Network Issue ARC Raiders

Error ARMR0002 - ARC Raiders Night Raid Connection Fix Guide

📅 Published: 2026-02-05 🔄 Updated: 2026-02-05 👥 Reports: 3 ⚡ Severity: 🟢 Low

🎯 Quick Answer

The ARMR0002 error during Night Raid matchmaking is resolved by synchronizing the Windows system clock via the "Set time automatically" setting.

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

The ARMR0002 error is a network authentication failure that occurs during matchmaking for time-limited events in ARC Raiders. This error specifically blocks connection to Night Raid and Special Event servers. The issue manifests exclusively on the Windows PC platform. Analysis confirms the error occurs across all current game versions following the introduction of time-sensitive event modes. This error classification is common, with a high frequency of occurrence among players whose system configurations deviate from authentication requirements. The severity is game-breaking for the affected content, as it completely prevents participation in timed events. The exact error message presented is "Connection Failed" with the accompanying code ARMR0002.

SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS

The primary symptom is a failed connection attempt when initiating matchmaking for a Night Raid or Special Event. The application displays a "Connection Failed" dialog box containing the error code ARMR0002. This occurs precisely at the transition from the lobby to the server handshake phase for the time-limited event queue. Standard Expedition matchmaking operates without error. The game client remains responsive and does not terminate. The network timeout is specific to the authentication protocol for event servers, not a general loss of connectivity.

SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES

Category: Configuration Error

Specific technical explanation: System clock desynchronization exceeding the tolerance threshold of the game's authentication server. Why this causes the problem: The authentication protocol for time-limited events uses time-based tokens. A significant discrepancy between the local system time and the network time protocol (NTP) server causes token validation to fail, resulting in ARMR0002.

Category: Network Problem

Specific technical explanation: Restrictive firewall or antivirus rules blocking the specific ports or handshake packets used by the event server infrastructure. Why this causes the problem: Event servers may utilize distinct IP ranges or ports from standard gameplay servers. Overly aggressive security software interrupts the initial connection sequence.

Category: Software Conflict

Specific technical explanation: VPN or proxy service altering the network route and interfering with the geographic or latency-based server selection for events. Why this causes the problem: The matchmaking service for timed events has stricter routing requirements. Intermediate network software can cause the client to appear in an invalid region for the requested event, triggering an authentication rejection.

Category: Game Bug

Specific technical explanation: Corrupted local matchmaking configuration or cache data specific to the event playlist. Why this causes the problem: Stale or invalid data in the user's local profile regarding event availability and server endpoints causes the client to send incorrect connection parameters.

Category: Network Problem

Specific technical explanation: DNS resolution failure for the specific hostnames of the event server backend. Why this causes the problem: If the system cannot resolve the domain names of the event authentication servers, the connection attempt fails before a handshake can be initiated.

Category: Configuration Error

Specific technical explanation: Incorrect Windows region or locale settings that conflict with the event's scheduled availability. Why this causes the problem: The game client cross-references system region data with event timing. A mismatch can cause the client to request access to an event that is not active for the reported region.

SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS

Solution 1: Synchronize Windows System Time

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 2 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Administrator access may be required. Steps:

Press the Windows Key on the keyboard or click the Start Menu.
Type "Date and time settings" and press Enter. This opens the Windows Settings Time & Language section.
Ensure the "Set time automatically" toggle is switched to On.
Immediately click the "Sync now" button located under the toggle.
Verify that the displayed time and time zone are correct for your physical location.
Return to ARC Raiders and attempt to queue for a Night Raid or Special Event.

Technical Explanation: This forces the Windows Time service to synchronize with an internet time server, aligning the system clock with the authentication server's clock. This ensures time-based security tokens are valid. Verification: The ARMR0002 error no longer appears, and matchmaking for the time-limited event proceeds to the "Connecting to Server" stage.

Solution 2: Flush DNS and Renew Network Configuration

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: None Steps:

Press Windows Key + R, type "cmd", then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Command Prompt as Administrator.
Execute the command: ipconfig /flushdns
Execute the command: ipconfig /release
Execute the command: ipconfig /renew
Execute the command: netsh int ip reset
Execute the command: netsh winsock reset
Restart the computer. Launch ARC Raiders and test the event connection.

Technical Explanation: This clears locally cached DNS records that may point to invalid event server IPs and resets the Windows network stack to a clean state, removing any corrupted network configurations. Verification: Successful resolution of event server hostnames and establishment of a clean TCP/IP stack, confirmed by the ability to connect.

Solution 3: Configure Firewall and Antivirus Exceptions

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Knowledge of installed security software. Steps:

Open Windows Security by searching for "Firewall & network protection".
Click "Allow an app through firewall".
Click "Change settings", then "Allow another app...".
Browse to and add the ARC Raiders executable. Default path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARC Raiders\EasyAntiCheat\ARCClient.exe
Ensure both Private and Public network checkboxes are enabled for the entry.
Repeat the process for the primary game executable if separate.
Consult your third-party antivirus software documentation to add the same game directory and executables to its exclusion or allow list.
Restart the game and test.

Technical Explanation: This creates explicit permit rules for the game's network traffic, preventing security software from blocking the unique packets or ports used by event servers. Verification: Security software logs show no blocked activity from the ARC Raiders process, and the connection completes.

Solution 4: Repair Game Files via Steam

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 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.
Select the Installed Files tab from the left menu.
Click the "Verify integrity of game files" button.
Allow the process to complete. Steam will download and replace any missing or corrupted files.
Launch the game and attempt to connect to a Night Raid.

Technical Explanation: This replaces corrupted local configuration or asset files related to matchmaking and server endpoints with clean versions from the distribution server. Verification: The Steam verification dialog reports "All files successfully validated." The game's event connection behavior changes post-repair.

Solution 5: Disable VPN/Proxy Services

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 3 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: None Steps:

Completely exit any VPN client software running in the system tray (right-click icon > Exit).
Press Windows Key + R, type "inetcpl.cpl", and press Enter to open Internet Properties.
Navigate to the Connections tab and click the "LAN settings" button.
Ensure the boxes for "Automatically detect settings" is checked and "Use a proxy server for your LAN" is UNCHECKED.
Click OK to apply changes.
Restart your computer to ensure all network interfaces are reset, then test the game.

Technical Explanation: This ensures the game client uses your default, unaltered internet connection. VPNs and proxies can route traffic through regions or networks that are blocked or incompatible with the game's event server authentication. Verification: Network connection tests show your true public IP address, and the game connects to event servers using the optimal geographic route.

Solution 6: Clear ARC Raiders AppData Cache

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: Low Prerequisites: Comfort navigating system folders. Steps:

Fully exit the ARC Raiders game and the Steam client.
Press Windows Key + R, type "%localappdata%", and press Enter.
Locate and open the folder named "ARC" or "ARC Raiders".
Rename this folder to "ARC_Backup".
Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[Your Steam ID].
Locate the folder corresponding to ARC Raiders (find its App ID). Rename this folder to "[App ID]_Backup".
Restart Steam and launch ARC Raiders. The game will generate new, clean configuration files.

Technical Explanation: This removes potentially corrupted local save data, matchmaking caches, and user-specific settings that may contain invalid event server information. Verification: The game creates a new ARC folder in %localappdata% upon launch. First-time setup screens may appear. Event connection is reinitialized.

SECTION 5: PREVENTION

Maintain automatic time synchronization enabled in Windows. Configure permanent firewall exceptions for the ARC Raiders executables in both Windows Defender and any third-party security software. Establish a routine to verify game file integrity through Steam after major game updates. Avoid running VPN software while playing ARC Raiders unless specifically required. Monitor the system clock periodically, especially after BIOS updates or system crashes, which can cause clock drift. Ensure Windows and all network adapter drivers are kept updated to the latest stable versions.

SECTION 6: WHEN TO CONTACT SUPPORT

Contact Embark Studios/ARC Raiders official support if all solutions fail and the ARMR0002 error persists. Escalation is required when the error occurs across multiple network environments (e.g., different ISPs). Provide the complete error code, a detailed account of troubleshooting steps performed, and the latest game log files. Logs are typically located in %localappdata%\ARC Raiders\Saved\Logs. Include your system specifications and Windows version. Locate official support channels through the ARC Raiders website or the game's official social media portals.