Stuck at "Installing Pre-Reqs" Screen

As per the title, I'm having issues. Usually this tells me there is an issue with the authentication server but seeing as no one else is having this problem today (at least that I could see) I assume it's something on my end.


What I have tried so far/info that might help with diagnosis:

• I was logged on yesterday without issue.
• I am using Steam.
• Within Steam, I ran a "verify integrity of game cache" and it re-downloaded a few files.
• The next start-up of the game I did, it patched just fine but then stuck at the same screen again.
• I have rebooted a few times.
• I tried this morning, afternoon, and evening (AST).
• I have edited my host file as per instructions I found on the forums - no luck.

Thanks for any and all help!

try reinstalling the prereqs?