Elden Ring Error Code anticheat-1: How to Fix It

Medium 15-45 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
Summarize with ChatGPTSummarize with ClaudeSummarize with Perplexity Add as Preferred Source on Google
Error Code
anticheat-1
Brand
Elden Ring
Product Type
game
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
Elden Ring error code anticheat-1 means the game's Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) service is not running or has failed to initialize when you launch the game. Easy Anti-Cheat is required for Elden Ring to start, especially for online multiplayer, so the game will refuse to load until the issue is resolved. This is typically caused by a corrupted or missing EAC installation, a blocked service, or a software conflict on your PC.
Ad

Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code anticheat-1

  1. Launch Elden Ring Through the Correct Executable

  2. Verify Integrity of Game Files on Steam

  3. Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat Manually

    Run the EAC setup executable as administrator. Failing to do so may result in an incomplete installation.

  4. Run Steam and Elden Ring as Administrator

  5. Check That the EasyAntiCheat Service Is Running

  6. Add Elden Ring and EAC as Exceptions in Your Antivirus or Firewall

    Only add exceptions for trusted game files. Do not disable your antivirus entirely.

  7. Disable Conflicting Background Software

    Using cheat tools, memory editors, or unapproved mods with Easy Anti-Cheat active can result in a game ban. Remove all such software before launching.

  8. Update Windows and Visual C++ Redistributables

  9. Fully Uninstall and Reinstall Elden Ring

    Back up your save files before uninstalling. Save data is typically stored at: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\. Copy this folder to a safe location.
Ad

When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and Elden Ring still shows error anticheat-1, consider reaching out to Bandai Namco support or FromSoftware support directly through their official websites. You should also contact Easy Anti-Cheat support at easy.ac/en-us/support if you suspect a deeper system-level conflict. If Windows is severely corrupted or your security software is managed by an IT department (such as on a work computer), a system administrator or IT professional may need to adjust policies that are blocking EAC from running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Elden Ring keep showing error anticheat-1 even after reinstalling?
If the error persists after reinstalling the game, the most common causes are antivirus software blocking EAC files, insufficient administrator permissions, or a conflicting background application such as a VPN or overlay tool. Try running the EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe as administrator from inside the game folder, add the Elden Ring directory to your antivirus exclusions, and close all non-essential background apps before launching.
Can I play Elden Ring offline without Easy Anti-Cheat?
No. As of current versions, Easy Anti-Cheat is required to launch Elden Ring regardless of whether you intend to play online or offline. The game will not start without EAC running successfully. You must resolve the anticheat-1 error before you can play in any mode.
Will fixing the anticheat-1 error delete my Elden Ring save data?
Verifying game files or reinstalling Easy Anti-Cheat will not delete your save data. However, if you perform a full game uninstall and reinstall, save files stored locally may be at risk. Back up your save folder located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\ before doing a full reinstall. Steam Cloud saves may also preserve your progress automatically.
Does using mods cause the anticheat-1 error in Elden Ring?
Yes, certain mods — especially those that inject code or modify game memory — can trigger Easy Anti-Cheat to block the game from launching. If you have been using mods, remove all mod files, restore the original game files via Steam's 'Verify integrity of game files' feature, and ensure no mod loaders or trainers are running in the background before launching Elden Ring.
Is the anticheat-1 error a ban or is my account flagged?
The anticheat-1 error typically means Easy Anti-Cheat failed to start on your system — it does not by itself mean your account has been banned. If your account were banned, you would see a different error message specifically mentioning a ban. Follow the troubleshooting steps to get EAC running again, and your account access should be unaffected.

Related Error Codes