For players of Jurassic World Evolution 2, managing a dinosaur park comes with a host of challenges, from dinosaur health to visitor safety. One recurring and particularly frustrating issue faced by players is the “path not working” error. This usually surfaces when facilities that should be accessible by guests or staff aren’t functioning correctly due to apparent or hidden pathing problems.
This guide presents a reliable and thorough method for diagnosing and resolving the “path not working” problem in Jurassic World Evolution 2. Through step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting advice, and helpful visuals, you’ll be able to identify the root cause and restore full park functionality without unnecessary stress.
Understanding the Path System
The path system in Jurassic World Evolution 2 connects structures such as arrival points, shops, restrooms, attractions, staff buildings, and more. If this system is incomplete or broken, it impairs guest movement and building operations. It’s essential to remember that a facility may appear connected visually but still fail to function if the pathing logic isn’t properly executed in-game.
Common Causes of Path Issues
Below are the most frequent causes of the “path not working” error:
- Disconnected paths: The structure isn’t physically connected to the path in a valid way.
- Obstructed paths: Another object or terrain issue blocks proper guest flow.
- Incorrect path type: Not all paths allow guest access; some are staff-only or limited-use.
- Incomplete building: Buildings still under construction or under repair won’t function, even if the paths are correct.
- Game bugs or save file corruption: Sometimes, the error isn’t from user input at all but a deeper issue.
Steps to Fix the Path Not Working Error
Follow these structured troubleshooting steps to resolve most path issues efficiently.
1. Double-Check Path Connections
The first step is always to investigate the visual connection between the path and the affected building. Zoom in closely and:
- Ensure the path actually touches the entrance of the structure.
- Remove and rebuild the path segment if you’re unsure.
- Watch for subtle misalignments, especially on curved or uneven terrain.
This step alone resolves most issues, as the game’s visual placement cues can sometimes be misleading.
2. Replace the Path
If you suspect that a path segment may be corrupted or incorrectly assigned, demolish it and lay down a new path:
- Select the correct type of path (e.g., standard guest path) for the intended purpose.
- Rebuild the connection from a main road all the way to the building.
- Focus especially on wide structures like hotels or viewing galleries, where multiple entrances exist.
3. Reposition Nearby Objects
Sometimes, items such as decorations, fences, trees, or terrain changes can block the AI’s ability to use the path effectively. In this case:
- Remove or relocate any nearby objects obstructing the building entrance or surrounding paths.
- Try flattening the terrain around the problem area to ensure consistent elevation and avoid jagged transitions.
4. Use Path Guidelines
Enable the in-game pathing guidelines if available. These indicators can help you align paths correctly to entrances and flagged problem zones. If a building’s entrance doesn’t show a guideline when approaching it with a path, this could indicate an underlying issue such as a terrain mismatch or an unfunctional structure.
5. Confirm Building Completion
It’s easy to overlook whether a building is fully constructed. Buildings that are under construction, paused, or damaged will not function or show path connectivity correctly. Ensure that:
- The building displays as operational in the management menus.
- Power supply is active and adequate.
- It hasn’t been marked for demolition or suffering a post-disaster failure.
6. Review Your Game Settings and Mods (if applicable)
Modding and advanced sandbox configurations can sometimes change or limit path behavior:
- Disable mods and restart the game to check if the issue persists.
- Look through patch notes of recent updates to see if pathing behaviors have changed.
- Ensure custom mods that add new paths or buildings are updated and compatible with your game version.
7. Use The “View Management” Tool
The View Management overlay (often accessible by clicking on a facility or from the management bar) gives a clear breakdown of guest coverage, accessible paths, and connection lines. This view can be extremely helpful for identifying where a connection fails.
8. Restore From Earlier Save
If all else fails and nothing you try works, it might be time to load an earlier saved game from before the pathing issue began. This step is especially valid if:
- The problem appeared suddenly after a crash or major event.
- Other systems besides pathing (e.g., transit or staff movement) also appear bugged.
Saving frequently under new filenames is a good practice to avoid losing too much progress when errors occur.
Preventing Path Errors in Future Builds
To minimize the likelihood of encountering this issue again, incorporate the following best practices into your building habits:
- Build in stages: Don’t place large groups of buildings simultaneously. Test functionality before expanding further.
- Zoom and rotate camera angles frequently: This helps you catch uneven connections or visual bugs.
- Use terrain tools deliberately: Ensure elevation changes are smooth and gentle around paths and entrances.
- Lock paths to the grid when possible: This ensures precise connections and alignment in tighter spaces.
When It’s a Bug Rather Than User Error
Frontier Developments continues to support Jurassic World Evolution 2 with patches that address known bugs. Occasionally, even careful players encounter pathing bugs that are due to internal game issues. If you suspect this:
- Check forums such as Reddit, Steam, and Frontier’s official support page for recent reports.
- Submit a bug ticket if your issue is not already being discussed.
- Use console commands (if available) to try and reset objects or reload AI paths.
Conclusion
Pathing issues in Jurassic World Evolution 2 can hinder your park’s performance and enjoyment, but most can be solved using a logical and methodical approach. By carefully checking alignment, verifying building status, understanding path types, and utilizing in-game tools, you can tackle most errors without needing to restart or abandon your hard-earned progress.
Always remember: save often, build cautiously, and don’t hesitate to revert mistakes until frontier development releases permanent fixes. With practice and patience, you’ll be well-prepared to maintain a perfectly operational Jurassic paradise.
