Early Access can be bumpy, and Ashes of Creation is no exception. Players frequently encounter launcher errors, crashes, performance drops, EAC issues, and network problems. This guide cuts out the fluff and focuses on reliable fixes that actually work, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time adventuring.

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Part 1: Launcher & Startup Issues

Part 2:  Crash & Freeze Issues

Part 3: Performance & FPS Issues

Part 4: EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) Issues

Part 5: Network & Server Issues

Part 1: Launcher & Startup Issues

The Ashes of Creation launcher loves acting up—refusing to open, flashing once, or simply pretending your click never happened. Most of the time it’s caused by a corrupted cache, stuck background processes, or Steam/EAC conflicts.

How to Fix Launcher Not Opening / Game Not Starting

Here’s the fastest way to get the launcher to behave:

Quick Fixes

• Restart Steam and your PC (sounds dumb, works surprisingly often)
• Run Steam as Administrator
• Turn off Steam Overlay, Discord Overlay, Nvidia Overlay

Advanced Fixes

• Delete launcher cache:
• Win + R → %AppData%/AOC/Launcher → delete folder
• Steam → Library → right-click Ashes of Creation → Verify game files

If the game still won’t launch, it’s almost always a cache or permission issue—don’t skip these steps.

Part 2:  Crash & Freeze Issues

Crashes during loading, freezes in the character screen, or spontaneous desktop exits are extremely common. These usually come from unfinished optimization, unstable graphics pipelines, or driver conflicts.

How to Fix Crashes, Freezes & Black Screens

Try these in order—from fastest to most effective:

Quick Fixes

• Update your GPU drivers (Nvidia/AMD)
• Switch display mode to fullscreen
• Lower demanding settings: Shadows, Post-Processing, Anti-Aliasing

Advanced Fixes

• Disable MSI Afterburner, RGB software (Armoury Crate/Razer Chroma), recording tools
• Increase virtual memory: set it to 1.5–2× your RAM
• Verify game files through Steam

If you’re stuck on an infinite loading screen, disabling overlays and verifying files usually fixes it.

Part 3: Performance & FPS Issues

If cities feel like a slideshow or your FPS drops randomly, welcome to the current reality of Early Access. AOC is extremely demanding and not yet well-optimized for large crowds or heavy world events.

How to Fix Low FPS, Stutters & Micro-Freezes

These settings make the biggest difference:

Solutions

• Set Shadows to Low (the #1 FPS booster)
• Lower View Distance to Medium
• Turn off V-Sync
• Cap FPS to 60–90 to avoid GPU spikes
• Enable DLSS/FSR if your GPU supports it

Additional Tips

• Close background Chrome tabs, Discord streams, and other memory hogs
• Ensure the game is installed on an SSD
• Use LagoFast Game Booster for optimized routing and reduced ping

Step 1: Click the Free Trial button to download and install LagoFast.

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Step 2:  Open LagoFast, and use the search bar to find Ashes of Creation

Step 3: Select the best server or route for your region to ensure optimal stability.

Step 4: Launch the Game: Start Ashes of Creation through LagoFast to enjoy improved performance and stability. 

If you experience micro-stutters every few seconds, increasing virtual memory usually helps.

Part 4: EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) Issues

EAC is currently responsible for half of the pain players are experiencing. “Failed to Initialize,” “Corrupted File,” and “Security Violation” are the big ones.

How to Fix EAC Errors & Failed Initialization

Follow these steps—EAC is picky, so don’t skip:

Quick Fixes

• Verify game files through Steam (this alone fixes most EAC issues)
• Run Steam as Administrator
• Turn off overlays before launching

Advanced Fixes 

• Reinstall EAC manually:
• Game folder → EasyAntiCheat → EAC_Setup.exe
• Add both the game and EAC to your antivirus allowed list
• Close RGB software (Armoury Crate, iCUE, Mystic Light) and monitoring tools

Game Security Violation” almost always comes from background apps—close them and restart the game.

Part 5: Network & Server Issues

Queues freezing, “Cannot Connect,” random disconnects, and unstable server routing are all major problems right now—especially during peak hours or for players connecting from other regions.

How to Fix Connection Problems & Queue Bugs

Try these practical fixes:

Network Fixes

• Cancel → rejoin the queue (yes, it actually works)
• Enter another server → return to your target server
• Restart router + PC
• Close heavy network apps (YouTube, downloads, cloud sync)
• Switch DNS to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8

Cross-Region Fixes

• Use a game accelerator or stable routing tool if you’re playing from another region

If the login queue number doesn’t move for 10 minutes, restart the queue—you’re stuck in an infinite hold.

Final Thoughts

Ashes of Creation is shaping up to be an exciting MMO, but Early Access comes with bugs, unpolished systems, and occasional server issues. The fixes above are the most reliable solutions to help you enjoy the game with fewer interruptions. With the right settings, tools like LagoFast, and system optimizations, your experience can be much smoother.