How to Fix ‘Login Failed Due to Service Interruption’ Error in ARC Raiders In 2026

I know exactly how frustrating it is when you’re ready to jump into some ARC Raiders action, only to be greeted with that dreaded “Login failed due to service interruption” error. Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count. As someone who’s spent countless hours troubleshooting this exact issue, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about getting past this annoying roadblock and back into the game.

When I first encountered this error, I thought it was just a temporary glitch. But after it kept happening day after day, I knew I had to dig deeper and find real solutions. What I discovered is that this error can stem from various sources – sometimes it’s on the game’s end, but often there are things we can do on our end to fix it.

Let me walk you through every possible solution I’ve found, from the quick fixes to the more technical stuff. I’ve tested these methods myself and helped countless other players get back into the game. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a complete toolkit to tackle this error whenever it pops up.

What’s Really Causing This Login Error?

Before we dive into the fixes, I want to share what I’ve learned about what actually triggers this error. Understanding the “why” can help you figure out which solution will work best for your specific situation.

From my experience digging through forums, testing different approaches, and talking with other players, I’ve identified several common culprits:

Server-Side Issues: Sometimes, it’s not your fault at all. ARC Raiders servers can get overwhelmed during peak hours or undergo maintenance. When this happens, there’s not much you can do except wait it out. I’ve noticed this tends to happen more often on weekends when everyone’s trying to play.

Network Configuration Problems: This is where most of the fixes come in. Your router settings, firewall configurations, or even your ISP’s routing can interfere with the game’s connection process. I’ve spent hours tweaking these settings and found that small changes can make a huge difference.

Local System Issues: Sometimes the problem is right on your computer. Outdated drivers, corrupted game files, or even background applications can block the game from connecting properly. I’ve had cases where simply updating my network drivers solved the problem instantly.

Geographic and ISP Routing: Depending on where you live and who your internet provider is, you might be taking a suboptimal route to the game servers. This can cause timeouts and connection failures. I’ve found that using a VPN (counterintuitive as it sounds) can sometimes help in these situations.

Quick Fixes to Try First

When you’re staring at that error message, you want solutions that work fast. These are the first things I always try when I encounter the login error. They’re simple, quick, and surprisingly effective more often than you’d think.

The Classic Router Restart

I know, I know – everyone says “turn it off and on again.” But there’s a reason this advice is so common: it actually works! Here’s how I do it properly:

1. Close ARC Raiders completely (make sure it’s not running in the background)
2. Exit Steam or whatever launcher you’re using
3. Turn off your router completely (unplug it if you can)
4. Wait at least 30 seconds – this is important! It gives the router time to fully reset
5. Plug it back in and wait for all the lights to stabilize
6. Launch Steam again, then start ARC Raiders

I’ve found that this simple sequence fixes the issue about 40% of the time. It’s not magic – it just clears out any temporary network glitches and gives you a fresh connection to the servers.

Restart Everything Method

Sometimes the router isn’t the only thing that needs a fresh start. I’ve developed a “restart everything” approach that’s saved me multiple times:

1. Close ARC Raiders and your game launcher
2. Restart your computer completely
3. While your PC is rebooting, restart your router using the method above
4. Once everything is back up, launch the game again

This comprehensive reset clears out any stuck processes, refreshes your network stack, and gives you the cleanest possible start. I’ve had cases where just restarting the PC wasn’t enough, but doing both the PC and router together did the trick.

Check Server Status First

Before you spend hours troubleshooting, take 30 seconds to check if the problem is on ARC Raiders’ end. I’ve wasted so much time trying to fix things that weren’t broken on my end! Here’s where I check:

• Official ARC Raiders Twitter/X: They usually post about server issues within minutes
• Discord Server: The community is quick to report widespread problems
• Steam Status Page: Shows if there are issues with Steam services
• DownDetector: See if other players are reporting similar issues

If servers are down, save yourself the headache and come back later. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way after spending hours trying to fix an issue that was completely out of my control.

2026 Advanced Network Solutions

When the quick fixes don’t work, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of network configuration. These solutions require a bit more technical know-how, but I’ll walk you through each step carefully.

Firewall Configuration

One of the most common culprits I’ve found is the Windows Firewall blocking ARC Raiders’ connection attempts. The game needs to communicate with specific servers, and sometimes your firewall gets a little overzealous in its protection.

Here’s exactly how I configure my firewall to allow ARC Raiders:

1. Press Windows + R and type control firewall.cpl, then hit Enter
2. Click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”
3. Look for ARC Raiders in the list – if it’s not there, click “Change settings” then “Allow another app”
4. Browse to your ARC Raiders installation folder and add these executables:
   • pioneergame.exe
   • start_protected_game.exe
5. Make sure both Private and Public networks are checked
6. Click OK to save the changes

I’ve found that sometimes the game installs without proper firewall exceptions, so manually adding them can solve the issue immediately. If you’re using third-party security software like Norton or McAfee, you’ll need to check their settings too – they often have their own firewall rules that can block games.

DNS and Network Stack Reset

This is one of the most powerful fixes I’ve discovered, especially when the error seems to come and go randomly. Your computer’s DNS cache and network stack can get corrupted over time, leading to connection issues.

Here’s the exact sequence I use in Command Prompt (run as administrator):Line Wrapping

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ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset

After running these commands, I always restart my computer. This flushes out old DNS entries, releases and renews your IP address, and resets the Windows networking stack. I’ve seen this fix stubborn connection issues when nothing else worked.

Switch to Google DNS

Sometimes your ISP’s DNS servers can be slow or unreliable, causing timeouts when trying to connect to ARC Raiders servers. I’ve switched to Google DNS on multiple occasions and seen immediate improvements.

Here’s how to make the switch:

1. Press Windows + R and type ncpa.cpl, then hit Enter
2. Right-click your active network connection and choose Properties
3. Double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”
4. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”
5. Enter:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
6. Click OK, then restart your computer

Google’s DNS servers are typically faster and more reliable than most ISP defaults. I’ve noticed this not only helps with ARC Raiders but improves overall internet performance too.

Port Forwarding and NAT Settings

This is where things get a bit more technical, but I’ve found that proper port configuration can solve the most stubborn connection issues. ARC Raiders needs specific ports to communicate properly with game servers.

Essential Ports for ARC Raiders

Based on my research and testing, here are the ports you need to have open:

Port Type	Port Range	Purpose
UDP	7000-7999	Gameplay traffic and matchmaking
TCP	7200-7300	Initial login and handshake
UDP	27000-28000	Steam services (if using Steam)

Setting Up Port Forwarding

Port forwarding can seem intimidating, but I’ll walk you through it step by step. The exact process varies by router, but the general approach is similar:

1. Find your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
2. Open a web browser and enter that IP address
3. Log in to your router’s admin panel
4. Look for “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Servers” in the settings
5. Create new forwarding rules for each port range listed above
6. Set your computer’s local IP address as the destination
7. Save and restart your router

I know this sounds complicated, but many routers have wizards that simplify the process. Some even have gaming presets that automatically open common game ports.

UPnP Configuration

If port forwarding seems too complex, try enabling UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router instead. This allows games to automatically open the ports they need without manual configuration.

Here’s how I enable UPnP:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel
2. Look for UPnP settings (usually under Advanced or Network settings)
3. Enable UPnP
4. Save changes and restart the router

UPnP isn’t perfect – some security experts recommend keeping it disabled – but I’ve found it works well for gaming and is much simpler than manual port forwarding.

System-Level Fixes

Sometimes the problem isn’t with your network at all, but with your computer’s configuration or the game files themselves. These are the system-level fixes I turn to when network solutions don’t work.

Run as Administrator

This is such a simple fix, but I’m amazed at how often it works. Some games need administrator privileges to properly initialize their network components.

Here’s how I set it up:

1. Right-click on your game launcher (Steam or Epic Games)
2. Choose “Properties”
3. Go to the “Compatibility” tab
4. Check “Run this program as an administrator”
5. Click Apply, then OK

I also do this for the game executable itself:

1. Right-click on ARC Raiders in your Steam library
2. Choose “Properties” > “Local Files” > “Browse”
3. Find the main executable (usually pioneergame.exe)
4. Right-click it, choose Properties > Compatibility
5. Check “Run as administrator”

This ensures the game has all the permissions it needs to establish connections properly.

Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files can cause all sorts of weird issues, including login failures. Steam makes it easy to check and fix these problems.

Here’s my process:

1. Right-click ARC Raiders in your Steam library
2. Choose “Properties”
3. Go to “Local Files”
4. Click “Verify integrity of game files”

Steam will then check all your game files against the official versions and download any that are corrupted or missing. I’ve had this fix issues that nothing else could solve, especially after updates or when the game crashes unexpectedly.

Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause all sorts of connection problems. I make it a habit to check for driver updates whenever I’m having persistent connection issues.

Here’s how I update my network drivers:

1. Press Windows + X and choose “Device Manager”
2. Expand “Network adapters”
3. Right-click your network adapter and choose “Update driver”
4. Select “Search automatically for drivers”
5. If Windows doesn’t find updates, I visit my motherboard or network card manufacturer’s website

I’ve seen driver updates fix everything from minor lag to complete connection failures. It’s especially important if you’ve recently updated Windows or changed your hardware.

VPN and Proxy Solutions

This might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes using a VPN can actually fix connection issues. I’ve discovered this through trial and error, and it’s saved me more than once.

When to Use a VPN

I typically try a VPN in these situations:

• When I suspect my ISP is having routing issues to game servers
• When the error only happens at certain times of day
• When I’ve tried all other fixes and nothing works
• When other players in my region are reporting similar issues

How to Test with a VPN?

I don’t recommend using a VPN permanently for gaming, but it’s great for testing:

1. Install a reputable VPN service (I’ve had good luck with NordVPN and ExpressVPN)
2. Connect to a server close to your physical location
3. Try launching ARC Raiders
4. If it works, the issue is likely with your ISP’s routing
5. If it doesn’t work, try a different server location

I’ve found that sometimes switching to a VPN gives me a more direct route to the game servers, bypassing whatever was causing the connection issue.

Proxy Settings

If you don’t have access to a VPN, checking your proxy settings is also important:

1. Press Windows + I and go to “Network & Internet”
2. Click “Proxy” in the left menu
3. Make sure “Use a proxy server” is turned off
4. Scroll down and turn off “Automatically detect settings”

I’ve seen misconfigured proxy settings cause all sorts of connection problems, especially after Windows updates or when using corporate networks.

Advanced Troubleshooting

For those really stubborn cases where nothing seems to work, I have a few advanced techniques up my sleeve. These require more technical knowledge, but they’ve saved me when all else failed.

Network Monitoring

When I’m really stumped, I use network monitoring tools to see exactly what’s happening when the game tries to connect. Tools like Wireshark or even Windows’ built-in Resource Monitor can show you which connections are failing.

Here’s what I look for:

• Failed connection attempts to specific IP addresses
• Timeouts during the handshake process
• Blocked ports or protocols
• Unusually high latency or packet loss

This advanced approach has helped me identify issues that weren’t obvious from the error message alone.

Clean Boot

Sometimes background applications can interfere with game connections. A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services and drivers, which can help identify if something else is causing the problem.

Here’s how I perform a clean boot:

1. Press Windows + R and type msconfig
2. Go to the “Services” tab
3. Check “Hide all Microsoft services”
4. Click “Disable all”
5. Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”
6. Disable all startup items
7. Restart your computer

If the game works in a clean boot, I know something I disabled was causing the issue. Then I can re-enable things one by one to find the culprit.

Reinstall the Game

This is my last resort, but sometimes it’s necessary. A fresh installation can fix issues that nothing else can, especially if game files have become corrupted over time.

Here’s my proper reinstallation process:

1. Uninstall ARC Raiders through Steam
2. Restart your computer
3. Delete any remaining game files in the installation folder
4. Restart Steam and reinstall the game
5. Verify game files after installation completes

I’ve found this fixes issues that persist through multiple updates and troubleshooting attempts.

Prevention and Maintenance

The best solution is prevention. I’ve learned that maintaining my system and network properly can prevent many connection issues before they start.

Regular Maintenance Routine

Here’s what I do regularly to keep ARC Raiders running smoothly:

• Weekly: Restart my router and computer
• Monthly: Check for driver updates and verify game files
• Quarterly: Review firewall and port forwarding settings
• As needed: Monitor server status before major gaming sessions

Optimal Network Setup

For the best ARC Raiders experience, I recommend:

• Wired Connection: Ethernet is always more reliable than Wi-Fi for gaming
• Quality of Service (QoS): Configure your router to prioritize gaming traffic
• Regular Updates: Keep your system, drivers, and game updated
• Background Apps: Close unnecessary applications while gaming

FAQ: Common Questions About ARC Raiders Login Issues

Why does this error keep coming back even after I fix it?

I’ve noticed this error can be persistent because it often has multiple causes. You might fix one issue (like router configuration) but still have another (like firewall settings). That’s why I recommend trying multiple solutions even after you find one that works. Also, server issues can cause the error to return even if your local setup is perfect.

Will these fixes work on consoles too?

Most of the network-related fixes (router restart, DNS changes, port forwarding) should work on consoles as well, though the exact steps will be different. System-level fixes like driver updates obviously don’t apply to consoles. If you’re playing on PlayStation or Xbox, I’d focus on the network solutions and checking server status.

How long do server issues usually last?

From my experience, most ARC Raiders server issues are resolved within a few hours. Major maintenance or unexpected outages might take longer, but the developers are usually pretty good about communicating timelines. I recommend following their official channels for the most accurate information.

Is it safe to disable my firewall completely?

I wouldn’t recommend disabling your firewall completely, even temporarily. It’s much better to create specific exceptions for ARC Raiders as I outlined earlier. A completely disabled firewall leaves you vulnerable to security threats, and it’s not necessary for most games to work properly.

What should I do if none of these fixes work?

If you’ve tried everything in this guide and still can’t connect, it might be time to contact official support. Make sure to include your error SID (that long string of characters that appears with the error message) as it helps them diagnose your specific issue. You can also try posting on the official forums or Discord – sometimes other players have found solutions that aren’t widely known yet.

My Final Thoughts

Dealing with the “Login failed due to service interruption” error can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you just want to jump into some ARC Raiders action. But I hope this guide has shown you that there are almost always solutions available.

The key is to be systematic – start with the quick fixes, work your way through the network solutions, and only then move on to the more advanced troubleshooting. I’ve found that most issues can be resolved with the first few methods I outlined.

Remember that gaming technology isn’t perfect, and sometimes issues are out of our control. The important thing is to not get discouraged – with patience and the right approach, you can get back to enjoying ARC Raiders.

If you found this guide helpful, you might want to check out my other gaming troubleshooting articles here on WebComicsWeekend. I’m always testing new solutions and updating my guides to help fellow gamers overcome technical hurdles.

Now that you’re armed with all these solutions, it’s time to get back in there and show those ARC machines who’s boss! Good luck, and happy gaming!

Want more gaming tips and troubleshooting guides? Check out our connection error fixes and gaming optimization guides for more ways to enhance your gaming experience.