5 Ways to Fix EAC File Integrity Violation in Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves, the swashbuckling pirate adventure from Rare, can be a blast—until you’re greeted by the dreaded “EAC File Integrity Violation” error. This error, caused by Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) detecting discrepancies in your game files, can be frustrating, especially when you’re itching to set sail. But fear not, matey! This comprehensive guide will walk you through five effective methods to fix the EAC File Integrity Violation and get you back on the high seas.

Understanding the EAC File Integrity Violation

Before we dive into solutions, let’s understand the culprit: Easy Anti-Cheat. EAC is a security system integrated into Sea of Thieves to prevent cheating and ensure fair play. It constantly scans your game files for any modifications or unauthorized changes. When EAC detects a discrepancy, it triggers the “File Integrity Violation” error, preventing you from launching the game. This error can stem from various causes:

• Corrupted Game Files: Download interruptions, system crashes, or even hardware issues can corrupt game files, leading to EAC flagging them as compromised.

• Outdated Game or EAC: Running outdated versions of Sea of Thieves or EAC itself can cause compatibility issues and trigger the error.

• Third-Party Software Interference: Some antivirus programs, overlays, or mods might conflict with EAC, causing it to mistakenly identify legitimate files as modified.

• Insufficient Permissions: If Sea of Thieves or EAC lacks the necessary permissions to access or modify files, it can result in integrity violations. Method 1: Verify Game Files Integrity (Steam)

The most common and often effective solution is to verify the integrity of your game files through Steam. This process checks your installed files against the original ones on Steam’s servers and replaces any corrupted or missing files.

1. Launch Steam and navigate to your Library.
2. Right-click on “Sea of Thieves” and select “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Local Files” tab.
4. Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files…”
5. Steam will automatically scan and repair any corrupted files. This process might take some time depending on your internet speed and the size of the game.

Method 2: Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat

Sometimes, EAC itself might be the source of the problem. Reinstalling it can resolve potential issues:

1. Navigate to your Sea of Thieves installation folder. This is typically located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Sea of Thieves.
2. Locate the “EasyAntiCheat” folder and delete it.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Launch Sea of Thieves through Steam. EAC will automatically reinstall itself upon launch.

Method 3: Run Sea of Thieves as Administrator

Insufficient permissions can sometimes trigger EAC errors. Running the game as an administrator ensures it has the necessary access to all files:

1. Right-click on the Sea of Thieves shortcut or executable file.
2. Select “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
4. Check the box “Run this program as an administrator.”
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

Method 4: Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall

While crucial for security, antivirus software and firewalls can sometimes interfere with EAC. Temporarily disabling them can help determine if they’re causing the issue:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software and firewall.
2. Launch Sea of Thieves and see if the error persists.
3. If the game launches successfully, add exceptions for Sea of Thieves and EAC in your antivirus and firewall settings.

Method 5: Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated system files or drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues with EAC. Ensuring your system is up-to-date can resolve these problems:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
3. Visit your hardware manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card and other components.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Check for Mods: If you’re using mods, try disabling them temporarily to see if they’re causing the issue.

• Reinstall Sea of Thieves: As a last resort, consider reinstalling the game entirely. This will ensure a clean installation and potentially resolve any underlying file issues.

• Contact Rare Support: If none of the above methods work, reach out to Rare’s support team for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error message and the steps you’ve already taken.