Fix: Hell Let Loose-Network Error Has Occurred On PC
Network errors in Hell Let Loose (HLL) can appear suddenly, whether you’re launching the game for the first time or have been playing without issues before. These errors typically occur during:
- Game startup
- Matchmaking or server connection
Several factors can cause this issue, including:
- Firewall/Antivirus blocking the game’s connection
- Server outages (check official HLL Twitter for downtime updates)
- Corrupted game files triggering connectivity issues
- Unstable 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:
- Visit the game’s official Twitter/X account or Discord server.
- Check developer announcements on their website.
- Use third-party server status websites like downdetector.com.
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 settings
- VPN/proxy configurations
- Restricted system files
- Game server ports
Many Steam features and games need these permissions to work properly. Without admin rights, they may be blocked by Windows security.
- Close Steam completely. Locate the Steam icon in the hidden icons area (system tray), right-click on it, and select Exit.
- Navigate to your Steam installation folder, right-click on the steam.exe file, and select Properties. This will open the Properties window:
- Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.
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.
- Open your Steam Library (Launch Steam and click “LIBRARY” at the top).
- Right-click Hell Let Loose and select Properties.
- In the left sidebar, select Installed Files.
- Click Browse to open the game’s installation folder.
- Find and delete the LauncherInfo.hllinfo file (The game will automatically create a new one when you launch it).
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:
- Switching to faster, more reliable public DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
- Resetting your network configuration to clear any corrupted settings that might be interfering with your connection.
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
- Type “view network connections“ in the Windows search bar and select the first result (Control Panel > Network Connections). This will display all your active network adapters (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.).
- Right-click your active network connection (Wi-Fi/Ethernet) and select Properties.
- Locate and double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses“.
- Enter these Cloudflare DNS addresses:
- Preferred:
1.1.1.1
- Alternate:
1.0.0.1
- Preferred:
- Click OK to save.
- 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
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
cmd
and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- In the Command Prompt window, type:
ipconfig /flushdns
and press Enter.
- Next, type:
netsh winsock reset
and press Enter.
- Type:
ipconfig /release
and press Enter. - Then, type:
ipconfig /renew
and press Enter. - Finally, restart your computer.
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.