It is not allowed to use a VPN or proxy service on The Hive.
You will not be banned for using a VPN or proxy service; however, we automatically reject logins from most VPN and proxy services.
🤔 Why are VPNs and proxies not allowed?
We receive very little legitimate traffic from players who use these services; meanwhile, they are often used by players who intend to break the rules. As such, blocking these services results in a better experience for regular players.
🚫 I'm being blocked for using a VPN, but I am not using one
Occasionally, a normal home connection is flagged as VPN or proxy traffic by the third-party system we use to block VPN connections. This isn't a punishment, and it doesn't mean you've done anything wrong; it just means that your IP address currently appears to be proxy traffic to that system.
There are several things that can cause this; the most common problems are listed below:
- A shared or recycled IP address. Some internet providers rotate IP addresses between customers rather than giving you a permanent one. The address you've been given may have been flagged while someone else was using it. This is the most common cause, and it usually clears on its own after some time.
- Malware on a device on your network. Some malware quietly enrols an infected device into a residential proxy network. Running a scan with your antivirus software on your PC and any other devices in your home can help rule this out.
- A compromised smart device. Cheap internet-connected devices are a common target, and a compromised one can route proxy traffic through your connection. Keeping smart devices up to date and removing any you no longer use reduces the risk.
- Free VPN or proxy apps. Some free VPN services fund themselves by enrolling their users' devices in a residential proxy network, meaning your connection is used by others even when the VPN is switched off. If you use a free VPN, it's worth reading its terms of service and uninstalling it if you're unsure.
❓ What can I do to fix this?
- Wait and try again. In most cases, the flag clears on its own after a while, and simply waiting a short time before rejoining is enough.
- Restart your router. On many internet connections, this assigns you a new IP address, which may not be flagged.
- Test on mobile data. Connecting through your phone's mobile hotspot tells you whether the problem is with your home connection specifically.
- Check your devices. If the issue keeps returning, scan your computer for malware and review the smart devices on your network using the points above.
- Contact your internet provider. If the problem persists over several days, your provider may be able to issue you a different IP address.
In most cases, simply waiting a short while and attempting to join again resolves the issue automatically. You may encounter it again in future, and if that happens, the same approach usually works.
Please note that these checks are handled entirely by a third-party service, so our support team is unable to remove a flag or add an exception for an individual player.
🌐 I need to use a VPN/proxy to access The Hive - how can I join?
If you have a valid reason for using a VPN to access our server, please contact our support team to see if we can assist you.
To submit an exemption request, please follow the steps below:
- Visit our contact website by clicking here
- Select
Technical Support - Type 'VPN', and select
VPN Exemption Request - Fill in the form, and make sure to include all of the requested information
Please note that every case is evaluated individually, and our team reserves the right to grant or deny exceptions at its discretion.
🌏 I am using a VPN/proxy, but can still access The Hive
You will not be banned for using a VPN, but blocklists are constantly updated, and you may be blocked from joining in the future. There is no need to contact support regarding this matter.