PoE Failed to Connect to Instance: 7 Troubleshooting Tips

The Failed to connect to instance error in PoE signals an obvious network problem. It could be on the server’s end, or on your end. Occasionally, DDoS attacks could also be at fault.

Below, we’ll help you figure out how to get rid of this error and identify the underlying cause in your particular case. So, if you want to be able to reconnect to the Path of Exile servers ASAP, keep reading.

BEST PRICES FOR NOVEMBER 2024

Private Internet Access

World-class 24/7 support with 83% for a 3 years plan and 3 months free.

4.9/5

Get 83% off ►

Express VPN

Amazing connection speed with 35% off and 3 months free for the 1-year plan.

4.7/5

Get 35% off ►

CyberGhost VPN

Best security protocols with 83% off and 2 months free for a 2-year plan.

4.6/5

Get 83% off ►

How to fix PoE failed to connect to instance

Start by checking the Path of Exile server status to make sure that there aren’t any widespread issues. If the servers are fine, follow these steps below.

1. Change the server

1. Go to the Options menu in the game.
2. Navigate to the Server settings.
3. Select a different server, preferably one in a nearby region.

If you encounter connection issues on PoE, it’d be a wise thing to change the server. The Failed to connect to instance error may occur when too many people are on the same server.

It also happened when a specific server was DDoSed, so playing on another one, at least temporarily is a good idea.

2. Close bandwidth-intensive tasks

1. Pess Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab and click on Network to sort tasks by network usage.
3. Check the processes that consume a lot of resources, select those that you’re not currently using and click End Task.

3. Verify the integrity of game files

1. Open Steam and go to the Library.
2. Right-click on Path of Exile and select Properties.
3. Click on the Installed Files tab, then select Verify Integrity of Game Files.

4. Clear DNS cache

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.
3. Restart your PC and try playing Path of Exile again.

Clearing DNS cache is a good maintainance practice that can prevent and stop PoE connection issues that prompt Failed to connect to instance error.

5. Update your graphics card drivers

1. Go to Device Manager.
2. Locate the Display Adapters section.
3. Pick your current graphics card, right-click on in and select Update.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for the process to complete.

Keeping drivers up to date ensure proper performance. It can also help with related issues such as PoE FPS drops or PoE not recognizing graphics card.

6. Allow PoE through the Windows Firewall

1. Open the Control Panel and select System and Security.
2. Click on Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Find Path of Exile in the list and ensure both Private and Public are checked.
4. If it’s not in the list, click Allow another app and browse to the Path of Exile executable.

The Windows Firewall occasionally stops legitimate, safe apps from connecting to the internet. If it does this with PoE, you will not be able to connect to the servers and get a Failed to connect to instance error.

Adding the game as an exception will put an end to this.

7. Use VPN

1. Choose a reputable VPN provider and install it on your device. For games like PoE we recommend ExpressVPN because it’s very fast, has servers all around the globe and offers unlimited bandwidth.
2. Connect to a server that is geographically close to the Path of Exile region you wish to play on.
3. Go back to the game and try to connect again.

If the error stems from slow internet, ISP blocks, and DDoS attacks, using a VPN can help.

That’s because a VPN reroutes your connection through a different server, bypassing regional issues or throttling by your ISP, and potentially connecting you to a more stable network path.

ExpressVPN

Ditch PoE errors by connecting to lightning-fast servers all around the globe!

Check price VIsit website

What does failed to connect to instance PoE mean?

If you’re any familiar with PoE, you know that a lot of it revolves around finding maps that you can load and join with your peers. Some maps are rarer than others. Thus, it’s easy to see why crashing in the middle of a rare map can be frustrating.

Many players report that, upon attempting to enter maps, they get booted by the game. The Failed to connect to instance error is vague enough that you can’t immediately figure out what’s wrong with the game.

New leagues get players all worked up and, as a result, network congestion steadily occurs. Therefore, it might appear like the best suggestion in this case is waiting for things to settle down before giving the new leagues a try.

Following the steps above should help you fix the PoE failed to connect to instance error. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below.