How to fix Rocket League stuck on “Press any button to start”

Despite how long Rocket League has been around, the game still has a handful of issues that may annoy players. While most exploits are fine, those that stop players from playing the game entirely are the worst, including the bug that continues to tell players to press any button to start.

Fortunately, there are a handful of smart fixes that can potentially fix this issue. These include restarting and clearing the cache, ensuring the controller is working well, starting the game offline and then reconnecting, and more.

Here’s everything you can do to ensure you get past the Rocket League screen that asks you to press any button to start.

Restart and clear the cache

The first step is to restart your network equipment and system. Before reconnecting, turn off your PC or console entirely and unplug your modem or router for a minute. You can also start in Safe Mode and choose Clear Cache and Rebuild Database on  PlayStation. 

For Xbox users, turn off the device, unplug it for a few minutes, and then press and hold the power button once while your system is still unplugged. Then plug it back in and switch it on again. You can achieve this on the Nintendo Switch by selecting Restart while holding the power button. Any cached information that might be keeping Rocket League from loading past the start screen will be cleared by doing this.

Check your controller or input device

Rocket League requires a valid input device to proceed beyond the “Press Any Button” screen. Verify that your controller is linked correctly, using either Bluetooth or USB. Try using a cable to connect your wireless controller if you typically use one while playing on a PC. Make sure your keyboard is responsive in other programs if you use one. Certain audio peripherals can also cause conflicts.

One common example is headsets with “Chat” versus “Game” modes, which may interfere until switched. Close unnecessary background applications,  particularly overlays like Discord or Overwolf, before starting the game.

If you press buttons immediately during the intro on some platforms, the game might get stuck. Allow the splash and logo screens to finish loading before pressing a button once at the prompts. This simple adjustment has resolved the issue for many players.

Start offline, then reconnect

Try starting Rocket League without an internet connection if the issue continues. Launch the game after unplugging your network cable or disconnecting from Wi-Fi. Reconnect to the internet and try to continue after reaching the title screen. Reconnecting your computer to Rocket League's servers is a common way to resolve freezes.

Delete local save or Cache data

Corrupted save data is another potential reason for this error. Deleting your Rocket League save files won't affect your online progress because ranks and cosmetics are stored on servers. On the Xbox and PlayStation, select Saved Data or Storage and remove the Rocket League local files. Select “Delete Everywhere” on Xbox if prompted. Delete the Rocket League folder by opening My Games in the Documents folder on PC. The game will recreate those files the next time you launch it, which usually resolves the startup issue.

Verify or Update Game Files

The game might not load if the installation files are outdated or corrupted. You can use of the built-in verification feature in the PC launcher. Choose Manage and Verify from the three-dot menu after clicking Rocket League in the Epic Games Launcher. To verify integrity, right-click Rocket League in your Steam library, choose Properties, then Local Files. Since old firmware can cause problems, console players should check for updates or reinstall the game if needed. Also, make sure your system software is fully up to date.

Reinstall Rocket League

If none of the above solutions work, reinstall Rocket League completely. Remove the game, restart your device, and perform a clean installation. This guarantees that no corrupted or outdated files remain.

FAQs

Why does Rocket League get stuck on the “Press Any Button to Start” screen?

This usually happens because of corrupted cache, controller connection issues, or problems with saved data. Sometimes it is simply a temporary glitch that can be fixed with a restart.

What is the quickest way to fix this issue?

The fastest fix is to restart your console or PC and clear the cache. In many cases, this alone helps the game load normally.

Can a controller cause the game to freeze on the start screen?

Yes. If Rocket League cannot detect a valid input device, it will not move past the prompt. Make sure your controller or keyboard is working and connected properly.