ARC Raiders Error ART00004 Network Timeout

What is ARC Raiders Error ART00004?

Error ART00004 is a network timeout code in ARC Raiders that appears when the game fails to retrieve data from Embark Studios' backend servers within the allowed time. The full message usually reads: "Retrieving data from backend services timed out — please try again later." Unlike crash errors, ART00004 does not mean your game files are corrupted — it indicates a communication failure between your client and the game servers.

This error surged in frequency in early 2026 as ARC Raiders climbed to the top of Steam's most-played charts, putting heavy load on Embark's infrastructure during peak hours. It can appear on PC, PS5, and Xbox.

When does it occur?

• When launching the game and connecting to the main menu
• When matchmaking into a raid during peak server hours
• After a game update when servers are being restarted
• On unstable Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot connections with packet loss
• When your ISP throttles encrypted traffic routed through Cloudflare
• During widespread server outages or scheduled maintenance

Common causes

• Server congestion during peak hours — High player counts overwhelm backend services, causing timeouts
• Unstable internet connection — Packet loss or high latency on Wi-Fi prevents timely server responses
• DNS resolution delays — Slow or unreliable DNS servers add latency to every server request
• Firewall or antivirus blocking game traffic — Security software silently drops packets to Embark's servers
• ISP throttling encrypted connections — ARC Raiders uses Cloudflare-encrypted channels that some ISPs deprioritize
• Corrupted local network stack — Stale DNS cache or broken Winsock catalog causes connection failures

Step-by-step fixes

1. Retry the connection — Click the Retry button on the error screen. In roughly 60% of cases, a second or third attempt succeeds as server load fluctuates. Wait 10-15 seconds between attempts.

1. Fully restart the game — Close ARC Raiders completely via Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), end any lingering ArcRaiders.exe processes, and relaunch from Steam. Do not just return to the title screen.

1. Switch to a wired connection — If you are on Wi-Fi, connect your PC directly to your router via Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi interference causes packet loss that triggers timeouts in online games.

1. Flush DNS and reset network stack — Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands in order: ipconfig /flushdns, ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, netsh winsock reset. Restart your PC after.

1. Change your DNS servers — Go to Settings > Network & Internet > your adapter > DNS server assignment > Edit. Set manual DNS to 1.1.1.1 (primary) and 1.0.0.1 (secondary), or use Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

1. Allow ARC Raiders through your firewall — Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall > Add ArcRaiders.exe from your Steam library folder (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARC Raiders\). Also add exceptions in any third-party antivirus.

1. Verify game file integrity — In Steam, right-click ARC Raiders > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. Corrupted update files can occasionally cause ART00004 even though it is primarily a network error.

1. Test an alternate network path — If all local fixes fail, try connecting through a mobile hotspot or VPN to rule out ISP routing issues. ARC Raiders traffic routes through Cloudflare, and some providers throttle these routes.

If it still doesn't work

If ART00004 persists across different networks, the issue is likely server-side. Check the official ARC Raiders Discord server and Embark Studios social channels for server status updates — the developers post real-time notices about outages and maintenance windows. You can also monitor community reports on r/ArcRaiders and the Steam Community Discussions hub.

During major content updates or free weekends, server overload can cause widespread ART00004 errors that no local fix can resolve. In these cases, waiting 30-60 minutes for server load to stabilize is the most reliable solution.