Escape from Tarkov Error 213: How to Fix Authentication Issues

Escape From Tarkov Error 213 stops you from logging in entirely. The game throws up an “Error connecting to authentication server” message, and no matter how many times you hit retry, it just keeps failing. This error is one of the most reported issues in EFT, particularly after server wipes, major updates, and the game’s 1.0 launch on Steam.

Before running through fixes, it helps to understand why this error appears in the first place.

What Is Error 213 in Escape From Tarkov?

Error 213 means the authentication server failed to verify your identity. When you launch EFT and log in, your client contacts Battlestate Games’ auth server to confirm your account credentials. If that server is overloaded, unreachable, or if something on your end is blocking the connection, you get Error 213.

Common causes include:

• Server overload from wipes or major updates (the most frequent trigger)
• Active server maintenance or an outage on Battlestate Games’ end
• A VPN interfering with the authentication connection
• Corrupted game files blocking the login process
• Firewall rules blocking the game’s outbound connection
• Outdated BSG launcher on non-Steam versions

Fix 1: Check Escape From Tarkov Server Status

Since the authentication server itself is usually the problem, check the server status before anything else. If Battlestate Games is running maintenance or the servers are overloaded, no client-side fix will help.

Check these sources:

• Official EFT Twitter/X handle (@bstategames) for real-time announcements
• Battlestate Games status page for current server conditions
• Downdetector for community-reported outages

If servers are down, wait it out. Once Battlestate Games brings them back online, the error clears on its own.

Fix 2: Keep Retrying the Connection

During server wipes and major launches, the authentication servers become bottlenecked. The servers are not fully down, but they cannot handle everyone trying to log in at the same moment.

Keep pressing the login button at regular intervals. The auth server processes requests in queues, and you will eventually get through once congestion drops. This method is not guaranteed, but it works for many players during peak traffic periods.

Fix 3: Restart the Game and Your System

A simple restart clears temporary session data and resets your network connection to EFT’s servers.

1. Fully close Escape From Tarkov and the launcher.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Relaunch the game and attempt to log in again.

This fix resolves Error 213 when it is caused by a stuck session or a minor local glitch rather than a full server outage.

Fix 4: Update or Reinstall the BSG Launcher

If you play through the BSG launcher (non-Steam version), an outdated launcher version can cause authentication failures. Battlestate Games pushes launcher updates alongside game patches, and running an old version breaks the connection to the auth server.

1. Go to the official Escape From Tarkov website.
2. Download the latest launcher installer.
3. Run the installer and let it update or reinstall the launcher.
4. Launch EFT and try logging in.

Fix 5: Run the Game as Administrator

Running EFT with administrator privileges removes permission-related blocks that can prevent the game from connecting to the authentication server.

For the BSG launcher:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the BSG launcher installation folder.
2. Right-click BsgLauncher.exe.
3. Select Run as administrator.
4. Log in and launch the game from the launcher.

For the Steam version:

1. Open File Explorer and go to your EFT installation folder.
2. Right-click EscapeFromTarkov.exe.
3. Select Properties, then go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Check Run this program as an administrator.
5. Click Apply, then OK.
6. Launch the game through Steam.

Fix 6: Verify Game File Integrity (Steam Only)

Missing or corrupted game files can trigger Error 213 by preventing the game client from communicating properly with the servers. Steam’s file verification tool finds and replaces any damaged files automatically.

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click Escape From Tarkov and select Properties.
3. Go to Installed Files and click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
4. Wait for the scan to finish.
5. Restart Steam and relaunch EFT.

Fix 7: Disable Your VPN

VPNs route your traffic through external servers, which can conflict with EFT’s authentication system. The auth server may reject login attempts from IP addresses associated with VPN exit nodes.

If you have a VPN running in the background, disable it completely before launching EFT. Check your system tray for VPN clients that may be running silently and shut them down. Relaunch the game and try logging in without the VPN active.

Fix 8: Restart Your Router or Modem

A stale router cache or a dropped connection can prevent your client from reaching the auth server. Power cycling your router refreshes the connection.

1. Turn off your router and modem.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Power them back on and wait for the connection to fully restore.
4. Relaunch EFT and attempt to log in.

If possible, switch to a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection to EFT’s servers.

Fix 9: Allow Escape From Tarkov Through Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall can block EFT’s outbound connection to the authentication server without showing any visible warning. Adding the game as an exception fixes this.

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Click Firewall and Network Protection.
3. Select Allow an app through firewall.
4. Click Change settings, then Allow another app.
5. Click Browse and navigate to your EFT installation folder.
6. Select EscapeFromTarkov.exe and click Add.
7. Make sure both Private and Public boxes are checked.
8. Click OK and relaunch the game.

Fix 10: Re-Log Into Your Account

Signing out and signing back in refreshes your authentication session. This clears token-related issues that can cause Error 213 even when the servers are online.

1. Open the BSG launcher or Steam.
2. Log out of your Escape From Tarkov account.
3. Close the launcher or Steam completely.
4. Reopen it and log back in.
5. Launch EFT and check if the error is gone.

Fix 11: Reinstall Escape From Tarkov

If no other fix has worked, a corrupted game installation could be the culprit. Reinstalling gives you a clean copy of all game files.

On Steam:

1. Open Steam, go to your Library, and right-click Escape From Tarkov.
2. Select Manage, then Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC after uninstalling.
4. Reinstall EFT through Steam.
5. Run the game as administrator after reinstalling (see Fix 5).

On BSG launcher:

1. Uninstall EFT through the launcher or Windows Settings.
2. Download the latest launcher from the official EFT website.
3. Reinstall the launcher and the game.

Fix 12: Contact Battlestate Games Support

If all the fixes above fail and the servers are confirmed to be online, contact Battlestate Games’ support team directly. Account-specific issues or backend problems tied to your profile sometimes require their intervention.

Submit a ticket through the official Escape From Tarkov support portal and include:

• A description of the error
• Your account details
• Which fixes you have already tried

Their support team can investigate account-level authentication problems that you cannot resolve from your end.

FAQs

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