How to Fix ARC Raiders Anti Cheat Error? 7 Easy Solutions

When you try to launch ARC Raiders and see an anti-cheat error, it feels like the game just refuses to let you in. You click Play on Steam or Epic Games Launcher, and Easy Anti-Cheat stops everything before the main menu even loads. That matters because without the Easy Anti-Cheat service running correctly, ARC Raiders cannot start at all.

In this guide, you will learn what the ARC Raiders anti cheat error means, why it happens on Windows 10 or Windows 11, how to fix it step by step, and how to stop it from coming back.

What Is ARC Raiders Anti Cheat Error?

ARC Raiders uses Easy Anti-Cheat, also called EAC, to protect gameplay and prevent cheating software. When Windows cannot start the Easy Anti-Cheat service properly, the game fails a security check. Because Embark Studios built ARC Raiders to rely on that validation process, the launcher blocks the game instantly. This anti-cheat error usually points to corrupted EAC files, blocked system permissions, or missing runtime components like Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. It does not usually mean your PC hardware is damaged. Instead, it signals that the anti-cheat system could not verify the game environment.

You will normally see this error right after pressing Play in Steam Library or Epic Games Launcher. A small error window appears before the loading screen, and the game closes without entering the lobby.

Common Causes of ARC Raiders Anti Cheat Error

This error can happen for different reasons depending on your system configuration. Easy Anti-Cheat must start as a Windows service, connect through your network, and validate game files. If any of those steps fail, ARC Raiders stops launching. Antivirus tools, firewall rules, outdated NVIDIA or AMD drivers, and corrupted files are common triggers.

Here are the most common causes:

• Corrupted Easy Anti-Cheat installation files
• Windows Defender or third-party antivirus blocking EAC
• Missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages
• Outdated NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics drivers
• Firewall blocking Steam authentication
• Active VPN or proxy interfering with network validation
• Damaged or incomplete ARC Raiders game files

How to Fix ARC Raiders Anti Cheat Error?

To fix this issue, you need to check both your game files and your system settings. Easy Anti-Cheat depends on proper permissions, updated drivers, and stable network access. If any of these fail, the anti-cheat validation process breaks.

Therefore, follow each fix carefully and test the game after completing it.

Fix #1: Repair Easy Anti-Cheat

This error often appears when Easy Anti-Cheat files are damaged. Repairing the EAC installation restores required security components and allows the service to start normally.

Follow the steps below to easily repair Easy Anti-Cheat:

1. Open the ARC Raiders installation folder through Steam.
2. Locate the EasyAntiCheat folder.
3. Double-click EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe.
4. Select ARC Raiders from the list.
5. Click Repair.
6. Restart your PC.

After restarting, launch the game again. The anti-cheat service should validate correctly.

Fix #2: Verify Game Files on Steam

Corrupted game files prevent Easy Anti-Cheat from confirming file integrity. Steam can scan and replace missing or damaged files automatically.

Here’s how you can verify game files in just a few seconds:

1. Open Steam.
2. Go to Library.
3. Right-click ARC Raiders.
4. Select Properties.
5. Click Installed Files.
6. Choose Verify integrity of game files.

Steam will re-download any broken files.

Fix #3: Run ARC Raiders as Administrator

Sometimes Windows blocks certain permissions required by Easy Anti-Cheat. Running the game as administrator gives it access to required system services.

The following steps will show you how to run the game as administrator properly:

1. Right-click the ARC Raiders shortcut.
2. Click Properties.
3. Open the Compatibility tab.
4. Check Run this program as administrator.
5. Click Apply and OK.

Launch the game again and check if the error disappears.

Fix #4: Update NVIDIA or AMD GPU Drivers

Outdated GPU drivers can conflict with DirectX and anti-cheat startup checks. Updated drivers improve compatibility with Windows security services.

You can perform the following steps to update your graphics drivers:

1. Open NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin Software.
2. Go to the Drivers section.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Download the latest version.
5. Restart your computer after installation.

Once updated, try launching ARC Raiders again.

Fix #5: Add ARC Raiders to Antivirus Exceptions

Windows Defender or other antivirus programs may block Easy Anti-Cheat background services. Adding the game folder as an exception prevents false detection.

Try these simple steps to quickly add an exception:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click Virus and threat protection.
3. Select Manage settings.
4. Scroll to Exclusions.
5. Click Add or remove exclusions.
6. Add the ARC Raiders installation folder.

After this, restart Steam and launch the game.

Fix #6: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

ARC Raiders depends on Microsoft Visual C++ runtime libraries. If these packages are missing or corrupted, the game cannot load required components.

Below are the steps that will guide you to reinstall Visual C++ without any confusion:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click Programs and Features.
3. Uninstall existing Microsoft Visual C++ packages.
4. Download the latest versions from the official Microsoft website.
5. Install both x64 and x86 versions.
6. Restart your PC.

This restores required runtime support.

Fix #7: Disable VPN or Proxy

VPN services and proxy servers can interfere with Easy Anti-Cheat authentication servers. When network validation fails, ARC Raiders blocks the launch. Disable your VPN temporarily, restart Steam, and open the game again. If the error disappears, the VPN connection caused the issue.

Prevention Tips to Avoid ARC Raiders Anti Cheat Error in Future

Preventing this error saves time and frustration. Because Easy Anti-Cheat works closely with Windows security and network services, keeping your system stable helps avoid launch failures. Small habits make a big difference.

• Keep Windows 10 or Windows 11 updated
• Update NVIDIA or AMD drivers regularly
• Avoid launching ARC Raiders while using VPN
• Add Easy Anti-Cheat to antivirus exclusions
• Restart your PC after major Steam updates
• Do not interrupt game patches
• Close unnecessary background applications

Conclusion

ARC Raiders anti cheat error usually connects to Easy Anti-Cheat service failures, corrupted files, blocked permissions, or outdated drivers. Windows Defender, firewall settings, and missing Microsoft Visual C++ runtime packages can also trigger the issue. Because the game relies on secure validation before launch, even small system conflicts can stop it from starting.

Try each fix one by one, and most players resolve the issue quickly. If the problem continues, contact Embark Studios support or Steam support with screenshots and system details. If this guide helped you, share it with other players and leave a comment explaining which fix worked for you.