Arc Raiders "Network Timeout" error: Possible fixes and reasons

If you’ve run into a “Network Timeout” message in Arc Raiders, you’re not alone. A bunch of players have been facing it, especially when the game’s trying to connect to the servers or sync your account. Sometimes, it pops up right after you press Play, while other times, it stops you halfway through loading. Either way, it’s a mood killer.

What makes it worse is how vague it is. The game just says “Network Timeout” and that’s it. It doesn't offer any clue as to what went wrong or what to do next.

In most cases, though, it’s nothing serious. Usually, it’s a small hiccup with the servers, your router acting up, or something in the background blocking the connection. Still, being stuck on that screen when all you want to do is play can get pretty frustrating.

Let’s break down what could help fix it.

---

Arc Raiders “Network Timeout” error: Possible reasons

Embark Studios hasn’t officially revealed what triggers the Arc Raiders “Network Timeout” error yet, but based on what the community’s been saying, it comes down to some kind of network miscommunication.

Here are a few of the most likely causes:

• The game can’t connect to its online servers, especially right after updates or maintenance.
• Your internet briefly dropped during loading.
• Your router’s cache got out of sync and needs a refresh.
• A firewall or antivirus program is blocking the game from connecting.
• The game or launcher hasn’t been updated to the latest version.
• Some files got corrupted or didn’t install properly after an update.

---

Arc Raiders “Network Timeout” error: Possible fixes

Here are a few possible fixes that could help solve the Arc Raiders “Network Timeout” error:

1) Restart the game

Let’s start simple. Close Arc Raiders completely, not just to the main menu, but actually exit the game and relaunch it.

This sounds basic, but a quick restart can reset the handshake between your system and the servers. If the timeout happened because of a short connection drop, restarting usually clears it up.

If you’re on PC, it helps to also open Task Manager and make sure no leftover Arc Raiders processes are still running in the background before you start it again.

---

2) Restart Steam or your game launcher

Sometimes, the title isn’t the problem; it’s the launcher acting up. Steam (or Epic Games, depending on where you play) might be stuck or fail to refresh your online session properly.

Here’s what you should do to fix this issue:

• Right-click the Steam icon in your system tray.
• Hit "Exit Steam."
• Wait a few seconds. Then, open it again and launch Arc Raiders.

It’s a small step, but it often helps reset your network link to the servers.

---

3) Restart or reset your router

If the first few methods fail, it's possible that your internet is the problem. The quickest fix is to restart your router:

• Turn it off and unplug it from the power for around 30 seconds.
• Plug it back in and wait for all the lights to stabilize.
• Then, launch the game again to see if you can connect.

If you've been experiencing this issue frequently, you can take it a step further and totally reset your router. This resolves any desyncs or IP conflicts that may be hurting your connection.

---

4) Verify game files

Sometimes, corrupted files can quietly cause network problems. To check, follow these steps:

• On Steam, right-click Arc Raiders > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
• This will scan your game and fix any missing or damaged files automatically.

---

5) Wait for the developers to issue a fix (if nothing works)

If you’ve tried everything and still keep getting the timeout message, there’s a good chance the issue isn’t on your side.

Keep checking the game's official website for the latest updates (Image via Embark Studios)

The servers might be down for maintenance, or there could be an ongoing backend issue. When that happens, all you can really do is wait it out.

You can check Arc Raiders’ official X page or Discord server. The developers usually post updates whenever there is downtime or a technical problem.

---

The “Network Timeout” error in Arc Raiders can really test your patience, especially when all you want to do is jump in and scavenge with your crew. Most players have sorted the issue with a quick game restart, a router reset, or by verifying their game files.

If none of these methods works, chances are the issue’s on the server side, and in that case, all you can really do is wait for the developers to sort things out. Either way, it’s not a long-term problem; you’ll be back out there blasting robots and collecting scrap before you know it.

Also read: Arc Raiders "Online connection error": Possible fixes and reasons

---

For more articles on Arc Raiders, follow Sportskeeda:

• AR playtest crosses 150,000 players on Steam within an hour of its release
• When does AR Server Slam end?
• AR Server Slam crashing on PC: Possible fixes and reasons

Are you stuck on today's Wordle? Our Wordle Solver will help you find the answer.

Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh