ME3: "Connecting to EA servers" error

ME3: "Connecting to EA servers" error

Hi atomsmurf_norway,

Understood. Transitioning ME3 instances across different distribution platforms (Xbox Game Pass PC, EA app, and now Steam) can occasionally surface backend connectivity discrepancies with the EA server infrastructure. The persistent "Connecting to EA servers" state strongly suggests an issue within the authentication or initial handshake process between your client and the EA/BioWare online services.

Given your prior successful engagements with the EA app and Game Pass versions, this points towards a potential conflict or data persistence issue arising from the Steam integration. Here are a few targeted troubleshooting steps, ranging from client-side cache management to network stack considerations:

Clear EA Service Cache: Residual data from previous installations can sometimes interfere.

Ensure both the EA app and Steam clients are completely terminated (verify via Task Manager to ensure no background processes are running).

Press Win + R, type %ProgramData%\Electronic Arts\EA Services and press Enter.
Delete the License folder within this directory.

Similarly, press Win + R, type %temp% and press Enter. Delete all temporary files in this folder (skip any that are in use).

Reboot your system and attempt to launch ME3 via Steam again.

Clean EA App Reinstallation: A corrupted EA app installation, or conflicts arising from multiple installations over time, can be a factor.

Consider using a third-party uninstaller tool (like Revo Uninstaller's freeware version) to perform a more thorough removal of the EA app, ensuring leftover registry entries and files are cleaned.

Download and install the latest version of the EA app directly from the official EA website.
Test ME3 launch via Steam.

Network Configuration Check: While you mentioned a working connection previously, it's worth a quick review.

Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy services you might be running.

Perform a router power cycle (unplug for 60 seconds).

Ensure your firewall (Windows Firewall or third-party) is not explicitly blocking outbound connections for ME3, the EA app, or Steam. You may need to add exceptions for their executables.

Verify Game File Integrity via Steam: Although the game launches, core file discrepancies can sometimes cause issues with online components.

In your Steam Library, right-click on Mass Effect 3.

Select Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files....

Allow Steam to complete the process and re-download any necessary files.

EA App/Origin Overlay: There have been historical reports of conflicts with the in-game overlay when launching EA titles through Steam.

Within the EA app settings, try disabling the in-game overlay.

Similarly, disable the Steam in-game overlay for Mass Effect 3 (Right-click ME3 in Steam Library > Properties > General > Uncheck Enable the Steam overlay while in-game).

Check EA Server Status: While less likely to cause a permanent "Connecting" state and more likely a direct "Server Offline" message, it's a quick check.

Visit the official EA Help website or check their social media channels (@EAHelp on Twitter) for any service status updates or ongoing maintenance affecting ME3 servers.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may indicate a more specific account-related flag or a deeper interaction problem between your EA account entitlements and the Steam version's validation process.

In that scenario, engaging directly with EA Support with details of your previous ME3 ownership on
other platforms and the current issue would be the most effective next step for a targeted resolution.

Please let us know if any of these steps prove effective or if you require further assistance.

Best regards,