Error 213 stops you at the login screen in Escape from Tarkov and blocks you from reaching a raid. The message reads “Error connecting to auth server,” and it usually shows up right after a wipe, a major patch, or a big traffic spike on login day.
This error means your client failed to complete its handshake with Battlestate Games’ authentication system. It is not always a sign of a broken install. Below are the fixes that actually resolve it, based on what causes the failure.
What Causes Error 213 in Escape from Tarkov
- Heavy login traffic during wipes, updates, or the Steam release overloads the auth server
- A regional routing issue sends your login request through a congested path
- Corrupted or missing launcher files interrupt the handshake on the Steam version
- Windows Firewall or antivirus blocks the launcher from reaching the server
Fix 1: Update or Reinstall the Launcher
An outdated launcher struggles to complete authentication during high traffic periods.
- Go to the official Escape from Tarkov website
- Download the current launcher build
- Install it over your existing copy
- If login still fails, uninstall the launcher fully and do a clean install instead of an update
Fix 2: Restart Your PC and Router
A restart clears cached network tasks and background processes that can interfere with the handshake.
- Power down your PC fully
- Restart your modem or router before you relaunch the game
- Wait for both devices to reconnect fully
- Launch the game and attempt to log in again
Fix 3: Run the Launcher as Administrator
Missing permissions can stop the login request before it reaches the auth server.
- Right click the Tarkov launcher, whether you run the Steam or BSG version
- Select Run as administrator
- Wait for the launcher to open with elevated access
- Attempt to log in again
Fix 4: Verify Game Files on Steam
Corrupted or incomplete files can break authentication before the game even loads.
- Open your Steam Library
- Right click Escape from Tarkov and go to Properties
- Select Installed Files
- Run Verify Integrity of Game Files
- Restart your system once the check finishes
Fix 5: Allow Tarkov Through Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall sometimes flags the launcher or game executable as untrusted after an update or reinstall.
- Open Windows Security
- Go to Firewall & Network Protection
- Select Allow an app through firewall
- Add EscapeFromTarkov.exe if it is missing from the list
- Enable both Private and Public network options for the entry
Fix 6: Disable Any Active VPN
A VPN can route your login request through a congested path and trigger the same error it is meant to avoid.
- Turn off any active VPN before launching the game
- Close the VPN client fully instead of just disconnecting
- Relaunch the game and attempt to log in
- If login succeeds only with the VPN on, your local ISP route is likely congested
Fix 7: Switch Your DNS
Slow or outdated DNS routing can add delay or drop the connection between your launcher and the auth server.
- Switch your DNS to a faster provider such as
1.1.1.1or8.8.8.8 - Reboot your network adapter after the DNS change
- Relaunch the game and try logging in again
Fix 8: Log In During Off Peak Hours
Server load drops significantly outside wipe nights, patch days, and evening peak hours.
- Avoid logging in right after a wipe or major patch
- Try early morning or late night windows instead
- Skip evening peak hours when player counts are highest
- Attempt login again once traffic has settled
If you have worked through every fix above and Error 213 still shows up, the problem likely sits with the servers rather than your setup.
When Error 213 Is Not on Your End
Some Error 213 instances come entirely from server side congestion, and no local fix will resolve them until Battlestate Games’ systems stabilize.
- Your account hits a short term authorization lock after repeated rapid login attempts or region switching
- Community reports on the same day point to a widespread, region wide login failure with no single fix in common
- The launcher fails immediately without attempting to load any game resources, which points to an outage rather than a local block
If any of these match your situation, repeated troubleshooting will not help. Wait for Battlestate Games to stabilize the servers and try again later.
FAQs
What is Error 213 in Escape from Tarkov?
Error 213 appears when the game fails to connect to the authentication server, which is responsible for verifying your account before login. This usually happens before the game fully loads and blocks access entirely.
Why does Escape from Tarkov show Error 213 after updates or wipes?
This error commonly appears during wipes, major updates, or launch events because thousands of players try to log in at the same time. The heavy traffic overloads the authentication servers, causing login failures.
Is Error 213 caused by my PC or internet?
Not always. In most cases, Error 213 is server-side and happens due to backend congestion or authentication issues. However, unstable internet, DNS problems, or firewall restrictions can also trigger it on your side.
What is the fastest way to fix Error 213 in Escape from Tarkov?
The quickest fixes include restarting your router, updating or reinstalling the launcher, disabling VPN, running the launcher as administrator, and retrying login during low-traffic hours.
Can retrying login attempts fix Error 213?
Yes, retrying can sometimes work because you may eventually pass through the overloaded servers. However, it is not guaranteed and may require multiple attempts.
What to do when Tarkov Error 213 won’t fix after all steps?
If nothing works and the issue is widespread, stop troubleshooting. The error is likely due to server congestion, and waiting is the only solution.
If none of these fixes clear Error 213, the same login handshake also drives errors on other launchers and platforms.
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