mission in GTA Online | GTA 5 cast: Full list of voice actors | How to get the Ruiner ZZ-8 for free in GTA Online | How to increase your strength stat easily in GTA Online | All GTA Online Treasure Hunt clue locations | How to use the Director Mode in GTA 5

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About The Author

Souhardya is a Games Writer at CharlieIntel, currently covering Diablo 4, EA FC 24, Baldur's Gate 3, and Elden Ring. He has a degree in Media Science & Journalism and has previously worked at Spiel Times and Sportskeeda. You can reach him at [email protected].