Riot 185 Error – Complete Guide: Causes, Fixes & Solutions

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by

Himanshu
in ,

Riot Games, the developer behind League of Legends, VALORANT, and other popular titles, occasionally experiences server or client issues that frustrate players. One such recurring problem is the Riot 185 Error, which can prevent players from logging in, connecting to servers, or even playing matches.

In this guide, we’ll explore what the 185 error is, why it occurs, how to fix it, and what Riot Games can do to prevent it.

What is Riot 185 Error?

The 185 error is a connection or authentication error in Riot’s client that typically occurs when the client fails to communicate with Riot servers.

Common symptoms include:

  • Unable to log in to Riot Games client
  • “185 Error” message appears on login
  • Connection fails during game launch
  • Intermittent crashes or session drops

Causes of Riot 185 Error

1. Server-Side Problems

  • Riot’s servers may be down due to maintenance or outages.
  • Regional server issues can prevent authentication.

2. Client Authentication Issues

  • Corrupted login tokens or outdated client files can trigger the 185 error.
  • Failed updates may also cause login problems.

3. Network Restrictions

  • VPNs, proxies, or ISP restrictions may block the Riot client from connecting.
  • Strict firewall rules can prevent authentication requests.

4. Corrupt Game Files

  • Missing or corrupted files in the Riot client can prevent login and server communication.

How to Fix Riot 185 Error

While server issues require Riot’s intervention, players can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Restart Client & PC

  • Close the Riot client completely.
  • Restart your computer to refresh network settings.

2. Check Riot Server Status

  • Visit Riot Games Server Status to confirm if servers are down.
  • Wait for maintenance or server fixes if issues are reported.

3. Disable VPN or Proxy

  • VPNs and proxies can interfere with Riot client connections.
  • Temporarily disable these and retry logging in.

4. Repair the Game Client

  • Riot client includes a Repair Tool:
    • Open client → Settings → Repair.
  • This fixes corrupted or missing files.

5. Configure Firewall & Antivirus

  • Allow Riot client through Windows Firewall.
  • Ensure your antivirus is not blocking Riot client connections.

6. Use a Stable Internet Connection

  • A slow or unstable network can trigger authentication errors.
  • Prefer wired connections for consistent performance.

Why Riot Needs to Fix the 185 Error

The 185 error is not just an inconvenience — it affects:

  • Competitive Integrity: Players may miss ranked matches or tournaments due to login issues.
  • Player Trust: Frequent errors frustrate loyal players and can reduce engagement.
  • Revenue Streams: Issues that prevent game access can impact microtransactions in games like VALORANT.
  • Community Satisfaction: Players often report 185 errors on Reddit, Twitter, and support forums. Prompt fixes improve community trust.

Quick Fix Table

StepActionPurpose
1Restart client & PCRefresh connection and network settings
2Check Riot server statusIdentify server-side outages
3Disable VPN/proxyEnsure direct connection to servers
4Repair clientFix corrupted or missing files
5Configure firewall/antivirusAllow Riot client to communicate
6Use stable internetAvoid connection drops

Tips to Prevent 185 Error

  • Keep your Riot client up to date.
  • Avoid connecting through unreliable VPNs.
  • Maintain a stable, fast internet connection.
  • Regularly check Riot server status before logging in.
  • Repair the client periodically to prevent corrupted files.

Conclusion

The Riot 185 Error is a frustrating login and connection issue affecting many players. While temporary workarounds exist — such as restarting the client, repairing files, and disabling VPNs — a permanent fix requires Riot Games to address server stability, client authentication, and network compatibility.

For competitive players, resolving this error quickly is critical to maintain game continuity and fairness.

Disclaimer

This guide is based on reviewed troubleshooting methods and community feedback. The author is not affiliated with Riot Games. Individual experiences may vary, and some issues may require Riot’s official support intervention.