This page is a compilation of common Star Citizen Game Startup and Connection problems that users might face. Search below for your problem, or if you need more help you can chat with other users at the official community helpdesk. This guide is based on information from CIG's knowledge base and information from the community at /r/StarCitizen's Discord server. This guide is intended for Windows only, but may have information that applies to Star Citizen on other operating systems.
Star Citizen uses Easy Anti-Cheat as of Alpha 3.15.1. Easy Anti-Cheat can run into its own errors when trying to play the game - the following is a series of errors and their documented fixes.
Untrusted System File Error
This error may appear when attempting to launch the game and either: you have a program or file interfering with/injecting into the game itself, or the listed file is out of date or corrupted.
- Ensure everything is up to date - Windows, the game, the launcher, and any drivers.
- Use the System File Checker to repair missing or corrupted Windows files.
- Ensure you are not running any software known to have caused conflicts with EAC. The following is a list of such software:
- Devreorder
- Localization tools
- Linux/Wine/DXVK/Sandboxie Plus
- LED lighting (LEDKeeper2, ASRock RGB Utility)
- EVGA Precision X1
- VorpX
- Windbg
- Lasso
- Overwolf
- Epic Launcher
- Sonic Studio
- Any other software which creates overlays in the game.
Error - Anticheat (CODE: 0)
- Delete the easyanticheat folder in your game's installation location and then verify files in the launcher settings.
This section addresses issues that occur after the game launches, but before you enter any game mode.
Select System Menu is Empty
You are trying to enter the Persistent Universe and the Select System menu is empty. The most common reason for this is that you do not have a Game Package. This can happen if your transaction has not yet fully processed or if you have accidentally exchanged your package for store credit. If you do have a Game Package - and have checked that you do in your RSI site hangar - then it is likely that the game is down for maintenance or updates. Check the RSI Status Page. If you recently switched from PTU to LIVE or vice versa, close the client, log out of the Launcher, wait around two minutes, and log back in.
Error Connecting to Loadout Services
This usually appears when the servers are having problems or undergoing maintenance. Check the RSI Status Page. If the servers are not having problems or undergoing maintenance, then it is likely that you have security software blocking your game's connection. Set StarCitizen.exe and RSILauncher.exe as exceptions in any firewall or antivirus software you have.
Screen Edges Cut Off
If you are using a TV or monitor with an atypical resolution, you may encounter edges being visibly cut off. If you are encountering this, create a custom .cfg file to force the game to conform to your display's resolution.
Infinite Loading Screen
This is a common issue that can happen for a variety of reasons. The following workarounds have the best chances of fixing the issue:
- Try selecting a different regional server. It's usually set to 'BEST'. (may require several attempts)
- Join an Arena Commander multiplayer match. Get destroyed, immediately exit out to main menu and try the PU again.
- Do the following in order, and all at the same time. Not separately:
- Exit the game and log out of the launcher
- Delete your User folder (program files\Roberts Space Industries\Star Citizen\LIVE\USER)
- Run the launcher as Admin, log back in and join the Stanton system again
- While in the loading screen, press the key below ESC (on US layouts, ~) to open the console, type QUIT, and press enter. Join the Stanton System again and it may be fixed.
If none of these work, a Character Reset would be the recommended fix. Unfortunately, Character Reset is now defunct and Character Repair - its replacement - is not functional at the time of writing.
Error - CIG Services (Code 1600x and 1500x)
1500x and 1600x errors typically mean you are unable to connect to the authentication servers for your region. The following is a list of possible causes:
- The authentication servers for your region are down or blocked due to a network outage. (Rarely lasts more than 12 hours)
- You have something like a Firewall, VPN, or DNS issue preventing access to the authentication servers from your end
- You have corrupted account data and need to contact customer support to get it fixed.
- You have the Epic Games Launcher installed on the same drive as Star Citizen. Epic's EasyAntiCheat can conflict with Star Citizen's, so you can either uninstall the Epic Launcher or move Star Citizen to another SSD.
Error - Disconnection (Code 20000 and 30000)
Code 20000/30000 is a general timeout message. This appears when the player loses connection to the game server (such as a server crash) or times out connecting but remains connected to the hub server. Simply reconnecting to the servers should work, however some users may need to log out of the launcher for a bit, before trying again. If you have a 30K error, you may need to close the client before reconnecting.
Error - <=BAD TOKEN=> in Location Selection
This usually happens after a 30k error, and prevents you from getting back into the game temporarily. Restarting the game client should fix this.
None Of This Worked! What Now?
If your issue has not appeared here, or the steps provided here have not helped, you can chat with other users at the official community helpdesk or you can get help from other users in the community at /r/StarCitizen's Discord server.
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