Getting the “Outdated Game Client” error in ARC Raiders can stop you from joining matches, especially when you are trying to play with friends. In most cases, the message means your game is running a different version from the one currently supported by the servers.
The problem commonly appears after Embark Studios releases a new patch, hotfix, or server update. Since ARC Raiders is an online extraction shooter, players need to be on a compatible game build to connect to the same sessions.
Fortunately, there are several things you can try before resorting to a full reinstall. Here is how to fix the ARC Raiders “Outdated Game Client” error on PC and consoles.
What Causes the “Outdated Game Client” Error in ARC Raiders?
The error appears when the version installed on your system does not match the version currently expected by the ARC Raiders servers.
This can happen after a new update has been released but has not yet been installed on your system. It can also occur if a launcher fails to detect an available update, an update does not install correctly, or cached data prevents the latest game version from being recognized.
The issue is not necessarily caused by a problem with your installation. If Embark is rolling out an update or performing server maintenance, players can temporarily encounter version mismatches.
A similar type of problem has occurred in other online multiplayer games, including Embark Studios’ The Finals.
How to Fix the “Outdated Game Client” Error in ARC Raiders
Try the following solutions in order. Start by checking for an available update, since a pending patch is one of the most common reasons for the error.
1. Check for a Game Update
Before changing any settings, make sure ARC Raiders is completely updated.
Close the game and restart the platform you use to play it. Then check the game’s download or update section.
On PC:
- Close ARC Raiders completely.
- Restart Steam or the Epic Games Launcher.
- Open your game library.
- Check whether an update is available.
- Allow the download and installation to finish.
- Launch ARC Raiders again.
Console players should also check for pending system updates. In some cases, keeping the console software up to date may be necessary before game updates can install correctly.
Even a small hotfix can change the game version, so make sure the update has finished before launching the game.
2. Verify ARC Raiders Game Files
If the latest update is installed but the error continues, some game files may be missing, damaged, or incorrectly updated.
Both Steam and Epic Games Launcher provide tools for checking the installed files.
How to Verify ARC Raiders Files on Steam
- Open Steam.
- Go to your Library.
- Right-click ARC Raiders.
- Select Properties.
- Open Installed Files.
- Select Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Steam will check the installation and replace files that are missing or corrupted.
Once the process is complete, restart Steam and launch the game again.
How to Verify ARC Raiders Files on Epic Games
If you use Epic Games Launcher:
- Open Epic Games Launcher.
- Go to Library.
- Find ARC Raiders.
- Click the three-dot menu next to the game.
- Select Manage.
- Click Verify.
Wait for the verification process to finish before launching the game.
3. Restart Your PC or Console
A simple restart can sometimes resolve update detection problems.
Completely close the game and its launcher rather than leaving either application running in the background. Then restart your PC or console.
After restarting:
- Open your gaming platform.
- Check for ARC Raiders updates.
- Wait for any pending download to finish.
- Start the game again.
If you are still having connection or update problems, restarting your router can also help refresh the connection between your network, gaming platform, and game servers.
To power-cycle your router, turn it off, wait around 20 to 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
4. Clear the Steam Download Cache
If Steam is not detecting an available ARC Raiders update, clearing its download cache is another option.
Follow these steps:
- Open Steam.
- Select Steam from the top menu.
- Open Settings.
- Select Downloads.
- Click Clear Download Cache.
- Sign back into Steam if required.
- Check for an ARC Raiders update.
Clearing the cache can force Steam to refresh its download information.
5. Clear the Epic Games Launcher Cache
Epic Games Launcher users can also clear its cached data if the game is not recognizing a new update.
First, completely close Epic Games Launcher.
On Windows, navigate to:
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved
Look for the webcache folder and delete it.
Then restart Epic Games Launcher and check ARC Raiders for updates.
6. Check the ARC Raiders Server Status
The problem may not be related to your PC or console at all.
When Embark Studios releases a new patch or performs server maintenance, there can be temporary differences between the game version installed on your system and the version currently available on the servers.
Check the official ARC Raiders community channels and Embark Studios’ social media accounts for information about maintenance, updates, or known issues.
If a new patch is being rolled out, you may need to wait until the server-side update is fully completed.
7. Reinstall ARC Raiders
A complete reinstall should be considered a last resort because it takes considerably longer than the other troubleshooting methods.
If you have already checked for updates, verified the game files, restarted your system, and cleared the relevant cache, reinstalling the game can rebuild the installation from scratch.
To reinstall:
- Uninstall ARC Raiders from your platform.
- Restart your PC or console.
- Reinstall the game.
- Allow the installation and all updates to finish.
- Launch ARC Raiders and check whether the error has disappeared.
Make sure you have enough free storage before starting the download.
What If the “Outdated Game Client” Error Still Appears?
If none of the solutions work, the problem may be outside your control.
Possible causes include:
- A server-side issue
- A delayed regional update
- A patch that has not been distributed correctly
- A problem with the game files on your platform
- Temporary maintenance or version synchronization issues
In these cases, check the official ARC Raiders channels for updates before repeatedly reinstalling the game.
You can also contact Embark Studios Support and provide details about your platform, installed game version, and when the error started appearing.
