How to Fix Error 213 in Tarkov - Complete (July 2026) Guide

Are you staring at Error Code 213 in Escape From Tarkov, feeling completely locked out of your raid preparations? Trust me, I’ve been there too. That frustrating “Error connecting to auth server” message can bring your gaming session to a screeching halt, especially when you’re all geared up and ready to dive into the intense action of Tarkov.

Error Code 213 has become one of the most common connection issues plaguing Escape From Tarkov players, particularly after major updates like the version 1.0 release. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this pesky error and provide you with battle-tested solutions to get you back into the game faster than you can say “extract.”

In this ultimate troubleshooting guide, I’ll share not just the basic fixes you’ll find elsewhere, but also the hidden solutions and pro tips that most players miss. Whether you’re a seasoned PMC or new to the streets of Tarkov, by the end of this article, you’ll have multiple weapons in your arsenal to combat Error Code 213 and minimize your downtime.

Table of Contents

What is Error Code 213 in Escape From Tarkov?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand what we’re up against. Error Code 213, also known as “Error connecting to auth server,” is a connection-related error that occurs when your game client fails to establish or maintain a stable connection with Escape From Tarkov’s authentication servers.

Common Causes of Error Code 213 (July 2026)

Based on my research across multiple sources including official forums and community discussions, here are the primary culprits behind Error Code 213:

Cause Category	Specific Issues	Likelihood
Server-Side Issues	Server overload, maintenance periods, unexpected outages	High
Network Problems	ISP issues, network congestion, DNS problems	Medium
Client-Side Issues	Corrupted game files, permission issues, firewall blocks	Medium
External Factors	VPN/proxy interference, antivirus software conflicts	Low

Server Overload: This is the most common cause, especially during peak hours or immediately after updates when thousands of players try to connect simultaneously.

Network Congestion: Your internet connection might be stable for browsing but insufficient for the demanding connection requirements of Escape From Tarkov.

ISP Problems: Sometimes your Internet Service Provider might be experiencing issues or routing problems that specifically affect gaming connections.

Hardware Issues: Outdated or malfunctioning network hardware (routers, modems, network cards) can also contribute to connection instability.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Now that we understand what Error Code 213 is and what causes it, let’s dive into the solutions. I’ve organized these fixes in order of simplicity and effectiveness, so start with Step 1 and work your way down.

Step 1: Check Server Status First (CRUCIAL!)

Before you touch anything on your computer, you MUST check if the problem is on Battlestate Games’ end. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve seen players waste troubleshooting their systems when the issue was simply server maintenance.

How to Check Server Status:

Official X/Twitter Account: Visit @tarkov for real-time updates on server status, maintenance, and known issues.
Official Discord Server: Join the official Escape From Tarkov Discord where developers often post updates and players report widespread issues.
Server Status Websites: Use third-party monitoring sites like “Downdetector” or “Is It Down Right Now” to check if others are experiencing similar issues.
Official Forums: Check the Escape From Tarkov forums for announcements about server maintenance or known issues.

If servers are confirmed to be down: The only solution is patience. Grab a snack, watch some Tarkov streams, and wait for the developers to resolve the issue. Trying other fixes during server downtime will only frustrate you.

Step 2: Basic Connection Refresh

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. These basic steps can resolve temporary connection glitches:

A. Restart the Game and Launcher

Completely close Escape From Tarkov (don’t just minimize)
Close the BSG Launcher completely
Wait 10-15 seconds
Relaunch the launcher, then the game

B. Restart Your Computer

Save all your work
Click Start > Power > Restart
Wait for your system to fully reboot
Try launching Escape From Tarkov again

C. Restart Your Router/Modem

Unplug your router and modem from power
Wait 30 seconds (this clears the cache and resets the connection)
Plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully boot
Plug the router back in, wait for it to fully boot
Try connecting to the game again

Step 3: Run as Administrator

This fix has helped countless players, including myself, resolve Error Code 213. Sometimes the game needs elevated permissions to access necessary network resources.

How to Run Escape From Tarkov as Administrator:

Navigate to your Escape From Tarkov installation folder (usually C:\Battlestate Games\EscapeFromTarkov)
Find the EscapeFromTarkov.exe file
Right-click on it and select “Properties”
Go to the “Compatibility” tab
Check the box that says “Run this program as an administrator”
Click “Apply” then “OK”
Launch the game normally

Alternative Method:

Right-click on your desktop shortcut for Escape From Tarkov
Select “Run as administrator”
If prompted by Windows, click “Yes”

Step 4: Verify Game Files Integrity

Corrupted or missing game files are a common cause of Error Code 213. This process will scan your installation and replace any faulty files.

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 process to complete (this can take 10-30 minutes)
Once complete, try launching the game

Via Steam:

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

Important: Your progress and items are stored on the game servers, so verifying files won’t affect your character or stash.

Step 5: Disable VPN and Proxy

While VPNs are great for privacy and security, they can interfere with Escape From Tarkov’s connection to authentication servers.

How to Disable VPN:

Locate your VPN software in the system tray (bottom right corner)
Right-click on the VPN icon
Select “Disconnect” or “Disable”
Completely exit the VPN application
Try launching Escape From Tarkov

How to Disable Proxy:

Press Windows Key + R
Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter
Go to the “Connections” tab
Click “LAN settings”
Uncheck “Use a proxy server for your LAN”
Click “OK” then “Apply”
Try launching the game

Step 6: Configure Firewall and Antivirus

Sometimes your security software might be blocking Escape From Tarkov’s connection to the authentication servers.

Windows Firewall Configuration:

Press Windows Key + S and type “Windows Security”
Click on “Firewall & Network Protection”
Select “Allow an app through firewall”
Click “Change settings” (requires admin rights)
Click “Allow another app”
Browse to your Escape From Tarkov installation folder
Select EscapeFromTarkov.exe and click “Open”
Make sure both “Private” and “Public” boxes are checked
Click “OK”

Antivirus Software: The process varies by antivirus software, but generally:

Open your antivirus program
Go to settings or exceptions
Add EscapeFromTarkov.exe and the BSG Launcher to the allowed/whitelisted programs
Save changes and restart your computer

Step 7: DNS Configuration

Sometimes DNS issues can prevent your game from connecting to authentication servers. Changing your DNS can help resolve this.

How to Change DNS Settings:

Press Windows Key + R
Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
Right-click on your active network connection (usually “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi”)
Select “Properties”
Find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”
Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”
For Preferred DNS server, enter: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare DNS)
For Alternate DNS server, enter: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
Click “OK” then “Close”
Restart your computer and try launching the game

PowerShell Method (Advanced): Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet" static 1.1.1.1

(Note: Replace “Ethernet” with your actual network connection name if different)

Step 8: Network Optimization Tools

For persistent connection issues, network optimization tools can help stabilize your connection to Escape From Tarkov servers.

Recommended Network Optimizers:

GearUP Booster: Specifically designed for gaming, optimizes network pathways and reduces packet loss
ExitLag: Popular among Tarkov players for reducing latency and connection issues
NoPing: Offers multiple server routes to find the most stable connection

How to Use GearUP Booster:

Download and install GearUP Booster
Launch the application
Search for “Escape From Tarkov”
Select your preferred game server and node
Click “Confirm” to start optimization
Launch Escape From Tarkov while the booster is running

Step 9: Reinstall the Game

If all else fails, a fresh installation can resolve deep-rooted issues with corrupted files or improper installations.

Complete Reinstallation Process:

Backup Your Settings (Optional):
- Navigate to your game installation folder
- Copy any custom config files you want to keep
Uninstall the Game:
- Via BSG Launcher: Right-click the game > Uninstall
- Via Steam: Right-click in Library > Uninstall
- Via Windows: Settings > Apps > Escape From Tarkov > Uninstall
Delete Remaining Files:
- Navigate to C:\Battlestate Games\
- Delete the EscapeFromTarkov folder
- Empty your Recycle Bin
Download Fresh Installer:
- Visit the official Escape From Tarkov website
- Download the latest launcher
- If the website is down, use this direct link: https://prod.escapefromtarkov.com/launcher/download
Install and Launch:
- Run the installer as administrator
- Log in and let the game download/update
- Launch the game normally

Step 10: Contact Support

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and still encounter Error Code 213, it’s time to reach out to the professionals.

How to Contact Escape From Tarkov Support:

Visit the official support website
Create a support ticket with the following information:
- Your account details
- Exact error message (Error Code 213)
- All troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried
- Your system specifications
- Network information (ISP, connection type)

What to Include in Your Support Ticket:

Screenshots of the error
Your launcher.log file (found in the launcher folder)
Network diagnostic results
Time and date when the error occurs

2026 Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

For the tech-savvy players who want to try everything possible, here are some advanced solutions:

Port Forwarding

Escape From Tarkov requires specific ports to be open for optimal connectivity:

Required Ports:

TCP: 80, 443, 3210-3250
UDP: 3210-3250

How to Forward Ports:

Log in to your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
Find the “Port Forwarding” section
Create new rules for each required port
Save and restart your router

Network Adapter Reset

Sometimes resetting your network stack can resolve stubborn connection issues:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

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

Restart your computer after running these commands.

Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify if background applications are interfering with the game:

Press Windows Key + R
Type msconfig and press Enter
Go to the “Services” tab
Check “Hide all Microsoft services”
Click “Disable all”
Go to the “Startup” tab
Click “Open Task Manager”
Disable all startup items
Restart your computer
Try launching Escape From Tarkov

Platform-Specific Solutions

Steam Version Fixes

If you’re playing the Steam version of Escape From Tarkov, try these additional steps:

Clear Steam Download Cache:
- Steam > Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache
- Restart Steam
Steam Compatibility Mode:
- Right-click Escape From Tarkov in Steam Library
- Properties > Compatibility
- Check “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool”
- Select the latest compatibility tool

BSG Launcher Version Fixes

For players using the official BSG Launcher:

Clear Launcher Cache:
- Close the launcher
- Navigate to %appdata%\Battlestate Games\BsgLauncher
- Delete the Cache folder
- Restart the launcher
Launcher Repair:
- Open launcher settings
- Look for “Repair” or “Reset” options
- Follow the on-screen instructions

Prevention Tips

Once you’ve resolved Error Code 213, follow these tips to prevent it from happening again:

Regular Maintenance

Keep your game updated to the latest version
Regularly verify game files integrity
Keep your system drivers updated, especially network drivers

Network Optimization

Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi when possible
Consider using a gaming VPN or network optimizer during peak hours
Monitor your network stability with tools like pingplotter

Best Practices

Avoid playing during scheduled maintenance times
Keep your system clean of unnecessary background applications
Use a reputable antivirus that doesn’t interfere with gaming

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Error Code 213 only a problem on my PC?

A: Not necessarily. Error Code 213 is often a server-side issue, especially during peak hours or after updates. Always check the official server status before troubleshooting your system. I’ve seen countless players waste hours trying to fix their computers when the issue was simply server maintenance.

Q: Will verifying game files delete my progress?

A: Absolutely not! Your profile, progress, and items are all stored securely on Escape From Tarkov’s servers. Verifying game files only affects the local game installation on your computer and is completely safe for your account.

Q: I’ve tried everything and still get Error Code 213. What now?

A: If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps in this guide, the issue might be related to your specific internet routing or a deeper system problem. Try restarting your router/modem one more time, and as a last resort, you may need to wait for a game patch from the developers if the error is widespread across the community.

Q: Can my firewall cause Error Code 213?

A: Yes, definitely. Your Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software can block Escape From Tarkov’s connection to authentication servers. Make sure both EscapeFromTarkov.exe and the BSG Launcher are allowed through your firewall and any security software.

Q: How long does Error Code 213 usually last?

A: The duration varies depending on the cause. If it’s server-related, it could last from a few minutes to several hours. If it’s a client-side issue, most fixes in this guide should resolve it within 10-30 minutes. For persistent issues lasting more than 24 hours, contact support.

Q: Does using a VPN help with Error Code 213?

A: It’s a double-edged sword. While some players report that switching VPN servers helps, others find that VPNs cause the error in the first place. If you use a VPN, try disabling it first. If you don’t use one, you could try a gaming-optimized VPN as a last resort.

Q: Error Code 213 started after a Windows update. What should I do?

A: Windows updates can sometimes change network or security settings that affect gaming. Try running the game as administrator, check your firewall settings, and perform a network reset using the command prompt methods mentioned in the advanced section.

Conclusion

Error Code 213 in Escape From Tarkov can be incredibly frustrating, but as you’ve seen in this comprehensive guide, there are numerous solutions available to get you back into the action. From simple server checks to advanced network configurations, you now have a complete toolkit to combat this authentication error.

Remember the golden rule: always check server status first before diving into complex troubleshooting. More often than not, Error Code 213 is a temporary issue that resolves itself once server loads stabilize or maintenance is completed.

For persistent issues, follow the step-by-step approach I’ve outlined, starting with the simplest solutions and working your way up to more advanced techniques. Don’t forget to bookmark this guide for future reference, as Error Code 213 can sometimes reappear after major updates or during peak gaming hours.

Stay patient, stay persistent, and most importantly, don’t let technical issues keep you from enjoying the intense, rewarding experience that Escape From Tarkov offers. The streets of Tarkov await your return, PMC!

How to Fix Error 213 in Tarkov – Complete (July 2026) Guide