Arc Raiders Troubleshooting: Missing PvE or Failed Raid Fixes

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

If your Arc Raiders PvE mode is missing or a raid fails to start, the cause is usually a server or matchmaking issue, not a problem with your game files. This guide walks you through the specific fixes to try, from restarting the client to verifying your connection, so you can get back into a raid quickly.

Background: How Arc Raiders Matchmaking Works

Arc Raiders is an online extraction shooter where players drop into a shared world to complete objectives and extract with loot. The game relies on dedicated servers to host each raid, and your client communicates with those servers through a matchmaking service. When you select a mode (PvE or PvP), the game sends a request to the matchmaking service, which then places you in a queue and assigns you to a server when one is available.

The “PvE missing� issue typically appears when the game client fails to fetch the current playlist or mode list from the server. This can happen if the server is temporarily unreachable, if your connection is unstable, or if the game’s local cache is corrupted. A “raid failed� error, on the other hand, usually means the matchmaking service couldn’t find a suitable server or your connection to the assigned server was lost during the loading screen.

First Steps: Quick Fixes That Solve Most Issues

Before diving into deeper troubleshooting, try these simple steps in order. They resolve the majority of reported cases:

Restart the game client. Fully close Arc Raiders and relaunch it. This forces the client to re-fetch the mode list and clears temporary network glitches.
Restart the launcher. If you use Steam or the Epic Games Launcher, close the launcher entirely and reopen it. This can refresh authentication tokens.
Check for updates. Ensure the game and launcher are fully updated. An outdated client can cause mode lists to fail to load.
Switch servers. In the game’s settings, you may be able to select a preferred region. Try switching to a different region and then back to your usual one.
Wait a few minutes. Server issues are often transient. If the problem persists for more than 10 minutes, move on to the next steps.

Verify Game Files and Clear Cache

Corrupted or missing game files can cause the mode list to appear empty or raids to fail to load. Verifying the game files will check the integrity of the installation and re-download any damaged files.

Steam: Right-click Arc Raiders in your library → Properties → Local Files → Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Epic Games Launcher: Go to your Library → click the three dots next to Arc Raiders → Verify.
After verification, restart the game and check if the issue persists.

If verification doesn’t help, clear the game’s cache. On Windows, you can delete the contents of the game’s cache folder (usually located in %LOCALAPPDATA%\ArcRaiders\Saved\Cache or similar). Be careful to only delete cache files, not your settings or save data. After clearing, relaunch the game.

Network and Connection Troubleshooting

Network issues are a common cause of both missing PvE and failed raids. Here’s what to check:

Check your internet connection. Run a speed test and ensure you have a stable connection with low packet loss. Wired connections are more stable than Wi-Fi.
Restart your router/modem. Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This can clear DNS cache and refresh your IP lease.
Disable VPN or proxy. VPNs can interfere with matchmaking. Temporarily disable them and try again.
Update network drivers. Outdated network drivers can cause connectivity issues. Check your motherboard or network adapter manufacturer’s website for updates.
Adjust firewall/antivirus. Ensure Arc Raiders and its launcher are allowed through your firewall. If you’re unsure, temporarily disable your firewall/antivirus to test, then re-enable it.

Server Status and Regional Issues

Sometimes the problem isn’t on your end. The game’s servers may be down for maintenance or experiencing an outage. Check the official Arc Raiders social media channels or the game’s status page (if available) for announcements. If servers are down, the only fix is to wait for them to come back up.

Regional issues can also cause problems. If you’re in a region with few players, matchmaking may fail to find a server, especially for PvE content. Try switching to a more populated region in the game’s settings, even if it means higher ping. A higher ping is better than no raid at all.

Common Misconception: PvE Isn’t Removed, It’s Hidden

A common misconception is that the developers removed PvE mode. In most cases, the mode is still in the game but the mode list fails to load due to a client-server communication error. The mode is not removed; it’s simply not being displayed. If you see PvP but not PvE, the issue is almost certainly a data fetch failure. Try the fixes above, and if the problem persists, contact support with a screenshot of your mode selection screen.

When All Else Fails: Advanced Steps

If none of the above works, try these more advanced steps:

Reinstall the game. A clean install can fix any deep-rooted file corruption. Uninstall, then reinstall the game.
Reset your network stack. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands: ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, ipconfig /flushdns, netsh winsock reset. Then restart your PC.
Check for background applications. Some overlay apps (Discord, GeForce Experience) can interfere with the game’s network connection. Try disabling them temporarily.
Contact support. If the issue persists, reach out to the game’s official support with details about your system, your network setup, and what you’ve already tried. They may have specific fixes for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is PvE mode missing from my game?
PvE mode is usually missing because the game client can’t fetch the current mode list from the server. This is often due to a temporary server issue, a corrupted cache, or a network problem. Restarting the game and verifying files usually fixes it.

What does “raid failed� mean?
“Raid failed� typically means the matchmaking service couldn’t assign you to a server, or your connection to the assigned server was lost. It can be caused by server overload, network instability, or a firewall blocking the connection.

Will I lose my progress if I reinstall the game?
No, your progress is saved on the game’s servers, not locally. Reinstalling the game will not affect your character or inventory.

Can I play PvE offline?
No, Arc Raiders is an online-only game. You need an internet connection to play, even in PvE mode, because the game world is server-hosted.

Why does the game work for my friend but not for me?
This is usually a network issue specific to your connection. Check your firewall, router, and network drivers. It could also be a regional server issue if you and your friend are in different regions.

How long do server outages usually last?
Server outages vary. They can last from a few minutes to several hours. Check official channels for updates. If the outage is widespread, there’s nothing you can do but wait.

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