How to Diagnose and Fix All Clash Errors in League of Legends

League of Legends

25 Apr

Andre Guaraldo

It has been a while since players have started encountering persistent league of legends clash errors, Riot's tournament-style competitive offering. From error messages forcing multiple client restarts to getting stuck in "brackets forming" limbo, these technical issues have frustrated teams looking to compete.

Despite Clash's five-year existence, players continue to face recurring problems that often prevent participation entirely. Our detailed guide explores the full spectrum of League of Legends Clash errors, providing detailed troubleshooting steps and community-tested solutions to help you overcome these persistent challenges and get back to competitive play.

Having Clash issues? Yeah... you are definitely NOT alone (credits: Riot Games)

Common Clash Errors: Identification and Understanding

Unable to Retrieve Data for This Team Error

This error typically appears when trying to access team information, view the bracket, or during the team formation process. When encountering this error, players are usually unable to see their team composition or make changes to roles. The error message doesn't provide an "OK" or "Accept" button to dismiss it, forcing players to restart their client entirely.

The "Unable to retrieve data for this team" error often occurs due to server communication issues. The client struggles to sync information with Riot's servers, creating a disconnect between what's stored locally and what's on the server side. This error is particularly frustrating because it can occur after a team has already been formed and tickets submitted.

Unable to Lock In Team Error

The "Unable to lock in team" error prevents players from confirming their participation in the tournament. This typically happens after team formation and ticket submission, right at the critical moment when teams need to finalize their entry. When this error occurs, the lock-in button either doesn't respond or triggers an error message.

This issue is particularly problematic because the lock-in phase has a strict time limit. If players can't lock in due to this error, they miss the tournament entirely and potentially waste their tickets. It creates a cascade of frustration as team members collectively try to troubleshoot while the clock runs down.

Brackets Forming Endless Loop

Many players report being stuck on the "Brackets forming" screen indefinitely. The tournament doesn't progress, opponents are never assigned, and eventually, the participation window closes. Some users report waiting 40+ minutes on this screen with no resolution.

This issue seems to be related to server-side bracket generation problems. The system attempts to create balanced brackets based on participating teams but sometimes fails to complete this process. The client shows the perpetual loading state without providing any feedback about what's happening behind the scenes.

Error Messages During Basic Actions

Players frequently encounter error messages when performing basic Clash-related actions:

When loading team lists
When changing roles
When locking in champions
When attempting to view brackets

These errors force client restarts repeatedly, creating a frustrating loop of attempts and failures. Some players report restarting their client over 20 times in a single Clash session, only to encounter the same errors upon relaunch.

Client Instability and Crashes

Beyond specific error messages, general client instability increases during Clash events. Players report:

The client freezing completely
Crashes during team formation
Inability to launch the client after restarts
Missing or unresponsive Clash tab
Disconnects during champion selection

These stability issues appear to worsen as more players attempt to participate in Clash simultaneously, suggesting server load issues that compound the client's existing stability problems.

General Troubleshooting Steps for Clash Errors

Client Restart Protocol

While frustrating, strategically restarting your client can help resolve many Clash issues. Follow these steps for the most effective restart process:

Close the League client completely through the task manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete > Task Manager)
End all League-related processes including "RiotClientServices.exe"
Wait 30 seconds before restarting
Launch the client as administrator (right-click > Run as administrator)
Allow the client to fully load before attempting any actions
Avoid clicking the Clash tab immediately after login

Timing your restarts strategically can also help. If you encounter errors during team formation, have all team members restart their clients before the scheduled lock-in time rather than immediately before matches begin.

Connection Optimization

Your internet connection quality significantly impacts Clash performance. Implement these connection optimization steps:

Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi when possible
Close bandwidth-intensive applications and services
Disconnect other devices from your network during Clash
Reset your router before the tournament begins
Consider changing DNS settings to improve routing:

- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

For persistent connection issues, try running a network diagnostic:

Open Command Prompt as administrator
Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter
Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter
Restart your computer

Client Maintenance

Regular client maintenance helps prevent Clash errors before they occur:

Run the Hextech Repair Tool before Clash day
Verify game files through the client
Clear the League of Legends cache folder:

- Navigate to C:\Riot Games\League of Legends
- Delete the "Logs" folder and "Config" folder
- Restart your client

Ensure your graphics drivers are updated
Apply all Windows updates

Specific Solutions for Common Clash Errors

Fixing "Unable to Retrieve Data for This Team" Error

This error typically relates to synchronization issues between the client and server. Try these specific solutions:

The "Don't Click Clash Tab" Method:
- Restart your client
- Do not click on the Clash tab at all
- Let notifications and prompts come to you
- Accept invites through notifications rather than the Clash interface
- Wait for champion select to appear automatically
DNS Flush Method:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Execute ipconfig /flushdns
- Execute ipconfig /renew
- Restart your client
Account Synchronization:
- Log out of your account completely
- Clear browser cookies if you use the web client
- Log back in
- Wait 5 minutes before attempting Clash activities

Resolving "Unable to Lock In Team" Error

For the problematic lock-in process, these specific steps have helped many players:

The "Step 7 Method" from the League Discord:
- Have one designated person create the team quickly
- This person should invite all teammates using keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse clicks
- All players should join using the left arrow shortcut instead of clicking into Clash
- Everyone should submit tickets and lock in rapidly
- Avoid touching the Clash tab again after locking in
Synchronized Lock-in:
- Coordinate with your team to lock in simultaneously
- Count down in voice chat and have everyone click at the same time
- If someone encounters an error, have the whole team restart clients
Client Repair Solution:
- Exit the client completely
- Navigate to the Riot Games folder
- Run "RiotClientServices.exe" as administrator
- Select "Initiate Full Repair"
- After repair, try the lock-in process again

Breaking Out of "Brackets Forming" Loop

Getting stuck on the brackets forming screen is particularly frustrating. These approaches may help:

The Patience Approach:
- Some players report that brackets eventually form very close to match start time
- Resist the urge to restart your client if you've successfully locked in
- If brackets haven't formed within 5 minutes of scheduled start time, try other solutions
The Multiple Client Method:
- Use the Riot Mobile app to check your Clash status
- The mobile version sometimes updates when the desktop client is stuck
- If mobile shows your bracket is ready, restart your desktop client
Alternate Account Verification:
- Have a teammate check if they can see the bracket
- If they can, your client may be the issue rather than the tournament itself
The Last Resort Method:
- Close your client through Task Manager
- Delete the "Config" folder in your League directory
- Restart your computer completely
- Launch the client directly to the game executable

Combating Error Messages During Basic Actions

For persistent errors during team management and basic Clash actions:

Minimal Interaction Technique:
- Set up your team well before the tournament begins
- Make all role changes and selections early
- Minimize clicking around the client during high-traffic periods
- Use keyboard shortcuts where possible
Client Performance Mode:
- Enable "Low Spec Mode" in client settings
- Close the client when not actively using it
- Disable background processes and animations
Permission Reset:
- Run the client as administrator
- Reset user permissions in Windows:
  - Right-click the League folder
  - Properties > Security > Advanced
  - Click "Restore defaults"
  - Apply changes and restart

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Clash Issues

Vanguard and Anti-Cheat Related Solutions

Vanguard, Riot's anti-cheat system, can sometimes interfere with Clash functionality. These advanced fixes address Vanguard-specific issues:

Enabling TPM Through BIOS Settings

VAN 128 and other Vanguard errors can prevent Clash participation. Fix by enabling TPM:

Restart your PC and enter BIOS (typically by pressing F2, F10, Esc, or Del during startup)
Navigate to the Security tab
Find Trusted Platform Module (TPM) settings
Enable TPM if it's disabled
Save changes and exit BIOS
Restart your computer before launching League

Managing VGC Services

Vanguard Client Service (VGC) issues can cause Clash errors:

Press Win+R to open Run dialog
Type "services.msc" and press Enter
Find the VGC service in the list
Right-click and select "Restart" or "Start" if it's stopped
Set startup type to "Automatic"
Click "Apply" and "OK"
Restart your computer

Handling Overlay Conflicts

Applications with overlays can interfere with Vanguard and cause Clash issues:

Close all non-essential applications before Clash:
- Discord (or disable its overlay feature)
- Steam
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience
- AMD Radeon Software
- OBS and other recording software
Temporarily disable security software that might interfere:
- Third-party antivirus programs
- Firewall applications
- VPNs and proxy services

If you follow our guide, the odds of this appearing to you will substantially diminish

If you follow our guide, the odds of this appearing to you will substantially lower (credits: Riot Games)

Registry and System-Level Fixes

For persistent issues, these system-level changes may help:

Windows Debugging Settings Modification

Press Win+R and type "sysdm.cpl"
Navigate to Advanced tab > Startup and Recovery > Settings
Under "System failure," change debugging information to "None"
Click "OK" and restart your computer

Disabling Cryptographic Mechanisms

Cloud-based security or cryptographic applications can conflict with League:

Check for applications like AWS Cloud Crypto or CryptoPro Cloud CSP
Temporarily disable or uninstall these applications
Restart your system before attempting Clash again

Testing Signing Configuration

For stubborn Vanguard issues:

Open Command Prompt as administrator
Execute these commands:
bcdedit /set TESTSIGNING off
bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off
Restart your computer
Test Clash functionality in a custom game first

Community Workarounds and Creative Solutions

The League community has developed several creative workarounds for Clash issues:

The "Don't Touch Anything" Method

Multiple players report success with this minimalist approach:

Have your team set up well before the tournament starts
After locking in, don't click anything in the client
Don't open the Clash tab again
Wait for champion select to appear automatically
If a match is found, the system will take you directly to champion select without needing to access the Clash tab

This approach avoids triggering client-side errors by minimizing interaction with potentially problematic interfaces.

The "Rapid Lock-In" Technique

Some players report success with this timing-based approach:

Click the "Lock in" button rapidly before errors have a chance to appear
Once locked in, immediately restart your client
Avoid the Clash tab entirely after restarting
Wait for match notifications

Coordinated Client Management

Team coordination can improve success rates:

Designate one player as the "client manager" who handles team creation
Other players follow strict instructions to minimize client interactions
Use external communication (Discord, etc.) rather than in-client chat
Establish a protocol for client restarts and reconnections

Mobile Client Auxiliary Method

The League+ mobile app can sometimes provide a more stable connection:

Install the League+ app on your mobile device
Log in with your account credentials
Use the app to accept team invites or check tournament status
Use the desktop client only for playing matches

Preparation Strategies for Smoother Clash Experiences

Thorough preparation can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering errors:

Pre-Clash Technical Preparation

Complete these steps at least 24 hours before your Clash event:

Run a full client repair
Update all drivers and Windows
Play a normal or custom game to verify stable gameplay
Check your internet connection stability
Clear temporary files and restart your computer
Ensure all team members have their tickets ready

Team Communication Planning

Establish clear communication protocols:

Use a reliable voice communication platform (Discord, TeamSpeak)
Create a backup communication method
Share troubleshooting steps with all team members
Designate a technical lead for troubleshooting
Agree on wait times and restart protocols
Have a contingency plan if Clash doesn't work

Strategic Timing

Timing your Clash participation can reduce error frequency:

Join early during the registration window
Avoid last-minute team formation and lock-ins
Schedule team preparation 30-60 minutes before tournament start
Consider which Clash day might have lower server load (usually Sunday)

Understanding Server-Side Issues and Riot's Response

Some Clash problems originate on Riot's end and are beyond player control:

Identifying Server-Side Problems

These indicators suggest server-side issues rather than client problems:

Widespread reports on social media platforms
All team members experiencing identical errors
Errors persist across multiple client restarts and computers
Error messages referring to server connection or data retrieval
Issues appearing suddenly after previously working normally

Monitoring Official Channels

Stay informed about known issues through these resources:

Riot Games Service Status page
Official League of Legends Twitter account
Riot Support Twitter account
League of Legends subreddit
Official Discord announcements

Managing Expectations

Understanding Riot's historical response patterns helps manage frustration:

Clash problems typically receive acknowledgment within 24-48 hours
Solutions may take several days or even weeks to implement
Some tournaments may be canceled if issues are severe
Compensation for missed tournaments is rarely provided
Long-term fixes often come with client updates rather than immediate hotfixes

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Feature image credits: Riot Games