As of December 25, 2025, many players are still reporting issues with the ARC Raiders online connection error while trying to access the game across multiple platforms. The problem has primarily affected users on PC (via Steam and Epic Games) and consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The issue prevents players from connecting to online servers, logging into their accounts, or joining matches in the game’s online mode.
Developer Embark Studios, a Stockholm-based team owned by Nexon, has confirmed ongoing server instability due to high traffic and recent backend maintenance updates. As of this week, most services have been restored, though intermittent connection drops and login failures continue for some users.
Table of Contents
Current Status of the ARC Raiders Online Connection Error (December 2025)
Verified reports from the ARC Raiders community and Embark’s official support channels confirm that the game has experienced repeated online connectivity issues since its open beta relaunch in December 2025.
The connection error typically displays messages such as:
- “Failed to connect to ARC servers.”
- “Online connection error. Please check your internet connection or try again later.”
- “Unable to verify session. Connection timed out.”
Embark Studios has stated that these errors stem from a mix of server overload, database sync issues, and matchmaking instability caused by a surge of returning and new players following recent updates.
Here’s a breakdown of the verified information:
| Issue Type | Status (as of Dec. 25, 2025) | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|
| Login and account authentication | Partially resolved | Moderate |
| Matchmaking connectivity | Ongoing issue | High |
| Crossplay synchronization | Intermittent drops | Medium |
| Server stability | Recovering | Moderate |
| In-game purchases and inventory loading | Stable | Low |
While most players can now access the main menu, some continue to face connection drops during matchmaking or co-op sessions.
What Causes the ARC Raiders Online Connection Error
The ARC Raiders online connection error is primarily caused by server instability rather than player-side internet problems. Verified developer updates list several key factors contributing to the issue:
- High Server Traffic:
The December 2025 update introduced new gameplay modes and free-to-play access, driving a surge of concurrent logins. - Backend Maintenance:
Embark Studios performed major backend adjustments to improve matchmaking speed and stability, which temporarily disrupted live sessions. - Cross-Platform Communication Errors:
The new crossplay functionality between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox has led to session authentication failures during matchmaking. - Account Sync Delays:
Some players who linked their ARC accounts through Steam or Epic reported data verification delays when logging in.
These combined factors have caused the recurring “online connection error” message that has affected players since the update’s rollout earlier this month.
Embark Studios’ Official Response
Embark Studios released multiple verified updates this week confirming that the issue is being addressed. In their latest community post, the developers stated that server optimization is ongoing, with fixes already deployed to improve matchmaking and login authentication.
The studio has implemented the following updates since December 20, 2025:
- Server capacity expansion to handle increased player traffic.
- Database optimization to reduce login wait times.
- Crossplay patch to stabilize communication between PC and console servers.
- Client-side update for improved error handling and reconnection prompts.
While the developers have not released an exact timeline for full resolution, Embark has confirmed that connectivity improvements are rolling out in stages throughout the holiday week.
Platforms Affected by the Online Connection Error
The ARC Raiders online connection error has been reported on all major gaming platforms currently supporting the title. Here’s how each system is affected as of December 25, 2025:
PC (Steam and Epic Games Store)
- Most reported errors occur during login and matchmaking.
- Players using VPNs or proxy servers experience higher failure rates.
- A recent hotfix has improved server response times, though minor authentication errors persist.
PlayStation 5
- Users report temporary login failures but stable performance once connected.
- Some disconnections occur during co-op sessions or loading transitions.
- Sony’s network status remains stable, confirming the issue is on ARC servers rather than PlayStation Network.
Xbox Series X/S
- Xbox users experience fewer issues, though some matchmaking errors remain.
- Microsoft’s servers are stable; ARC Raiders-specific fixes are still being deployed.
- Reconnecting after a failed session generally resolves the issue.
Steps to Fix or Bypass the ARC Raiders Online Connection Error
While the majority of problems are on the developer’s end, players can take several verified steps to minimize disruptions:
1. Restart the Game and Check for Updates
- Close and relaunch ARC Raiders to refresh the client’s connection.
- Ensure that the game has the latest patch installed — Embark released two minor updates between December 22–24, 2025.
2. Verify Internet Connection Stability
- Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi when possible.
- Restart your router or modem to refresh DNS settings.
- Avoid VPNs, which may trigger authentication mismatches.
3. Clear Cache or Temporary Files (PC Users)
- On Steam or Epic Games, verify file integrity through the platform settings.
- Delete cached data in the ARC Raiders directory to eliminate corrupted session files.
4. Log Out and Re-Link Accounts
- For users with linked accounts (Steam, Epic, Xbox, PlayStation), log out and relink your ARC account from the settings menu.
5. Check Server Status Before Playing
- Monitor Embark’s verified social channels or official Discord for live updates on downtime or maintenance.
These steps have helped many users temporarily reconnect until the developer’s full server fix is implemented.
Recent Updates and Patch Notes
Embark Studios has released multiple small patches in the past week to stabilize ARC Raiders servers. Verified update logs show improvements in several critical areas.
December 22 Patch Highlights:
- Improved matchmaking queue handling for high-traffic regions (North America and Europe).
- Reduced server timeout threshold to minimize disconnections during loading.
- Fixed a bug that prevented party members from joining existing sessions.
December 24 Patch Highlights:
- Introduced automatic retry prompts when the “online connection error” appears.
- Adjusted account login verification to prevent false connection failures.
- Increased backend server capacity for crossplay regions.
Developers have stated that a larger stability update is expected by December 29, 2025, aiming to eliminate remaining connection issues.
Community Response and Player Feedback
The ARC Raiders community remains highly active across Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Discord. While frustration over the online connection error has been widespread, players have praised Embark Studios for quick communication and ongoing transparency.
Many players note that performance has gradually improved since the initial outage earlier this week. Reports indicate shorter login times, smoother matchmaking, and fewer mid-session drops since the latest patch.
However, a small percentage of users continue to face recurring errors, particularly during peak play hours in the U.S. (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST).
ARC Raiders Background: Game Overview
ARC Raiders is a free-to-play third-person extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios. Initially announced in 2021 and delayed multiple times, the game was reintroduced in early access form in December 2025.
Set in a dystopian sci-fi world, players team up in squads to battle mechanical enemies known as the “ARC” while scavenging valuable resources across large open environments. The game emphasizes teamwork, tactical shooting, and survival mechanics.
Key gameplay features include:
- Dynamic PvPvE combat where teams fight both enemy AI and rival players.
- Cooperative missions focused on resource extraction and survival.
- Cross-platform play between PC and consoles.
- Seasonal updates introducing new maps, weapons, and enemy types.
Despite strong critical reception for its visual design and gameplay, online stability has been the game’s primary issue since launch.
Server Locations and Regional Downtime Reports
Embark Studios operates global ARC Raiders servers located in North America, Europe, and Asia. As of December 2025, verified server monitoring reports show the following regional uptime levels:
| Region | Uptime (Last 24 Hours) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 93% | Minor matchmaking instability |
| Europe | 90% | Periodic maintenance |
| Asia | 87% | Higher latency and connection errors |
| South America | 85% | Limited server capacity |
| Oceania | 82% | Extended reconnection times |
Most reported connection errors originate from European and South American regions, though U.S. players also experienced downtime earlier this week.
Embark has confirmed that further regional server expansion is planned for early January 2026 to address latency and bandwidth constraints.
Projected Fix Timeline
While no fixed resolution date has been issued, Embark Studios has provided a general roadmap for server recovery. The company expects full stabilization by early January 2026, following additional backend upgrades and scalability testing.
Key upcoming milestones include:
- December 29, 2025: Major server patch focused on crossplay and matchmaking.
- January 5, 2026: Backend infrastructure upgrade for global servers.
- January 10, 2026: Follow-up client update addressing residual login and session issues.
Once these updates are completed, the ARC Raiders online connection error is expected to be fully resolved for all regions.
Summary: Current Situation and Next Steps for Players
As of December 25, 2025, the ARC Raiders online connection error continues to impact a portion of players worldwide, though stability is improving daily. Embark Studios has confirmed active work on permanent fixes, including server expansions and code optimizations.
For now, players are advised to:
- Keep the game updated with the latest patches.
- Avoid using VPNs or third-party launchers.
- Check server status before joining sessions.
The developer’s ongoing communication and rapid hotfix schedule indicate that the game will soon return to full functionality across all platforms.