Rust EAC Disconnected: Network and DNS Troubleshooting
Fix Rust EAC Disconnected and network DNS errors by checking Steam launch, EAC connectivity, DNS cache and firewall settings.
Being disconnected from Rust doesn't always mean there's a problem with your account.
Sometimes the game cannot establish or maintain the connection needed to verify Easy Anti-Cheat.
Facepunch has documented specific network-related EAC errors.
What Does EAC Disconnected Mean?
Facepunch explains that the message can appear when the game cannot communicate with Easy Anti-Cheat's backend servers.
As a result, the Rust server cannot verify that EAC is running correctly.
The game then disconnects the player.
Start Rust Through Steam
Facepunch recommends launching Rust from the Steam Library.
Launching directly from the game folder may prevent EAC from loading normally.
Close Rust and restart it through Steam before trying more advanced changes.
Check EAC Connectivity
Facepunch documents EAC communication through normal HTTP and HTTPS connections.
Its support article references `client.easyanticheat.net` and ports 80 and 443.
Check whether legitimate firewall or security rules are blocking the connection.
Do not disable your firewall completely without understanding the security implications.
What Is Network DNS Error?
Facepunch also documents a separate Network DNS Error involving failure to resolve an EAC download address.
The problem concerns domain-name resolution.
One recommended troubleshooting step is clearing the local DNS cache.
How to Clear the Windows DNS Cache
Open Command Prompt and enter:
`ipconfig /flushdns`
Then restart Rust normally.
This clears cached DNS resolver information.
It does not remove account bans or change hardware identifiers.
What About Steam Auth Timeout?
Steam Auth Timeout is a separate authentication category involving Steam's validation of login information.
If the message identifies Steam rather than EAC, check Steam service availability and restart Steam.
Do not assume the two messages have identical causes.
Is EAC Disconnected a Ban?
No.
An EAC connection failure is different from an explicit EAC Banned notification.
Conclusion
Rust EAC Disconnected and Network DNS Error should be investigated through normal connection, Steam and DNS troubleshooting.
The exact error message determines which steps are relevant.
Official resources:
https://support.facepunchstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/214240585-EAC-Disconnected
https://support.facepunchstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/214240645-Network-DNS-Error
See also: Authentication Timeout.