Fix Far Far West Could Not Connect to Evil Raptor Network

You are staring at a 'Could not connect to Evil Raptor network' error, and your game session just won't launch. It is frustrating when you just want to play, but this is usually caused by a handshake failure between your local network and the game servers.

Why this happens

The error typically stems from either live server outages, a blocked network handshake caused by your ISP or a VPN, or corrupted game files following a recent update.

What you'll need

You do not need any external tools, but you should have access to your network settings and Steam client.

Steps

1. 01
   Check the official Evil Raptor Discord or the Far Far West Steam store page announcements to confirm the game servers are actually online.
2. 02
   Bypass public matchmaking by opening your current session panel, copying the session code, or using Shift+Tab to invite friends directly via the Steam overlay.
3. 03
   Disable any active VPN software, as these frequently interfere with the game's network handshake.
4. 04
   Change your DNS settings by navigating to your network adapter properties, selecting Edit for DNS server assignment, and setting your preferred DNS to 1.1.1.1 and alternate to 1.0.0.1.
5. 05
   If you have mods installed, move all .pak files out of your game directory and test the game in vanilla mode to rule out desync issues.
6. 06
   In your Steam Library, right-click Far Far West, select Properties, go to Installed Files, and click Verify integrity of game files to repair any corrupted data.

Still not working?

If you are still seeing the error after verifying files, check your Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus logs to ensure the game has outbound permission. If the issue persists across different networks, there may be a deeper routing issue between your ISP and the game host, in which case a mobile hotspot connection can be used as a test.

Frequently asked questions

Does this error mean my game progress is lost?

No, this is purely a network handshake error. Your save files and progress remain safe on your machine.

Why does the game work with invite codes but not public matchmaking?

Public matchmaking relies on a broader list of game servers that are often more sensitive to network congestion and ISP filtering than direct peer-to-peer invites.