Fix GTA V 'Files Required to Play Could Not Be Downloaded'

Updated: 11/29/2025

You try to join GTA Online, and the camera zooms into the clouds... only to kick you back to Story Mode with the message: 'Files required to play GTA Online could not be downloaded from the Rockstar Games Service.'. This is not a ban. It is a network timeout. It means your IP address cannot establish a stable handshake with the Rockstar inventory server to verify your character data.

Method 1: Change DNS Settings (The #1 Fix)

Rockstar's inventory servers often block specific ISP routing nodes. Switching to Google DNS bypasses the blockade.

Step 1: Network Connections

Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Properties

Right-click your active adapter (WiFi or Ethernet) > Properties > Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Step 3: Manual DNS

Select 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter:

Click OK and restart the game.

Method 2: Delete Local Profile Data

Sometimes your local Social Club profile is corrupted. Deleting it forces the game to re-download your license (don't worry, your save game is in the cloud).

Step 1: Navigate to Documents

Go to Documents > Rockstar Games > Social Club > Profiles.

Step 2: Delete

You will see a folder with random characters (e.g., 1092837). Delete it. When you launch the game, you will need to sign in again, but the 'missing files' error should be gone.

Method 3: Verify Game Integrity

If a specific DLC file is actually missing, the game won't load.

• Steam: Right-click GTA V > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity.
• Epic Games: Library > Three Dots > Manage > Verify.
• Rockstar Launcher: Settings > GTA V > Verify Integrity.