ARC Raiders Outage Sparks Frustration, ARAU0297 Error Widespread

ARC Raiders experienced a major service disruption on Wednesday. Players across all platforms were locked out of the game. The ARAU0297 error message was reported by thousands of users.

It prevented access to matchmaking and the main menu. The problem also affected other popular online titles. Fortnite, Among Us, and Rocket League faced similar connection issues.

Initial speculation pointed to a widespread AWS outage. Amazon Web Services provides cloud infrastructure for many games. However, AWS officially denied any problems with its services.

A spokesperson told Reuters that their systems were operating normally. They called the social media speculation inaccurate. The company directed users to its official health dashboard for accurate information.

Understanding the ARAU0297 Connection Error

The ARAU0297 error indicates a failure to connect to online servers. It is an authentication and network communication issue. This blocked players on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation simultaneously.

Such errors are often caused by problems on the player’s side. Internet configuration issues are a common culprit. Incorrect system time settings can also trigger login failures.

According to The Associated Press, mass login attempts during outages can exacerbate problems. Server-side authentication services can become overwhelmed. This creates a cascading effect for users trying to reconnect.

Developers at Embark Studios acknowledged the problem. They worked to stabilize the game’s online services throughout the day. Service was gradually restored for most players by the evening.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide for Players

For PC users, the first step is to verify your internet connection. Test another online service to confirm it is stable. Switching from Wi-Fi to a wired connection can often help.

Rebooting your networking equipment is a key step. Power off your modem and router for several minutes. This action can refresh your public IP address and clear local cache.

Ensure your Embark account is properly linked. Do this through a web browser outside of the game client. A missing account link is a frequent cause of the ARAU0297 error.

Console players on PlayStation 5 should restart their device. They should also restart their home router. Re-syncing the console’s date and time settings has resolved the issue for many.

Xbox Series X|S users should follow similar steps. A full console reboot is recommended. Checking the NAT type in network settings can provide further clues.

If problems continue, contacting your internet service provider may be necessary. Issues like CGNAT can interfere with game connections. Persistent errors may require professional network troubleshooting.

The widespread ARC Raiders outage highlights the fragility of always-online gaming. While services have resumed, the event is a reminder for developers to bolster network resilience for the future.