Image: Respawn Entertainment

What happens when the referee is out of service? We get ourselves locked out of Apex Legends, that’s what happens. Here is how to fix the Anti Cheat error in Apex Legends.

Apex Legends: What is the Anti Cheat Error?

While you might expect issues related directly to the game to pop out occasionally and hinder your ability to play it properly, have you heard about an Anti Cheat system failing to run and preventing you from playing the game? Well, this error has been happening and appearing on Apex Legends players’ screens for quite a while now. This one is annoying given the need to run an additional piece of software to enjoy your battle royal matches. Well, thankfully the error is pretty much self-explanatory – it involves the Anti Cheat software not being able to work properly – and there are many things you can attempt to overcome it. Here is how to fix the Anti Cheat error in Apex Legends:

Apex Legends: How to Fix the Anti Cheat Error

  • Repair EasyAntiCheat. While at your Steam library, right-click on the game, hover to Manage, and click on Browse Local Files. Once you are in the game’s files directory, locate and open the EasyAntiCheat folder and run the EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe. A new window will open and all you need to do is click Repair Service.
  • Run Apex Legends and EasyAntiCheat as administrator. Once again, right-click on the game, Manage, and then click on Browse Local Files. This time, right-click on “EasyAntiCheat_launcher.exe“, select Properties, then Compatibility Tab and check the box that says “Run this program as an administrator.” Do the same thing for “r5apex.exe“, which is the game.
  • Verify integrity of the files. Locate the game in your Steam Library, right-click on it, and select Properties. Go to the Local Files tab and click on “Verify integrity of game files“. This will make sure to fix any files that may have become corrupted.
  • Disable your firewall or antivirus software. Both of these may be preventing your game from connecting to the internet, which for an MMO is a big deal. Disable them or add both Apex Legends and EasyAntiCheat as exceptions.
  • Close any background applications. If you are running several game launchers, a decent amount of Chrome tabs, or you are even downloading a game, this all could be preventing the Anti Cheat system from working. Close any background applications or processes you are not using by pressing Control + Shift + Escape and opening up the Task Manager.
Apex Legends Anti Cheat Repair Service
Image: Attack of the Fanboy

Related: How to fix Apex Legends cross progression not working

Go ahead and fix your Anti Cheat software by following the steps above. More often than not, the first two steps will suffice, since they address the problem directly. If you are having issues with this matter, check the EA Help page for Apex Legends and report your case.

Be sure to check out more Apex Legends pieces here.