Brawlhalla, the popular free-to-play platform fighter, thrives on fast-paced online battles. When you’re ready to jump into Valhalla and brawl, encountering technical issues can be incredibly frustrating. Whether you’re facing connection problems, error messages, or performance hiccups, understanding the status of Brawlhalla’s servers and how to troubleshoot common issues is key to getting back into the action. This guide will walk you through common problems players experience, particularly those related to server connectivity and the Easy Anti-Cheat system, and provide steps to resolve them.
Understanding Brawlhalla Server Status
When we talk about “Brawlhalla Server Status,” we’re generally referring to the availability and stability of the game servers that host online matches. These servers are essential for matchmaking, ranked play, and any online game mode. While Brawlhalla doesn’t have a public, real-time server status page, understanding potential issues and knowing how to address them is the best approach.
It’s also worth noting that server issues can sometimes be regional or intermittent. If you suspect a widespread outage, checking community forums like the Brawlhalla subreddit (reddit.com/r/brawlhalla) or the official Discord server can often provide quick insights from other players experiencing similar problems. Keep an eye on official Brawlhalla social media channels as well for announcements regarding server maintenance or known issues.
Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) Issues
Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) is a service used by Brawlhalla to ensure fair play by preventing cheating. Problems with EAC are a frequent cause of players being unable to launch or play the game, especially in ranked modes. Here’s how to troubleshoot common EAC errors:
“Easy Anti-Cheat is not installed” Error
This error often appears when Brawlhalla fails to properly install or initialize Easy Anti-Cheat during the initial game setup.
Solution:
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Restart Brawlhalla and Grant Permissions: Close Brawlhalla completely and relaunch it through Steam. Pay close attention to any prompts from Steam asking for permission to make changes to your hard drive. It’s crucial to select “Yes” to allow EAC to install correctly.
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Verify Integrity of Game Files: If relaunching doesn’t work, Steam’s file verification tool can identify and repair corrupted or missing game files, including EAC components.
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on Brawlhalla in your game list.
- Select Properties from the menu.
- Go to the Local Files tab.
- Click on “Verify integrity of game files…”
Steam will check the game files and download any necessary replacements. After the process completes, restart Brawlhalla.
“Problem/bad or missing file” Error from Easy Anti-Cheat
This error indicates that EAC has detected a corrupted, missing, or modified file on your system that it deems problematic.
Solution:
- Verify Integrity of Game Files (Steam): As with the previous error, verifying your game files through Steam is the primary solution. Follow the same steps outlined above to verify the integrity of game files. This will usually resolve issues related to corrupted EAC files.
EAC Doesn’t Run and You Can’t Play Ranked
Easy Anti-Cheat is mandatory for playing Ranked mode in Brawlhalla. If EAC isn’t running correctly, you’ll be restricted from competitive play.
Solution:
- Check Operating System Requirements: EAC requires a 64-bit operating system and Windows 7 or later. Ensure your system meets these minimum requirements. If you are on an older OS, upgrading is necessary to play Ranked and use EAC. Run Windows Update to ensure your system is up to date.
Disabling EAC (-noeac)
Brawlhalla allows you to launch the game without Easy Anti-Cheat by using a launch option.
How to Disable EAC:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on Brawlhalla in your game list.
- Select Properties from the menu.
- In the General tab, click “Set Launch Options…”
- In the text box, type
-noeac
and click OK.
Important: Disabling EAC means you cannot play Ranked mode or any other game modes that require it. You’ll be limited to offline modes and potentially custom online lobbies with friends who have also disabled EAC. This option is primarily for troubleshooting or playing offline modes only.
Other Easy Anti-Cheat Errors
If you encounter EAC errors not listed here, or if the above solutions don’t work, Easy Anti-Cheat provides its own support resources.
Solution:
- Visit the Easy Anti-Cheat Support Website: For more specific error codes and advanced troubleshooting, visit the official EAC support page: https://www.easy.ac/en-us/support/game/issues/guide/. You can find detailed guides and contact EAC customer support directly through this website for more specialized assistance.
Connection and Lag Issues
Even when Brawlhalla’s servers are online, you might experience connection problems or lag due to issues on your end or network congestion.
Can’t Connect to Game Servers
If you’re unable to connect to Brawlhalla’s servers at all, the problem often lies with your network configuration or security software.
Solutions:
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Firewall and Antivirus Interference: Your firewall or antivirus software might be mistakenly blocking Brawlhalla’s connection.
- Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus (for testing): As a test, temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software. Try launching Brawlhalla again. If you can connect, then your security software is likely the culprit.
- Create Firewall/Antivirus Exceptions: If disabling your security software resolves the issue, you need to create exceptions for Brawlhalla within your firewall and antivirus settings. Consult your software’s documentation for instructions on how to add game exceptions. This usually involves allowing Brawlhalla’s executable file (Brawlhalla.exe) and related processes.
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Router/Network Port Blocking: Some networks, especially school or workplace networks, may block specific ports required for online gaming.
- Port Forwarding (Advanced Users): If you have access to your router’s settings, you can try port forwarding. Brawlhalla uses ports in the ranges 23000-24000 and 33000-34000 (UDP). Consult your router’s manual for instructions on port forwarding.
- Contact Network Administrator: If you are on a managed network (school, work, etc.), contact your network administrator and ask them to open these ports for Brawlhalla.
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Contact Brawlhalla Support: If you’ve tried these steps and still can’t connect, reach out to Brawlhalla support with details about your network setup and troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.
Lag Issues
Lag, or noticeable delays in gameplay, can make Brawlhalla frustrating to play. It’s often caused by problems with your internet connection.
Solutions:
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Wired (Ethernet) Connection: Wireless (Wi-Fi) connections are more prone to interference and instability than wired Ethernet connections. Switch to an Ethernet cable connected directly to your router for a more stable connection.
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Test Your Connection: Brawlhalla provides a dedicated page with information on how to test your connection quality. Visit http://www.brawlhalla.com/lag-help/ for detailed instructions and tools.
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Ping Test: Use the ping command to check your latency to a general server (like Google). Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type
ping google.com
and press Enter. Higher ping times indicate greater latency. Compare this to your in-game Brawlhalla ping (if visible) to assess if the issue is general network lag or specific to Brawlhalla. -
Brawlhalla Networking Model: Understand how Brawlhalla’s networking works. This Steam Community post provides in-depth information: https://steamcommunity.com/app/291550/discussions/0/617319460923516233/.
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Contact Support with Information: If lag persists, send your ping test results and details about your connection type (Ethernet/Wi-Fi, internet speed) to [email protected] for further assistance.
Game Performance Issues
Beyond server and connection problems, you might encounter issues with the game’s performance on your computer.
Framerate Drops
Low or unstable framerates can make Brawlhalla feel choppy and unresponsive.
Solutions:
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Update Video Drivers: Outdated video card drivers are a common cause of performance problems. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel). Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the newest drivers.
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Close Web Browsers and Background Applications: Web browsers, especially those with many tabs open (like Google Chrome), can consume significant system resources (CPU, RAM). Close unnecessary applications, especially web browsers, before launching Brawlhalla.
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Nvidia “Prefer Maximum Performance” Setting (Nvidia Users Only): For Nvidia graphics card users, adjusting the power management setting can improve performance.
- Right-click on your desktop and select Nvidia Control Panel.
- Go to Manage 3D Settings and then the Program Settings tab.
- Click Add and select Brawlhalla.exe from the list (or browse to its installation directory if it’s not listed).
- In the settings for Brawlhalla, scroll down to Power management mode and select “Prefer maximum performance.”
- Click Apply to save the changes.
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Contact Support: If framerate issues continue after these steps, email [email protected] with details about your system specifications (CPU, GPU, RAM, OS).
Game Crashes on Startup
If Brawlhalla crashes immediately or shortly after launching, it can be due to various software or file issues.
Troubleshooting Steps:
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Verify File Cache (Steam): Use Steam’s “Verify integrity of game files…” feature (as described earlier) to check for and repair corrupted game files.
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Fresh Installation: If verification doesn’t work, uninstall Brawlhalla through Steam and then reinstall it. This ensures a clean installation without potentially corrupted files. Brawlhalla is a relatively small download, so this process is usually quick.
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Reboot Your Computer: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software conflicts or glitches. Restart your computer and try launching Brawlhalla again.
Information for Support (if crashes persist):
If none of the above steps resolve startup crashes, contact [email protected] and provide the following information:
- Operating System: Specify which operating system you are using (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit, macOS Monterey, etc.).
- Crash History: Have you ever been able to run Brawlhalla successfully on this system? If so, what were you doing before the crashes started? What game mode were you attempting to play? Were you online or offline? Any details you can remember about the circumstances leading to the crashes are helpful.
Controller Issues
Having trouble getting your controller to work with Brawlhalla? Here’s a troubleshooting guide.
My Controller Isn’t Working
Initial Troubleshooting:
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Check Controller Support Thread: Brawlhalla has a Steam forum thread listing supported controllers and potential workarounds. Check if your controller is mentioned here: http://steamcommunity.com/app/291550/discussions/0/619574421632224271/.
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Unplug Other Controllers: Multiple controllers connected simultaneously can sometimes cause conflicts. Unplug all controllers except the one you want to use and restart Brawlhalla. Xbox 360 controllers can be particularly problematic if not plugged in last.
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Controller Mode Switches: Some controllers have mode switches (e.g., D/X-input on Logitech, PC/WiiU on Mayflash). Experiment with different modes to see if one works.
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Plug-in Order: Try starting Brawlhalla with the controller already plugged in, and also try plugging it in after the game has launched.
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Adapter Ports (Multi-Controller Adapters): If using a multi-controller adapter (like Mayflash), try each port on the adapter, as sometimes only one port might be active.
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x360ce (Windows – for unsupported DirectInput controllers): If you are on Windows and your controller is a DirectInput controller not natively supported by Brawlhalla, x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator) can often make it work by emulating an Xbox 360 controller. Search online for “x360ce” to download and follow instructions for setting it up with Brawlhalla.
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DS4Windows (Windows – for PS4 controllers): To use multiple PS4 controllers on PC, DS4Windows is often required. Download it from http://ds4windows.com/.
Contacting Gamepad Support:
If your controller still isn’t working after these steps, email [email protected] with the following information (after trying the troubleshooting above):
- Controller Link: Provide a link to the exact controller you are using (preferably a product page where it can be purchased online).
- Adapter Link (if applicable): If using an adapter, provide a link to the adapter as well.
- Input Issue Description: Are no inputs registering at all, or are you getting incorrect inputs (buttons doing the wrong actions)? Knowing this helps the developers diagnose the problem.
- Operating System: Are you on Mac or PC?
- Controller Version: If there are multiple versions of your controller (e.g., Xbox or PlayStation versions), specify which version you have.
- Controller Name in Customize Controls: Go to Brawlhalla’s in-game settings, then Controls > Customize Controls. Does your controller show up in the device list? If so, what name does the game assign to it? (Note: The button labels in this screen will always be shown as Xbox 360 buttons regardless of your controller). A screenshot of this screen can be helpful.
Expect a reply from gamepad support within 1-2 business days with further instructions, especially if your controller is not being recognized at all.
Input Delay Issues
Input delay, a noticeable lag between your controller input and the action happening in the game, can severely impact gameplay responsiveness.
Solution:
- Disable Nvidia Experience Instant Replay (Nvidia Users): The instant replay recording feature in Nvidia Experience (also known as GeForce Experience) has been reported to cause input delay in some games, including Brawlhalla. Try turning off Instant Replay or completely uninstalling Nvidia Experience to see if it resolves the input delay.
Other Common Support Questions
For other questions and issues, here’s a summary of common support topics and how to address them:
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Game Balance Feedback: For balance concerns or suggestions, engage with the Brawlhalla community on reddit.com/r/brawlhalla or join the balance discussions on the official Discord (http://discord.gg/3t3gkZ2). Provide specific feedback about moves or characters, rather than general complaints.
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Tournament Support: To run a Brawlhalla tournament and request prize codes (Community Colors, skins), review existing community tournaments on reddit.com/r/brawlhalla for examples of rulesets and organization. Use bracket systems like challonge.com. Email [email protected] with a link to your tournament announcement page and sign-up page, and details about streaming (if applicable) when requesting prize codes.
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Let’s Play Monetization: Brawlhalla encourages content creators to make and monetize videos of Brawlhalla gameplay.
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Giveaways for Streamers/YouTubers: (Information not explicitly provided in the original text, likely handled on a case-by-case basis – contact support for inquiries).
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Idea Submissions: Share game ideas with the community on Reddit, Steam Forums, Twitter, or Facebook. Directly emailing or contacting developers with unsolicited ideas is generally not recommended due to legal considerations.
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Refunds: Brawlhalla’s in-game refund system provides three lifetime refunds per account. This policy is firm, and additional refunds are not granted. Steam DLC refunds are handled directly by Steam through their refund system. Refunds are not provided retroactively for items that go on sale after purchase. However, you can use one of your refunds to refund a recent purchase and then repurchase it at the sale price.
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Negative Mammoth Coins: Negative Mammoth Coins usually indicate a failed Mammoth Coin pack purchase that was temporarily granted but then revoked by Steam. To resolve this, complete a successful purchase of the Mammoth Coin pack. Check your Steam DLC section for Brawlhalla to see if the pack is listed as unpurchased by Steam. Contact support if the issue persists.
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Mobile Google Play Install Errors: For Google Play install errors on mobile devices, follow Google’s troubleshooting steps: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/7513003?hl=en. Specifically, try clearing the cache and data for “Download Manager” and “Google Play Services” in your device’s settings.
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Something Else: For issues not covered in this guide, email [email protected] with a detailed description of your problem.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most common Brawlhalla server status related issues and other technical problems. Remember to utilize community resources and contact Brawlhalla support when needed to get back to brawling in Valhalla!