How to Fix Error 42 in Rocket League (Solved)

Why Does Error 42 Occur?

This is an error that is exclusive to PC players and relates to connectivity issues. More specifically, this error can happen for two reasons.

• Your system does not meet the minimum system requirements needed to run Rocket League efficiently.
• You are experiencing connectivity issues, meaning that your Wi-Fi or internet connection is poor and cannot support online gameplay at this time.

These are both problems that have solutions, so this isn’t something that you should panic over.

We have put together a number of methods that will look into all the various possibilities, granting you the best chance of finding the root of the issue and solving the problem in no time.

Method 1 - Verify the Integrity of the Game File

What this means is that you need to either re-install the game, or, instead of uninstalling and installing the game again, the player can check the game’s cache and other files against the newest update belonging to the title on steam. Then if anything is missing or there that doesn’t belong, there is a way to fix this and return the game to full working order.

Here’s the step-by-step guide below if you're using Steam:

1. First, you’ll want to open Steam and locate the library tab in the top left corner. Click the library tab and this should bring you to a menu with a list of your purchased games.

1. Scroll down until you see Rocket League on this list of titles. When you do, right-click on Rocket League and select properties.

1. Locate the ‘local files’ section and then select the option ‘check the integrity of game files’. This will then grant you the most up to date set of files related to Rocket League.

After the process, run the game.

If this has not solved the problem don’t panic, there are several other methods that relate to other potential fixes with this error code.

On the other hand, if you're using Epic Games, unfortunately we have been unable to inspect and repair the integrity of the game file, which means you will need to delete the game and install it again. Don't worry, your save files will not be deleted.

Method 2 - Add an Exception to Antivirus Software and Disable Firewalls

For most PC games, the first time you launch a game it will bring up a permissions request so it can be added as an exception to the anti-virus and firewall.

This is normally a requirement to play the game. However, software updates, operating system and ones targeting the firewall or anti-virus can sometimes cause problems. The exception could be removed, so it stops the game from working correctly.

Anti-virus

Each anti-virus works differently so we can't give you an exact guide that's a one fit all. However, this is the general process:

1. Open the anti-virus. If you have a small icon for it in the taskbar then you can right-click it and select the appropriate option to open a new window such as Settings, Open Security Dashboard or Open software. This depends on the software, however!
2. Find the area about Virus protection (where this and what it's called is depends on the software)
3. Add exceptions for Steam exe and Rocket League exe

We do advise that you search for the specific instructions for the anti-virus installed on your PC. The three steps above are the general guide to how it works, but using a guide specific to your software will make things much easier.

Firewall

These can be common problems for gamers. While we do need firewalls to keep our computers safe, it can cause issues with some multiplayer games. Usually, the issue is there isn't an exception for the game or Steam.

Here's how to tell Firewall to allow Rocket League to go through:

1. Open Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall

1. Scroll through the list and confirm Rocket League has both Private and Public boxes ticked

Alternatively, you can go to Control Panel then find the Windows Firewall area. There will be an option to turn it On and Off. Keep in mind it will most likely be Run as Administrator so if you aren't the PC owner or main account then you'll want to ask that user for permissions to do this.

Method 3 – Forward the Rocket League Ports

We have a full-length article on how to do this so we'll be brief going back over it again. Forwarding Rocket League ports can fix ping issues, lag and stability issues in the game. This is such a common problem that a number of other errors, such as error 48, error 58 and error 68 can also be fixed via this method.

Here are the steps:

1. First, access the router settings. To do this you need to open a Web browser and in the search bar, enter your personal IP address. This should bring you to the settings menu
2. Before being given access, you will be prompted for your login credentials. Enter your username and password correctly to continue.
3. Now you will have access to the router settings and will have the ability to forward any additional ports that are needed. Depending on the system in question, these can vary quite a lot. Here is a quick list of the ones that you will need for each respective system

• Steam: TCP: 27015-27030,27036-27037; UDP: 4380,27000-27031,27036
• Playstation 4: TCP: 1935,3478-3480; UDP: 3074,3478-3479
• Xbox One: TCP: 3074; UDP: 88,500,3074,3544,4500
• Switch: TCP: 6667,12400,28910,29900,29901,29920; UDP: 1-65535

After you have successfully added the necessary ports, restart the WiFi system and your console.

Read our detailed guide about the Rocket League ports, if you want to know more about this.

Method 4 – Synchronize the Windows Time Settings

For most systems, time settings are something that we take for granted. However, if a the game has an internal clock that does not match that of the correct time, this can cause connectivity issues.

1. Go to Control Panel and click on Clock and Region

1. When this menu appears, you’ll want to select the ‘adjust/set time/data’ setting.

1. This should bring you to your clock settings. From there, you need to find and select the option ‘synchronise’. This can be placed in different tabs depending on your system, but it shouldn't be hard to find. We'll post how it looks on our system.

Method 5 - Lower the Resolution in Rocket League

This error can also be related to performance. If you are trying to enter matches and the game is running at a low frame rate, then the system will realize this and simply not allow for matchmaking.

Go to your video settings in Rocket League, and make sure to lower the resolution in Rocket League so you can meet the minimum system requirements and get back to playing matches.

For good measure, it might also be a good idea to deselect to reduce the quality of all other graphic details, such as anti-aliasing, render quality, texture detail etc.

Get Reconnected, Get Playing (and Git' Good)

As aforementioned, error codes can be the bane of a gamer’s existence. Though in most of these cases, all you need to do is remain calm, assess the situation and a solution is usually never too far away.

With the methods above you can combat error 42 with the best chance of getting to the root of the problem in no time at all, whether it's due to system requirements or connectivity issues.