Thousands of players around the world were unable to access ARC Raiders on December 24 after widespread server issues disrupted gameplay during the peak holiday period. The outage came at a time when many users were logging in for extended play sessions ahead of Christmas, leading to frustration across the gaming community.
Players attempting to log in were met with long queues, repeated connection failures, and persistent “Network Timeout” errors. Even users who successfully entered the game were unable to join matches, leaving the title largely unplayable for several hours.
The timing of the outage — just one day before Christmas — amplified the impact, as player activity surged with schools closed, offices on holiday schedules, and gamers returning home for the festive season.
What Happened to ARC Raiders on Christmas Eve
On the night of December 24, players across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia began reporting login problems. While the game’s servers appeared online initially, many users found themselves stuck in long login queues. Those who managed to pass the queue were often disconnected shortly afterward.
A “Network Timeout” message became the most common error, effectively preventing access to gameplay across all platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PCs.
The sudden spike in player complaints suggests that the servers may have been overwhelmed by higher-than-expected traffic rather than taken offline for maintenance. However, Embark Studios did not immediately confirm the exact cause of the outage.
Holiday Traffic Likely Overwhelmed Servers
The outage coincided with a major in-game update called Cold Snap, which launched shortly before Christmas. The update introduced new seasonal features, events, and items, encouraging players to return to the game in large numbers.
Key additions in the update included:
- A new Cold Snap map condition
- A Flickering Flames seasonal event
- New quests and in-game items
- A new free Raider Deck called “Goalie,” scheduled to release on December 26
These updates, combined with holiday downtime for many players, likely resulted in unusually high server demand. Industry analysts note that online games often experience stability issues during holiday surges, especially when new content launches close to peak traffic periods.
Embark Studios Responds, but No Timeline Given
Embark Studios, the developer behind ARC Raiders, acknowledged the server issues and confirmed that its technical teams were working to restore full functionality. However, the company did not provide an estimated time for when the servers would return to normal.
Players were advised to monitor official social media channels and third-party outage trackers for updates. As of the latest reports, server stability was gradually improving in some regions, while others continued to experience disruptions.
The lack of a clear recovery timeline added to player frustration, particularly for those who had planned long gaming sessions during the holiday break.
What Is ARC Raiders?
ARC Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios and released in 2025. The game allows players to explore a futuristic world either solo or in small teams while competing against both AI-controlled enemies and other players.
Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC, the title has gained attention for its visuals, cooperative gameplay, and live-service model, which relies on regular updates and seasonal events to retain players.
As a live-service game, ARC Raiders depends heavily on stable server infrastructure. Any extended downtime can affect player engagement, retention, and long-term revenue.
Financial and Business Impact of Server Outages
While a single outage may seem minor, repeated server issues can have broader business consequences for live-service games.
1. Player Trust and Retention
Server outages during peak periods, such as holidays, risk damaging player trust. Casual players who encounter repeated login failures may abandon the game entirely, especially when alternative titles are readily available.
2. Lost Revenue Opportunities
Holiday periods are critical for digital sales, cosmetic purchases, and in-game transactions. Any downtime during this window may result in lost revenue, particularly if players delay or cancel planned purchases.
3. Brand Reputation
Embark Studios has built a reputation for polished multiplayer experiences. Extended outages without clear communication can impact public perception, especially among new players discovering the game during holiday promotions.
Player Reactions Across Social Media
Social media platforms were flooded with complaints, memes, and jokes as players struggled to access the game. Many expressed disappointment at being unable to play during one of the few extended breaks of the year.
Some users reported waiting in queues for over 30 minutes, only to be disconnected moments later. Others noted that the outage affected all platforms equally, suggesting a centralized server issue rather than device-specific problems.
Despite the frustration, a portion of the community remained patient, acknowledging that holiday traffic spikes can strain even well-prepared systems.
Troubleshooting Tips for Affected Players
While the issue appears to be server-side, players can try the following basic steps while waiting for an official fix:
- Restart your router and modem
- Close and relaunch the game
- Check for game updates or system patches
- Avoid repeated login attempts, which may extend queue times
- Monitor official updates for confirmation of server restoration
However, in cases of widespread outages, these steps may have limited effect until server stability is fully restored.
Why Holiday Outages Are Common in Online Games
The December holiday season consistently produces some of the highest online traffic levels of the year. New content launches, discounted game sales, and increased free time combine to create sudden demand spikes.
Even large publishers with robust infrastructure can struggle to predict exact traffic levels. Smaller studios or newer live-service titles are especially vulnerable to unexpected surges.
Industry experts note that proactive server scaling and transparent communication are key to minimizing backlash during these periods.
What Comes Next for ARC Raiders?
Embark Studios is expected to provide further updates as server stability improves. The upcoming release of the free “Goalie” Raider Deck on December 26 could trigger another surge in player activity, making reliable server performance even more critical.
If stability issues persist, the developer may need to consider temporary incentives, such as bonus rewards or extended events, to compensate affected players.
For now, players are advised to remain patient and stay informed through official channels.
Final Thoughts
The ARC Raiders server outage on December 24 serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by live-service games during high-demand periods. While the timing was unfortunate, especially during the holidays, how Embark Studios responds in the coming days will play a crucial role in maintaining player confidence.
As online games continue to grow as digital businesses, server reliability is no longer just a technical concern — it is a core part of customer experience and long-term financial success.