Game startupMatchmaking or server connection
Several factors can cause this issue, including:
Firewall/Antivirus blocking the game’s connectionServer outages (check official HLL Twitter for downtime updates)Corrupted game files triggering connectivity issuesUnstable internet connection (Wi-Fi drops, high ping, or ISP problems)
Before Troubleshooting: Check Server Status
Before attempting any fixes, verify that the game servers are online and not undergoing maintenance. Here’s how to check: If servers are operational but you’re still experiencing issues, proceed with the following solutions:
1. Run As Administrator
Running Steam with administrator privileges can solve connection problems by giving it full access to:
Firewall and network settingsVPN/proxy configurationsRestricted system filesGame server ports
Many Steam features and games need these permissions to work properly. Without admin rights, they may be blocked by Windows security.
2. Delete the “LauncherInfo.hllinfo” File
The LauncherInfo.hllinfo file stores important game launch settings, including your network preferences, server connections, and account details. When this file becomes corrupted – often due to failed updates or improper shutdowns – it can cause connection errors or version conflicts. To fix these issues, you’ll typically need to either update the file or replace it with a fresh copy from the game’s installation.
3. Fix DNS and Network Settings
Network errors in-game can occur even when your Wi-Fi appears to be functioning normally. One common culprit is your DNS (Domain Name System) settings – the internet’s “phone book” that translates website addresses into numerical IP addresses. Your internet provider’s default DNS servers may be slow, unreliable, or improperly configured, causing connection timeouts or lag spikes during gameplay. To resolve this, we recommend two key steps: These solutions often fix persistent network errors that standard troubleshooting misses, as they address underlying connectivity issues at the system level.
A. Change Your DNS Server
These changes take effect immediately.You may need to restart your browser/game.Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1) is faster and more private than most ISP defaults.
Reset Network Settings in Windows
Pro Tip: After completing these steps, test your game connection. If issues persist, try resetting your router/modem as well.
4. Test with a Mobile Hotspot
If you’re still experiencing network errors after trying other fixes, testing with a mobile hotspot can help pinpoint the issue.
Simply connect your gaming device to your phone’s hotspot and attempt to play.If the game works properly this way, the problem likely lies with your primary internet connection – this could indicate ISP throttling, router issues, or local network congestion.
In this case, contact your internet provider to troubleshoot further, mentioning that the issue disappears when using cellular data. While not ideal for long-term use due to data consumption, the hotspot can serve as a temporary solution until your main connection is fixed. If the errors persist even on mobile data, the problem may instead stem from your PC’s network settings or the game itself, warranting different troubleshooting steps.
