Are you encountering the 'Lost Connection to Host' error message while playing Hell Let Loose?

We appreciate this frustrating issue can disrupt your gaming experience so in this article, we'll explore several potential causes behind this error and provide you with effective troubleshooting steps to help you get back into action.

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Solutions for 'Lost Connection to Host' error

 

Firstly, ensure that your antivirus software isn't blocking the game from running. If it's not your antivirus, then it's advisable to check if you have any of the following software installed on your PC:

  • GameFirst VI
  • Aura Sync
  • Nahimic
  • Armoury Crate
  • MSI Afterburner

If any of these software are installed, follow these steps:

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to open Task Manager
  2. Locate the software on the list of processes
  3. Right-click on each software and select End Task
  4. Alternatively, you can uninstall the software from your Windows Control Panel > Programs and Features
  5. If the issue persists, reboot your PC and launch the game again to check if the problem has been resolved

This process can help eliminate potential conflicts with the game and ensure a smoother gameplay experience.

We would also recommend working your way through the steps in the following article so that you can determine if your connection itself is causing this to occur:

It's also important to check your currently running processes - especially antiviruses, internet and motherboard utilities. Check the settings to make sure they don't slow down your internet. If nothing improves the situation, close every software you can one by one and retest the game.

Solution 1: Disable or enable IPv6

Disabling IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) essentially turns off support for this newer version of the Internet Protocol on your network connection. IPv6 was introduced to address the limitations of IPv4, such as the exhaustion of available IP addresses. However, in some cases, disabling IPv6 may be necessary and help to improve your connection.

To do this on Windows 10:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Click on Network & internet
  3. Click on "Change adapter options"
  4. Right-click on the network connection you are using and select Properties
  5. In the list, find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and uncheck the box next to it - if this box was already unchecked, please manually recheck it > OK > then manually uncheck it again.
  6. Click OK to apply the changes

To do this on Windows 11:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Click on Network & internet
  3. Click the Advanced Network Settings option
  4. Under the Related settings section, click the "More network adapter options" setting
  5. Right-click the network adapter and choose the Properties option
  6. Uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) option - if this box was already unchecked, please manually recheck it > OK > then manually uncheck it again. 
  7. Click the OK button

Once you complete the steps, the IPv6 protocol will no longer be available on the system. Although it's not a requirement, restarting the computer to ensure the changes apply correctly is a good idea.

If your IPv6 was already disabled, can you please try the opposite and enable it? To do this, please follow the steps above for your specific Windows OS but check the box next to "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" instead this time.

Solution 2: Add Easy Anti-Cheat exceptions 

In certain cases, adding the executable files of the Easy Anti-Cheat service to the whitelist of your antivirus/firewall or Windows Defender software can resolve multiple issues. Please make sure the following files are added:

  • HLL.exe - Steam\steamapps\common\Hell Let Loose
  • HLL_BugReportUploader.exe - Steam\steamapps\common\Hell Let Loose
  • HLL-Win64-Shipping.exe - Steam\steamapps\common\Hell Let Loose\HLL\Binaries\Win64
  • EasyAntiCheat.exe - Program Files (x86)\EasyAntiCheat
  • EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe - Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Hell Let Loose\EasyAntiCheat
  • Launch_HLL.exe - Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Hell Let Loose

To do this, please press the Windows key + I to open your Windows Settings. Then:

  1. Go to Privacy & Security and select Windows Security
  2. In Windows Security, click on Virus & Threat Protection
  3. Under Virus & Threat Protection click on Manage Settings
  4. Scroll down to the Exclusions section and click on Add or Remove Exclusions
  5. Click on Add an exclusion and choose the type of exclusion you want to add (File, Folder, File Type, or Process)
  6. Choose File and then Browse and select the file you want to exclude
  7. Add the above files suggested and then confirm your selection - these will now be added to your Exceptions

Then please retest the game and see if the 'Lost Connection to Host' error persists.

Solution 3: Set Time & Date to automatic

To do this, please go to your Windows settings, then go to Time & Language, then ‘Date & Time’. In here, please set the clock to automatic by turning the ‘set time zone automatically’ switch from off to on and then check the game to see if this step resolves the issue.

Then, under the “Synchronise your clock” option, select the button that says "Sync Now". If this doesn't work, please sync it manually if the time is off.
After correcting your clock and date please restart your PC and then check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 4: NVIDIA Experience 

Some users have reported that installing NVIDIA Experience resolved the issue for them. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card and haven't installed this software yet, we recommend giving it a try and launching the game through it to see if it helps.

Solution 5: Disable Killer Control Center 

Intel Killer Control Center and the included Killer Network Service have been known to cause this error.
It's an optional network control centre that comes pre-installed on a lot of intel-based gaming laptops; MSI, Dell etc.
 
Disable Intel Killer Network Service:

  1. Right-click your Taskbar
  2. Click Task Manager, then the Startup tab
  3. Find Killer Control Center, right-click it and Disable it from Startup
  4. Right-click Start, Then click Run, and type in services.msc
  5. Right-click Killer Network Service then click Properties. This will bring up Killer Network Service Properties (Local Computer)
  6. In the middle, it states Startup type. Click the dropdown and select Disabled

If disabling the service doesn't work, please uninstall Intel Killer Control Center

  1. Go to your Windows search bar
  2. Type in and go to Apps & features
  3. Find the Killer Control Center from the list
  4. Click Killer Control Center and select the option to uninstall
  5. Restart your machine by clicking Start > Power > Restart

Solution 6: Move the game to a different drive

Another potential solution worth considering involves relocating the game to a different drive. Whether you have multiple internal drives or the game is currently installed on an external drive, moving it to an alternate storage location could help resolve the issue. This approach can sometimes alleviate performance issues related to drive fragmentation, insufficient space, or conflicts with other software. By transferring the game to a different drive, you may experience improved stability and smoother gameplay. It's a simple yet effective troubleshooting step that's worth exploring if you're encountering persistent issues with the game.

To do this:

  1. Go to your Steam Library
  2. Right-click Hell Let Loose and select Properties
  3. Select Installed Files and then Browse...
  4. Then move your install folder from an external HDD to an internal HDD - or vice versa depending on where it is saved currently.

 

Solution 7: Use a LAN cable

Whenever possible, we highly suggest connecting your PC directly to your router using a LAN (Local Area Network) cable. Opting for a LAN cable over a wireless connection offers a steadfast and dependable link, unlike wireless connections that are prone to interference, signal deterioration, or router distance constraints. By utilising a LAN cable, you can enjoy unwavering network performance devoid of any hiccups or interruptions, with the added benefit of typically faster speeds compared to wireless alternatives.

If using a LAN cable is feasible, we advise against employing any adapters, network extenders, or similar devices for the most optimal connection.

If you're already following these recommendations, consider replacing the cable with a spare one and retesting the game to gauge any improvements.

 

Solution 8: Increase MTU

If the above steps haven't worked, we would suggest going to your router settings and increasing the MTU.

You can find steps on how to do this here!
If you find that the Lost Connection to Host error persists following this, please do reach out and we can take a closer look into what may be causing this.