Is ARC Raiders Down? Check Server Status & Fix Connection Errors
Jumping into the stunning, hostile world of ARC Raiders only to be met with a connection error is a frustrating experience for any Raider. As a cooperative, always-online extraction shooter, a stable connection to the game's servers is essential. If you're staring at a message like "ARC Raiders online services are currently unavailable," your first instinct might be to reset your router. But before you do, it's crucial to determine if the problem is on your end or if the game's servers are experiencing a widespread issue.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to check the server status for ARC Raiders, understand common errors, and provide steps you can take to get back into the action as quickly as possible.
How to Check the ARC Raiders Server Status
When a connection issue strikes, your first priority is to get official information directly from the source. Developer Embark Studios is typically transparent with its community during outages or maintenance periods. Here are the most reliable places to check for updates.
- The Official ARC Raiders Social Media Account: The quickest and most direct way to get information is often through the game's official channels. The social media team on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) is usually the first to post about unexpected server outages, emergency maintenance, or planned downtime for a major update. Make this your first stop for real-time announcements.
- The Official ARC Raiders Discord Server: For more detailed information and community discussion, the official Discord server is an invaluable resource. Developers often post in dedicated "announcements" or "status" channels, providing more in-depth context about any ongoing issues and giving players an estimated time for when services will be restored. It's also a great place to see if other players in the community are reporting similar problems.
- Check Community Hubs: While not official sources, community platforms like Reddit can be excellent barometers for a server outage. If the main ARC Raiders subreddit is suddenly flooded with new posts from players reporting connection problems, it's a strong indicator that the issue is widespread and not isolated to your connection.
Understanding "Online Services Are Currently Unavailable"
Seeing an error message that says ARC Raiders' online services are unavailable almost always points to a problem on the game's side, not yours. This generic message can appear for several reasons, and it's rarely a cause for alarm.
- Scheduled Maintenance: The most common reason is scheduled maintenance. Developers need to take servers offline to deploy patches, add new content, or perform essential hardware upgrades. This downtime is almost always announced in advance on the official social media and Discord channels.
- Unexpected Outage: Sometimes, things just break. A sudden surge in player population, a hardware failure, or a network issue can cause an unexpected server outage. In these cases, the development team works quickly to identify and resolve the problem, providing updates as they become available.
- Patch Deployment: When a major new update or season is launching, you may see this error as the servers are being updated with the new patch. This can also occur if your game client is not updated to the latest version, so be sure to check your launcher (like Steam) for any pending downloads.
What to Do If The Servers Are Confirmed to Be Down
If you've checked the official channels and confirmed that ARC Raiders is indeed experiencing a server-side issue, the best course of action is simply to be patient. The technical teams at Embark Studios will be working diligently to get everything back online. Trying to repeatedly log in can sometimes add unnecessary strain to the system.
Instead, keep an eye on the official channels for updates. The developers will typically provide an estimated time for when they expect the servers to be back up and running. This is a perfect time to catch up on patch notes, watch a stream, or plan your next extraction strategy.
Troubleshooting Your Own Connection
If you've checked all the official sources and there are no reports of a widespread outage, the problem might be on your end. Before contacting support, run through these basic troubleshooting steps to rule out any local issues.
- Restart the Game: The simplest solution is often the most effective. Completely close the ARC Raiders client and any associated game launcher (like Steam), then restart it.
- Reboot Your PC: A full system reboot can clear out temporary files and resolve a surprising number of software conflicts that may be interfering with your connection.
- Power Cycle Your Network: This is a classic for a reason. Unplug your modem and router from the power source. Wait for about 60 seconds before plugging them back in. This will reset your connection to your internet service provider.
- Check for Other Internet Issues: Try browsing a few different websites or running a speed test. If nothing else is loading, the problem is with your home internet, and you may need to contact your provider.
- Verify Game File Integrity: Game launchers like Steam have a built-in feature to check if any of your game files have become corrupted. In your game library, right-click on ARC Raiders, go to "Properties," then the "Local Files" tab, and select "Verify integrity of game files."
ARC Raiders FAQ
Q: Is there an official ARC Raiders server status website?
A: While some games have a dedicated server status webpage, ARC Raiders currently relies on its official social media accounts (primarily X/Twitter) and its official Discord server for real-time updates on server status and maintenance.
Q: Why can't I connect to ARC Raiders even though my internet is working perfectly?
A: If your internet is fine and you still can't connect, it is almost certainly an issue with the game's servers. This could be due to planned maintenance, an unexpected outage, or a problem specifically affecting the login servers. Refer to the official channels for confirmation.
Q: Will I lose my progress if the servers go down during a match?
A: Most modern online games, including extraction shooters, have systems in place to handle unexpected disconnects. While the specifics can vary, developers typically have safeguards to mitigate the loss of valuable gear or progress due to a server-side crash. Check official announcements for information on rollbacks or compensation if a major outage occurs.