Gamers have been reporting the Tarkov “Server connection lost” error when playing the Escape from Tarkov game. This infuriating problem locks gamers from their game and makes them unable to continue playing.

When facing the Tarkov server status error, the best solution could be to wait for Battlestate to fix the server problems. However, players can still perform some troubleshooting to ensure the problem isn’t on their end.

If the “Server connection lost” error prevents you from playing Escape from Tarkov, just hold tight. This post explains how to fix connection issues in Escape from Tarkov.

Why is There a Tarkov Server Connection Lost Error in Escape from Tarkov?

Like most other internet and network-based games, Escape from Tarkov appears to be immune to server outages and network connection problems.

The “Server connection lost” error pop-up probably appears when the game’s servers go down. Typically, the error occurs when there is a connection problem between the user’s PC and the game servers. 

In most cases, it’s typically a server-side issue. Since Escape from Tarkov is an internet-based game, it can’t function if its servers go down.

Server connections may be lost without any actual game server issues. Usually, this can happen due to any of the following:

  • Local internet outages
  • Router malfunctions
  • Computer errors

Players need to be able to tell the difference between a hardware malfunction and a server-side problem to make informed decisions about fixing the issue.


Can be Useful: What if Escape from Tarkov Keeps Crashing on Windows 10?


How to Fix the Lost Connection Issue in Escape from Tarkov

Sometimes, the “Server connection lost” error could be coming from the server, not you. If that’s the case, there’s little you can do but wait for the developers to get the Tarkov servers down fixed.

But how can you determine if the “Server connection lost” error in Tarkov is caused by your device or the server? That’s what this section is about. Go through the below methods to check if the problem is from your side.

If so, these methods can help you fix the “Server connection lost” error:

1. Restart Your Computer

The “Server connection lost” error may occur when your Internet connection is poor or unstable. Restarting your router may help you solve the problem. Here’s what to do:

  • Unplug your modem or router.
  • Leave it unplugged for about 30 seconds.
  • Plug your router/modem back into the power source.
  • Wait for it to be fully connected.
  • Try playing Escape from Tarkov and see if you’re still experiencing the lost contact Tarkov issue.

If you’re still experiencing the problem, the issue might be server-related. If you’re willing to solve it, proceed to the next fix.

2. Change the Game Server

If you’re experiencing the “Server connection lost” issue, you can opt to change the game server and pick a server with the best ping before playing.

Escape from Tarkov has many servers users can pick from and connect to. But you’ll first need to disable (uncheck) the automatic server selection before you choose a server with the lowest ping.

Use the following steps to change your game server or region:

  • Launch Escape from Tarkov.
  • Click the Change server [Auto ACE] button.
  • A list of available game servers will appear.
  • At the bottom of the game server list, uncheck the Use automatic server selection (OCE)” box.
  • Now, select the server location from the list of servers or regions.
  • ClickApplyto save the changes, then try playing the game.

If Escape from Tarkov still shows the “connection lost” error, you can change the servers to check if the error is in different regions. 

If you still experience the error, you can move to the next solution or wait for the developers to resolve the issue.


Related: How to Lower Ping for Better Gaming Experience


3. Use a VPN to check for EFT Server Connection Lost

If changing your region or server from within the game still fails to give you a positive outcome in Escape from Tarkov, a VPN can help you establish better connections.

You need to get a reliable VPN and use it to establish a connection from a different region. Note that you need to check the ping of your potential VPN before selecting. 

Escape from Tarkov’s servers is highly sensitive to ping or latency fluctuations. So, you need to be sure to choose a VPN with the lowest ping.

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Related: Why Do You Need a VPN for Gaming?


4. Flush Your DNS and Reset Your Internet Connection

You may be experiencing Tarkov lost contact issue because your device has an issue with how the network is configured. You can correct this if you flush and reset the DNS. To do this, follow the instructions below:

These instructions will require you to use the Windows Command Prompt.

  • Launch the Command Prompt with admin rights by right-clicking the “Windows Start” button (the Windows logo in the lower-left corner).
Flush-Your-DNS-and-Reset-Your-Internet-Connection
  • Choose “Command Prompt (Admin).” If this option is missing, choose Windows Powershell (Admin).”
choose-Windows-Powershell-Admin
  • If a UAC prompt asks you to allow the Command Prompt to make changes to your computer, click Yes.
User-Account-Control
  • If asked for administrative login rights, contact your system administrator.
  • Now, in the Command Prompt (PowerShell), type the following commands, pressing Enter after each command: 
ipconfig /flushdns
Run-Windows-PowerShell-as-Administrator
ipconfig /registerdns
Run-Windows-PowerShell-as-Admin
ipconfig /release
Windows-PowerShell-ipconfig-release
ipconfig /renew
Windows-PowerShell-ipconfig-renew-
netsh winsock reset
Windows-PowerShell-netsh-winsock-reset
  • Make sure to allow each command to run to completion before typing the next one.
  • Exit the Command Prompt (PowerShell), then restart your computer.

5. Run a Power Cycle

If the steps above don’t resolve the EFT “Server connection lost” issue and you use a home network, you can try running a power cycle. Use the following procedure to do so:

  • Turn off your computer.
  • Turn off your modem/router and plug it out.
  • Wait for about 15-30 seconds.
  • Plug in your modem/router and wait for 1 – 2 minutes.
  • Now, turn on your computer.
  • Try playing Escape from Tarkov and see if the server connection issue is gone.

6. Disable IPv6

It’s common for network administrators to disable Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) to troubleshoot network-related issues. 

Many players have been able to fix the “Server connection lost” issue in Escape from Tarkov by disabling IPv6. This is not a guaranteed fix for the error, but it’s worth a shot. Use the following steps to disable IPv6:

  • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Disable-IPv6-via-Run
  • Type the following command into the Run box, then press Enter:
ncpa.cpl
disable-IPv66-ncpa.cpl
  • Right-click your device’s active network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
Network-connections-on-a-WindowsPC
  • From the menu, select Properties.”
Network-connections-select-properties
  • In the Properties window, ensure you are in the Networking tab.
Ethernet-Properties
  • Now, scroll down to the Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6) item.
Ethernet-properties-on-Windows-PC
  • Uncheck the box next to TCP/IPv6 and click OK to save the changes.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect, then check if the “Server connection lost” error in Tarkov has been fixed.

7. Update Your Network Drivers

If you are experiencing a poor Internet connection or server connection loss even when you’re sure your network is strong, the problem may be related to your network adapter drivers.

In this case, you may need to update your network adapter drivers. Here’s how:

  • Right-click on the Windows Start Menu icon.
Windows-Start-Menu-Device-Manager
  • From the context menu, select Device Manager.”
Windows-Start-Menu-Device-Manager
  • Now find the Network Adapters section and expand it.
update-network-drivers-via-Device-Manager
  • Locate your network adapter from the list of adapters.
Locate-your-network-adapter-in-Device-Manager
  • Right-click on it and chooseProperties.”
Device-Manager-network-adapter-properties
  • In Properties, go to theDriver tab.
Server-Connection-Lost-in-Escape-from-Tarkov-update-network-drivers
  • Now, click on Update Driver.”
Server-Connection-Lost-in-Escape-from-Tarkov-how-to-update-network-drivers
  • In the pop-up window, selectSearch automatically for drivers.”
update-network-drivers-on-a-Windows-10-PC
  • Be patient and allow Windows to search for updated driver software and install it.
  • Finally, restart your PC and see if the “Server connection lost” problem still occurs.

While you can update your driver software manually, it is easier to update your drivers automatically using a tool like Auslogics Driver Updater.

Update-network-drivers-with-Auslogics-Driver-Updater

Driver Updater will check your computer for potential driver problems, give you a report on outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers, and let you quickly update them to the latest manufacturer-recommended versions.

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Prevent hardware errors and ensure problem-free device operation with this advanced tool that detects outdated drivers and safely gets them updated.

Also Read: How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?


8. Switch to a Static IP Address

You can assign your device a specific IP address rather than letting your router assign an IP address automatically.

This has been a temporary fix for the Tarkov lost contact error for some Escape from Tarkov players. Use the following steps to change your IP address:

  • Press the Win + R combination to open the Run dialog box.
Update-network-drivers-on-PC-open-Run
  • In the Run box, type this command and press Enter:
ncpa.cpl
Update-networkdisable-IPv66-ncpa.cpl
  • In the “Network connections window, right-click your active connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
  • Select Status from the context menu.
  • Under theGeneral tab, click Details.”
  • Under the Network connection details window, note down the following:
    • The device’s IPv4 address
    • The device’s IPv4 subnet mask
  • Go back to the Network Connection window and do the following:
    • Right-click your active connection.
    • Select Properties in the context menu. 
network-connnection-details
  • Go back to the Network Connection window and do the following:
    • Right-click your active connection.
    • Select Propertiesin the context menu. 
    • Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the Network Properties window.
    • Next, select the “Use the following IP address” option.
How-to-switch-to-a-Static-IP-Address
  • Now, type in the IP address and subnet mask you acquired earlier (step 6).
  • Then, type in your preferred and alternate DNS server addresses under the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option.
Use-the-following-DNS-server-addresses-option
  • Click OK to save the changes.

Finally, restart your PC and see if Escape from Tarkov functions without connection issues.

Conclusion

If the “Server connection lost” error in Escape from Tarkov prevents you from playing the game, one of the solutions we’ve detailed here could help you fix the issue. But this can only happen if the Tarkov “Server connection lost” issue is on your side.

If not, then hold tight because the developers are also aware of the problem and are working to fix it.

FAQ

There are several reasons why you may experience Tarkov servers down. Some may include internet connection problems, server overload, antivirus settings, etc. Even the physical distance can affect the connection stability.
You can use a wired Ethernet connection, check your internet speed, and close any applications that consume bandwidth. You can also update your network drivers, restart your network equipment and contact your ISP.