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If ARC Raiders shows an “Online connection error,” first determine whether the problem is on your device or with Embark’s services. Fully close the game, restart your PC or console, test another online game, and check the official ARC Raiders site and Embark’s linked social channels for maintenance or a known issue. As of August 8, 2026, Embark was investigating some PC launch error codes alongside Store Update 1.40.0, so not every launch failure can be fixed locally.
ARC Raiders is online-only. You need an internet connection, an Embark ID, and a supported third-party platform account. The game supports PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and GeForce NOW—not PS4 or Xbox One.
If ARC Raiders reports an online connection error, Outbyte PC Repair can optionally review Windows settings and cleanup issues affecting connectivity.
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- Close ARC Raiders completely, restart the PC, Xbox, or PS5, and launch it again.
- Set the server region to Automatic.
- PC: Select the gear icon at the bottom-right, then Gameplay > Server > Automatic.
- Xbox and PS5: Open Social, select the gear icon on the left, then choose Gameplay > Server > Automatic.
See Embark’s PC connection guide and matchmaking guide.
- Synchronize the system clock. An incorrect clock can cause connection and matchmaking failures, including cases where standard maps work but map conditions do not.
- Check your account requirements. PC requires an Embark ID and the relevant Steam, Epic, or other platform account. Xbox requires Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate for online multiplayer, while PS5 requires PlayStation Plus Essential.
- Test another network, such as a phone hotspot, if practical. If the error occurs on multiple platforms or connections, it is more likely to be a service-side or account-side issue than a router problem.
Sync the clock
- Windows: Open Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time, enable Set Time Automatically, choose Sync Now under Additional Settings, and restart.
- PS5: Open Settings > System > Date and Time > Set Date and Time > Set Using Internet, then restart.
- Xbox: Open Settings > System > Time, enable Set Time Automatically, and restart.
Check crossplay
Disabled crossplay can make matchmaking slow. In a party, the most restrictive player’s setting applies to everyone, so one player with crossplay disabled can reduce the available matchmaking pool. Embark’s current troubleshooting article does not publish a definitive menu path for changing this setting, so use the current in-game option rather than relying on an assumed path.
Do not unlink accounts casually
The first platform account linked to an Embark ID normally cannot be removed. Linking the same platform account to another Embark ID does not transfer progress, rewards, or cosmetics. Account relinking is therefore not a routine connection fix. See Embark’s account-management guidance.
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PC fixes
1. Remove connection blockers temporarily
Use a stable connection—Ethernet is preferable where possible—and temporarily close VPNs, proxy services, network filters, traffic-monitoring tools, and third-party overlays. Do not permanently disable antivirus or firewall protection. If security software is blocking the game, add an exception instead.
2. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
- Select Advanced network settings > Network troubleshooter.
- Choose the active connection and follow Windows’ instructions.
3. Renew the IP address and flush DNS
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 /flushdnsRestart the PC after the commands finish. These are the commands listed by Embark’s PC connection support page.
4. Try a public DNS server
Changing DNS can help when DNS resolution or your current provider is contributing to the failure, but it is not a guaranteed ARC Raiders fix.
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| Provider | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
8.8.8.8 |
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|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 |
1.0.0.1 |
In Windows, open Settings > Network & Internet, select the active Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter, find DNS server assignment, choose Edit, change Automatic (DHCP) to Manual, enable IPv4, enter the addresses, and select Save. Embark’s instructions do not recommend enabling IPv6 for this procedure. See the official DNS instructions.
5. Clear the launcher cache
Steam: Open Steam and select Steam > Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache > Confirm. Installed games are not deleted, but Steam will require you to sign in again.
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- Exit Epic Games from the taskbar notification area.
- Press Windows + R, enter
%localappdata%, and press Enter. - Open
EpicGamesLauncherSaved. - Delete
webcache,webcache_4147, andwebcache_4430if present. - Relaunch Epic Games, then start ARC Raiders.
These cache steps come from Embark’s device-cache instructions.
6. Verify Steam files
- Open Steam and go to Library.
- Right-click ARC Raiders and select Properties.
- Open Installed Files.
- Select Verify integrity of game files.
Verification is useful after an interrupted update or suspected file corruption, but it does not prove that damaged files caused every online connection error. Embark’s PC crash and launch guide includes this step.
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Xbox Series X|S fixes
1. Test the Xbox network
- Press the Xbox button.
- Open Profile & System > Settings > General > Network Settings.
- Select Test network connection.
Note whether the failure concerns internet connectivity, Xbox network services, or NAT.
2. Check NAT type
From Profile & System > Settings > General > Network Settings, select Test NAT type. Embark recommends Open NAT. Moderate or Strict NAT can interfere with matchmaking and connections.
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- Sign in to your router’s administration page.
- Open its UPnP settings, enable UPnP, and save.
- On Xbox, open Settings > Network and select Test NAT type.
- Relaunch ARC Raiders.
Router labels differ by manufacturer. Embark recommends port forwarding only when UPnP is unavailable, and its current support article does not provide a universal ARC Raiders port list. Follow the official UPnP guide.
4. Cold-restart the console
- Turn off the Xbox with 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 on the Xbox, and launch the game.
5. Update the Xbox
Open Profile & System > Settings > System > Updates. Select Update console if available, then restart. Also confirm that the account has an active Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate subscription; owning the game alone does not provide console online multiplayer. See the console troubleshooting guide and Xbox listing.
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PS5 fixes
1. Test the internet connection
- Open Settings > Network.
- Open the Connection Status tab.
- Select Test Internet Connection.
Check whether the failure is reported for the internet connection, PSN, or NAT.
2. Check NAT type and UPnP
Run Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection. Embark recommends NAT Type 1 or Type 2. If the NAT is restrictive, enable UPnP on the router using the same router procedure described in the Xbox section, then test the PS5 again.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →3. Clear the PS5 system-software cache
- Hold the PS button and choose Turn Off PS5. Wait until the power indicator is completely off.
- Hold the console’s 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 > Clear System Software Cache > OK.
The PS5 restarts automatically. Do not select Reset PS5 or reinstall system software merely to troubleshoot this error.
4. Update the PS5
Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software, then restart after updating.
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5. Confirm PlayStation Plus
Online play requires PlayStation Plus Essential. This requirement is listed on the official PlayStation ARC Raiders page.
6. Try public DNS
- Open Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Open Advanced Settings and set DNS Settings to Manual.
- Use Google (
8.8.8.8and8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1and1.0.0.1). - Save the settings, let the PS5 test the connection, restart, and launch ARC Raiders.
What ARC Raiders error codes actually tell you
Codes such as ARAU0137 and ARAU0297 do not currently have a universal cause published in Embark’s public connection guidance. Do not assume a code automatically means bad DNS, a ban, Xbox Insider firmware, or a broken PS5. Include the exact code, platform, account details requested by support, and the troubleshooting steps you have already tried in a support ticket.
Embark’s Store Update 1.40.0 confirms that the studio was investigating some PC launch error codes, but it does not provide a code-by-code fix. If the error began after an update, appears for many players, or remains across different networks, waiting for an official service fix may be the only effective option.
Quick Recap
Fixes you should not treat as universal solutions
- Changing DNS: It may help with DNS resolution, but it is not guaranteed.
- Port forwarding: It is not automatically required; try UPnP first, and do not use a random port list.
- Deleting PS5 save data: Embark’s current connection guidance does not recommend it.
- Reinstalling immediately: Restart, server region, clock, network, NAT, DNS, and cache checks come first.
- Assuming Game Pass applies to PC: The documented Game Pass online-multiplayer requirement is for Xbox console play.
- Using an unsupported console: ARC Raiders is not available on PS4 or Xbox One.
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