When ARC Raiders refuses to start and throws error code 30005, it feels annoying fast. You click Play, you wait, and then the game stops before it even opens. This error matters because it blocks you from reaching the main menu and playing at all. Sometimes it shows up after an update, and sometimes it appears without warning.
In this guide, you’ll learn what this error means, why it happens on PC, how to fix it step by step, and how to stop it from coming back later.
What Is ARC Raiders Error Code 30005?
ARC Raiders error code 30005 is a startup error that appears when the game fails to complete its required system checks. The game depends on security services, system permissions, and background processes to load correctly. When one of these parts does not respond as expected, the launcher stops the game and shows this error. It does not mean your account is banned, and it does not point to a gameplay bug. Instead, it signals a problem during the launch process on your computer.
You usually see error code 30005 right after clicking Play in Steam or the Epic Games Launcher. The game window may not open at all, or it may close quickly before reaching the main menu. In most cases, the error appears before any loading screen or gameplay starts.
Common Causes of ARC Raiders Error Code 30005
This error can happen for several reasons, and most of them relate to how your system handles security and permissions. Your PC setup, background software, and update status all play a role. Below are the most common causes players run into.
- Easy Anti-Cheat service fails to start properly
- Antivirus or Windows Defender blocks game files
- ARC Raiders does not have administrator permissions
- Easy Anti-Cheat installation files become corrupted
- Background apps or overlays interfere with launch
- Windows system files are outdated
- Game files are missing or damaged in Steam or Epic Games Launcher
How to Fix ARC Raiders Error Code 30005?
In most cases, this error goes away after adjusting permissions or fixing security-related conflicts. However, not every system behaves the same way, so it helps to try the fixes one by one. Each method below targets a specific cause. You do not need advanced skills, and most fixes are safe and easy to reverse if needed.
Fix #1: Run ARC Raiders as Administrator
This error often appears when the game cannot access required system resources. ARC Raiders relies on security checks during startup, and those checks may fail if the game runs without proper permissions. Running the game as an administrator gives it the access it needs to load background services and security components correctly. Because of this, many players fix error code 30005 with this single step.
Once you apply this change, the game usually launches normally without interruption. If permissions were the issue, the error should not appear again during startup.
Here are the following steps which help you to run ARC Raiders as administrator:
- Close ARC Raiders and the game launcher
- Open the folder where ARC Raiders is installed
- Right-click the game executable file
- Click Properties
- Open the Compatibility tab
- Check Run this program as an administrator
- Click Apply and then OK
Fix #2: Restart Easy Anti-Cheat Service
ARC Raiders uses Easy Anti-Cheat to protect gameplay and system integrity. If this service does not start or freezes in the background, the game stops loading and shows error code 30005. This often happens after system restarts, updates, or crashes. Restarting the service helps reset its state and clears temporary issues.
After restarting Easy Anti-Cheat, the game can reconnect to the service and complete its launch checks. Many players see immediate results from this fix.
Follow the steps below to easily restart the Easy Anti-Cheat service:
- Press Windows key + R
- Type services.msc and press Enter
- Find Easy Anti-Cheat in the list
- Right-click the service
- Click Restart
- Close the window
- Launch ARC Raiders again
Fix #3: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall
Sometimes security software mistakes Easy Anti-Cheat files for harmful activity. When that happens, the antivirus blocks required files and causes error code 30005. This issue appears often with real-time protection features in antivirus programs and Windows Defender. Disabling protection for a short test helps confirm if security software causes the problem.
If the game launches after disabling protection, you know the cause. You can then add ARC Raiders and Easy Anti-Cheat to the exclusion list instead of keeping protection turned off.
Try these simple steps to quickly disable your antivirus for testing:
- Open your antivirus or Windows Security
- Locate real-time protection settings
- Temporarily turn off protection
- Close all security windows
- Launch ARC Raiders
- Check if the error appears
- Re-enable protection after testing
Fix #4: Repair Easy Anti-Cheat Installation
Easy Anti-Cheat files can become corrupted after failed updates or interrupted installs. When that happens, the service cannot load correctly and blocks the game. Repairing the installation replaces damaged files without affecting the rest of the game.
This fix often works better than reinstalling ARC Raiders itself. It targets the problem directly and saves time.
Fix #5: Verify ARC Raiders Game Files
Missing or damaged game files can also trigger error code 30005. This usually happens after incomplete downloads or sudden shutdowns. Steam and Epic Games Launcher both include file verification tools that scan your installation and restore missing files automatically.
The process checks file integrity and replaces anything that does not match the original version. After verification finishes, the game often launches without errors.
Fix #6: Close Conflicting Background Applications
Some background apps interfere with how ARC Raiders starts. Overlays, screen recorders, performance tools, and monitoring software may block startup processes. These conflicts confuse security checks and stop the game from loading.
Closing these apps before launching ARC Raiders reduces interference. Once the game reaches the main menu, you can reopen safe apps if needed.
Fix #7: Update Windows System Components
Outdated Windows files can prevent security services from working correctly. Easy Anti-Cheat depends on system components that update through Windows Update. If your system misses updates, startup checks may fail. Installing pending updates refreshes system files and restores compatibility.
After updating Windows, restart your PC before launching the game again.
Fix #8: Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat as a Last Resort
When repairs fail and the error keeps coming back, reinstalling Easy Anti-Cheat may help. This step removes all related files and installs a clean version of the service. It works best when corruption runs deep or previous fixes do not work. You should try this only after testing other methods.
After reinstalling Easy Anti-Cheat, the game usually completes startup checks without interruption. If the error still appears, the issue may sit outside your system.
Prevention Tips to Avoid ARC Raiders Error Code 30005 in the Future
Preventing this error saves time and avoids repeated frustration. Small habits help keep the game running smoothly and reduce launch issues later.
- Keep Windows updates installed
- Add ARC Raiders to antivirus exclusions
- Avoid force-closing Easy Anti-Cheat processes
- Launch the game without injectors or mods
- Keep Steam or Epic Games Launcher updated
- Restart your PC after major updates
- Avoid aggressive system-cleaning tools
Conclusion
In short, ARC Raiders error code 30005 is a startup issue linked to permissions, security services, or system conflicts. It usually appears before gameplay begins and blocks access to the main menu. Most causes involve Easy Anti-Cheat, antivirus software, or missing system access.
Try the fixes above one by one and give each method time to work. If the error keeps showing up, contacting ARC Raiders support or Embark Studios technical assistance is the best next step.
If this guide helped you, share it with other players and leave a comment about which fix worked for you.