Escape from Tarkov’s intense FPS action involves entering nerve-wracking raids. However, players can suddenly get kicked out with status code 429, which prevents matching into raids. This connection error is frustrating, but can be fixed with the right troubleshooting steps. In this article, you will learn how to fix the Tarkov status code 429.
What Triggers Tarkov Status Code 429?
Tarkov error code 429, also known as “status code 429”, appears when there is an authentication issue connecting to Tarkov servers before raids.
Potential factors leading to this error include:
✔️ Outdated game files/patches creating version mismatches
✔️ ISP throttling and temporary connection bans
✔️ Ports blocked on networks
✔️ Very high server loads during events
Essentially, error code 429 indicates a network or server-related problem that fails the authentication process and stops Tarkov from matching you into online raids.
How to Fix Tarkov Error Code 429
Luckily, there are a few things you can try yourself to resolve error code 429:
1. Restart Your Router and Gaming Devices
Start by rebooting your network equipment like the modem, router, gaming PC and other connected devices.
Restarting refreshes connections and re-establishes access to Tarkov servers. This can resolve basic network conflicts behind error 429.
2. Clear Cache and Reinstall Tarkov
If router restarts don’t help, backup your game saves, then uninstall Tarkov entirely.
Delete all cached data folders before reinstalling the latest game version directly from the developers. This syncs everything cleanly.
3. Use a Gaming VPN Service
Gaming VPNs can bypass ISP throttling and resolve temporary access blocks by Tarkov servers.
Connect to a geographically close VPN server and check if error 429 persists. If VPN gaming works, your ISP is likely creating the issue.
Top gaming VPN options include:
☑️ ExpressVPN
☑️ NordVPN
☑️ IPVanish
4. Forward Ports for Tarkov
On your router dashboard, manually forward the following ports used by Tarkov:
TCP Ports:
80, 443, 21324, 21524
UDP Ports:
21324, 21524
Opening these ports smoothens data flows between your network and Tarkov servers.
5. Contact Tarkov Customer Support
If you still face error 429, directly contact Battlestate Games support via email for advanced troubleshooting. Provide detailed system specs, VPN usage details, traceroute logs and game client files.
Dedicated staff can then pinpoint the exact issue and suggest custom fixes for your setup. This resolves even obscure error 429 triggers.
Why Does Error 429 Happen in Tarkov?
Before getting error 429 fixes, it helps to understand what causes connection and authentication issues when matching into Tarkov raids:
1. Version Mismatches
Game file mismatches between your installed build and Tarkov servers can trigger error 429. Always install the latest patches to avoid this.
2. ISP Throttling
Many ISPs temporarily throttle connections to certain games when data usage is high. Tarkov’s data-heavy nature makes it a common target.
Using a gaming VPN router helps bypass these ISP blocks.
3. Port Blocking
Network admins also block gaming traffic by restricting essential ports. Manual port forwarding circumvents this issue.
4. Peak Server Loads
High concurrent users during events like Twitch drops can overload Tarkov servers, leading to authentication issues and error 429. Avoid playing at peak times if possible. Check Tarkov server status here.
Final Tips for Fixing Error Code 429
Aside from the troubleshooting steps covered above, also ensure:
🔸 Windows firewall, routers and security software are not blocking Tarkov traffic. Add exclusions if required.
🔸 Background apps like iTunes, OneDrive and printer software are disabled as they interfere with gaming connections.
🔸 Tarkov launcher and game exe files have admin rights to access systems seamlessly.
🔸 Gaming PC meets the system requirements, especially RAM and CPU recommendations.
Final Words – December 27, 2023
Following these tips, along with the fixes covered earlier, will help resolve error code 429. You’ll then be ready for intense firefights in Tarkov without random disconnects!