ARMR0002

ARC Raiders Matchmaking Failed - Error ARMR0002 Fix

Also known as: Breakout Error Code | Matchmaking Handshake Failure

ERROR CODE: ARMR0002

Error Type: Handshake Failure

Severity: Connection Error

Common Causes: DDoS Mitigations, DNS Cache Issues, Network Configuration

What is ARMR0002? (Matchmaking Failed / Breakout Error)

ARMR0002 (also called "Breakout" error code) is a matchmaking handshake failure between the ARC Raiders client and Embark Studios servers. This error occurs when you try to join a match and the initial connection handshake fails, preventing matchmaking from working.

Common Symptoms:

  • Matchmaking fails immediately when trying to queue
  • Error message: "Matchmaking Failed" or "ARMR0002"
  • Cannot join games or find matches
  • Connection timeout during matchmaking

Root Causes:

  • DDoS Mitigations: Embark's servers may be under attack, causing connection filtering during matchmaking
  • Local DNS Cache Issues: Your computer may be using stale DNS records that block the matchmaking handshake
  • Network Configuration: Firewall or router settings blocking the matchmaking connection
  • Server Overload: High player counts during peak times causing matchmaking failures

Step-by-Step Fixes

STEP 1

Check Server Status & Matchmaking Status

Before troubleshooting, verify that ARC Raiders servers and matchmaking are operational:

Check Live Server Status → Matchmaking Issues Status →

If servers are down, experiencing DDoS attacks, or matchmaking is having issues, the problem is on Embark's side and will resolve automatically. Check our live matchmaking status page for updates.

STEP 2

DNS Flush

Clear your local DNS cache to remove stale connection records:

ipconfig /flushdns

Instructions:

  1. Press Windows Key + R
  2. Type cmd and press Enter
  3. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
  4. Type the command above and press Enter
  5. Restart your computer after flushing DNS
STEP 3

Verify Game Integrity (Steam)

Corrupted game files can cause handshake failures. Verify your installation:

  1. Open Steam
  2. Right-click ARC Raiders in your library
  3. Select Properties
  4. Go to Installed Files tab
  5. Click Verify integrity of game files
  6. Wait for verification to complete (may take 5-10 minutes)
  7. Restart the game
STEP 4

Change DNS Servers

Switch to Google DNS to bypass local DNS cache issues:

Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

Instructions:

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Network Connections
  2. Right-click your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
  3. Select Properties
  4. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
  5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses
  6. Enter 8.8.8.8 for Preferred DNS server
  7. Enter 8.8.4.4 for Alternate DNS server
  8. Click OK and restart your computer

Additional Troubleshooting

If ARMR0002 Persists

  • Toggle Crossplay: Go to Settings > Gameplay and toggle Crossplay OFF and then ON again. This often forces a new handshake.
  • Disable VPN: VPNs can interfere with the handshake process
  • Check Firewall: Ensure Windows Firewall isn't blocking ARC Raiders
  • Restart Router: Power cycle your router to refresh network connections
  • Check Embark Status: Visit @EmbarkStudios for official updates
  • Wait for DDoS Mitigation: If Embark is under attack, wait 15-30 minutes for mitigation to complete

Related Resources

ARC STATUS | Home | Troubleshooting

Not affiliated with Embark Studios