🎮 Game Error Codes What it means & how to fix it

The First Descendant Error Codes

The First Descendant is an always-online looter-shooter, so most errors are connection, login, or anti-cheat problems. Here's what the common error messages mean and how to fix them on PC, PlayStation and Xbox.

Error codes

0xE3010502 NGService (Nexon Game Security) failed to load

Cause: A corrupted or missing NGService file after the patch, or an incomplete update.

Fix:
  1. Delete the NGService file from the game install folder, then reinstall it.
  2. Run a launcher/Steam integrity check (Verify integrity of game files).
  3. Fully update the game so the post-patch security module matches.
0xE3010503 Nexon Game Security popup was not confirmed

Cause: A Nexon Game Security prompt appeared at startup and was dismissed or blocked.

Fix:
  1. When the Nexon Game Security popup appears during startup, click Yes and let it run.
  2. Run the game as Administrator so the security service can start.
  3. Allow the game and BlackCipher folder through antivirus/firewall.
0xE3010504 Game file verification failed

Cause: One or more game files are corrupted or were changed by security software during the update.

Fix:
  1. Verify the integrity of game files (Steam: Properties -> Installed Files -> Verify).
  2. Add the game folder and BlackCipher folder as antivirus exceptions, then re-verify.
  3. Reinstall if verification keeps repairing the same files.
0xE3010509 BlackCipher anti-cheat could not start

Cause: Antivirus/firewall is blocking BlackCipher, or the install path is being scanned.

Fix:
  1. Allow the BlackCipher folder in your antivirus and firewall settings.
  2. Reinstall the game on a different drive.
  3. Delete the NGService file from the game folder and reinstall it, then verify files.
0xE5000101 / 0xE5000102 BlackCipher blocked by security software

Cause: Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus is quarantining the anti-cheat.

Fix:
  1. Add exceptions for BOTH the game folder and the BlackCipher folder, then relaunch.
  2. In Windows Defender, exclude both folders under Virus & threat protection settings.
  3. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus to confirm it is the cause, then whitelist.
Disconnected from the server The session dropped

Cause: A network interruption, server maintenance, or high load ended the connection.

Fix:
  1. Check the official server status / maintenance notice.
  2. Restart the game and power-cycle your router; use a wired connection.
  3. Disable VPN/proxy and allow the game through the firewall.
Login failed / can't sign in Authentication to the Nexon servers failed

Cause: A server outage, a Nexon account issue, or a blocked connection.

Fix:
  1. Verify Nexon/platform account status and any linked accounts.
  2. Restart the game and check server status.
  3. Disable VPN and allow the game through firewall/antivirus.
Matchmaking failed / can't join session Couldn't find or join a match

Cause: Server load, a NAT/connection type issue, or a version mismatch.

Fix:
  1. Retry after a minute; check for maintenance.
  2. Improve NAT type (enable UPnP / forward ports).
  3. Update the game fully so your version matches.
Easy Anti-Cheat error / won't launch The anti-cheat failed to start

Cause: A corrupted Easy Anti-Cheat install or a blocking security tool.

Fix:
  1. Repair Easy Anti-Cheat (run the EAC installer in the game folder → Repair).
  2. Run the game as Administrator and allow EAC through antivirus.
  3. Verify the game files, then relaunch.
Crash on launch / black screen The game won't start

Cause: Outdated GPU drivers, missing runtimes, or an overlay conflict.

Fix:
  1. Update GPU drivers and install Visual C++ / DirectX.
  2. Verify/repair the game files.
  3. Disable overlays (Discord, Steam, GeForce Experience) and run as Administrator.
Download / update stuck The patch won't finish

Cause: A corrupted download cache or a blocked connection to the content servers.

Fix:
  1. Pause and resume the download; restart the launcher.
  2. Clear the download cache and free up disk space.
  3. Allow the launcher through firewall/antivirus and switch download region if available.

Fixes that work for most The First Descendant (PC, PS5 & Xbox) errors

  1. Check the game's server status first (official status page, or the studio's support/Twitter) — most named connection errors are a maintenance window or outage, and no local fix will help until servers are back.
  2. Restart the game and your PC/console, and power-cycle your router — a fresh connection clears the majority of temporary login and connection errors.
  3. On PC, allow the game and its launcher through your firewall and antivirus, and disable any VPN or proxy — these block the authentication handshake behind many 'can't connect' codes.
  4. Flush your DNS (Command Prompt: ipconfig /flushdns) or switch to a public DNS like 8.8.8.8 / 1.1.1.1 if the game can't reach its servers.
  5. Verify/repair the game files (Steam: Properties → Installed Files → Verify; Battle.net/Epic/launcher: Scan and Repair) if the error points at a corrupted install or update.

FAQ

How do I fix the 'disconnected from server' error in The First Descendant?

First check the official server status for maintenance. If servers are up, restart the game and power-cycle your router (use a wired connection), disable any VPN or proxy, and allow the game through your firewall.

How do I fix the Easy Anti-Cheat error in The First Descendant?

Repair Easy Anti-Cheat by running the EAC installer in the game folder and choosing Repair, run the game as Administrator, allow EAC through your antivirus, and verify the game files before relaunching.

Other games