Here are tested fixes you can try
(https://i.ibb.co/5h3jVg0B/images-1.jpg)
🔧 Step-by-Step Fixes
Retry Multiple Times
Keep pressing a button at the screen — sometimes it eventually goes through.
If not, close and relaunch the game. Many players report it works after 2–3 restarts.
Check Game Files
On Steam → Library → Right-click Helldivers 2 → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files.
Corrupted files can cause handshake failures.
Switch Launch Method
Launch Helldivers 2 from Steam Big Picture Mode instead of the standard launcher.
Some users found it bypasses the "Press Any Button" hang.
Whitelist in Security Software
Add Helldivers 2 and its GameGuard folder to your antivirus and firewall exceptions.
Overly aggressive security software sometimes blocks the server connection.
Network Refresh
Restart your router.
Switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection if possible.
If you're comfortable, run ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt (Windows) to reset your DNS cache.
Change Server Region (Workaround)Use a VPN to connect via another region (for example, EU/NA servers if you're in Asia, and vice versa).
This sometimes lets you log in when your local server cluster is overloaded.
Wait It Out (Server-Side Issue)
When servers are at capacity (after patches or Warbond drops), the issue may be entirely on Arrowhead's side.
In this case, only persistence or waiting helps.
✅ Quick Fix Order I Recommend Trying
Restart game → Verify files → Launch via Steam Big Picture → Flush DNS & restart router → Retry login.
If you ask me, that is a solid list of fixes that one could gain from. A.lit of people do not know that verifying files and whitelisting antivirus can solve most of the errors we come across.