FragPunk, the fast-paced 5v5 hero shooter, officially launched on March 6, 2025, bringing adrenaline-pumping action to PC and consoles. However, many players have faced server connection errors and launch problems that prevent them from diving into the action. If you’re seeing messages like “Network Error – Unable to Connect to Server” or the game won’t launch properly, this guide walks you through proven solutions.
Common Causes of FragPunk Server and Launch Issues
Before jumping into solutions, it’s useful to understand what might be causing the problem. Here are the most common culprits:

- Server Maintenance or Outages: FragPunk’s servers could be temporarily offline for maintenance or overloaded with traffic.
- Internet Instability: Unstable or weak internet connections can trigger disconnections.
- Firewall and Security Software: Overzealous antivirus programs or firewalls might block FragPunk’s network access.
- VPN or Proxy Conflicts: Some VPNs and proxies can interfere with the game’s connection to servers.
- Corrupt Game Files: Missing or damaged game files could prevent the game from launching correctly.
- Overlays and Background Apps: Some third-party overlays (like Discord or GeForce Experience) can conflict with the game.
- Outdated Network or Graphics Drivers: Drivers play a critical role in ensuring smooth gameplay, especially in online shooters.
1. Check FragPunk Server Status
Always start by confirming whether the FragPunk servers are online.
- Visit the official FragPunk website or their Twitter/X page for announcements.
- Use third-party monitoring tools like Downdetector to check if other players are reporting issues.
If servers are down, you’ll have to wait until they’re back online.
2. Restart Your Router and Device
Sometimes the simplest fix is the most effective.
- Power off your router/modem, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
- Restart your PC or console.
- Launch FragPunk again to check if the issue persists.
3. Check for ISP Issues (Including CGNAT Problems)
If you often face connection issues across multiple games, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) could be the root cause. Some ISPs use Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT), which can interfere with direct game server communication.
Fix:
- Contact your ISP to check for ongoing issues or CGNAT restrictions.
- If possible, request a public IP address, which often improves gaming connectivity.
4. Disable Advanced Security on Eero Routers (If Applicable)
Players using Eero routers have reported connection failures linked to the Advanced Security feature.
How to Disable Eero Advanced Security:
- Open the Eero app.
- Navigate to Security & Privacy > Network Controls.
- Disable Advanced Security.
This setting has been known to mistakenly block legitimate game traffic.
5. Disable VPN, Proxies, and Virtual Network Adapters
VPNs, proxies, and virtual adapters (like those from Hamachi or Radmin) can interfere with FragPunk’s connection to servers.
Fix:
- Turn off all VPNs and proxies.
- Open Network Connections (
ncpa.cpl
in Windows) and set your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter as the highest priority.
6. Try a Gaming VPN (Optional)
If your ISP’s routing is unstable, a Gaming VPN might help by optimizing your traffic path to the game servers.
- Select a VPN designed for low-latency gaming.
- Connect to a server close to FragPunk’s servers for better performance.
7. Allow FragPunk Through Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall could be blocking game traffic.
Add Firewall Rules with PowerShell:
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Allow FragPunk Inbound" -Direction Inbound -Program "C:\Path\To\FragPunk.exe" -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Allow FragPunk Outbound" -Direction Outbound -Program "C:\Path\To\FragPunk.exe" -Action Allow
Replace the path with your actual game location.
8. Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Third-Party Firewalls
Security software like Bitdefender or McAfee could misidentify FragPunk’s traffic.
Fix:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall.
- Launch FragPunk.
- If it works, add FragPunk as an exception in your security software.
9. Verify Game Files (For Steam Users)
Corrupt or missing game files can trigger both launch failures and connection errors.
How to Verify Game Files in Steam:
- Open Steam.
- Right-click FragPunk in your Library.
- Go to Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files.
10. Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network Settings
A corrupted DNS cache can disrupt game connections.
Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
- Restart your PC and router.
11. Disable Overlay Applications
Third-party overlays can cause performance issues or even crashes.
- In Discord, go to Settings > Game Overlay and turn off the overlay.
- In Steam, go to Settings > In-Game and uncheck Enable Steam Overlay.
- Disable NVIDIA GeForce Experience Overlay from its settings.
12. Run FragPunk as Administrator
Some game functions require elevated permissions.
- Right-click the FragPunk shortcut.
- Select Run as Administrator.
13. Update Network and Graphics Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause both connection problems and crashes.
- Network Driver:
Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, right-click your adapter, and select Update driver. - Graphics Driver:
- NVIDIA users can update through GeForce Experience.
- AMD users can update via Radeon Software.
14. Reinstall FragPunk (Last Resort)
If none of the above solutions work, perform a clean reinstall.
Steps:
- Uninstall FragPunk.
- Restart your system.
- Reinstall the game and launch it again.
Quick Fix Summary Table
Issue | Recommended Fix |
---|---|
Server Down | Check official site & Downdetector |
Eero Router Blocking | Disable Advanced Security |
VPN or Virtual Adapters | Disable VPN & prioritize adapter |
Firewall Blocking | Add inbound/outbound rules |
Antivirus Interference | Add FragPunk to antivirus exceptions |
Corrupt Game Files | Verify integrity via Steam |
DNS Cache Issues | Flush DNS & renew IP |
Overlay Conflicts | Disable Discord, Steam overlays |
Permission Problems | Run game as Administrator |
Outdated Drivers | Update network & GPU drivers |
Persistent Issues | Reinstall game |
Final Tip: Check Official FragPunk Support
If none of these solutions work, reach out to FragPunk’s support team or check their community forums for newly identified bugs and patches.
FragPunk’s server errors and launch issues can be frustrating, but with these step-by-step solutions, you should be able to resolve most problems. Start with the basics like checking server status and restarting your router, and gradually work up to advanced solutions like firewall rules and DNS flushing.
If you’ve discovered other fixes, let us know in the comments — and happy gaming!