Delete appcache + Run Steam as admin.
You see a pop-up error: “Failed to initialize Steam. Are you running Steam?” even though Steam is open. shadow of the tomb raider failed to initialize steam
Update: If you have RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), close it too. That caused the error for some. [0:00] Host: “Getting the ‘Failed to initialize Steam’ error in Shadow of the Tomb Raider? Don’t reinstall the game yet.” Delete appcache + Run Steam as admin
“Launch Shadow of the Tomb Raider from your Steam library. The error should be gone.” Update: If you have RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS),
“Step 3: Run Steam as Administrator” Host: “Now right-click Steam.exe, choose ‘Run as administrator’. This gives the game permission to connect.”
The “Failed to initialize Steam” error in Shadow of the Tomb Raider typically appears right after you click “Play” on Steam or try to launch the game from its desktop shortcut. This error means the game cannot communicate with the Steam client, even though Steam is running. Below are proven fixes, from quick workarounds to deeper system solutions.