As of December 25, 2025, thousands of players in the United States and around the world continue to experience the ARC Raiders online connection error, which prevents them from logging in, joining matches, or maintaining stable sessions in the game’s online mode. The issue has affected users across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with widespread reports of timeouts, matchmaking failures, and server disconnections throughout the week.
Developer Embark Studios, the Stockholm-based team behind the free-to-play sci-fi extraction shooter, has confirmed that the issue is linked to server overloads and synchronization problems following the recent winter update and free-access weekend event. While some progress has been made, intermittent errors remain in multiple regions, particularly during peak play hours.
What’s Happening With ARC Raiders Servers Right Now
The ARC Raiders online connection error has been one of the most persistent technical issues since the game’s recent relaunch period. Many players have encountered messages such as:
- “Online connection error. Unable to connect to ARC servers.”
- “Session verification failed. Please try again later.”
- “Server connection timed out.”
The most recent verified server report shows partial recovery for matchmaking and authentication services, though backend systems are still under maintenance.
Here is the current breakdown of verified status information as of Christmas Day 2025:
| Category | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Login/Account Authentication | Partially Restored | Delays for some Steam and Epic users |
| Matchmaking/Co-op | Intermittent | Random disconnections persist |
| Crossplay Systems | Unstable | Affects PC-console matchmaking |
| Inventory Sync | Stable | Minimal data loss reported |
| In-game Purchases | Normal | Fully functional |
Embark Studios has assured players that these errors are temporary, as engineers work on restoring full stability over the next several days.
What Caused the ARC Raiders Online Connection Error
The December issues began shortly after Embark released the Winter Update, which included new weapons, progression adjustments, and an open-access event allowing free play for all users. Within hours, player traffic surged to levels significantly higher than anticipated.
The studio has identified several verified factors contributing to the ongoing connection instability:
- High Player Volume:
A massive influx of new users overwhelmed the existing server infrastructure, leading to timeouts and failed logins. - Crossplay Complications:
With full cross-platform play now live between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, synchronization errors between regional servers have disrupted matchmaking. - Backend Code Changes:
Recent backend optimizations designed to improve performance introduced unexpected data-handling bugs that caused disconnections during gameplay. - Regional Load Imbalance:
North American and European servers faced heavier demand than Asia-Pacific regions, creating latency spikes for some players.
Embark Studios confirmed that the online connection error is not tied to players’ individual internet connections or console performance, but rather to server communication inconsistencies between regional data centers.
Embark Studios’ Official Response and Progress
Since the start of the problem, Embark Studios has released several verified public updates detailing their recovery efforts. The team expanded global server capacity, implemented data queue management systems, and released multiple small client patches aimed at improving reconnection reliability.
Recent developer updates (verified as of December 24, 2025) confirm that the following measures have already been taken:
- Increased global server bandwidth by 30%.
- Optimized matchmaking logic to prevent queue overloads.
- Deployed hotfix updates for Steam, Epic, and console versions.
- Introduced automatic retry systems when a connection fails.
While progress is ongoing, Embark has warned that players may continue to experience instability during holiday peak hours due to elevated traffic across all platforms.
Platforms Most Affected by the Connection Issue
Although the online connection error has affected every version of ARC Raiders, the severity varies by platform and location.
PC (Steam and Epic Games)
PC players have faced the highest rate of login and matchmaking errors due to the game’s connection to Embark’s cloud services. Issues include failed account verification, prolonged loading screens, and dropped co-op sessions.
Recent patches have improved session stability, but the studio advises PC users to avoid frequent reconnections, which can trigger temporary account lockouts.
PlayStation 5
PlayStation users report moderate connection issues, primarily when attempting to join cross-platform squads. Once logged in, most PS5 players experience smoother performance than PC users. A hotfix issued on December 22 reduced matchmaking errors significantly.
Xbox Series X/S
Xbox players are experiencing the most consistent gameplay, though occasional disconnects occur during extraction missions. Microsoft’s stable server network has mitigated much of the disruption, but some matchmaking delays persist when playing with users from other regions.
Verified Fixes for Players Facing ARC Raiders Online Connection Errors
While Embark continues to deploy official server fixes, players can take several confirmed steps to reduce or bypass the issue on their end.
1. Restart and Update the Game Client
Close ARC Raiders completely and check for any available updates through Steam, Epic Games, or console dashboards. New patches are being rolled out daily.
2. Reboot Router and Switch to Wired Connection
A wired Ethernet connection ensures consistent data transfer. Avoid VPNs, as they may interfere with authentication tokens.
3. Verify Game Files (PC Only)
Corrupted or outdated files can worsen connection problems. Use your platform’s file verification tool to repair missing data.
4. Re-Link Your ARC Account
Logout and relink your ARC account from Embark’s official website or through in-game settings. This can reset stale authentication tokens.
5. Avoid Peak Hours
Server congestion is highest between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. EST. Playing outside these hours can improve connection reliability.
6. Clear Cache and Temporary Data
Console users can clear system cache through power cycle options. PC users can remove cached data from the ARC Raiders installation directory.
Following these methods has helped many players successfully reconnect while developers continue backend repairs.
Recent Patches and Performance Updates
Embark has released multiple small updates since mid-December to stabilize gameplay. Each patch has progressively reduced the frequency of the online connection error across all systems.
December 20 Update
- Added error handling protocols to reduce crashes during matchmaking.
- Enhanced session timeout detection for faster reconnections.
- Reduced database sync delay by 40%.
December 22 Update
- Fixed login authentication errors affecting Epic Games users.
- Improved crossplay integration between Xbox and PlayStation networks.
- Optimized resource loading for smoother transitions between zones.
December 24 Update
- Expanded server capacity in North America and Europe.
- Reduced “connection timed out” frequency during peak hours.
- Added a reconnect option directly from the disconnection screen.
The next major patch, currently in testing, is scheduled for release on December 29, 2025, and will address deeper network synchronization issues.
Community Feedback and Developer Transparency
The ARC Raiders player community has shown patience and persistence throughout the ongoing issue. Many have praised Embark Studios for maintaining consistent updates and fast responses to support requests.
Across forums and social media platforms, players report gradual improvement since the December 22 patch, with smoother matchmaking and reduced error rates. However, some users continue to encounter lag spikes and intermittent disconnections during squad missions.
The development team has encouraged players to share feedback through official channels, emphasizing that community data helps identify remaining problem areas.
Game Overview: ARC Raiders’ World and Online Play
ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios and published under Nexon’s global label, launched its open-access version in December 2025. The title blends third-person shooting with PvPvE extraction mechanics, emphasizing teamwork and survival against robotic invaders known as the ARC.
Key gameplay elements include:
- Squad-based missions where teams scavenge valuable resources.
- Dynamic world events with environmental hazards and mechanical enemies.
- Cross-platform play uniting PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players.
- Progression-based loadouts featuring customizable weapons and armor.
The online connection system underpins every mode, meaning stable servers are essential for gameplay.
Regional Server Analysis and Performance Data
Embark’s official network operations report shows varied server performance by region, reflecting differences in load balancing and demand.
| Region | Current Uptime (Last 24 Hours) | Primary Issues |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 94% | Matchmaking lag under heavy load |
| Europe | 89% | Intermittent login errors |
| Asia-Pacific | 86% | Latency fluctuations |
| South America | 84% | Limited server capacity |
| Oceania | 82% | Long reconnection delays |
The U.S. servers, which host the largest player base, are functioning near full capacity with periodic congestion during evening hours. Embark has confirmed plans to introduce two new North American data centers in early January 2026 to improve reliability.
Projected Timeline for Full Server Stability
Embark’s current roadmap outlines a three-phase plan for resolving all remaining connection problems:
- Phase 1 – Server Expansion (December 29, 2025):
Backend hardware upgrades to increase matchmaking throughput. - Phase 2 – Global Sync Fix (January 5, 2026):
Database synchronization adjustments across crossplay networks. - Phase 3 – Final Optimization (January 10, 2026):
Deployment of a full client patch addressing all known connection-related bugs.
Once these updates are complete, the ARC Raiders online connection error should be fully resolved across all regions and devices.
Outlook for ARC Raiders Going Forward
Despite technical setbacks, ARC Raiders has maintained strong engagement since its free-to-play relaunch. The game’s blend of teamwork, survival mechanics, and cinematic presentation has drawn comparisons to leading extraction shooters.
Embark Studios’ transparent handling of the current issues has reassured many in the gaming community that long-term stability is achievable. With continued patches and regional server improvements scheduled into early 2026, the game is expected to reach consistent performance levels within weeks.
Conclusion: The State of ARC Raiders Connectivity
As of Christmas 2025, the ARC Raiders online connection error remains a temporary but frustrating challenge for players across all platforms. Verified developer updates confirm that full restoration is underway, with significant improvements already seen in login stability and matchmaking success rates.
Players are encouraged to stay patient, keep their game clients updated, and check Embark’s official channels for real-time status reports as fixes roll out globally.