Fixed – Lost Ark “Cannot Connect to the Server” Error

Thousands of Lost Ark players regularly encounter the “cannot connect to the server” error. Many users believe that their internet connection or the load on the game server is causing the error. However, that is not always the case. Multiple factors affect the gameplay for users.

Lost Ark cannot connect to the server error prompt, usually followed by the error code – W0x2-0PELPWN1N2NT or W0x2-SPELPWN1N2NT. If you have encountered a similar problem while playing the game, this post is here to help.

In this blog, let us understand why the error occurs and identify a few fixes that may help you resolve it quickly.

Why Lost Ark’s “Cannot Connect to the Server” Error Appears?

There are multiple reasons why the issue appears on Windows. These include –

Overloaded Game Servers

The apparent reason behind the cannot connect to the server error is the incapability of the Lost Ark’s server to accommodate all the traffic it receives. Since the game is relatively new, such issues are common.

Poor Internet Speeds & Network Issues

The error doesn’t need to be always caused by the game. Sometimes the issue lies at the user’s end too. Lack of internet speed and bandwidth is the top reason that comes to mind. Usually, such problems are fixed easily.

Issues with the Game Files

If the game files, plug-ins, and components are not up to the mark, the chances of getting server issues are higher. That is because even the game cannot identify what’s wrong and hence gives out the error related to the server when it cannot run properly.

Problem With Graphic Drivers

What happens when the server is unavailable? The game is unable to load correctly. A similar situation appears when the graphics drivers are not at their peak performance. Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers often lead to the game server disconnecting issues in Lost Ark.

Mis-Configured In-Game Settings

Configuring the game settings according to available resources is important to ensure its smooth functioning. Users have often shared how the server problems appear out of nowhere after making slight changes to the in-game settings.

Firewall/Antivirus Block

The cannot connect to the server issue can also appear if the antivirus program or the firewall of your PC does not align with the game. That is, if, due any reason, these programs cause a restriction, the game may not run smoothly and show you errors.

DNS Cache Issues

The DNS cache issues fall into the advanced category of issues. This is why they are often unidentified by the users. If, by any chance, your connected DNS has cached the error once, chances are that it will keep loading the prompt, irrespective of the game’s ability.

Outdated Network Adapter Driver

Last but certainly not least. Issues with the network adapter interfere with the device’s ability to connect with the servers. Since Lost Ark is an online game, internet connectivity is necessary, and an outdated network adapter hinders this basic requirement.

Due to the lack of knowledge, users look for issues with the internet issues, leaving most of the factors unchecked. That is also why only some individuals can fix the server issues with Lost Ark.

How to Fix Lost Ark Cannot Connect to the Server Issue?

Knowing the number of things that may go wrong and cause the error, you might have an idea that the issue is deep-rooted in the game and the system. Fortunately, multiple things can be done to fix the cannot connect to the server problem on Lost Ark/server authentication failed on Lost Ark.

Here is a list of fixes that you can try out!

Fix 1 – Restart the Game/Client/PC

The first and most basic thing to try is to restart your game. As soon as you get the cannot connect to the server, simply –

Step 1 – Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc and open the Task Manager.

Step 2 – Find the Lost Ark process in the list of tasks.
Step 3 – Select the application and click on End Task.

This will shut down the game completely. Relaunch the game and check if the issue appears again. If you are using the game via Steam, you can perform the same steps to close Steam and restart it.

In case it does not work, try restarting your PC.

Fix 2 – Check the System for Internet Issues

You cannot deny the fact that cannot connect to the server issue is usually caused due to internet issues. Hence, before you move on to any advanced fixes to resolve the issue, ensure you have performed basic troubleshooting for internet issues.

Here’s what you can do –

Try switching your connection from a wireless (Wi-Fi) to a wired Ethernet (LAN) connection, as it reduces latency and interference.
Disconnect any VPN or proxy connections you may be using on your PC, as the issue may lie in the server you are connected to.
Simply disconnect and reconnect the internet on your PC to give it a quick reset.

If the above three practices are not enough, you can try to power-cycle your router. Here’s how you do it –

Step 1 – Disconnect the internet modem from your computer and the power source.
Step 2 – Leave it disconnected for a while. If you have a physical power button on the device, press it for 10 seconds.
Step 3 – Once you have drained the power from the modem, connect it back to power and your PC.

This way, you will have successfully resolved any connectivity issues. To be sure, you can also check internet speed online.

After you have tried fixing the errors related to internet connectivity, you should not forget about the game files and errors. Often there are issues with the game files that Steam fetches. Fortunately, the ability to identify and rectify these issues lies in Steam only. Here’s what you can do –

Step 1 – Go to the game library and open properties for Lost Ark
Step 2 – In properties, you may find an option that says Local Files.
Step 3 – When you click on Local Files, you can Verify Game Files Integrity. Click on it.

Let the process finish. It will scan the files for issues and replace all the found problems with proper files from the client. Check if doing so fixes the issue.

Fix 3 – Update Outdated Drivers

After identifying the causes, you may have understood two major drivers play a crucial role in any online game. One is a network driver, and the other is a graphics driver. If any or both of these drivers are outdated on your PC, the error that cannot connect to the server will appear.

To update these drivers, you can either go the regular path, i.e., use the Device Manager to fetch the updates manually, or get things done quickly with the Advanced Driver Updater. There are multiple ways you can do this. However, we recommend using the driver updater tool to save you all the headaches and effort.

Here’s how Advanced Driver Updater works –

Step 1 – Download the tool and install it on your PC.

Step 2 – Run a scan to find all the outdated drivers.

Step 3 – Ensure the scan results have your graphics and network adapter drivers listed.

Step 4 – Click on Update All

Step 5 – Let the tool update the drivers. Restart the PC once it is done.

These 5 steps can help you fix all the errors with the drivers on your PC. Fixing these drivers can help you overcome the server issues.

Fix 4 – Clear DNS Cache (Advanced)

Sometimes the server issue appears due to a corrupt DNS cache. In case you had encountered the issue before that you had fixed, the memory of that error may be cached by the DNS, causing the error. It is best to clear the DNS cache to fix the problem.

Step 1 – Go to the start menu and search for CMD.

Step 2 – In the found results for Command Prompt, click on Run as Administrator.
Step 3 – In the CMD window, use the following command –

ipconfig/flushdns

Once you have done that, try running the game, which should work smoothly. In case the issue persists, try using the next fix.

Fix 5 – Change the Connected DNS Server (Advanced)

If flushing the DNS cache did not work and they cannot connect to the server error on Lost Ark keeps appearing. You may need to change the DNS server you are using. To do so, you can follow the given instructions –

Step 1 – Press Win + R to bring up the run search
Step 2 – Use the command ncpa.cpl to bring up the Network Connections on the PC.

Step 3 – Select the connected network and right-click on it to open its properties.

Step 4 – In the Properties window, go to the networking and find the IPv4.

Step 5 – Select the IPv4 and open its properties
Step 6 – In properties, click on use the following DNS server and enter the DNS values manually.

After doing so, save the changes and try running the game. It should work fine.

Fix 6 – Allow Lost Ark Through Antivirus/ Firewall Programs (Advanced)

If fixing the DNS problems does not get the job done, you must check if the firewall is causing hindrances in the connectivity of your game. Adding Lost Ark to your firewall’s allowed programs list might help restore the connection to its servers.

Step 1 – Press Win+R to open the run search.
Step 2 – Use the command firewall.cpl and hit enter to open firewall settings.

Step 3 – In Settings, find the option “Allow an app or feature through the firewall.”

Step 4 – Click on Change settings to edit the permissions.

Step 5 – Find Lost Ark in the applications and allow public and private permissions.

In case you do not find the game in the applications list, click on Allow another app and browse through Explorer to find the game launcher. Select it and add it to the list.

Other than these fixes, you can always reconfigure the in-game settings to default if you have made any changes. Also, if you use an older version of Easy AntiCheat on your PC, update it through the Steam client, as many users got help.

Lost Ark Game Cannot Connect to the Server FIXED!

Lost Ark cannot connect to the server issue is a frustrating experience for any gaming enthusiast. Hopefully, with these fixes, you can rectify the problem. Let us know through the comments section if you need any clarification about the steps shown in the post.

Remember to undo any changes you made before trying these fixes, as they may malfunction if the settings are improper. That’ll be all for this post. Thanks for reading! Good luck.

Dishank Sharma

A creative tech-writer who loves to explore latest tech-trends & convey them to his readers in the simplest way possible. He loves to blend the crispness of technology with a pinch of creativity while curating best practices for the readers. In his free time, he likes to scribble poetry, listen to rap & travel.