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ARC Raiders error ART00004 means the game timed out while retrieving data from its backend services. It is a connection or service-communication problem—not a graphics, FPS or overheating error. Start by restarting the game, your PC or console, and your router, then set the in-game server region to Automatic. If the error continues, use the platform-specific network, DNS, cache, NAT and clock fixes below.
Embark does not currently identify one universal cause or publish a dedicated ART00004 article. Its official troubleshooting guidance covers several possible causes, including a service outage, DNS problems, NAT restrictions, incorrect system time, cached launcher data and an unstable connection.
While troubleshooting ARC Raiders network timeouts on a Windows PC, Outbyte PC Repair can scan system components and review resource-heavy settings.
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The full message is: “Network Timeout — Retrieving data from backend services timed out. Please try again later.” The game did not complete a required connection to ARC Raiders’ backend services before the request timed out.
That can happen because of a temporary Embark or platform-service problem, but it can also result from the connection between your device, router, ISP and the game’s services. Embark’s current guidance therefore does not support the claim that ART00004 always means the servers are down.
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Before changing advanced settings, check whether the same error affects other players. If ART00004 appears for multiple people at the same time—or persists on several devices and internet connections—local fixes are unlikely to solve it.
Do this first on every platform
- Select Retry once or twice.
- Fully close ARC Raiders. Do not leave it suspended or running in the background.
- Fully power off your PC or console.
- Unplug your modem or router for at least 60 seconds.
- Reconnect it and wait until your internet service is restored.
- Start the PC or console and launch ARC Raiders again.
- Install any available ARC Raiders update and platform system-software update.
These steps follow Embark’s current restart guidance. If the error remains, continue with the relevant platform section rather than immediately reinstalling the game.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSet the ARC Raiders server to Automatic
A manually selected or unsuitable matchmaking region can contribute to connection and matchmaking problems. Embark recommends using Automatic.
PC
- Click the gear icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Open Gameplay > Server.
- Set Server to Automatic.
PS5 and Xbox
- Open the Social menu.
- Select the gear icon on the left.
- Open Gameplay > Server.
- Set Server to Automatic.
Embark’s connection guidance documents this setting for PC and console players.
PC fixes for ART00004
Reset the Windows network lease and DNS cache
Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing CMD, and pressing Enter. Run each command separately:
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ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
Restart Windows after running the commands, then launch ARC Raiders. Embark’s instructions do not require an administrator Command Prompt for these three commands.
Change DNS on Windows
Embark documents these public DNS options:
| Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS |
|---|---|---|
8.8.8.8 |
8.8.4.4 |
|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 |
1.0.0.1 |
To change it in Windows:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet.
- Select the Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter currently in use.
- Find DNS server assignment and select Edit.
- Change Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
- Turn on IPv4.
- Enter one of the DNS pairs above and select Save.
Embark advises not enabling IPv6 for this DNS change. See its official DNS instructions for the current Windows procedure.
Clear the launcher cache
Steam
- Open Steam.
- Select Steam > Settings > Downloads.
- Select Clear Download Cache.
- Select Confirm.
This does not remove installed games, but Steam will require you to sign in again.
Epic Games Launcher
- Exit Epic Games completely. Use the up-arrow in the lower-right taskbar area, right-click the Epic Games icon, and select Exit.
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter
%localappdata%and press Enter. - Open
EpicGamesLauncherSaved. - Delete these folders if they exist:
webcache,webcache_4147andwebcache_4430. - Relaunch Epic Games Launcher and ARC Raiders.
These cache procedures come from Embark’s device-cache guidance.
Test Ethernet or a different connection
Use Ethernet if possible. Embark recommends a wired connection for greater stability. You can also briefly test a phone hotspot. If ARC Raiders works through Ethernet or the hotspot but not your normal Wi-Fi, the likely problem is the original Wi-Fi network, router, ISP route or local network configuration—not necessarily the game installation.
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A VPN or proxy should not be treated as a permanent fix. Embark advises avoiding them because they can interfere with gameplay. A VPN or hotspot is useful only as a comparison test while diagnosing the connection.
Reduce Windows 10 bandwidth competition
On Windows 10, Embark lists this optional change:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Advanced Options > Delivery Optimization.
- Turn Allow downloads from other PCs off.
This prevents Windows update sharing from competing for bandwidth while you play.
PS5 fixes for ART00004
Test the PS5 connection
- Open Settings > Network.
- Open the Connection Status tab.
- Select Test Internet Connection.
Note whether the failure concerns internet access, PSN access or NAT. That distinction helps identify whether the issue is with the console’s internet connection, PlayStation Network or matchmaking connectivity.
Clear the PS5 system-software cache
- Hold the PS button and select Turn Off PS5.
- Wait until the power indicator is completely off.
- Hold the PS5 power button until the second beep, approximately seven seconds.
- Connect the controller with a USB cable and press the PS button.
- Select Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
- Select Clear System Software Cache, then select OK.
The PS5 restarts automatically. Select Clear System Software Cache; do not select Rebuild Database unless you specifically intend to perform that separate operation.
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Open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software. Install any available update, restart the PS5 and try ARC Raiders again.
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Change DNS on PS5
- Open Settings > Network > Settings.
- Select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Highlight your connection, press the Options button and open Advanced Settings.
- Set DNS Settings to Manual.
- Enter either Google DNS:
8.8.8.8and8.8.4.4, or Cloudflare DNS:1.1.1.1and1.0.0.1. - Save the settings and allow the PS5 to test the connection.
- Restart the PS5 and launch ARC Raiders.
Avoid opening the PS5 menu during matchmaking
Embark’s patch notes list a known issue in which opening the console menu while matchmaking is active cancels matchmaking. Avoid opening that menu during the search. This is a matchmaking edge case, not proof that every ART00004 error is caused by the PS5 menu.
Xbox fixes for ART00004
Test the network and NAT
- Press the Xbox button.
- Open Profile & System > Settings > General > Network Settings.
- Select Test network connection.
- Select Test NAT type separately if necessary.
Embark recommends Open NAT on Xbox. Moderate or Strict NAT can interfere with matchmaking and connectivity.
Clear the Xbox cache
- Turn off the Xbox Series X|S using the controller or console power button.
- Unplug the power cable from the back of the console.
- Wait at least two minutes.
- Reconnect the cable.
- Turn the Xbox on and launch ARC Raiders.
Update Xbox system software
Open Profile & System > Settings > System > Updates. Select Update console if available, then restart the Xbox.
Change DNS on Xbox
- Press the Xbox button.
- Select System > All Settings > Network > Network Settings.
- Open Advanced Settings > DNS Settings.
- Set DNS to Manual.
- Enter Google DNS (
8.8.8.8and8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1and1.0.0.1). - Save the settings, restart the Xbox and launch ARC Raiders.
Avoid opening the Xbox menu during matchmaking
Embark also lists a known issue in which opening the console menu during matchmaking cancels the search. Leave the menu closed until matchmaking completes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix NAT with UPnP
Embark recommends NAT Type 1 or 2 on PlayStation and Open NAT on Xbox. If your NAT is restricted, enabling UPnP on the router may allow the console to establish the connections required for matchmaking.
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- Open your router’s login page.
- Sign in to the router.
- Find the UPnP setting. Its location varies by manufacturer.
- Enable UPnP and save the change.
- Restart the router.
- Retest NAT on the console.
- Launch ARC Raiders.
If UPnP is unavailable, Embark mentions port forwarding as an alternative but does not publish ARC Raiders-specific port numbers in its current article. Do not apply generic gaming-port lists as though they were official ARC Raiders requirements. See Embark’s UPnP guidance for the supported troubleshooting path.
Synchronize your system clock
An incorrect device clock can cause connectivity or matchmaking failures. Embark notes that clock problems can sometimes affect map conditions even when standard maps work normally.
PC
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.
- Turn on Set Time Automatically.
- Under Additional Settings, select Sync Now.
- Fully restart the PC.
PS5
- Open Settings > System > Date and Time.
- Select Set Date and Time > Set Using Internet.
- Fully restart the PS5.
Xbox
- Open Settings > System > Time.
- Turn on Set Time Automatically.
- Fully restart the Xbox.
More detail is available in Embark’s device-clock instructions.
Does disabling crossplay fix ART00004?
Not generally. Embark says disabling crossplay can make matchmaking slower, and in a party the most restrictive player’s crossplay setting applies to the entire group. One player with crossplay disabled can therefore make the whole party queue without crossplay.
This explains slow matchmaking in some parties; it is not evidence that crossplay is the universal cause of ART00004. Keep crossplay enabled unless you are specifically testing a matchmaking configuration.
When to stop troubleshooting
Stop making repeated local changes when all of these conditions apply:
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- ARC Raiders is updated.
- The platform network test succeeds.
- The in-game server setting is Automatic.
- The system clock is synchronized.
- You have fully restarted the PC or console and router.
- You have cleared the relevant launcher or device cache.
- ART00004 occurs on both your normal connection and an alternate connection such as Ethernet or a phone hotspot.
- Other players are reporting the same error.
At that point, the most likely remaining explanations are an Embark backend problem, a platform-service outage or an ISP route failing outside your home network. Wait for service recovery or an official update. Reinstalling the game, changing graphics settings, replacing hardware or repeatedly restoring PS5 licenses is not supported by Embark’s current ART00004 guidance.
For current status and official troubleshooting material, use the Embark Help Center. Its current support material does not identify ART00004 as a graphics or hardware error, nor does it publish one guaranteed fix.
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