If you’re anything like me, you’ve been eagerly waiting to dive into ARC Raiders, the highly anticipated cooperative shooter from Embark Studios. But when you finally launch the game, instead of dropping into the action-packed world, you’re greeted with that dreaded “In Queue” message. Trust me, I know the frustration all too well.
After spending countless hours researching and experiencing this issue firsthand, I’m here to break down exactly why ARC Raiders has these queues, what they mean, and most importantly, what you can do about them. Let’s dive in!
What is ARC Raiders?
Before we get into the queue issues, let’s quickly cover what ARC Raiders is all about. ARC Raiders is a free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity must work together to fight off alien invaders. As a player, you team up with other Raiders to complete missions, gather resources, and take down massive alien creatures.
The game has generated significant buzz since its announcement, largely thanks to the impressive pedigree of its developers at Embark Studios (founded by former EA and DICE executives). With its stunning visuals and promising gameplay mechanics, it’s no wonder so many of us are eager to jump in.
Understanding the “In Queue” Message
When you see the “In Queue” message in ARC Raiders, it means exactly what it sounds like – you’re waiting in line to access the game’s servers. This isn’t unique to ARC Raiders; many popular online games use queuing systems to manage server traffic.
The queue typically displays two numbers:
- Your position in the queue (e.g., “You are #1,234 in queue”)
- Estimated wait time (e.g., “Estimated wait time: 15 minutes”)
I’ve seen queues ranging from just a few minutes to over an hour during peak times, which can be incredibly frustrating when all you want to do is play.
Why Does ARC Raiders Have Queues?
Based on my research and experience, there are several reasons why ARC Raiders implements this queuing system:
1. Server Capacity Management
The most straightforward reason is server capacity. Like any online game, ARC Raiders can only handle a certain number of players at once. When demand exceeds capacity, the game needs a way to manage who gets in and when.
From what I’ve gathered, ARC Raiders has been experiencing unprecedented player numbers since launch, far exceeding what the developers initially anticipated. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it shows how popular the game is – but it does lead to longer queues during peak hours.
2. Free-to-Play Model
ARC Raiders’ free-to-play model means there’s no financial barrier to entry. While this is great for accessibility, it also means the game can attract massive numbers of players in a short period, especially during launch or after major updates.
I’ve noticed that queues tend to be longest right after new content drops or during weekends when more players have free time.
3. DDoS Protection
Queuing systems can also serve as a form of DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection. By limiting the number of new connections per second, the system can help prevent malicious attacks that could crash the servers entirely.
4. Regional Server Distribution
From my observations, queue times vary significantly by region. Players in North America and Europe tend to experience shorter queues compared to those in Asia-Pacific regions, suggesting that server distribution might not be perfectly balanced worldwide.
How Long Will You Wait?
Queue times in ARC Raiders can vary dramatically based on several factors:
| Time of Day | Average Queue Time | Player Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (3 AM – 7 AM) | 0-5 minutes | Very Low |
| Morning (7 AM – 12 PM) | 5-15 minutes | Low |
| Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM) | 15-30 minutes | Medium |
| Evening (5 PM – 10 PM) | 30-60+ minutes | High |
| Late Night (10 PM – 3 AM) | 10-20 minutes | Medium |
These are just my observations based on my experience and what other players have reported. Your actual wait time may vary depending on your region, server status, and recent game updates.
Tips to Reduce Your Queue Time
After spending way too much time staring at that queue screen, I’ve discovered several strategies that can help reduce your wait time:
1. Play During Off-Peak Hours
This might seem obvious, but playing during off-peak hours is the most effective way to avoid long queues. If your schedule allows, try playing early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are online.
2. Choose Less Populated Servers
ARC Raiders allows you to select different regional servers. If you’re not too concerned about ping, try connecting to a server in a region with typically lower player counts. For example, if you’re in Europe, you might have better luck connecting to an Asian server during their off-peak hours.
3. Keep the Game Running
Once you’re in the game, try to stay connected as long as possible. The queue system typically prioritizes reconnecting players, so if you get disconnected for a brief period, you’ll often get back in faster.
4. Use a Wired Connection
While this won’t reduce your queue time directly, a stable wired connection can prevent disconnections that might send you back to the queue.
5. Check Server Status Before Playing
Before launching the game, check the official ARC Raiders social media accounts or server status page. If servers are experiencing issues or undergoing maintenance, you might want to wait until they’re fully operational.
What Are Developers Doing About the Queues?
The team at Embark Studios has been relatively transparent about the queue issues. In their latest blog post, they acknowledged the problem and outlined several steps they’re taking to address it:
- Server Expansion: They’re working to increase server capacity across all regions.
- Load Balancing: Implementing more sophisticated load balancing algorithms to distribute players more efficiently.
- Queue System Improvements: Enhancing the queue system to provide more accurate wait times and better handle player influx.
- Regional Server Additions: Adding new servers in underserved regions to reduce wait times for players in those areas.
From what I can tell, these improvements are being rolled out gradually, with some regions already seeing reduced queue times compared to launch week.
The Community’s Response
The ARC Raiders community has been surprisingly patient with the queue issues, though frustration is certainly growing. On Reddit and Discord servers, I’ve seen players sharing memes about their queue experiences and offering tips to others.
Some players have even created browser extensions that notify you when your queue position changes significantly, allowing you to do other things while waiting. I’ve tried a few of these, and while they’re not perfect, they do make the waiting process a bit more bearable.
Is the Queue a Sign of a Healthy Game?
While queues are frustrating, they can actually be seen as a positive sign for the game’s long-term health. High demand indicates that ARC Raiders has successfully captured players’ interest, which is crucial for a live-service game.
That said, Embark Studios needs to address these issues quickly if they want to retain players. Many free-to-play games have lost momentum due to persistent technical issues during their launch period.
Comparing to Other Game Launches
ARC Raiders’ queue situation isn’t unique in the gaming world. Many popular online games have experienced similar issues during their launch periods:
- Apex Legends had server queue issues in its first weeks
- New World saw queues of over 10,000 players at launch
- Fall Guys experienced massive server overload when it went free-to-play
- Valorant had long queue times during its beta phase
What sets these games apart is how quickly their developers addressed the issues. Based on their current response, I’m cautiously optimistic that Embark Studios will get things under control soon.
Future Outlook for ARC Raiders
Despite the queue issues, I remain excited about ARC Raiders’ future. The core gameplay is solid, and the developers have shown commitment to improving the experience.
In the coming months, I expect we’ll see:
- Further server capacity increases
- More efficient queue systems
- Potential implementation of priority access for premium players (though this hasn’t been announced)
For now, patience is key. As more servers come online and the initial launch rush subsides, queue times should naturally decrease.
Conclusion
Waiting in queue for ARC Raiders can be frustrating, but understanding why it happens and how to work around it can make the experience more bearable. The game’s popularity is a double-edged sword – it means we have a vibrant community to play with, but it also means we sometimes have to wait our turn.
As someone who’s spent way too much time in that queue, I can tell you that once you get into the game, it’s usually worth the wait. The cooperative gameplay and stunning visuals make for an experience that stands out in the crowded shooter genre.
Have you been experiencing queue issues in ARC Raiders? Drop a comment below with your longest wait time and any tips you’ve discovered for getting into the game faster!
FAQ
Why does ARC Raiders make me wait in queue?
ARC Raiders implements a queuing system to manage server traffic when player demand exceeds server capacity. This is common in popular online games, especially during launch periods or after major updates.
How long will I have to wait in ARC Raiders queue?
Wait times vary based on time of day, region, and current server status. During peak hours, you might wait 30-60 minutes or more, while off-peak times might have little to no wait.
Does ARC Raiders prioritize certain players in the queue?
Currently, there’s no official priority system for ARC Raiders queues. All players are treated equally in the queue, though reconnecting players may get slightly faster access.
Are the developers working on fixing the queue issues?
Yes, Embark Studios has acknowledged the queue issues and is actively working on solutions, including expanding server capacity and improving the queue system.
Will ARC Raiders always have queues?
No, queues are typically a temporary issue during high-demand periods. As server capacity increases and the initial launch rush subsides, queue times should decrease significantly.
Can I pay to skip the queue in ARC Raiders?
Currently, there’s no option to pay to skip the queue in ARC Raiders. The game is free-to-play with cosmetic microtransactions, but none that affect queue times.
Does my internet connection affect my queue time?
Your internet connection doesn’t directly affect your position in the queue, but a stable connection can prevent disconnections that might send you back to the queue.
Will queue times be shorter on certain platforms?
Queue times are generally consistent across platforms (PC, console) as they all connect to the same servers. However, platform-specific issues might occasionally affect wait times.
How can I check current ARC Raiders server status?
You can check the official ARC Raiders Twitter account or the game’s official website for server status updates and maintenance announcements.
Should I keep trying to connect while in queue?
Once you’re in the queue, the system will automatically connect you when it’s your turn. Repeatedly trying to connect won’t speed up the process and might actually reset your position in the queue.