The “Failed to Join Party” error in ARC Raiders is a common but frustrating hurdle that can stop your squad from dropping in. This error is typically caused by network glitches, server overload, or crossplay configuration conflicts. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step troubleshooting process to resolve the issue and get your party back together.
Basic First Steps to Fix the Party Error
Before diving into complex solutions, always start with these simple checks.
Restart the Game and Device: A full restart can clear temporary glitches. Close ARC Raiders completely and reboot your PC or console.
Re-send the Party Invite: Ask the party leader to go back to the main menu and send a fresh invite. Avoid sending invites while in a match or loading screen.
Check for Server Status: High player traffic or server maintenance can cause issues. Check the official ARC Raiders X (Twitter) account or the Embark Studios status page (
status.embark-studios.com) for any ongoing problems. If the servers are down, you must wait for the developers to resolve it.
Network and Connection Troubleshooting
A unstable or slow internet connection is a primary culprit for this error.
Test Your Connection: Run a speed test. For a smooth online experience, your ping should ideally be below 50 ms. High latency or packet loss can disrupt the connection to the game’s servers.
Use a Wired Connection: If you are on Wi-Fi, switch to a wired Ethernet connection. This provides a more stable and reliable network link, reducing the chance of disconnections.
Flush Your DNS (PC): Corrupted DNS cache can cause connection issues. Press the Windows key, type “cmd,” and run Command Prompt as an administrator. Type the command
ipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter.Restart Your Router: Power cycle your network equipment. Unplug your router and modem from the power source, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug them back in. This clears the router’s cache and can resolve many connectivity problems.
Fixing Crossplay and Party Invite Issues
If you’re playing with friends on different platforms, crossplay settings can interfere.
Enable Crossplay: Ensure all members of the party have the Crossplay feature enabled. You can usually find this in Settings > Gameplay.
Add Friends Correctly: To invite friends from other platforms, you must add them using their friend code, Epic Games username, Steam Friend Code, or console ID. You cannot invite them through platform-specific friends lists alone.
Adjust Party Privacy: Change your Party Privacy setting to “Public” or “Open” temporarily. A “Private” or “Closed” setting can sometimes block incoming join requests.
Advanced PC and Console Fixes
If the basic steps don’t work, try these platform-specific solutions.
For PC Players:
Update GPU Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can cause instability. Update your NVIDIA or AMD drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
Verify Game Files (Steam/Epic):
On Steam: Right-click ARC Raiders in your library > Properties > Installed Files > “Verify integrity of game files.”
On Epic Games Launcher: Go to your Library, click the three dots next to ARC Raiders, and select “Verify.”
For Console Players (Playstation/Xbox):
Clear Console Cache: Fully power down your console (don’t use Rest Mode), unplug it for one minute, and then restart it. This clears the system cache.
Check for System Updates: Ensure your console’s operating system is updated to the latest version.
Final Resort Solutions
If you have tried everything and the “Failed to Join Party” error persists, consider these last steps.
Recreate the Party: Have a different player create the party and send out new invites.
Mass Logout/Login: All party members should completely log out of the game and then log back in simultaneously.
Contact Support: If the problem is isolated to your account, submit a support ticket through the in-game support menu or the official Embark Studios website.
FAQ
Q: What is the most common cause of the ‘Failed to Join Party’ error?
A: The most common causes are temporary server issues, an unstable internet connection, or incorrect crossplay and friend invite settings.
Q: How do I fix crossplay not working in ARC Raiders?
A: Ensure all players have Crossplay enabled in the settings and that you have added each other using the correct friend codes or usernames from the respective platforms (Epic, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox).
Q: Do I need to restart my router to fix this?
A: It is a highly recommended step. Restarting your router can resolve underlying network conflicts and connectivity issues that the game is sensitive to.
Q: Where can I check the ARC Raiders server status?
A: You can check the official Embark Studios status page (status.embark-studios.com) or the official ARC Raiders X (Twitter) account for real-time server updates and maintenance announcements.
Conclusion
The “Failed to Join Party” error in ARC Raiders is typically solvable through systematic troubleshooting. Start with simple restarts and invite re-sends, then move to network checks like router resets and connection tests. Pay close attention to crossplay settings and ensure all party members are correctly added. By following this guide, you can resolve the connection and server issues and get back to the coordinated action that ARC Raiders is all about.