Lost Ark VPN usage and Authentication Failed error 10010

MMO ARPG Lost Ark, from Slimegate and Amazon Game Studio, got off to a massive start with its release in the West in February 2022. Since then, the game has continued to grow in stature in terms of updates and player base. It is, however, that same player base, where some of them use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to connect to the servers, who have been dealt a deadly blow.

Due to the fight against bots, which Lost Ark has a massive problem with, those using a VPN to enter Arkesia have been blocked. Here's what we know about this "fix" from the developers, and what the Authentication Failed error with code 10010 means.

Does Lost Ark work with a VPN? 

Lost Ark used to work via a VPN for those who happen to be in an unsupported region. This all changed on 30th April 2022 with a server-side update from the developers.

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To answer the question of "does Lost Ark work with a VPN" the answer is simply NO, not anymore it doesn't.

This is to combat bots that have been swarming the servers and even causing long queues for legitimate players. 

On Lost Ark's official forums, Community Manager Shadow_Fox addressed heroes of Arkesia, nothing that they have put blockers on VPN usage: "We have put blockers in place to prevent users from connecting to Lost Ark through VPN services. This is one of the steps we are taking combat botters, as it will help prevent them from being able to circumvent some of the restrictions we have in place and make it more difficult for them to connect to the game."

This is all to combat Lost Ark bots, and the developers noted that they understand some legitimate players have been using VPNs to play Lost Ark for other reasons. However, Amazon Games Terms of Service 463 (in section 5.2) notes: "You may not use any technology or technique to obscure or disguise your location."

The only good news for those who used a VPN to play Lost Ark in the past is that, while they can't connect anymore, they will not be banned for past VPN usage.

Finally, Community Manager Shadow_Fox noted that "We apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for your patience as we work to combat bots across the board."

Lost Ark Authentication Failed error 10010

With VPN usage to play Lost Ark being blocked, those who still use one and attempt to play Lost Ark will receive an Authentication Failed error with code 10010.

That's basically it, the error 10010 will show up for those trying to log in to Lost Ark using a VPN, and the only way to fix it is by disconnecting the service.

If you are running into the Lost ark Authentication Failed error 10010 and you are not using a VPN of any kind, we suggest you contact Lost Ark support for assistance. 

Many players are not happy about this change and note that bots are still busting into the Lost Ark servers with ease. Threads about the new VPN restrictions and error 10010 continue to pop up on the official forums.

It remains to be seen if another solution can be found to the bots issue. For now, players might struggle to get into Arkesia, and server queues are fluctuating wildly.

To summarize, Lost Ark's VPN usage has been blocked, meaning players can't use any type of VPN to play the game anymore. Those who try will receive the Authentication Failed error 10010 when trying to connect to the Lost Ark servers.

For more on the game, head over to our section dedicated to the latest Lost Ark news, tips, guides and more.

Featured Image courtesy of Smilegate / Amazon Games.