How to Fix ARC Raiders Connection Issues with Friends

ARC Raiders is built around three-player squads: you tinker in the workshop, then head topside with your crew to fight steel monsters and opportunistic survivors. Nothing kills that vibe faster than "Can’t join," "Joining… forever," or invites that vanish into the void. Treat this as the quick, practical manual you read ahead of time. We’ll assume PC, in-game invites, and official servers by default—no guesswork, no unconfirmed settings.

What Causes Your Co-op Connection Issues?

1. Server Overload or Maintenance: High player traffic during peak hours or scheduled maintenance can temporarily disrupt server availability, preventing successful matchmaking. Official server status should always be verified first.
2. Unstable Network Conditions: Packet loss or high latency due to regional ISP issues or long-distance connections to overseas servers may interrupt data synchronization, leading to disconnections.
3. Local Network Configuration Errors: Incorrect port forwarding, firewall restrictions, or NAT type conflicts can block the game client from establishing a stable connection to the servers.
4. Outdated Game Files or Drivers: Corrupted game installations or obsolete GPU/network drivers may fail to initialize the online handshake process, triggering connection errors.
5. Region/Routing Restrictions: Geographically dispersed servers and suboptimal ISP routing paths often cause high ping; specialized gaming VPNs or accelerators can mitigate this.

Quick Triage (30 Seconds that Saves 30 Minutes)

1. Confirm you're using the in-game party/invite menu and that all three of you are actually online and visible. Privacy/invisibility toggles hide more than you think.
2. Check the headcount: ARC Raiders is up to three players. A fourth body will produce mysterious failures.
3. Sync versions: everyone restart the game client, then the platform client, then—if needed—run "verify files." A single stale build breaks parties.
4. Pick the right host: the teammate with the cleanest, most stable upstream (not the beefiest GPU) should host. Host quality matters for invites and session handshakes.
5. Kill conflicts: close extra overlays and don't stack multiple network tools at once. Two overlays can eat the same hotkey; two "optimizers" can pull traffic in different directions.

Steps to Fix ARC Raiders Connection Issues

Check ARC Raiders Server Status

Overcrowded servers may cause your connection to fail, so you should first check if the servers are still functioning properly:

• Official Channels:
  • Visit the game's official website or social media (Twitter/X, Discord) for real-time server updates.
  • Check Steam/Epic/Console store pages for maintenance notices.
• Third-Party Tools:
  • Use platforms like DownDetector or Steam Status to monitor player-reported issues.

Fix Connection Issues with GearUP

Abnormal routes when connecting to - ARC Raiders servers or other players are usually the main cause of connection issues. GearUP helps optimize your connection nodes to ensure stable and fast data transfer, directly reducing lag and preventing disconnections.

GearUP requires no manual network configuration—it's simple and easy to use. Supporting PC, consoles, mobile gaming, and over 2,500 games, it has become an essential tool for gamers worldwide.

Step 1: Click this button to download GearUP.

Step 2: Search for ARC Raiders and locate the game.

Step 3: Select a server—we recommend choosing one closer to your location to minimize latency caused by physical distance.

Step 4: Start the boost, where you can monitor real-time latency data, then launch the game.

For console players, you can also choose the GearUP Gaming Router - HYPEREV. It's plug-and-play and doesn't require a PC—just use the mobile app for easy control. Additionally, you can use it as a lightweight router to extend Wi-Fi coverage and manage your network. Compact yet practical.

Precautions for Multiplayer Connections

• Agree on a single host (the stable-upstream teammate).
• Everyone launches to main menu, then the host sends in-game invites.
• Wait for party confirmation before starting any activity.
• Use one overlay at most (pick Steam or platform X, not all of them).

What not to do

• Don't reinstall Windows "just in case." Verify files if you suspect corruption; otherwise, focus on network causes.
• Don't stack tools or overlays. One optimizer, one overlay, one firewall prompt handled. That's it.
• Don't chase miracle registry edits or launch parameters that promise instant party fixes. They’re folklore, not engineering.

Why the host choice matters?

Even on official servers, the party/session handshake bubbles through the host first. A strong, quiet upstream lowers the odds of timeouts and reduces the number of retries the game has to do behind the scenes. If the usual host is uploading, streaming, or on flaky Wi-Fi, swap hosts for the night. The difference is often immediate.

FAQ

Q1: Do server regions decide whether we can join each other?

A: On official servers, joining failures are usually path/packet issues, not region rules. Region affects latency more than basic connectivity. Focus on stability first.

Q2: Will a normal VPN help?

A: A VPN moves all traffic and can add overhead. Game-focused routing targets ARC Raiders only, smooths loss, and lets you A/B nodes without dragging your other apps.

Q3: Should I open ports or force UPnP?

A: Not without official guidance. If invites fail repeatedly and you’ve ruled out upload saturation and double NAT, wait for official docs or stick to path/overlay fixes.

Q4: One person’s voice chat is always broken—are they the problem?

A: They’re the signal. Fix their upload usage, move them to Ethernet, or let someone else host. When voice is smooth, invites usually behave.

Finals

Co-op multiplayer gameplay is crucial in ARC Raiders, so you should pay extra attention to connection quality—but avoid using unverified methods. Follow this guide's steps for local checks and optimize your nodes with GearUP—the most stable and effective way to maximize smooth gameplay.