Some users find success using universal Steam emulators like the Goldberg Emulator to replace missing API files, though this requires technical setup. Step 4: Repair System Prerequisites
It is often used to bypass Steam authentication or simulate Steam API calls. The presence of this file suggests your Black Ops 3 installation is an unofficial repack. Consequently, standard Steam troubleshooting steps like "Verify Integrity of Game Files" will often fail, as the official Steam client does not recognize or support this custom file.
If the file is missing from a specific "repack" (like FitGirl), reinstalling with your antivirus disabled is often the most reliable way to ensure all components are properly extracted.
Relaunch Steam as an administrator (right-click the Steam shortcut and choose ) and try launching Black Ops 3. Method 4: Update Graphics Drivers and DirectX Some users find success using universal Steam emulators
If the above methods fail, you can manually download and replace the file. However, and only use reputable sources .
Scroll down to Exclusions , click Add or remove exclusions , then select Add an exclusion .
Navigate to your Steam folder and move the steamapps folder (which contains your games) to a safe location outside of Steam. Uninstall Steam through the Control Panel . Download and reinstall the latest Steam client. Move the steamapps folder back into the new Steam folder. Launch Steam and try to open Black Ops 3. Method 4: Run Steam as Administrator Method 4: Update Graphics Drivers and DirectX If
Add the Black Ops 3 folder as an in your antivirus settings to prevent it from happening again. Update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables :
Antivirus software often flags this file as a "false positive" and removes it. Open (or your third-party antivirus). Navigate to Virus & threat protection > Protection history . Look for an entry related to steam_api64.dll . Select Actions > Restore .
Ensure your Steam client is up to date:
This is a clever workaround that can save you a full reinstall. Many Steam games share the same core API files. If you have another Steam game installed, you can try this:
Select and then Exclusion (or "Allow") to prevent future deletion. Verify Integrity of Game Files
Many outdated tutorials tell you to download DLLs from third-party sites or to run sketchy “registry cleaners.” Black Ops 3 in 2024 is still actively played, but it relies on legacy Steam API hooks. The “verified” methods above are the only ones officially recommended by Steam and Treyarch support. click Add or remove exclusions