Game Error ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders Anti-Cheat / VPN Conflict - Game Fix Guide

📅 Published: 2026-02-05 🔄 Updated: 2026-02-05 👥 Reports: 7 ⚡ Severity: 🟢 Low

🎯 Quick Answer

Disconnect any active VPN, add ARC Raiders and its anti-cheat to your security software's allow list, and verify the integrity of the game files to resolve the launch error.

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

This error constitutes a failure in the game's initialization sequence, specifically during the handshake between the game client and the Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) service. The failure prevents the game executable from launching, resulting in an immediate termination or a silent crash to desktop. The issue primarily affects the Windows platform, specifically Windows 10 and Windows 11. It occurs across all current public versions of ARC Raiders that utilize the EAC system. This is a common error with a high severity impact, as it is game-breaking and completely blocks access to the application. The exact error message is not always displayed in a dialog box but is frequently logged as an EAC initialization failure or a network timeout during the anti-cheat authentication process.

SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS

The primary symptom is application termination during the launch sequence. The process begins, often showing a splash screen or the Easy Anti-Cheat loading dialog, and then closes without entering the main menu. No error message may appear on screen, or a generic Windows application error dialog may present. In the Windows Event Viewer, under Windows Logs > Application, an error event may be logged with a source of Application Error and a faulting module path pointing to the game's executable or the EasyAntiCheat.sys driver. Network monitoring tools may show a failed outbound connection attempt from the EAC service that is blocked or times out.

SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES

Category: Network Problem Specific technical explanation: An active Virtual Private Network (VPN) client or proxy service reroutes or encrypts the outbound connection from the Easy Anti-Cheat service to its authentication servers. EAC interprets this rerouted traffic as a potential security violation or fails to establish a stable connection, resulting in a launch block. Why this causes the problem: EAC requires a direct, unmodified route to its servers for integrity validation. Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Third-party security software (antivirus, anti-malware, or firewall) incorrectly identifies Easy Anti-Cheat components or game files as potential threats. The software quarantines or blocks these files, preventing the EAC service from loading correctly. Why this causes the problem: Missing or restricted system-level files cause the anti-cheat module to fail its integrity check. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Windows Defender Firewall or a third-party firewall contains an outbound rule that blocks the EasyAntiCheat_EOS.exe process or the game's main executable. This rule may have been created automatically and set to "Block" during a previous installation. Why this causes the problem: The blocked network traffic prevents the anti-cheat service from completing its mandatory online handshake. Category: Game Bug / Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Corrupted or missing game files, particularly within the EasyAntiCheat subdirectory of the game's installation folder, cause the EAC bootstrapper to fail. This corruption can occur due to incomplete updates, disk write errors, or improper shutdowns during installation. Why this causes the problem: The EAC loader cannot verify or execute required modules. Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible graphics drivers, specifically NVIDIA GeForce Game Ready Driver versions known to have memory management issues, can interfere with kernel-level operations of anti-cheat systems, causing instability. Why this causes the problem: Driver-level faults can crash dependent services during their initialization phase. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Incorrect system date, time, or timezone settings cause SSL/TLS certificate validation to fail when the EAC client attempts to connect to its servers. Why this causes the problem: The authentication handshake relies on valid security certificates, which appear expired or invalid if the system clock is incorrect.

SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS

Solution 1: Disconnect VPN and Configure Security Software Exceptions

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Administrator access may be required for security software changes. Steps:

Disconnect any active Virtual Private Network (VPN) client. Ensure the VPN software is fully terminated, not just disconnected.
Open your third-party antivirus or security suite (e.g., Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender).
Navigate to the settings for virus/threat protection, exclusions, or allow lists.
Add the following folders as exclusions (allow list):

- C:\Program Files (x86)\EasyAntiCheat\ - [Your Steam Library]\steamapps\common\ARC Raiders\ (e.g., C:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ARC Raiders\) - [Your Epic Games Library]\ARC Raiders\ (if applicable)

Apply the changes and perform a full shutdown of your PC (select "Shut down" in Windows, then power on manually). Do not use "Restart."

Technical Explanation: This ensures the anti-cheat service has a direct network path to its servers and prevents security software from interfering with or removing its core files during operation. Verification: Attempt to launch ARC Raiders. Successful launch past the EAC dialog and into the game client verifies the fix.

Solution 2: Verify Integrity of Game Files

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 10-15 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: None Steps:

Open the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
Right-click on ARC Raiders and select Properties.
In the left menu, select Installed Files.
Click the Verify integrity of game files button.
Wait for the process to complete. Steam will download and replace any missing or corrupted files.
If using the Epic Games Store, open the Epic Games Launcher, go to your Library, click the three dots under ARC Raiders, and select Verify.

Technical Explanation: This process compares the local game file checksums with the official depot versions, replacing any that are invalid. It specifically repairs the EasyAntiCheat folder and bootstrapper executables. Verification: The verification tool will display a message confirming all files are validated. Launch the game to test.

Solution 3: Configure Windows Defender Firewall Rules

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Administrator access Steps:

Press Windows Key + S, type Windows Security, and open the app.
Select Firewall & network protection.
Click Allow an app through firewall.
Click Change settings (requires admin privileges).
Click Allow another app... and then Browse.
Navigate to the ARC Raiders installation folder. Select the game's main .exe file (e.g., ARC Raiders.exe). Click Add.
Repeat steps 5-6 to add EasyAntiCheat_EOS.exe, typically located in C:\Program Files (x86)\EasyAntiCheat\ or within the game's EasyAntiCheat subfolder.
In the list, ensure both applications have checkmarks for both Private and Public networks. Click OK.

Technical Explanation: This creates explicit inbound and outbound permit rules for the game and its anti-cheat service, overriding any implicit blocks that may have been created. Verification: Launch the game. Monitor the Windows Security notification area; no new block alerts should appear for these applications.

Solution 4: Repair Easy Anti-Cheat Service Installation

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Administrator access Steps:

Navigate to the game's installation directory and open the EasyAntiCheat subfolder.
Locate and run the EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe file as Administrator (right-click > Run as administrator).
In the setup dialog, ensure ARC Raiders is selected in the game list.
Click the Repair Service button.
Follow any on-screen prompts and allow the operation to complete.
Restart your computer.

Technical Explanation: This re-registers the EAC kernel driver and service with Windows, reinstalls the correct certificate, and repairs any corrupted registry entries specific to the game's integration. Verification: After restart, check in Services.msc that the Easy Anti-Cheat service is present and set to start automatically. Launch the game.

Solution 5: Update Graphics and Network Drivers

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 15 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Administrator access Steps:

For NVIDIA GPUs: Open GeForce Experience, go to the Drivers tab, and click Download for the latest Game Ready Driver. Perform a Custom Installation and select Perform a clean installation.
For AMD GPUs: Use the AMD Adrenalin Software auto-detect tool or manually download the latest driver from AMD.com.
For MSI Motherboard Network: Visit the MSI support page for your Cyborg 15 model. Download and install the latest LAN/Wireless driver package.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following commands to reset network stack:

netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /flushdns

Restart the computer when prompted.

Technical Explanation: Clean installation of graphics drivers eliminates conflicting files. Updating network drivers and resetting the TCP/IP stack resolves underlying socket and routing issues that can affect the EAC connection. Verification: System stability is improved. Launch ARC Raiders to test the connection.

Solution 6: Synchronize System Time and Disable IPv6

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: Low Prerequisites: Administrator access Steps:

Right-click the time in the Windows taskbar and select Adjust date and time.
Ensure Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are toggled On. Click Sync now.
Press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
Right-click your active network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Properties.
In the list, find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and uncheck its box.
Click OK. Restart your computer.

Technical Explanation: Correct system time is critical for SSL certificate validation during the EAC handshake. Disabling IPv6 forces all network traffic, including the game's, to use IPv4, which can bypass dual-stack routing complications that some routers or ISPs mishandle. Verification: The game launches successfully. Time is correct in Windows. Network connectivity for other applications remains functional.

SECTION 5: PREVENTION

Maintain a consistent allow-list for ARC Raiders and its Easy Anti-Cheat directory within all security software. Establish a routine to verify game file integrity through your game launcher after major system or game updates. Schedule monthly checks for graphics and motherboard chipset driver updates directly from the hardware manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update. Before launching the game, confirm no VPN or proxy services are active. Monitor the Windows Event Viewer periodically for recurring application errors related to EasyAntiCheat.sys to catch issues before they cause launch failures.

SECTION 6: WHEN TO CONTACT SUPPORT

Contact official ARC Raiders support if all documented solutions fail and the error persists. Escalation is required when the EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe repair function fails with an error code, or if the EAC service fails to start with a specific Windows system error code. Prepare to provide the full system specification report from dxdiag, the latest game log files from %LOCALAPPDATA%\ARC Raiders\Saved\Logs, and the EAC installation log located in %PROGRAMDATA%\EasyAntiCheat\. Official support channels are located within the game's official website and publisher's support portal.