ARC Raiders’ proximity chat is a game-changer, letting you coordinate with nearby squads in the heat of battle. But when this crucial feature stops working, it can break the entire experience. If you’re struggling to get your microphone heard, this guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to diagnose and fix the Arc Raiders proximity chat not working issue.
What is Proximity Chat in ARC Raiders?
Before we dive into fixes, let’s understand the feature. Proximity Chat in ARC Raiders allows you to communicate with other players only when you are within a certain distance in the game world. This creates dynamic and realistic interactions. It typically uses a Push-to-Talk system, with the default key being ‘B’ on PC and the D-Pad Down on consoles.
Step 1: Check Your In-Game Audio Settings
The first place to look is always the game’s own settings menu. Navigate to Settings > Audio and verify the following:
Voice Chat: Ensure this option is set to “On” or “Enabled.”
Input Device: Select the correct microphone you want to use from the dropdown list.
Input Mode: Confirm it is set to “Push to Talk” and not “Always On” or “Disabled.”
Voice Chat Volume: Adjust this slider, typically between 75% and 100%, to ensure your receive volume isn’t too low.
Push-to-Talk Key/Button: Double-check which key or button is assigned and ensure it hasn’t been unbound or changed by accident.
Step 2: Verify Your System-Wide Audio Settings
If your in-game settings are correct, the problem might lie with your PC or console’s audio configuration.
For PC Players:
Set Default Microphone: Right-click the sound icon in your taskbar and select “Sounds.” Go to the “Recording” tab. Right-click your preferred microphone and select “Set as Default Device” and “Set as Default Communications Device.”
Microphone Levels: In the same “Recording” tab, right-click your microphone, select “Properties,” and go to the “Levels” tab. Ensure the volume is set to at least 80% and that the microphone is not muted.
Disable Exclusive Mode: In the “Advanced” tab of your microphone’s properties, uncheck the boxes that allow applications to take exclusive control. This can sometimes cause conflicts.
Update Audio Drivers: Outdated drivers are a common culprit. Press
Win + Xand select “Device Manager.” Expand “Sound, video and game controllers,” right-click your audio device, and select “Update driver.”
For Console Players (PS5 / Xbox Series X|S):
PS5: Go to Settings > Sound > Microphone. Test your microphone and ensure the status is working. Also, check Settings > Sound > Audio Output to ensure you are outputting chat audio to your headset.
Xbox: Press the Xbox button, go to Profile & system > Settings > General > Volume & audio output. Under “Advanced,” ensure your headset audio and microphone are correctly selected. A full console restart can also clear temporary glitches.
Step 3: Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the basic checks don’t resolve the Arc Raiders voice chat not working problem, try these advanced methods.
Restart the Game Fully: Completely close ARC Raiders. On PC, use the Task Manager (
Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to ensure all game processes are ended.Verify Game File Integrity (PC):
On Steam: Right-click ARC Raiders > 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.”
Check Microphone Privacy Settings (Windows): Go to Windows Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Ensure “Microphone access” is on and that you’ve allowed the specific app (e.g., Steam, Epic Games, or ARC Raiders) to access your microphone.
Disable Crossplay: There have been instances where crossplay can cause voice chat bugs. Try disabling crossplay in the game’s settings to see if this resolves the issue.
Check Your Antivirus/Firewall: Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall to see if it’s blocking the game’s voice chat service. If it works, add ARC Raiders to your antivirus whitelist.
FAQ: Arc Raiders Voice Chat Issues
Q1: Why can my teammates not hear me in Arc Raiders?
A: This is usually due to an incorrect input device selected in-game or on your system, your push-to-talk key not being set correctly, or your microphone levels being too low or muted.
Q2: How do I turn on push-to-talk in Arc Raiders?
A: Go to Settings > Audio and ensure the “Input Mode” is set to “Push to Talk.” Then, check the key binding in the controls menu to know which button to press.
Q3: My mic works in Discord but not in Arc Raiders. What’s wrong?
A: This confirms your hardware is fine. The issue is almost always a software or settings conflict. Focus on setting your mic as the default communications device in Windows and ensuring ARC Raiders has the correct microphone selected and the necessary permissions.
Q4: Is proximity chat not working a known bug?
A: Like many online games at launch, voice chat bugs can occur. Check the official ARC Raiders Discord server, Twitter/X page, or Steam community forums for any acknowledged issues and upcoming patches.
Q5: What is the final fix if nothing else works?
A: As a last resort, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the game. This will ensure all game files are fresh and uncorrupted.
Conclusion
Fixing the Arc Raiders proximity chat not working issue is usually a matter of methodically checking your settings. Start with the in-game audio menu, move to your system’s audio controls, and then proceed to the more advanced troubleshooting steps. By following this guide, you should be able to resolve your microphone problems and get back to communicating effectively with your squad in the world of ARC Raiders.