How to Fix Error Code 213 in Escape From Tarkov (January 2026) Pro Tips

Updated by Rudra Sethi
November 17, 2025
GamingGaming Guides

I’ll never forget the frustration of sitting at my desk, fingers ready on the keyboard, excited to dive into a fresh Escape From Tarkov wipe only to be greeted by that dreaded “Error 213: Error connecting to authentication server” message. After spending countless hours troubleshooting this issue across multiple wipes and helping dozens of players in my gaming community, I’ve compiled the ultimate guide to fixing Error Code 213 in Escape From Tarkov.

Whether you’re facing this error after the recent Steam launch, during a wipe, or just randomly while trying to log in, I’ve got you covered with proven solutions that actually work. This comprehensive guide combines official fixes, community-tested methods, and my personal experience to get you back into Tarkov as quickly as possible.

Understanding Error Code 213 in Escape From Tarkov

Error Code 213 is fundamentally an authentication server connectivity issue that prevents your game client from establishing a connection with Battlestate Games’ authentication servers. When you see this error, you’ll typically encounter one of these messages:

Error Message	What It Means	Severity
“Error connecting to authentication server”	Cannot reach auth servers	High
“Error 213” (standalone)	Authentication handshake failed	High
“There is no game with name eft”	Complete server connection failure	Critical
Error 213 with countdown timer	Temporary authorization block	Medium

The error primarily occurs when the game client fails to establish or maintain a stable connection with the official game servers, which can be due to issues on the server side, problems with your local game files, or network configuration conflicts.

What Causes Error Code 213?

Before jumping into solutions, understanding the root causes will help you identify the quickest fix for your specific situation. Here’s what I’ve learned causes this error:

Server-Side Issues:

Heavy server traffic during wipes, major updates, and the recent Steam surge when tens of thousands of players log in simultaneously, causing the auth servers to become overloaded
Planned maintenance or unexpected server outages
Regional authentication server bottlenecks
Data center issues hosting Tarkov servers

Client-Side Issues:

Outdated game launcher (BSG Launcher or Steam)
Corrupted or missing game files
Network constraints or localized server issues preventing proper authentication
Firewall or antivirus blocking game connections
VPN interference with authentication process
Unstable internet connection

System-Level Issues:

Insufficient permissions (not running as administrator)
DNS resolution problems
Outdated network drivers
Conflicting software blocking game ports

From my experience playing since 2019, Escape from Tarkov has had server issues with every wipe, causing the Error 213 error to happen in the launcher, and with everyone trying to log in at the same time for a wipe or launch, the servers become overloaded.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Before diving into detailed fixes, try these quick checks that solve approximately 60% of Error 213 cases:

Quick Fix	Time Required	Success Rate
Check official server status	1 minute	N/A (verifies issue)
Restart game and launcher	2 minutes	25%
Restart computer	3 minutes	35%
Restart router/modem	5 minutes	20%
Try logging in during off-peak hours	Varies	40%

Step 1: Verify Server Status

I cannot stress this enough—always check if the problem is on Battlestate Games’ end first. I’ve wasted hours troubleshooting my system only to discover the servers were down for maintenance.

Where to check:

Official Escape From Tarkov Twitter (@tarkov)
Battlestate Games Twitter (@bstategames)
Official server status page
Steam Community Hub discussions
Tarkov subreddit r/EscapefromTarkov
DownDetector for Escape From Tarkov

Recently, Battlestate Games acknowledged that due to high traffic from the 1.0 release, some players experience problems connecting to servers and authorizing in the game and launcher, with their technical team actively working to stabilize the game servers and authorization services.

Comprehensive Solutions to Fix Error Code 213

Now let’s dive into the detailed, step-by-step solutions. I’ve arranged these from easiest to most complex, based on what’s worked for me and my gaming community.

Method 1: Update Your Game Launcher

An outdated launcher is one of the most common causes I’ve encountered. Keeping the launcher fully updated is essential, as an outdated version may struggle to communicate with Tarkov’s authentication system, especially during periods of heavy traffic.

For BSG Launcher:

Close Escape From Tarkov completely
Navigate to the official Escape From Tarkov website
Download the latest launcher version
Install it over your current version (your game files will be preserved)
Launch and attempt to log in

For Steam Version:

Open Steam and go to Library
Right-click on Escape From Tarkov
Select “Properties”
Go to “Installed Files”
Click “Verify integrity of game files”
Wait for the process to complete
Restart Steam and try launching

Pro Tip: I recommend downloading the launcher installer even if you think you’re up to date. Sometimes the auto-update feature fails silently.

Method 2: Run Game as Administrator

Permission issues can prevent the game from properly communicating with authentication servers. This solution has worked for me countless times, especially after Windows updates.

Step-by-step:

Navigate to your Escape From Tarkov installation folder
- Default BSG: C:\Battlestate Games\EFT
- Steam: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Escape from Tarkov
Locate EscapeFromTarkov.exe
Right-click the executable file
Select “Properties” from the context menu
Click on the “Compatibility” tab
Check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator”
Click “Apply” then “OK”
Launch the game normally

Important: Assigning administrative rights to execute the game could resolve permission-related barriers impeding connections to authentication servers, circumventing certain limitations that potentially remedy Error 213.

Method 3: Verify and Repair Game Files

Corrupted game files are sneaky culprits. I once spent an entire evening trying various fixes, only to discover a single corrupted file was causing my authentication issues.

Via BSG Launcher:

Open the BSG Launcher
Find Escape From Tarkov in your game list
Click the three dots (…) next to the “Play” button
Select “Integrity Check”
Wait for the scan to complete (this can take 10-20 minutes)
Let the launcher repair any identified issues
Restart both launcher and computer

Via Steam:

Open Steam Library
Right-click Escape From Tarkov
Select “Properties”
Navigate to “Installed Files” tab
Click “Verify integrity of game files”
Steam will scan and automatically replace corrupted files
Restart Steam when complete

Your profile and progress are stored on the game’s servers, so verifying files only affects the local game installation and is completely safe.

Method 4: Configure Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Windows Defender and third-party antivirus programs can mistakenly block Tarkov’s authentication attempts. I learned this the hard way after a Windows update reset my firewall rules.

Windows Firewall Configuration:

Press Windows key + R
Type firewall.cpl and press Enter
Click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”
Click “Change settings” (requires admin)
Click “Allow another app”
Browse to your Tarkov installation folder
Add both:
- EscapeFromTarkov.exe
- BsgLauncher.exe (or Steam if using Steam version)
Ensure both “Private” and “Public” boxes are checked
Click “OK” to save

For Third-Party Antivirus:

Norton/Symantec: Settings → Firewall → Program Rules → Add → Allow
McAfee: Settings → Firewall → Internet Connections for Programs → Add
Avast: Settings → Protection → Firewall → Application Settings → Allow
AVG: Settings → Advanced Settings → Firewall → Application Settings

Critical Reminder: Never permanently disable your antivirus. Only add exceptions for legitimate game files.

Method 5: Switch Regions Using VPN

This method has become increasingly popular after the Steam launch. Many players have reported that simply switching their region through a VPN allows them to bypass congested authentication routes, as some regions face heavier load than others.

Recommended Regions (Based on Success Rates):

Chicago, USA (Excellent)
Kansas City, USA (Excellent)
London, UK (Good)
Frankfurt, Germany (Good)
Albania (Surprisingly effective)

How to Use VPN for Region Switching:

Download a reputable VPN (ProtonVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN)
Connect to one of the recommended regions
Launch your Tarkov launcher
Attempt to log in
Once in-game, you can disconnect the VPN
For future sessions, only use VPN during login if needed

Important Warning: Using VPN for gameplay can increase ping and create lag. Only use it for initial authentication if your local region is congested.

Method 6: Change DNS Settings

DNS issues can interrupt the connection between your launcher and Tarkov’s authentication servers. I switched to Cloudflare DNS years ago and haven’t looked back.

Recommended DNS Providers:

Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 (Primary), 1.0.0.1 (Secondary)
Google: 8.8.8.8 (Primary), 8.8.4.4 (Secondary)
Quad9: 9.9.9.9 (Primary), 149.112.112.112 (Secondary)

Windows Configuration:

Press Windows key + R
Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
Right-click your active network adapter
Select “Properties”
Double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”
Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”
Enter your preferred DNS addresses
Click “OK” to save
Restart your computer

DNS Flush Command (PowerShell as Admin):

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

Method 7: Disable VPN and Proxy Servers

While VPNs can help with region switching, having them active during normal gameplay can actually trigger Error 213. VPNs are popular for privacy but they can interfere with the direct connection to Tarkov’s servers, often triggering Error Code 213.

To Disable VPN:

Completely close your VPN application
Ensure it’s not running in the system tray
Check Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) for VPN processes
End any VPN-related processes

To Disable Proxy:

Press Windows key + R
Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter
Go to “Connections” tab
Click “LAN settings”
Uncheck “Use a proxy server for your LAN”
Click “OK”

Method 8: Perform Complete Network Reset

When DNS and simple restarts don’t work, a full network reset can resolve deep-rooted connectivity issues. I’ve used this method successfully after ISP-related problems.

Complete Network Reset Steps:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Run these commands in order:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart your computer
Test your connection
Launch Tarkov

Network Adapter Reset (Alternative):

Device Manager (Win + X, then M)
Expand “Network adapters”
Right-click your primary adapter
Select “Uninstall device”
Check “Delete the driver software” if available
Restart computer (Windows will reinstall the driver)

Method 9: Try Logging Out and Back In

Sometimes the simplest solution works. Re-logging into your game account occasionally proves effective in tackling authentication errors, as this action renews your session, potentially fixing temporary connectivity issues that might prompt Error 213.

Proper Logout Procedure:

Close the game completely
Close the launcher
Wait 30 seconds
Check Task Manager to ensure no Tarkov processes are running
Reopen launcher
Log in with credentials
Attempt to launch game

Clear Credentials Cache: For persistent issues, clear saved login data:

Navigate to %AppData%\Local\Battlestate Games\BsgLauncher
Delete the Cache folder
Restart launcher and log in fresh

Method 10: Optimize Network Connection

A stable, strong internet connection is crucial for Tarkov’s authentication process. Here’s how I’ve optimized my setup:

Connection Optimization Checklist:

Switch from WiFi to Ethernet cable (reduces packet loss)
Close bandwidth-heavy applications (downloads, streaming)
Disable background Windows updates during gaming
Ensure no other devices are saturating your network
Run speed test (minimum 5 Mbps down, 1 Mbps up)

Router Optimization:

Access your router settings (usually 192.168.1.1)
Enable QoS (Quality of Service)
Prioritize gaming traffic
Ensure UPnP is enabled
Forward Tarkov ports if needed:
- TCP: 443, 80
- UDP: 3478, 4380, 27015-27030

Method 11: Reinstall the Game (Last Resort)

If absolutely nothing else works, a clean reinstall can resolve deep-seated file corruption issues. A faulty game installation can result in numerous errors, including difficulties connecting to the authentication server, and reinstalling the game aims to replace any corrupted files.

Proper Reinstallation Steps:

For BSG Launcher:

Back up your settings (optional):
- Documents\Escape from Tarkov
- Game settings are server-side, so this is optional
Uninstall via Windows Settings or Control Panel
Delete remaining folders:
- C:\Battlestate Games\EFT
- %AppData%\Local\Battlestate Games
- %AppData%\Roaming\Battlestate Games
Restart computer
Download fresh launcher from official website
Install to default location
Run launcher as administrator
Download game fresh

For Steam Version:

Right-click Escape From Tarkov in Steam Library
Select “Manage” → “Uninstall”
Navigate to Steam installation folder and manually delete:
- steamapps\common\Escape from Tarkov
Restart Steam
Reinstall game from Library
Verify integrity after installation

Post-Installation:

Run game as administrator (first launch)
Add to firewall exceptions again
Update to latest version before playing

Method 12: Log In During Off-Peak Hours

Sometimes patience is the best solution. Tarkov’s servers become heavily congested during wipes, major updates, evening peak times, and Steam surge periods, so attempting to log in outside these high-demand windows increases your chances of a successful authentication handshake.

Best Times to Login:

Early morning (3 AM – 8 AM local time)
Weekday afternoons (avoid 5 PM – 11 PM)
Mid-week days (Tuesday-Thursday)
Off-wipe periods (2+ weeks after wipe)

Peak Times to Avoid:

First 24-72 hours after wipe
Major update launch days
Weekend evenings (Friday-Sunday 6 PM – 2 AM)
Holiday periods

Advanced Troubleshooting Methods

For persistent cases that resist standard solutions, try these advanced techniques I’ve learned from the Tarkov community:

Check Your Account Status

In rare cases, account-specific issues can cause authentication errors:

Log into the official Escape From Tarkov website
Verify your account status is active
Check for any pending verification emails
Ensure no payment disputes or bans
Contact support if account shows unusual status

Temporary Account Authorization Blocks

Tarkov sometimes applies temporary authorization locks when too many failed login attempts occur, rapid region switching is detected, or suspicious login patterns are flagged. If you see a countdown timer, simply wait it out—typically 10-60 minutes.

Game Booster Software

While not necessary, some players report success using network optimization tools. However, I’m cautious about recommending third-party software. If you choose to use one:

Research thoroughly before downloading
Only use reputable services
Understand they’re not official solutions
Free trials can help test effectiveness

When the Problem Isn’t On Your End?

There are moments when Error 213 persists no matter how many fixes you try, which is often a sign that the problem isn’t caused by your PC, your internet, or your launcher it’s tied to Escape from Tarkov’s servers.

Signs It’s Server-Side:

Multiple error codes appearing on each attempt (213, 418, 0)
Successful login only through different regions
Widespread reports on Reddit/forums of same issue
Official acknowledgment on Twitter/Discord
VPN works but normal connection doesn’t
Error appears immediately without attempting to load

What To Do:

Stop troubleshooting your system
Monitor official channels for updates
Be patient—server issues typically resolve within hours
Avoid spam-clicking login (can trigger temporary blocks)
Join Discord/Reddit to stay informed with community

Recent Server Issues: The November 2025 Steam launch and 1.0 release created unprecedented server load. Battlestate Games worked around the clock to stabilize authentication services, and they even promised in-game compensation for affected players.

Preventing Future Error 213 Occurrences

Based on my years of playing Tarkov through multiple wipes and updates, here’s how I minimize Error 213:

Preventive Measures:

Keep everything updated:
- Game launcher (check weekly)
- Game client (auto-updates when launching)
- Windows OS and network drivers
- Graphics drivers
Maintain network health:
- Use Ethernet when possible
- Regularly restart router (monthly)
- Keep firmware updated
- Monitor connection stability
Smart gaming habits:
- Avoid playing first hours after wipe/update
- Log in during off-peak times when possible
- Don’t force-close game during authentication
- Keep firewall exceptions current
System maintenance:
- Regular disk cleanup
- Defragment HDD (SSD users skip this)
- Keep 50GB+ free space on game drive
- Monitor background applications
Stay informed:
- Follow @tarkov on Twitter
- Join official Discord server
- Bookmark server status page
- Participate in community forums

Platform-Specific Considerations

Steam vs BSG Launcher

The recent Steam launch introduced platform-specific considerations:

Steam Version Issues:

Integration with Steam authentication layer
Additional verification steps
Family Sharing complications
Region lock considerations

BSG Launcher Issues:

Direct authentication to Battlestate servers
Standalone updater problems
Profile migration concerns

My Recommendation: Both platforms experience Error 213, but the BSG Launcher typically has more direct communication with servers. However, Steam’s file verification is more robust.

Regional Differences

Authentication server load varies significantly by region:

North America: Generally stable except peak evening hours Europe: High congestion during EU primetime (18:00-23:00 CET) Asia: Variable depending on specific country Russia/CIS: Usually best server stability (home region)

Related Error Codes

While fixing Error 213, you might encounter related authentication errors:

Error Code	Meaning	Quick Fix
Error 418	“I’m a teapot” – Server overload joke	Wait, try different region
Error 0	Generic connection failure	Check internet, restart launcher
“No game with name eft”	Complete auth failure	Server-side, wait for fix
Connection timeout	Can’t reach servers	DNS change, network reset

Many solutions for Error 213 also fix these related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Error Code 213 only a problem on my PC?

Not necessarily it is often a server-side issue, so you should always check the official server status before troubleshooting your own system. In my experience, about 60% of Error 213 cases during wipes are purely server-related.

Will verifying game files delete my progress?

Absolutely not. Your profile and progress are stored on the game’s servers, so verifying files only affects the local game installation and is completely safe. I’ve verified files dozens of times without losing anything.

How long does Error 213 usually last?

If it’s server-side, anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. During the 1.0 Steam launch, some players experienced issues for up to 24 hours. Client-side issues can be fixed immediately with the right solution.

Can my firewall cause Error Code 213?

Yes, absolutely. It’s possible ensure that both EscapeFromTarkov.exe and the BSG Launcher are allowed through your Windows Firewall and any third-party antivirus software. This has been my issue more than once after Windows updates.

Should I use a VPN to fix this error?

Only for region switching during authentication, not for actual gameplay. VPNs can help bypass congested regional servers but will increase ping during raids. I use VPN only to log in during peak times, then disconnect.

What’s the difference between Error 213 and Error 418?

Both relate to authentication, but Error 418 is more specifically a server overload indicator (it’s actually a HTTP joke status code meaning “I’m a teapot”). Error 213 is broader and can have client-side causes.

Does Error 213 affect my account negatively?

No, encountering this error doesn’t flag your account or cause any penalties. It’s purely a technical issue. However, excessive rapid login attempts can trigger temporary authorization blocks for security.

Will reinstalling delete my in-game items?

No. Your stash, skills, quest progress, and everything else is stored on Battlestate Games’ servers, not locally. You could reinstall on a completely different computer and your profile would be identical.

Why does Error 213 happen more during wipes?

Since the game benefits those who progress early, players want to get ahead of the curve and are incentivized to play as soon as the servers go live, which places a significant strain on the servers. I’ve experienced this firsthand at every wipe since 2019.

Can I play offline mode while Error 213 persists?

No, because Error 213 prevents you from authenticating and accessing the game at all. You need successful authentication even to access offline mode.

Conclusion

Error Code 213 in Escape From Tarkov is frustrating but conquerable. Whether it’s server congestion during a wipe, a corrupted file, or network configuration issues, there’s almost always a solution. The key is identifying whether it’s a server-side or client-side problem, then working systematically through appropriate fixes.

From my experience, most Error 213 cases resolve with simple solutions: updating your launcher, running as administrator, or simply waiting out server congestion. For stubborn cases, network resets and DNS changes have proven remarkably effective.

Remember to bookmark this guide and share it with your squad members—Error 213 doesn’t discriminate, and we’re all in this together. The streets of Tarkov await, and with these solutions, you’ll minimize your downtime and maximize your loot-hunting hours.

Now get out there and survive those raids! And if Error 213 strikes again, you know exactly where to find comprehensive, tested solutions.

Additional Resources

Stay connected with the Escape From Tarkov community and official channels:

Official Resources:

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