This is basically a follow-up issue to my previous one over here in which I was asking for advice regarding problems with getting stuck in the queue. Since none of the troubleshooting tips did actually help, I spent some more time testing other things as well as reading the forums. Finally I came across this post where @BigDaddyK_UK came up with a temporary workaround for the disconnection issues: using a VPN and connecting to a server in the own country.
Doing that last night I was able to stay in the queue without having any freezes and not facing the dreaded W0x3-SPELPWN1N2NT error. Once in game, I was also able to play about 3h without getting a single disconnect aka W0x9-SPELPWN1N2NT.
So this seems to be location and probably even provider based. I assume by using a VPN, the routing to the game servers and back is handled differently. @Luxark can you please forward this to the technical team to further investigate?
In the meanwhile I would ask the community to report back which provider they are using and where they are based at.
Provider: T-Online/Telekom (VDSL 250/40)
Location: Nuremberg, Germany
Workaround: VPN connection to Frankfurt, Germany via PureVPN
Maybe this information helps investigating the issues as this definitely is not an issue on the client side.
Edit: Using mobile data via hotspot seems to do the same trick as using a VPN.
Replying to echo same problem here, connecting to Regulus NA East server would disconnect me less than 5 min from application launch regardless of where I was (Login screen, character select, In-game). Switching to VPN gave me 10 more ms and its a paid service. if this problem does not get fixed it makes my free to play game a pay to play game.
Provider: Rogers Communications
Location: Ontario, Canada
Workaround: VPN connection to Ashburn USA via Exit lag
Same here, replying to this hoping it keeps its traction and awareness is spread over the severity of the issue.
This is occurring for myself and my girlfriend’s accounts since yesterday, at least twice a day (as a side note, seems like this little server disconnect issue loves theater, as our game drops when we’re sooo close to logging in - 8th place and 272 place in queue respectively). Server is Kadan, don’t have a screenshot but I doubt that’ll help.
Fingers cross we see this fixed soon, as well as other disconnecting issues and the freakishly mutated queues we’re all seeing. We love the game, we just want to play it.
same here, no connection possible without my university vpn. Im located in germany, near Stuttgart.
Provider: BelWue University Network
Location TĂĽbingen, Germany
Workaorund VPN connection to my university
What are the chances you will get banned for using VPN to workaround this issue? If I remember correctly, they stated at some point that using VPN for any purpose might get you banned.
From what I hear CS in this game is pretty bad so I doubt you would be able to appeal such ban.
I’ve contacted CS and since on chat it wasn’t feasible to get firm answer to this question it was filled as a ticket by CS instead and I should get answer in up to 72h. Hopefully answer will be as satisfying as CS agent was polite.
I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to add their inputs and offer possible alternatives to these issues. This is one of our top priorities, our team is actively working to improve the stability of the servers.
However, I wanted to clarify something, we don’t recommend the usage of a VPN as a workaround, using a VPN to access Lost Ark is against our TOS. As a reference here is a post from Roxx confirming it:
The idea is appreciated and I am sure Luxark already shared this information with the devs, I just wanted to share my input when it comes to VPNs.
I hope this clarifies some of your questions, have a great week everyone.
Finally an official response but what a disappointing one.
Without using a VPN I wouldn’t have been able to play the game AT ALL because the queue would drop me after about 2-3 minutes EVERY SINGLE TIME. This issue is entirely on YOUR side not the players side which is shown by the simple fact that using a VPN is making it work.
Anyway, we are not talking about using a VPN to circumvent any regional restrictions as we are simply connecting to another location within the country we are living in. Is even that against the TOS? Then go ahead and ban me because either way I wouldn’t be able to play.
Seriously, answers like this, the whole launch fiasco and the ongoing situation with extreme queues especially in Europe (don’t tell me there’s EUW, switching to that is NOT AN OPTION for most players!) make me lose interest in this game faster than any MMO did before.
Sorry about my rant targeting you, please don’t take it personal, but honestly I just tried to be helpful and letting me know my actions might get me and others a ban isn’t very customer friendly at all.
I want to clarify a few topics, we are not targeting players who are using a VPN, I am just clarifying the usage of a VPN is against TOS. (It doesn’t matter if it is to improve latency or bypass georestrictions on a country).
We continue to work on the stability of the servers and hopefully it will prevent these issues from happening but we have to really clear on the VPN topic.
No worries, I know it isn’t personal. Feel free to use the feedback section on the forum if you have any further feedback. Game Feedback - Lost Ark Forums
