If you’re seeing a “Network Error” message in The Last Caretaker while launching or connecting to the game, don’t panic. Although The Last Caretaker is primarily a single-player game, it may still connect to online services (for updates, cloud saves, or authentication).
A network-related error usually means the game cannot communicate properly with its servers or dependencies — but the good news is that it’s often easy to fix.
This guide covers all possible causes and provides step-by-step solutions to fix network or connection errors in The Last Caretaker on Steam, Epic Games, or PC Game Pass.
⚙️ Common Causes
Network errors in The Last Caretaker may happen due to:
- Temporary server outages or maintenance
- Firewall or antivirus blocking the game
- Corrupted network cache or DNS issues
- Unstable internet or VPN interference
- Outdated Steam / Epic Games client
🧩 Fix 1: Check Internet Connection
Start with the basics — ensure your internet connection is stable.
Steps:
- Test your connection by visiting any website or using a speed test tool (like speedtest.net).
- If using Wi-Fi, switch to a wired Ethernet connection.
- Restart your router/modem.
- If you’re on a shared network, ensure no other device is consuming heavy bandwidth.
✅ Result: Confirms your internet is active and stable.
🧠 Fix 2: Check for Game Server or Platform Issues
Although The Last Caretaker is single-player, it might briefly connect to servers for updates or verification.
Steps:
- Visit the official Steam Status page: https://steamstat.us
- Check if there’s a maintenance or outage notice.
- Check The Last Caretaker’s official X (Twitter) or Discord for any downtime announcements.
✅ Result: Determines if the issue is on the developer’s or Steam’s end.
🧱 Fix 3: Disable Firewall or Allow the Game
Windows Firewall or antivirus software can mistakenly block The Last Caretaker from accessing the network.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
control firewall.cpl, and hit Enter. - Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
- Find and allow both “The Last Caretaker” and “Steam” for Private and Public networks.
- If you use a third-party antivirus (like Avast, Bitdefender, or Kaspersky), add the game’s installation folder as an exception.
✅ Result: Grants the game full network access, resolving blocked connections.
🧩 Fix 4: Flush DNS and Reset Network Cache
Corrupted DNS or cached data can cause persistent connection failures.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Terminal (Admin).
- Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset - Restart your PC.
✅ Result: Clears network cache and resets all connection settings to default.
🔌 Fix 5: Turn Off VPN or Proxy
VPNs or proxies can interfere with authentication or content delivery.
Steps:
- If you’re using a VPN (NordVPN, ProtonVPN, etc.), disable it temporarily.
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy.
- Turn off “Use a proxy server.”
✅ Result: Allows direct connection between the game and its platform (Steam/Epic).
🧰 Fix 6: Verify Game Files
Corrupted or missing files can trigger false “network” errors when the launcher can’t validate the game.
On Steam:
- Open Steam → Library → The Last Caretaker.
- Click Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for the process to complete and re-launch the game.
On Epic Games Launcher:
- Go to Library → The Last Caretaker → three dots (…) → Manage.
- Click Verify.
✅ Result: Repairs damaged game files that may cause startup errors.
🔄 Fix 7: Update the Game and Launcher
Outdated versions of the game or Steam/Epic client can cause failed handshakes with servers.
Steps:
- Open Steam / Epic Games Launcher.
- Check for updates to both the game and launcher.
- Restart your PC after updating.
✅ Result: Ensures all online validation components are compatible and up-to-date.
⚙️ Fix 8: Run the Game as Administrator
Running The Last Caretaker without permission may block it from accessing network components.
Steps:
- Right-click on the game’s shortcut or EXE file.
- Click Properties → Compatibility.
- Check Run this program as an administrator.
- Apply and restart the game.
✅ Result: Grants full system and network access to the game.
🧩 Fix 9: Temporarily Disable Windows Defender SmartScreen
Sometimes, Windows’ built-in protection may block online verification requests.
Steps:
- Open Windows Security → App & browser control.
- Click Reputation-based protection settings.
- Turn off SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps (temporarily).
- Launch the game again.
✅ Result: Allows the game’s launcher to connect freely.
(You can re-enable SmartScreen afterward for safety.)
💡 Additional Tips
- Avoid public Wi-Fi; use a private or home network.
- If using Epic Games Launcher, try clearing the web cache from Settings → Clear Cache.
- Restart your PC and router after any network change.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Is The Last Caretaker online or multiplayer?
A: No, The Last Caretaker is a single-player game. However, it may use limited network connectivity for updates or save sync.
Q2: Can I play offline?
A: Yes — once the game is verified by the launcher, you can play it completely offline.
Q3: Does disabling firewall or antivirus permanently affect my PC?
A: No, you can disable them temporarily to test the fix and re-enable afterward.
Q4: What if I still get the error after trying all fixes?
A: Reinstall the game or contact official support via Steam or the publisher’s help center.
🎯 Conclusion
Even though The Last Caretaker is a single-player experience, it may still encounter network errors due to connectivity, security, or launcher verification issues.
By following the steps in this guide — checking your internet, allowing the game through the firewall, flushing DNS, and verifying files — you can quickly resolve the problem and get back to exploring the world of The Last Caretaker without interruptions.
