Marvel Rivals, the thrilling 6v6 hero shooter from NetEase Games, has players diving into the Marvel Universe with iconic characters and fast-paced battles.
A key part of the experience is Lattice, the premium currency that unlocks dazzling cosmetics, Battle Passes, and exclusive goodies.
But for many, especially on Steam, trying to buy Lattice is like hitting a brick wall—endless loading screens, cryptic errors, or purchases that just won’t go through.
If you’re stuck, don’t sweat it. This guide breaks down why you can’t buy Lattice and offers clear, actionable steps to get you back to customizing your heroes.
Why Is Buying Lattice Such a Headache?
The Lattice purchase issue is hitting Steam players hardest, though some console users have grumbled too. Drawing from player reports and developer statements, here’s what’s causing the trouble:
1. Steam Overlay Acting Up
The Steam Overlay is the backbone of in-game purchases for Marvel Rivals on PC. If it’s turned off or glitching, you might see a looping Marvel Rivals logo, a blank purchase screen, or nothing at all. This is the top culprit for PC players, as the Overlay handles the payment process.
2. Server Hiccups
As a live-service game, Marvel Rivals relies on smooth server connections. During peak times—like the game’s launch or big updates—servers can buckle, leading to errors like “Purchase failed due to an unexpected issue.” These are usually temporary but can test your patience.
3. Account Restrictions
Running Marvel Rivals on a non-admin account can block purchases. If your Windows or console account doesn’t have full permissions, the Steam Overlay or payment system might not cooperate, leaving you stuck.
4. Payment or Wallet Woes
An empty Steam Wallet, expired credit card, or unsupported payment method can halt purchases. Some players face regional restrictions or bank declines, often without clear feedback from the game.
5. Corrupted Files or Cache
A messed-up game file or Steam cache can throw a wrench in the purchase system. Missing data (like the “Marvel” folder in AppData) or outdated drivers have been flagged as sneaky causes.
How to Get Lattice Purchases Working
Here’s a step-by-step plan to troubleshoot and fix the Lattice issue. Work through these in order, testing after each one to see if you’re back in business.
1. Get the Steam Overlay Running
The Steam Overlay is your ticket to buying Lattice. Here’s how to make sure it’s ready:
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Fire up Steam, click “Steam” in the top-left corner, and head to Settings.
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In the In-Game tab, check Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
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For Marvel Rivals specifically:
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In your Steam Library, right-click Marvel Rivals, and pick Properties.
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Under General, ensure the Overlay is enabled.
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If it’s already on, turn it off, save, then turn it back on.
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Close Steam, reopen it, and launch Marvel Rivals.
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In-game, hit Shift + Tab to see if the Overlay pops up. Then try buying Lattice.
Pro Tip: If the Overlay’s still stubborn, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find the Steam Overlay process, right-click, and bump its Priority to High.
2. Wipe Out Steam Cache
A clogged Steam cache can mess with purchases. To clear it:
- In Steam, go to Settings and click the Downloads tab.
- Hit Clear Cache, then restart Steam.
- Launch Marvel Rivals and try the purchase again.
3. Check Game Files
Corrupted files can derail the purchase process. To fix them:
- In Steam Library, right-click Marvel Rivals and select Properties.
- Go to Installed Files and click Verify integrity of game files.
- Let it run, then restart the game and test the purchase.
4. Confirm Account Permissions
Make sure your account has the right privileges:
- On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and verify you’re an Administrator.
- If not, switch to an admin account or grant admin rights.
- On consoles, check your account settings to ensure it can make purchases.
5. Sort Out Payment Details
- In Steam, check your Wallet balance under Account Details. Add funds if it’s low.
- Confirm your payment method is up-to-date and supports in-game purchases. If it’s not working, try another option like PayPal or a different card.
6. Reinstall Everything
If you’re still striking out, a fresh install might do the trick:
- Uninstall Marvel Rivals (Library > Right-click > Uninstall).
- Uninstall Steam, then grab the latest version from its official site.
- Reinstall Marvel Rivals and try buying Lattice again.
Note: Some players report the store works flawlessly on Epic Games, but if your progress is on Steam, stick with reinstalling to avoid starting over.
7. Hold Tight for a Patch
If nothing works, the issue might be on NetEase’s end. The developers are aware of purchase glitches and are rolling out fixes. Keep an eye on the Marvel Rivals X account or Steam news for updates. Sometimes, a quick wait is all it takes.
Sneaky Ways to Snag Lattice
If buying Lattice is still a no-go, you can earn some through gameplay:
- Grab the Battle Pass (490 Lattice) on a console or Epic Games if Steam’s acting up.
- Grind Battle Pass tiers to pocket 200–600 Lattice per season for future buys.
- Tackle daily and weekly challenges to boost your Battle Pass progress.
