If you are an avid gamer, you must be familiar with Steam, a popular platform that enables users to purchase and play games. However, just like any other online service, Steam is not immune to errors. One of the most common errors that Steam users encounter is the Steam Error Code 118. This error can be frustrating, especially if you are in the middle of a game and suddenly get disconnected from the server. Here, we will discuss what Steam Error Code 118 is, what causes it, and how to fix it.
What is Steam Error Code 118?
While receiving Steam Error Code 118, it will show the message as “Unable to connect the server, Server may be offline, or you may not be connected to the internet.” This error prevents users from accessing the Steam library and Store page for making additional purchases. Steam Error Code 118 is a server connectivity error that prevents users from accessing the Steam servers. The error is usually accompanied by the message “Unable to connect to the server. Server may be offline or you may not be connected to the internet.”
What Causes Steam Error Code 118?
Several factors can cause Steam Error Code 118. One of the most common reasons is a connectivity issue. If your internet connection is unstable or weak, you are likely to encounter this error. Another reason for this error is that the Steam servers may be undergoing maintenance, and as a result, they are temporarily unavailable. Additionally, Steam Error Code 118 can be caused by firewall or antivirus settings that prevent Steam from connecting to the server.
How to Fix Steam Error Code 118
Fixing Steam Error Code 118 is relatively easy. Here are some of the solutions you can try:
Solution 1: Check Your Internet Connection
The first thing you should do when you encounter Steam Error Code 118 is to check your internet connection. Ensure that you have a stable and strong internet connection. You can do this by trying to load a website in your browser. If your internet connection is weak, you can try resetting your router or modem.
Solution 2: Check Steam Server Status
The Steam servers may be undergoing maintenance, and as a result, they are temporarily unavailable. You can check the Steam server status by visiting the Steam website. If the servers are down, you need to wait for them to come back online.
Solution 3: Restart Your Router and Modem
If you are still facing the issue, try restarting your router and modem. Unplug them, wait for a few seconds, and then plug them back in. This will reset your network connection and may resolve the issue.
Solution 4: Disable Firewall and Antivirus
Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the Steam client from connecting to the servers. Try disabling them temporarily to see if it fixes the issue.
Solution 5: Change DNS Settings
Sometimes, changing your DNS settings can help fix connectivity issues. Try changing your DNS to Google DNS or OpenDNS.
Solution 6: Clear Steam Cache
Clearing the Steam cache can also help fix the issue. To do this, exit Steam, go to the Steam installation folder, and delete the “appcache” folder. Then, restart Steam and check if the issue is resolved.
Solution 7: Reinstall Steam
If none of the above methods work, you can try reinstalling Steam. Uninstall Steam and then download and install the latest version from the Steam website.
Conclusion
Steam Error Code 118 is a common issue that can occur when the Steam client is unable to connect to the Steam servers. However, it can be fixed by following the above methods. Ensure that your internet connection is stable, check the Steam server status, disable your firewall and antivirus, change your DNS settings, clear the Steam cache, or reinstall Steam. By following these methods, you can get rid of the Steam Error Code 118 and enjoy your gaming experience without any interruptions.