Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, released in 2024, quickly gained popularity due to its vast character lineup and dynamic 3D battles.

However, many players face a frustrating issue: the “connection timeout error.” This error disrupts online gameplay by disconnecting users from servers, often causing lost progress.

In this article, we’ll explain the causes and present a comprehensive list of fixes using practical steps and techniques.

What Is the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Connection Timeout Error?

The connection timeout error in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero occurs when the game fails to maintain a stable connection with its online servers. The system displays the message: “A communication error occurred due to a connection timeout.” This prevents players from participating in online battles or completing game sessions.

Online gaming relies on constant data exchanges between the player’s device and the game server. If these data packets are delayed or lost, the server terminates the connection, resulting in the timeout error.

Why Does Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Display a Connection Timeout Error?

This error often stems from a combination of network, software, and hardware factors. Key causes include:

• Network Instability: Weak Wi-Fi signals, high latency, or ISP-related disruptions.
• Corrupted Game Files: Misconfigured or corrupted files in the game’s configuration folder.
• FPS Unlock Settings: Customizing frame rates beyond the game’s default settings may cause synchronization issues.
• Outdated Software: Old network drivers, BIOS, or game versions affect performance.
• Firewall and Antivirus Restrictions: Overly strict security settings block the game’s access to the internet.
• Router and Modem Problems: Misconfigured or overloaded network devices.

Understanding the cause helps in selecting the right fix for the situation.

How to Fix Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Connection Timeout Error

Follow these steps to fix the issue, and I guarantee it will help; one of these solutions will work for you.

1. Delete the Engine File/Config Folder

When configuration files become corrupted, the game may struggle to maintain server communication. Deleting these files prompts the game to recreate them with default settings. This can often resolve communication errors linked to corrupted or outdated configurations. To perform this fix, open File Explorer using Windows + E and navigate to the following directory:

• Open File Explorer and go to:C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\SparkingZERO\Saved\Config\Windows
• Locate the Engine.ini file or the entire Config folder.
• Delete the file or folder.
• Restart the game to apply the changes.Be aware that this action will erase any customized game settings.

2. Remove FPS Unlock Settings

Frame rate modifications can interfere with the server’s expected behavior, especially when the game’s FPS limit is removed. Restoring the default settings can help maintain stable server communication. To remove the FPS unlock settings:

• Open the Config folder and access the Engine.ini file using a text editor.
• Locate any lines under [script/engine.engine] that mention FrameRateLimit.
• Remove these lines.
• Save the file and restart the game.

Restoring default FPS settings ensures better synchronization with the servers.

3. Lower the Lobby Time Limit

Extended lobby times may increase the chance of disconnections due to server timeouts. Reducing the time limit can improve server synchronization. Follow these steps:

• Open the game.
• Access Room Settings.
• Adjust the time limit from 600 to 360 or 180.
• Confirm the changes and restart the game.

A shorter lobby time minimizes server communication delays.

4. Clear Cache and Temporary Files

Temporary files accumulate over time and can become corrupted, impacting game performance. Clearing these files helps refresh the game’s performance and may resolve connectivity issues. To clear cache and temporary files:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type %temp% and press Enter.
• Select all files in the folder.
• Delete the selected files.
• Restart the computer to clear residual cached data.

5. Verify Game Files (Steam Users)

Corrupt or missing game files can lead to connectivity issues. Verifying game files ensures that damaged or incomplete files are detected and replaced. For Steam users, follow these steps:

• Open Steam.
• Go to the Library.
• Right-click on Dragon Ball Sparking Zero.
• Select Properties.
• Navigate to Installed Files.
• Choose Verify integrity of game files.

Once the process completes, restart the game.

6. Change DNS Settings to Google DNS

Slow or unreliable DNS servers contribute to network instability. Switching to Google DNS can enhance network performance by providing faster and more reliable DNS resolution. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open Control Panel.
• Go to Network and Sharing Center.
• Click on the active network connection.
• Select Properties.
• Open Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
• Enter 8.8.8.8 as the Preferred DNS and 8.8.4.4 as the Alternate DNS.
• Apply the changes and restart the game.

7. Restart Router and Modem

Network devices may malfunction after long periods of use due to overheating, signal interference, or accumulated network errors. Restarting the router and modem can often resolve these issues.

To do this, turn off both devices, wait for about five minutes to allow complete disconnection, and then power them back on.

This process clears cached network data and re-establishes the connection with the service provider, potentially fixing the communication timeout error.

8. Reset TCP/IP Stack

Resetting the stack reverts the network protocol to its default configuration. To reset the TCP/IP stack:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run these commands:netsh int ip reset
  ipconfig /release
  ipconfig /renew
  ipconfig /flushdns

• Restart your computer.

9. Enable QoS for Gaming

Quality of Service (QoS) settings allow users to prioritize gaming traffic over other network activities. Enabling QoS helps maintain consistent communication with game servers. Here’s what to do:

• Open your web browser.
• Access the router’s interface by entering the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• Find the QoS Settings section.
• Add Dragon Ball Sparking Zero or the gaming device’s IP address to the High Priority category.
• Save the settings.
• Restart the router.

10. Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers disrupt communication with servers by affecting how the system manages network traffic. Updating network drivers can help maintain reliable server connections. Follow these instructions:

• Open Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click the network adapter.
• Select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers.

After the update completes, restart your computer.

11. Update BIOS

The BIOS governs fundamental hardware communication, and outdated versions may cause disconnections. Identify the motherboard model, visit the manufacturer’s website, and download the latest BIOS update. Follow official installation instructions carefully and back up critical files before proceeding.

12. Disable Power-Saving Mode for Network Adapter

Power-saving settings reduce network performance to conserve energy, potentially disrupting game connectivity. To disable power-saving mode:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Locate and right-click on the network adapter.
3. Select Properties.
4. Go to the Power Management tab.
5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
6. Click OK.

13. Allow Game Through Windows Firewall

Firewall settings can block game traffic if improperly configured. Allowing the game through the firewall helps restore server communication. Follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Navigate to Firewall & network protection.
3. Click Allow an app through firewall.
4. Locate SparkingZERO.exe.
5. Grant permission for both public and private networks.

14. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Antivirus software might block game traffic by mistakenly flagging it as suspicious activity. Temporarily disabling it can determine whether it’s the source of the problem. Steps to follow:

• Open the antivirus application.
• Find the real-time protection setting.
• Turn off real-time protection.
• Launch the game to check if the error persists.

If the game works without issues, add SparkingZERO.exe as an exception in the antivirus settings.

15. Reinstall the Game

If the error persists after trying other fixes, reinstalling the game may help by replacing corrupted files. To reinstall the game:

• Uninstall Dragon Ball Sparking Zero from your system.
• Restart the computer.
• Download and reinstall the game from the official platform.

Reinstallation ensures that all files are intact and properly configured.

Preventing Future Connection Timeout Errors

To avoid recurring timeout errors, it is essential to follow some best practices.

• Update drivers and game patches regularly.
• Use a wired connection for better stability.
• Clear temporary files to maintain performance.
• Avoid unauthorized modifications.
• Restart network equipment periodically.

Conclusion

The connection timeout error in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero can disrupt the gaming experience, but it is manageable with the right troubleshooting steps.

By addressing potential causes—ranging from network settings to corrupted files—players can restore stable, lag-free online gameplay.

If the issue persists, contacting the game’s support team may provide additional guidance. Share your experiences and let us know which solution worked for you.