Getting stuck with Escape from Tarkov Error 213? This 2025 guide shows why the login issue happens and how to fix it fast using simple, proven steps. Whether you’re seeing an authentication failure, a countdown lockout, or repeated login errors, here’s how to get back into Tarkov quickly and safely.
Running into Error 213 while trying to launch Escape from Tarkov can feel incredibly frustrating—especially when you’re eager to jump into a raid or start fresh after a wipe. Instead of loading in, you’re stopped by a message saying the game can’t connect to the authentication server, blocking you before you even reach the login screen.
This issue has become even more common after Tarkov’s recent Steam release, where thousands of players attempted to log in at once. The sudden spike in traffic has created noticeable server pressure, leaving many unsure whether the problem is on their system or caused by ongoing backend congestion.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what this error actually means, why it tends to show up during busy periods, and the practical steps you can take to get back into the game. Everything is broken down clearly so you can focus on solutions, not confusion.
What Is Escape from Tarkov Error 213?
Error 213 appears when the game can’t complete its connection to Tarkov’s auth server, the system responsible for confirming that your account is valid and ready to log in. Think of it as a digital checkpoint—if the server can’t verify you at that moment, the login process stops, and the error pops up.
This issue usually shows up before the game even loads, which makes it feel more severe than typical in-game errors. Instead of crashing or freezing, Tarkov simply refuses to move forward because the authentication step didn’t go through.
What’s important to understand is that Error 213 doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong with your PC. In many cases, the cause is tied to high player activity, regional overload, or temporary communication failures between your launcher and the game’s backend.
Overall, the error is a sign that Tarkov’s login system isn’t able to complete its usual verification process—either due to server congestion, connection interruptions, or blocked requests on your side.
Why Escape from Tarkov Shows Error 213
Error 213 shows up for a handful of predictable reasons, and understanding them makes troubleshooting much easier. Most of the time, the issue isn’t about broken game files or a faulty PC—it’s connected to how Tarkov handles account verification and server load.
Here are the most common triggers explained clearly:
Heavy Server Traffic: One of the biggest reasons players see this error is simple: too many people logging in at the same time. Events like a wipe, major updates, or the Steam launch can overload Tarkov’s backend, causing the authentication system to struggle.
Overloaded Authentication Servers: The auth server verifies your account before you enter the game. When it’s bottlenecked, your login request may fail, leading straight to Error 213. This is often temporary but extremely common during peak hours.
Region-Based Congestion: Certain regions get hit harder than others. If your local login route is overcrowded, the launcher may fail to complete its handshake, resulting in an authentication timeout.
Corrupted or Missing Launcher Files: On the Steam version especially, missing or damaged files can interrupt the login process. Even a small file issue can stop the launcher from connecting smoothly.
Network & DNS Issues: Unstable internet, outdated DNS routes, or inconsistent routing can block the launcher from reaching Tarkov’s servers. Even a brief connection drop can trigger the error.
Firewall or Permission Restrictions: If Windows blocks Tarkov’s request or the launcher doesn’t have the right permissions, the authentication attempt may never reach the server. This is why administrator access and whitelisting matter.
Temporary Account Lockouts: In rare cases, repeated login attempts or rapid region switching can cause a short authorization block on your account. This is a security measure, not a game bug.
Quick Checks Before Fixing EFT Error 213
Before jumping into advanced troubleshooting, it’s helpful to run through a few quick, essential checks that often resolve Error 213 without any heavy steps.
These checks help you confirm whether the issue is caused by temporary connection glitches, launcher hiccups, or network instability—all of which can interrupt Tarkov’s authentication process.
Restart Your PC to Refresh System Processes
A simple system reboot clears cached tasks, resets network pathways, and closes background services that might be blocking the launcher. This gives Tarkov a clean environment to establish its auth connection.
Restart Your Router or Modem for a Clean Network Route
Your router stores temporary routing data that can interfere with how the launcher reaches the game servers. Restarting it helps restore a fresh, stable connection, which is crucial for authentication.
Confirm Your Internet Stability
Even a small connection drop can break the login handshake. Make sure your network is:
- Steady and consistent
- Not overloaded by downloads or streaming
- Not switching between Wi-Fi networks
A stable link reduces the risk of failed requests to the auth server.
Close and Reopen the Launcher for a Fresh Session
Whether you’re using the BSG Launcher or the Steam version, restarting it helps reset failed login attempts, temporary login files, and cached communication attempts. This often fixes small launcher-level errors.
Try Logging In During Low-Traffic Hours
Tarkov’s servers become heavily congested during:
- Wipe days
- Major updates
- Steam surge periods
- Evening peak times
Attempting to log in outside these high-demand windows increases your chances of a successful authentication handshake.
All Working Fix for Escape from Tarkov Error 213
Error 213 can feel stubborn, but there are several verified solutions that players have used successfully across both the BSG Launcher and the Steam version of Escape from Tarkov. These methods target the most common causes—whether it’s overloaded servers, blocked permissions, corrupted files, or unstable network routes.
Each fix below is explained clearly so you can apply it with confidence and understand why it works.
Update or Reinstall the Escape from Tarkov Launcher
Keeping the launcher fully updated is essential. An outdated version may struggle to communicate with Tarkov’s authentication system, especially during periods of heavy traffic.
Steps to try:
- Visit the official Escape from Tarkov website.
- Download the latest launcher.
- Install it over your current version or do a clean reinstall if needed.
This refreshes all core login components and removes old or corrupted authentication files that may prevent the launcher from connecting properly.
Switch Regions Using a VPN (High Success Rate)
Many players have reported that simply switching their region through a VPN allows them to bypass congested authentication routes. This works because some regions face heavier load than others, and changing your route directs you to a less crowded auth server.
Regions with strong success rates include:
- Chicago
- Kansas City
- Albania (surprisingly effective for many)
After switching regions, relaunch your launcher and attempt login again. If it works through VPN but not without it, that’s a sign your local region is experiencing severe congestion.
Change Your DNS to Cloudflare or Google
Incorrect or slow DNS routing can interrupt the connection between your launcher and Tarkov’s servers. Switching to a faster, more reliable DNS often fixes login failures and even stalled downloads.
Recommended DNS options:
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
- Google: 8.8.8.8
For Windows users, running DNS reset commands in PowerShell (Admin) helps rebuild clean routing paths. This can dramatically improve your ability to reach the authentication server.
Run the Launcher as Administrator
If the launcher doesn’t have the necessary permissions, it may fail to complete the login handshake. Running it as an administrator ensures that every request reaches the system without restrictions.
How to do it:
- Right-click your Tarkov launcher (Steam or BSG).
- Select Run as administrator.
- Attempt login.
This step is simple but consistently effective for users dealing with permission-related login failures.
Verify Integrity of Game Files (Steam Only)
If you installed Tarkov through Steam, corrupted or incomplete files may interfere with authentication—even before the game launches. Steam’s built-in repair tool helps restore missing or broken data.
Steps:
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click Escape from Tarkov > Properties.
- Navigate to Installed Files.
- Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Restart your system afterward.
This ensures the launcher has every required component for a smooth login attempt.
Allow Tarkov Through Windows Firewall
A blocked connection can instantly trigger the error. Windows Firewall may treat the launcher or game files as untrusted, especially after updates or reinstalls.
To whitelist Tarkov:
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Firewall & Network Protection.
- Select Allow an app through firewall.
- Add EscapeFromTarkov.exe if it’s not listed.
- Enable both Private and Public network options.
Allowing full access ensures your login request reaches the auth server without interruptions.
Perform a Full Network Reset
If DNS, routing, or network stack corruption is causing the issue, a full reset can restore clean network behavior. This helps clear outdated routes and broken configurations.
A network reset can fix:
- Authentication timeouts
- Failed login handshakes
- Routing errors
- Stale DNS data
Running reset commands in CMD or PowerShell (Admin) ensures all network components are rebuilt correctly.
Reinstall the Game (Last Resort)
If none of the above solutions work, a complete reinstall may address deeper file or launcher conflicts—especially for players who migrated from the old BSG launcher to Steam.
After reinstalling:
- Run the game as administrator.
- Re-add it to your firewall exceptions.
- Avoid using or switching VPNs during installation, as it may corrupt files.
A clean reinstall is often the final step that resolves persistent launch or authentication errors.4
When Escape from Tarkov Error 213 Is Not Your Fault
There are moments when Error 213 persists no matter how many fixes you try. When this happens, it’s 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.
Understanding this helps you avoid wasting time on unnecessary troubleshooting and gives you a clearer picture of what’s actually happening behind the scenes.
Server Overload During Peak Activity
Tarkov’s authentication system gets stressed the most during wipes, major updates, and the recent Steam surge. When tens of thousands of players log in simultaneously, the auth servers can’t keep up. This causes login requests to fail, even if your setup is perfectly fine.
You may also see related errors like 418, 0, or the message “There is no game with name eft”—all pointing to backend congestion.
Temporary Authentication Server Instability
Sometimes the servers experience unexpected instability or partial outages. When this happens, the login handshake breaks before your account can be verified. Even repeated attempts won’t work until the system stabilizes on their end.
A key indicator is when the launcher fails immediately, without even attempting to load game resources.
Region-Based Server Bottlenecks
Certain regions get hit harder than others during high-traffic periods. If your local data route is severely congested, your login attempts will repeatedly time out.
If a VPN connection succeeds but your normal connection doesn’t, it’s a strong clue that your region’s authentication path is overloaded.
Short-Term Account Authorization Blocks
Tarkov sometimes applies temporary authorization locks when:
- too many failed login attempts occur
- rapid region switching is detected
- suspicious login patterns are flagged
This can result in a countdown timer or repeated denial until the temporary block expires. These blocks happen automatically and cannot be bypassed manually.
Community-Wide Errors
When multiple players start reporting the same symptoms across forums, Discord groups, and Reddit threads, it’s a clear sign the issue is server-side. If everyone in your region is experiencing identical login problems, the only solution is patience.
Signs the Problem Isn’t on Your Side
If you notice any of the following, the issue is likely server-related:
- Multiple error codes appearing each attempt
- Login works only through a different region
- Stuck at email verification or authorization loops
- Sudden disconnects paired with global player complaints
- Official server status discussions mentioning instability
When these signs line up, troubleshooting on your end won’t make a difference. The backend simply needs time to recover.
How to Avoid Escape from Tarkov Error 213 in the Future
While Error 213 can’t always be prevented—especially when Tarkov’s servers are under pressure—you can still reduce the chances of running into it. A few consistent habits help create a smoother, more stable login experience and minimize issues during busy periods.
These tips are simple, practical, and built around the most common causes behind login failures.
Keep Your Launcher and Game Fully Updated
Running the latest launcher version ensures you’re using the most stable login tools. Outdated launchers often struggle with authentication, especially after a wipe or update. Staying updated also keeps you aligned with Tarkov’s most recent backend changes.
Log In Before or After Peak Hours
Traffic spikes are one of the biggest triggers for Error 213. You can avoid many login issues by connecting during:
- early mornings
- late nights
- non-update days
This helps you bypass the massive load that happens right after patches, announcements, and major content drops.
Use a Stable, Uninterrupted Internet Connection
A reliable network is essential for a clean authentication handshake. To reduce interruptions:
- Stick to a wired connection if possible
- Avoid switching Wi-Fi networks mid-session
- Pause heavy downloads and streaming
- Reboot your router periodically
Stable internet reduces micro-drops that can break your login request.
Whitelist Tarkov in Your Firewall
Blocking issues often come back after updates or reinstalls. Make sure both the launcher and game executable stay whitelisted in your firewall. This prevents invisible blocks that would otherwise interrupt the login process.
Avoid Frequent Region Switching
Tarkov’s security system may temporarily lock your account if it detects rapid changes in your login location. If you use a VPN, stick to one region unless absolutely necessary.
Consistent login behavior means fewer authorization flags.
Restart Your System Regularly
Refreshing your PC clears cached processes, resets your networking stack, and helps maintain cleaner communication with the authentication servers. It also prevents old or stuck processes from interfering with new login requests.
Keep an Eye on Server Activity
Following community channels such as Tarkov forums, Reddit, and status trackers helps you know when:
- server issues are widespread
- authentication services are unstable
- maintenance is ongoing
If the servers are struggling, waiting is often the most effective “fix.”
Final Thoughts on Fixing Escape from Tarkov Error 213 & Improving Login Stability
Error 213 can be one of the most disruptive issues in Escape from Tarkov, especially when you’re trying to jump back into the action after a wipe or during the excitement of new updates. While it often looks intimidating, the root cause usually comes down to a mix of server congestion, authentication delays, or temporary communication blocks—not something permanently wrong with your PC.
By working through dependable fixes like updating the launcher, refreshing your network, adjusting your DNS, or switching regions when necessary, you give yourself the best chance of getting past the error quickly. And when the problem is truly on the server’s end, recognizing the signs helps you avoid unnecessary troubleshooting and simply wait for the backend to stabilize.
At the core, staying prepared with a stable network, an up-to-date launcher, and a good understanding of how Tarkov’s authentication works puts you in a stronger position to avoid repeated login interruptions. With these practical steps and clear insights, you can spend more time in raids—and less time dealing with connection issues.
Visit Our Post Page: Blog Page