Ashes of Creation Unknown File Version Fix Guide
Running into an unknown file version error usually happens right after a patch or update. This guide explains why it happens and the exact fixes that have worked for most players.
How to Fix Unknown File Version in Ashes of Creation
The fastest and most reliable fix is, usually, verifying or fully redownloading the game.
This error almost always means your local files do not match the current server version, even if Steam says everything is updated.
What Causes the Unknown File Version Error
This issue shows up most often after a patch.
Steam sometimes applies updates incorrectly or mixes old Alpha files with the new Steam version. This is especially common if you played in earlier tests.
Fix 1 Simple PC Restart
It sounds basic, but it has worked.
Some updates do not finalize file access until a full reboot. If you updated recently, restart before doing anything else.
Fix 2 Verify Game Files in Steam
This should always be your first step.
Open Steam
Right click Ashes of Creation
Go to Properties
Open Installed Files
Click Verify integrity of game files
Let it fully complete
Restart Steam after it finishes
If a patch just went live, this often fixes the issue immediately.
Fix 3 Restart Steam and Check for Updates Again
Steam can get stuck thinking it is up to date.
Fully close Steam
Reopen Steam
Wait for any queued update to download
Launch the game again
This works when the update exists but did not apply correctly.
Fix 4 Remove Old Alpha Installations
This is critical if you played before Steam early access.
Old Alpha folders can conflict with the Steam build and cause pak file errors.
Uninstall Ashes of Creation from Steam
Manually delete the Ashes of Creation install folder
Check for any old Alpha or PTR folders and delete them
Restart your PC
Reinstall the game fresh through Steam
Many players confirmed this solved the issue instantly.
Fix 5 Full Reinstall as Last Resort
If verifying does not work, a full reinstall almost always does.
Uninstall the game
Restart your PC
Reinstall through Steam
Launch once download is fully complete
This fixes corrupted pak files like pakchunk200_s37.
Final Blurb
The unknown file version error in Ashes of Creation is almost always a patch mismatch or leftover file problem. Verifying files fixes most cases, and a clean reinstall fixes nearly all remaining ones. If you see gb-proxy you’ll want to make sure you reinstall, and if you played in older alphas, deleting old installs is the key step people miss.
FAQ
What does unknown file version mean
It means your local game files do not match the current server build.
Does verifying files always fix it
Often yes, but not if old Alpha files are still present.
Do I need to delete old Alpha versions
Yes, if you ever installed pre Steam builds.
Is this a server issue
No, it is a local file mismatch.
Is reinstalling safe
Yes, it does not affect your account or characters.
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