Failed to connect to instance

Subject: Persistent "Failed to connect to instance" disconnects when changing zones / entering boss arenas.


Hello GGG Support Team,

I am writing to report a technical issue I've been experiencing for the past few days. I've tried all standard troubleshooting steps, and the problem persists, so I believe it may be related to server-side issues or routing problems with specific instance servers.

System Information:
Game Version: 3.28.0c (Steam version)

OS: Windows 11 Build 26200

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Driver Version: 32.0.15.9159)

Render Mode: DirectX 12 (also tried DX11 and Vulkan)

Installation Path: C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam/steamapps/common/Path of Exile.


Problem Description:
I am experiencing random disconnects when changing zones, specifically when:

Entering boss arenas (e.g., "Crux of Nothingness" / The King in the Mists encounter)

Sometimes when entering my Hideout or returning to town

The game freezes during the loading screen, then kicks me back to the login screen with no specific error message. The issue has been occurring for two consecutive days and is highly reproducible when attempting certain zone transitions.




Troubleshooting Steps Already Taken:
I have systematically tried the following solutions, none of which resolved the issue:

Game Files & Installation:
Verified integrity of game files through Steam (no issues found)

Completely uninstalled and re-installed Path of Exile

Manually deleted all ShaderCache folders from %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Path of Exile\

Cleared Steam download cache

Network & Connectivity:
Used multiple VPN services (different providers, different regions) — issue persisted, indicating it's not a simple local routing problem

Temporarily disabled Windows Firewall and all antivirus software

Changed network mode in-game (Lockstep ↔ Predictive)

Tried different gateways in the launcher (Auto, Moscow, Frankfurt, London)

Restarted router/modem multiple times

Checked for packet loss — none detected

Graphics & Drivers:
Switched renderer between DirectX 12, DirectX 11, and Vulkan

Updated NVIDIA graphics drivers to the latest version

Rolled back to previous driver version (tested)

Disabled all upscaling technologies (DLSS, FSR)

System-Level:
Run the game as administrator

Added exceptions for Path of Exile in antivirus/firewall

Checked for Windows updates (fully updated)

Monitored system resources during gameplay — no overheating, no memory leaks, CPU/GPU usage normal



Why I Believe This Is Not a Local Issue:
VPN did not help — This suggests the problem lies beyond my local network and ISP routing, possibly at the server level or deep within the backbone.

Specific servers are problematic — I can consistently connect to some instance servers (109.200.195.13 worked many times), while others (109.200.195.28) fail or are highly unstable. This points to specific server nodes being overloaded or misconfigured.

Shader compilation warnings — The [WARN] messages at startup about missing effect graph nodes may indicate corrupted game assets on the CDN side, not just local files (since reinstallation didn't fix them).

Pattern of disconnects — The issue only occurs during zone transitions, particularly when loading new areas with heavy graphical assets (boss arenas). This suggests a server-side timeout or failure during the instance creation process.


Request for Assistance:
Could you please investigate the following:

The stability and configuration of instance servers in the 109.200.195.x range, particularly:

109.200.195.28 (failed connection)

109.200.195.13 (intermittent failure)

Whether the shader compilation warnings (Failed to create effect graph node) indicate a known issue with the current patch (3.28.0c) that could be causing instability during zone loading.

Any known server-side issues affecting players in my region (Russia) connecting to certain instance servers.

I have attached my full Client.txt log file for reference. Please let me know if you need any additional information or diagnostic files.




Attachments: Client.txt (full log file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-qMI75lWtRGvrlvk44z_FQCh74p4U0i5/view?usp=sharing