If you’re a gamer, especially if you play titles like League of Legends, Valorant, or any other Riot Games product, you’ve probably encountered a frustrating message saying, “Web server is returning an unknown error.” It’s one of those annoying issues that can pop up out of nowhere, leaving you confused and unable to play. I’ve been there myself, staring at that cryptic error message and wondering what went wrong. But fear not! I’m here to help you understand what this error means, why it occurs, and most importantly, how to fix it so you can get back to your game without any hassle.
In this blog, we’ll break down the possible reasons behind the “web server is returning an unknown error” message, share some solutions, and offer advice on how to prevent it from happening again. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just someone who wants to get back into their game quickly, this guide will have something for you.
1. What Does “Web Server is Returning an Unknown Error” Mean?
At first glance, the phrase “web server is returning an unknown error” may sound pretty technical, but it’s actually a fairly common issue with Riot Games’ online services. Essentially, this error is telling you that something went wrong with the connection between your computer and Riot’s servers. The web server (which handles online requests) is failing to process the request properly, and instead of the usual response, it’s just throwing back an unknown error.
The first time I saw this message, I couldn’t believe it. I was in the middle of an intense League of Legends match, and suddenly, I was disconnected. I checked my internet connection, restarted my game, and even rebooted my PC, but nothing worked. After a bit of digging, I found that this issue wasn’t just me—it was a common occurrence for many players. While frustrating, understanding that this wasn’t my fault gave me some relief.
2. Why Does This Error Happen?
There are several reasons why you might encounter this issue. Some of the most common causes include:
-
Riot Server Issues: Sometimes, Riot’s servers experience high traffic or technical difficulties, which can cause delays or errors when trying to connect. These server issues are usually temporary and resolve on their own.
-
Internet Connection Problems: If your internet connection is unstable or slow, it can interfere with your connection to Riot’s servers, leading to the unknown error message.
-
Outdated Game Files: If your game client is out of date or corrupted, you may face issues when trying to connect to Riot’s servers. Riot Games often releases patches and updates that you need to install for smooth gameplay.
-
Firewall or Antivirus Blockage: Occasionally, your firewall or antivirus software might mistakenly block Riot’s servers, thinking they’re suspicious. This can also trigger the error message.
I personally ran into this issue a few times during high-traffic periods, such as after a major patch release. During these times, it seemed like Riot’s servers were overloaded, and I would get the “unknown error” message more frequently. I’ve also had issues with my antivirus software blocking the connection, and once I adjusted the settings, everything worked fine again.
3. How to Fix the “Web Server is Returning an Unknown Error” Message
Here are some steps you can take to resolve this frustrating issue:
A. Check Riot’s Server Status
The first thing you should do is check if there’s an issue with Riot’s servers. Sometimes the error is on their end, and you’ll just have to wait for them to fix it. You can check the official Riot Games server status page, or follow them on Twitter for updates. If it’s a widespread issue, Riot usually posts about it right away.
B. Restart Your Internet Connection
If the issue is related to your internet connection, restarting your router or switching to a different network might help. A weak or unstable connection can cause problems with connecting to Riot’s servers. I’ve found that a simple router reset can sometimes fix the problem when the connection is acting up.
C. Update or Repair Game Files
Make sure your game client is fully updated. If there’s an update available, it’s important to install it to avoid potential errors. If you’re having trouble with updates, try using Riot’s repair tool to fix corrupted game files. This is something I’ve used many times in the past when my game client was having issues, and it usually works like a charm.
D. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
If your firewall or antivirus is blocking the connection, you can try temporarily disabling it to see if it resolves the issue. Make sure to re-enable it after testing to keep your computer secure. I remember one time, I had to allow League of Legends through my firewall settings, and once I did, the error went away instantly.
E. Clear DNS Cache
Sometimes, your DNS (Domain Name System) cache can cause connection problems. If clearing the cache fixes the issue, you’ll be able to reconnect without seeing the error again. It sounds a bit complicated, but I found a simple guide online, and after following it, the error was gone.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if the error keeps happening?
If the error persists even after trying the basic fixes, it’s best to contact Riot Games support. They can provide further troubleshooting steps or check if there are any known issues affecting players.
2. How do I know if Riot’s servers are down?
You can check the Riot Games server status page for updates on any server outages or issues. They also post updates on social media, especially Twitter, in case of a large-scale problem.
3. Could this error be caused by my ISP?
Yes, sometimes your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can cause connectivity issues that affect your ability to connect to Riot’s servers. If other online services are working fine, but you’re having issues with Riot games, it’s worth contacting your ISP to check if there are any network issues.
4. Will reinstalling the game fix the problem?
Reinstalling the game might help if the problem is related to corrupted game files. However, it’s usually a good idea to try other troubleshooting steps, like updating or repairing the client, before going down the reinstall route.
Conclusion: Don’t Let the Error Stop Your Fun!
Running into a “web server is returning an unknown error” in League of Legends or Valorant can definitely be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can quickly resolve it and get back into the game. Whether it’s a server issue on Riot’s end, a problem with your internet connection, or something on your computer, there are several fixes that should get you back on track. Remember to stay patient and troubleshoot step by step. The most important thing is not to give up. With these fixes in hand, you’ll be ready to dive back into your favorite Riot Games without any more interruptions. Happy gaming!
