ARC Raiders ARAU0297 Error: Reasons and Fixes

The ARAU0297 error (Online Connection Error) in ARC Raiders has become one of the most frequent connection issues since the game’s recent update. Players across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox report the same experience: the game refuses to reach the main menu and displays a message stating that online services are unavailable. In many cases, this blocks matchmaking entirely.

What Causes the ARAU0297 Error in ARC Raiders?

Player reports indicate that ARAU0297 isn’t a simple “bad internet” issue. Instead, it appears to stem from a mix of server-side problems and account-level authentication failures. Based on widespread user feedback, the most likely reasons include:

• Embark Authentication Service Failure
• IP Address Conflicts or Temporary Bans
• Incorrect System Time or Time Zone
• Corrupted Network Cache or DNS Problems
• Console Cache Problems

How to Fix ARC Raiders ARAU0297

Below are the most reliable fixes that have helped many players resolve this issue

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Start with the basics: verify that your connection is stable, packet loss is minimal, and latency is normal. If your upload/download speeds look abnormal, restart your router or contact your ISP.

2. Toggle Automatic Time & Time Zone (PC / Xbox / PS5)

This is the most unexpected but most successful fix so far.

Players reported that:

• Turning automatic time ON fixed it for some.
• Turning automatic time OFF fixed it for others.
• Changing the time zone on Xbox (Spain → Norway) allowed immediate login.

Why it works: ARC Raiders validates your client timestamp during account authentication. If your system time drifts or desyncs, the server may reject the connection.

How to do it on Windows:

1. Open Windows Settings
2. Go to Time & Language
3. Toggle Set time automatically OFF → ON (or ON → OFF)
4. Restart the game

This fix alone has helped hundreds of players.

3. Flush Your DNS (PC)

Refreshing your DNS clears outdated network routing information that may block ARC Raiders’ authentication handshake.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt
2. Type: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Press Enter
4. Restart ARC Raiders

4. Change Your Public IP Address

This is the most accurate fix for players stuck for 24–48 hours.

A player investigation revealed Embark’s system may temporarily ban certain IPs, especially under CGNAT.

How to fix:

• Restart your modem (not router) for 5–10 minutes
• This forces your ISP to assign a new public IP if your network uses dynamic addressing.

If that doesn’t work:

• Ask your ISP for a fresh public IP
• Request removal from CGNAT (if possible)

Players confirmed that IP changes instantly restored game access.

5. Switch From Wi-Fi to Ethernet

Wireless connections often experience packet drop and inconsistent latency that can break the login sequence.

Plugging in an Ethernet cable dramatically improves network stability.

6. Verify Game Files (PC)

Corrupted or missing files can interrupt the login process.

On Steam:

1. Go to Library
2. Right-click ARC Raiders
3. Select Properties
4. Go to Installed Files
5. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files

Multiple players confirmed this resolved their ARAU0297 lockout.

7. Restart Your Router or Console

Console users (PS5/Xbox) often fixed the error by clearing system cache:

PS5:

• Completely power off (not rest mode)
• Unplug the console for 30 seconds
• Restart and relaunch the game

Xbox:

• Hold the power button for 10 seconds
• Remove the power cable briefly
• Reboot
• Start ARC Raiders again

This forces the console to rebuild its network session and request a new connection token.

8. Link or Re-Link Your Embark Account

Some players fixed the issue by creating or refreshing their Embark account on the official site:
https://id.embark.games/id/profile

After linking Steam/PlayStation/Xbox manually, ARC Raiders authenticated normally.

9. Try a VPN (Temporary Workaround)

A VPN reroutes your connection and gives you a different exit IP.

Players confirmed:

• Enabling a VPN lets them access the main menu.
• Disabling VPN afterward sometimes still allows play.

This is not ideal but proves the IP-related cause.

10. Wait for Server-Side Fixes

If Embark is experiencing an authentication outage, the error will resolve automatically. Many players reported the game started working “the next morning” without changes.

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The ARAU0297 error is frustrating because it prevents access to the entire game, not just matchmaking. Based on community reports, the root cause seems to be a mix of IP-based authentication issues, time synchronization errors, and server instability. Thankfully, most players have found success with simple methods such as toggling time settings, flushing DNS, or refreshing their public IP.

If none of the solutions work, it’s worth submitting a support ticket once Embark’s account portal is accessible again. Until then, the workarounds above offer the best chance of getting back into ARC Raiders quickly.