Have you run into the “Path of Exile Failed To Connect To Instance” error after updating the game? This issue often appears unexpectedly on the login screen. It is one of RPG’s most frustrating hack-and-slash errors, as it can pop up when transitioning to any map, including those for endgame encounters, leading to significant time loss. If you’re dealing with this problem, keep reading; we’ve compiled several potential solutions that might help.
Why Does The Error Occur
The “Failed to connect to instance” error in PoE indicates a clear network issue that could stem from the server or your connection. Sometimes, DDoS attacks might also be a contributing factor. However, before you start troubleshooting this issue, compare your PC’s specs with the minimum requirement as posted by the game developers.
| Operating System | Windows 7 SP1/Windows 8 |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.6GHz x86-compatible |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 650 Ti or ATI Radeon™ HD 7850 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Storage | 40 GB available |
Resolve The Path Of Exile Failed To Connect To The Instance
We have listed the best methods that can help you fix this issue quickly. After completing each method, check if the issue has been resolved before moving on to the next method. Once the issue is resolved, you can ignore the remaining methods and start playing the game.
Method 1 – Begin New Instance
After you have compared the PC specs with the list of minimum requirements above, you can begin the troubleshooting steps by starting a new instance in the game. Here are the steps.
1. Open the game using the shortcut.
2. Hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard while clicking on the zone entrance.
3. Then, click NEW to create a new instance.
If creating a new instance does not fix the issue, use the next method.
Method 2 – Use A Different Server
If the issue persists after creating a new Instance, connect to a different server and try to play the game. Here is what you need to do.
1. Launch the game and click on the Options Menu.
2. Locate and click on Server settings.
3. Choose a different server other than the current one selected.
4. Keep changing to nearby servers and check if the issue is resolved.
The error can happen when too many players are on the same server. It is also possible that your favorite server has temporary issues, which means you will need to use a different server for the time being.
Also Read: How To Fix Ethernet Cable Connected But No Internet Issues
Method 3 – Shut Down Tasks That Use A Lot Of Bandwidth
If some apps other than the game are consuming a lot of your bandwidth, then there might be an issue when playing Path Of Exile. We suggest you close the apps that are hogging your bandwidth by following these steps.
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard and the Task Manager window will open.
2. Click on the Processes tab in the left panel, and then on the right side, click on the Network tab to sort the running tasks as per network consumption.
3. Look for the processes on the top, as they would be the ones consuming maximum bandwidth.
4. Select them one by one, right-click, and choose End Task from the context menu.
After diverting almost all your bandwidth to Path of Exile and the issue still occurs, you need to move to the next method to check the files on your PC.
Method 4 – Verify The Game Files Integrity
Steam allows gamers to check the integrity of the game files installed on their system from time to time. Here is what you can do to scan and fix issues with game files on your system.
1. Launch the Steam app and click on Library.
2. Right-click on the game and choose Properties.
3. Next, choose the Installed Files tab in the left panel.
4. Finally, click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
After checking the game files’ integrity, it is time to clear the DNS cache on your PC lest it interfere with your bandwidth connection.
Method 5 – Delete The DNS Cache
Clearing your DNS cache is a useful maintenance step that can help prevent and resolve PoE connection issues, including the “Failed to connect to instance” error.
1. Press WIN + R to open the RUN dialog box and type “cmd.”
2. Press CTRL + Shift + Enter, and the Command Prompt will open in Admin mode.
3. Copy and paste the following command followed by Enter key.
ipconfig /flushdns 
4. Reboot your PC and launch Path of Exile to check if the issue persists.
After flushing the DNS cache, experts suggest allowing the app to run through your Windows firewall.
Also Read: How to Clear Chrome Net Internals DNS Error
Method 6 – Allow The Game Through The Firewall
The Windows Firewall might block certain apps and games if it suspects they are harmful to the PC. Experts recommend that we provide an exception to the Path of Exile game via the Windows Firewall. Here is what you need to do.
1. Press Win + R to open the RUN box, type Control, and press OK.
2. Ensure that the View by on the top right corner is set to “Category”.
3. Click on System and Security.
4. On the right side, click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” under Windows Defender Firewall.
5. A list of apps and features will open where you have to look for Path Of Exile and check both the boxes next to it under Private and Public.
6. Click on the OK button to save changes and reboot your PC.
Also Read: How To Set Up Proper Security and Firewalls on Windows
Method 7 – Use VPN
A Virtual Private Network service provider reroutes your internet connection through a different server, helping you avoid regional issues or throttling by your ISP and providing a more stable network path. There are many VPNs available today but we recommend Systweak VPN which is tried and tested by us on many occasions.
Systweak VPN is a one-of-its-kind application that uses AES 256-bit military-grade encryption to protect the user’s IP address. It offers more than 4500 servers from over 50 countries along with a Kill Switch that ensures you can disconnect your connection if a server fails to protect your identity online. Systweak VPN uses IKev2 technology to provide a secure tunnel for data to flow back and forth between your PC and the Web Server, thus making your IP address at all times.
Also Read: What Is Systweak VPN
Method 8 – Reinstall Path of Exile
The final method to execute if the Path Of Exile Failed To Connect To The Instance error persists is to uninstall and reinstall the game. Here are the steps.
1. Press the Windows key and type “Add Remove Programs.”
2. Click on the relevant result of the same name under Best Match.
3. A list of apps installed on your PC will appear on your screen.
4. Type “Path Of Exile” in the top search bar, and the game will be highlighted.
5. Click on the three dots next to the game and choose Uninstall.
6. Follow the onscreen steps to remove the game from your PC.
7. Reboot the computer to complete the uninstall process and reinstall the game from a valid source.
Also Read: How to Remove Leftover Files after Uninstalling Software
Have You Fixed the Error
We hope that you were able to fix the “The Path Of Exile Failed To Connect To The Instance” error on your PC using the above methods. Now, it is time to enjoy playing the game. However, write to us in the comments section below about which method fixed the issue for you.
