How to Fix 'A Communication Error Occurred' in Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero on PC

Few things are more frustrating for Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero fans than getting ready to launch into an intense online battle only to be sidelined by the notorious “A communication error occurred” message. While this title has generated major hype as the latest entry in the legendary Dragon Ball gaming saga, it’s also come with its share of connection headaches, particularly for Windows PC players. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through five confirmed ways to fix the Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero “A communication error occurred” error, critically examining why these solutions work, which pitfalls to avoid, and what players and developers still need to address.

Understanding the Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero Connection Error​

Modern fighting games like Sparkling Zero rely on robust online play, yet many players find their matches cut short by communication problems. Reports across forums—from Reddit to Steam community pages—consistently mention abrupt disconnects as soon as matches begin, with the game terminating play and surfacing the dreaded communication error. This has been particularly prominent after updates introduced new compatibility issues or when system settings aren’t aligned with the game’s requirements.
The reasons behind these errors are varied, but often involve network synchronization issues, misaligned game settings, or conflicts introduced by certain Windows builds—especially recently, with early users of the Windows 11 24H2 update noticing more disconnects. In essence, both software and system settings play a role.
Below, we break down the top five proven steps to fix this frustration, separating what’s verifiable from remedies that require more caution.

1. Turn Down the Time Limit in Room Settings​

Why It’s Recommended​

An oddly effective fix involves lowering the time limit in Sparkling Zero’s online room settings. Multiple player accounts confirm that reducing the Time option to 360 seconds, or even 180, resolves persistent disconnects during online matches.
How to Apply:

• Launch Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero.
• Navigate to Room Settings.
• Set the Time option to 360 seconds or lower.
• Apply and confirm the changes.

Technical Analysis​

This straightforward change influences how the game handles network synchronization. Games with unusually long time limits may encounter server mismatches or fail-safe disconnects if the connection drops even momentarily. By limiting the match duration, you reduce the game’s window for network instability, effectively sidestepping a bug in the game’s netcode.

Cross-reference​

User threads on Reddit, as well as posts on the official Steam discussions and detailed instructions from KeenGamer, support this fix. While Bandai Namco has not officially recognized this as a solution, community evidence is consistent and strong.

Risks and Limitations​

This workaround only alleviates the symptom—it doesn’t resolve underlying network issues or problematic code. For players seeking lengthier matches, this may intrude on enjoyment. However, for ranked or casual play, stability often takes priority.

2. Remove FPS Unlock (Delete Fixed Frame Rate Settings)​

Why It’s Recommended​

Another highly cited workaround involves removing any FPS cap or “unlock” settings from Sparkling Zero’s configuration files. Specifically, the Engine.ini file often holds override settings that can desynchronize the game client and server, triggering communication errors.
Step-by-step:

• Open the Run dialog (Windows + R) and type appdata.
• Navigate to Local\SparkingZero\Saved\Config\Windows.
• Open Engine.ini with Notepad.
• Find and erase any lines under [script/engine.engine] referencing:
• FixedFrameRate
• bUseFixedFrameRate
• bSmoothFrameRate
• FrameRateLimit
• Save the file and exit.

Technical Analysis​

Many competitive players use FPS unlocks for a smoother experience—but this can inadvertently create versioning and sync mismatches with online play, especially in games lacking robust frame pacing. When the game server expects a fixed frame rate and the client runs unlocked, packet timing mismatches may occur, resulting in disconnects.

Cross-reference​

KeenGamer, user guides, and confirmed cases on both Steam and the Bandai Namco support forum reinforce the reliability of this fix. Engine.ini tweaks are standard fare for Unreal Engine-based games, but as always, modifying configuration files carries the risk of introducing unintended side effects or resetting settings after updates.

Risks and Caveats​

• Deleting or improperly editing Engine.ini could cause game instability.
• Updates or file integrity checks may overwrite your changes.
• Some users report needing to repeat this process after patches.

3. Delete the Engine.ini File Entirely​

When Other Methods Fail​

If simply removing the frame rate lines doesn’t help, deleting the Engine.ini file entirely can force the game to rebuild its config from scratch, stripping out any lingering user- or tool-injected settings.
How to Apply:

• Use steps above to reach Engine.ini.
• Right-click and select Delete.
• Launch Sparkling Zero; the game will generate a fresh Engine.ini with default settings.

Analysis​

This “reset to factory” method is a widely accepted troubleshooting tactic in PC gaming, especially when config corruption or conflicting customizations (e.g., via mods or third-party performance tools) cause erratic behavior. A new config ensures only game-approved settings are used.

Verification​

Consistency across KeenGamer, user testimonials, and technical forums suggests this is low-risk as long as users back up files before deletion.

Downsides​

• Any custom tweaks will be lost.
• You may need to reconfigure graphics, controls, and accessibility options.
• Doesn’t address drivers, OS, or network-level issues.

4. Roll Back the Windows 11 24H2 Update​

The Context​

The early 24H2 builds of Windows 11 have introduced networking or driver changes that appear to affect some Unreal Engine games, including Sparkling Zero. Multiple users have confirmed that after updating from 23H2 to 24H2, they began experiencing communication errors, only for the issue to vanish after rolling back.
How to Roll Back:

• Open Windows Settings.
• Go to System > Recovery.
• Under Recovery options, select “Go back”.
• Follow instructions to revert to the earlier Windows 11 build.

Note: This function is time-limited post-update and may not be available after 10 days or following disk cleanup actions.

Analysis​

Rolling back OS versions is a drastic but sometimes necessary step for compatibility issues introduced by feature updates. Because Windows 11’s release cadence can push updates before all drivers—and games—are fully compatible, early adopters risk instability in niche scenarios like online fighting game matchmaking.

Evidence​

Both KeenGamer and several player accounts in community forums validate this method. Microsoft’s own documentation warns that “Go back” is only available for a short period.

Risks​

• Security risks if you remain on an older build longer than necessary.
• Potential loss of settings or new features.
• May not be a permanent solution: game or OS developers may later issue patches.

Critical Recommendation​

Before rolling back, always check for new game or OS updates that could address the issue, and back up important data.

5. Reset Your PC’s Network Settings​

Addressing Network Layer Issues​

Underlying network misconfigurations or driver corruption can be responsible for communication errors in all online PC games. Resetting network settings on Windows 10/11 restores adapters, removes old proxies or VPN rules, and resets the host’s connection to defaults.
Steps:

• Search “network reset” in the Windows taskbar.
• Open the Network Reset tool.
• Click “Reset now” and confirm.
• Your system will reboot and reinitialize all network devices.

Technical Perspective​

This is not unique to Sparkling Zero—network stack corruption, outdated virtual adapters (from VPNs or virtual machines), or registry problems can prevent any title from connecting reliably.

Evidence​

Standard practice per Windows support documentation, community troubleshooting, and network engineering resources. While this should not impact user data, it will wipe saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN credentials.

Limitations​

• Will temporarily disconnect all network activity.
• Does not fix ISP or physical router/modem issues.
• Relies on all network drivers being properly installed.

Other Potential Fixes and Considerations​

While the aforementioned solutions are the most widely confirmed, some users have reported success with additional troubleshooting options:

• Verify Game Files via Steam: Corrupted or incomplete installs can lead to unpredictable errors.
• Change DNS Server to Google DNS: Sometimes, default ISP DNS servers can misroute traffic. Switching to public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) improves reliability for many players.
• Enable V-Sync in Game: Some Unreal Engine titles have network timing tied to rendering frequency. Enabling V-Sync may help synchronize frames in online play.
• Contact Bandai Namco Support: If all else fails, submit a ticket directly to support for individualized troubleshooting.

These are not always guaranteed to fix the error, but given enough reports in game communities and tech support channels, they are worth trying—especially the easiest: verifying files through Steam.

Critical Analysis: Strengths and Risks in Current Fixes​

What’s Working​

• Community Validation: Many of these fixes are not rumors but are supported by both peer reports and technical reasoning. The FPS unlock and config cleanups align with known Unreal Engine behaviors.
• Non-Destructive: Most fixes are easily reversible or low risk, barring OS rollback.
• Broad Applicability: Network reset, file verification, and configuration cleanup are valid for many competitive PC titles, not just Sparkling Zero.

Major Challenges​

• No Official Patch Yet: As of this writing, Bandai Namco has yet to deploy a dedicated fix for this error, meaning solutions are ad hoc and community-sourced.
• Root Cause Elusive: The persistent need for workarounds suggests the underlying issues are likely deep in the netcode, compounded by OS or system updates.
• OS Dependency: Windows build compatibility can introduce fleeting, hard-to-diagnose issues; feature updates may fix or break compatibility based on small system changes.
• Potential for User Error: Configuration file editing, while simple for experienced users, risks missteps that could corrupt installations or introduce new bugs.
• Short-lived Fixes: Game or OS updates may revert chosen settings, requiring repeated application until a patch addresses the root problem.

Recommendations for Players​

• Start Simple: Always begin troubleshooting with the easiest and lowest-risk options: reset the network stack, verify game files, and check in-game settings before more invasive changes.
• Backup Before Editing: Whenever editing or deleting files like Engine.ini, always create a backup to prevent accidental loss of needed configurations.
• Monitor Patch Notes: Watch for official updates from Bandai Namco, particularly for networking or compatibility patches post-Windows 11 updates.
• Keep OS and Drivers Current: But if issues started after an update, check rollback options or seek out beta drivers tailored for new Windows builds.
• Submit Error Reports: By providing detailed feedback to official support, you contribute to a faster official resolution for the entire community.

What Developers Should Address​

• Official Communication: Proactive posts from Bandai Namco on forums and patch notes outlining known issues and workarounds would reduce player frustration.
• Game Updates: A netcode patch or better error-handling routines could help the game avoid disconnects from routine system variations.
• Configuration Flexibility: In-game settings for advanced networking and frame pacing would let players avoid risky config file edits.

The Bigger Picture: Online Gaming Reliability in the Windows Era​

Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero’s networking struggles aren’t isolated to this title; they’re reflective of broader complexities in modern multiplayer PC gaming. Games built on Unreal Engine, or any engine tightly tied to OS-level networking or hardware timing, can experience breakages with new Windows releases or hardware combinations.
For every workaround that emerges from the community, the ongoing challenge is delivering a seamless, “plug and play” multiplayer experience regardless of OS, network, or custom system tweaks.

Conclusion​

The Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero “A communication error occurred” message is a genuine headache, but not an insurmountable one. Armed with the right diagnostics—lowering the match time, cleaning the Engine.ini, rolling back system updates, resetting network settings, and verifying files—players have multiple lines of defense. While none are a silver bullet, and some require a bit of technical confidence, they represent a concise playbook for restoring the fast-paced, explosive brawls that are the lifeblood of the series.
As the community awaits an official fix from Bandai Namco, a proactive approach—combining trusted community wisdom with good backup and troubleshooting habits—ensures you stay in the fight, not on the sidelines. Continue monitoring support channels, keep your system and software up to date, and stay connected with fellow players sharing real-time solutions. Until then, may your battles in Sparkling Zero be free from disconnections—and full of the epic action Dragon Ball fans deserve.

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Source: KeenGamer 5 Ways to Fix the Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero "A Communication Error Occurred" Error