The main reason for this problem is interference from Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), especially if you don’t run Elden Ring or Steam as an administrator. Other common causes include having a strict NAT type, an unstable internet connection, or losing data packets when the game tries to match players together. Knowing these reasons can help you quickly identify and fix the issue so you can return to playing with others smoothly.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
The first and most critical step when addressing connectivity issues in Elden Ring is to verify your internet connection’s quality. Ensuring a stable and fast connection significantly reduces the likelihood of connection errors. Begin by checking if any large downloads or streaming activities are running in the background, as these can consume bandwidth and cause instability. Pause or stop these processes to free up network resources for Elden Ring. If you continue to experience issues, try switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection by connecting your device directly to your router. Wired connections are more stable and significantly reduce packet loss. Additionally, restarting your router can refresh your internet connection. Power off the router, wait for about a minute, and then turn it back on. If these steps do not resolve the issue, try connecting to a different network if one is available. Alternatively, you can use your mobile device’s hotspot feature to test whether your primary connection is at fault.
2. Check for Server Problems
Elden Ring’s servers can sometimes become overloaded, especially during peak hours or game updates, preventing new connections from being established. Before attempting in-depth troubleshooting, check the game’s official social media, server status pages, or community forums to see if there are widespread reports of server downtime. If servers are down, you will need to wait for official maintenance or fixes to be completed.
3. Turn Off In-Game Voice Chat
Some players have identified Elden Ring’s in-game voice chat as a possible cause of the “connection error occurred” issue. Disabling this feature can stabilize your connection. If this step does not resolve your issue, proceed to the additional solutions provided below.
4. Run Elden Ring and Steam as Administrator
Running Steam and Elden Ring with administrative privileges can prevent permission-related errors that interfere with connectivity. Granting these privileges allows the applications to function optimally and access the necessary resources. Next, you should also grant administrator rights to Elden Ring’s anti-cheat component:
After applying these changes, relaunch Elden Ring and check if the connection error persists.
5. Enable a VPN
Network routing and regional restrictions can sometimes cause connectivity problems in online games. Using a VPN can help determine if your location is affecting your connection to Elden Ring servers. A VPN changes your apparent geographic location, potentially bypassing problematic regional routes and accessing more reliable servers. When selecting a VPN, ensure it allows connections to regions such as Germany, Switzerland, or Canada, as these often have robust gaming infrastructures. After installing your chosen VPN, connect to one of the recommended countries, then launch Elden Ring to test for improvements. Explore our guide on the best VPNs for gaming for suitable options.
6. Switch to the Google DNS Setting
Default DNS settings may not always provide the fastest or most reliable route to gaming servers. Switching to Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) often ensures better stability and reduced latency for online games.
6.1. For PC
6.2. For PlayStation 4
Restart your PlayStation 4 to apply the changes.
6.3. For PlayStation 5
6.4. For Xbox One
6.5. For Xbox Series S or Series X:
After changing the DNS settings, it is recommended to flush your PC’s DNS cache to remove any previously stored information: Now, launch Elden Ring and test if the “Connection Error Occurred – Returning to Your World” issue is resolved.
7. Change Your NAT Type
On gaming consoles, the Network Address Translation (NAT) setting directly impacts your system’s connectivity to online servers. Three NAT types are available: Strict, Moderate, and Open. For optimal multiplayer connectivity, you want the NAT type set to Open. If your NAT is Strict or Moderate, your system’s ability to join or host multiplayer sessions will be limited. To check your NAT type, navigate to your console’s Network settings and select “Test Internet Connection.” This will display your current NAT type. Enter the default gateway (IP address) in your browser’s address bar and press Enter, bringing you to the router’s login page. Enter your login credentials (if unsure, search for your router model’s default username and password online).
Within your router’s settings, locate and enable the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) configuration.
Return to your console’s Network settings and repeat the “Test Internet Connection” process. Your NAT type should now reflect as Open, allowing seamless connectivity in Elden Ring.
