If you’re a seasoned Escape from Tarkov (EFT) player, chances are you’ve encountered the disheartening EFT awaiting session start bug. This notorious issue can leave you staring at your screen indefinitely, the promise of a thrilling raid fading away.
The frustration is real, so let’s dive into what causes EFT awaiting session start bug, potential solutions, and ways to mitigate its disruptive effects.
What is EFT awaiting session start bug?
In its simplest form, the EFT awaiting session start bug prevents you from loading into a raid. There’s no set pattern – it can strike when playing as your PMC or even when venturing out as a Scav.
After matching and the initial loading sequence, you’re stuck with the “awaiting session start” message, and no amount of waiting seems to help.
Unfortunately, there’s no single, definitive cause for the EFT awaiting session start bug.
But, here are some of the most common culprits:
- Server issues: EFT’s servers, especially during peak hours or after major updates, can get overloaded. This congestion can lead to delays and errors, including the waiting bug
- Networking problems: A weak or unstable internet connection on your end can disrupt the communication between your computer and EFT’s servers. Inconsistencies can prevent proper session loading
- Software conflicts: Outdated graphics drivers, antivirus programs, or other background applications may sometimes interfere with EFT’s processes
- Corrupted game files: Damaged or missing game files can introduce a whole host of problems, including the session start bug
- Backend Tarkov glitches: As EFT is a complex game still under development, there may be hiccups in the backend code that occasionally manifest as the session start issue
How to fix EFT awaiting session start bug
While frustrating, the “EFT awaiting session start bug” isn’t necessarily a lost cause. Try these potential fixes:
- Restart your game
- Check server status
- Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall
- Update graphics drivers
- Verify game file integrity
- Choice your sever
Restart your game
While it might seem overly simplistic, the classic “turn it off and on again” approach is often your first line of defense.
Closing EFT completely (checking with Task Manager to ensure no lingering processes remain) and restarting your computer can clear out temporary glitches in the software or your operating system. These glitches sometimes interfere with EFT’s session loading.
A fresh restart can also help to declutter your computer’s memory (RAM), ensuring EFT has the resources it needs to run smoothly.
Check server status
Before digging into solutions on your end, check if the problem lies within EFT’s servers themselves.
The official EFT Twitter account (@bstategames) is usually the quickest way to see updates on server issues or planned maintenance.
Community forums or hubs like the Escape from Tarkov subreddit can also be valuable for confirming if other players are encountering the same EFT awaiting session start bug. This indicates it’s likely a server-side problem, and patience may be the best solution.
As a matter of fact, Reddit user u/bouncy_egg has recently posted he has been encountering this annoying issue in a Reddit post, and the EFT awaiting session start bug is still haunting the player base according to the post.
Anyone else getting the “Awaiting session start” bug more than usual?
byu/bouncy_egg inEscapefromTarkov
Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall
Sometimes, your trusty antivirus or firewall software can be overzealous.
Turn off your antivirus and firewall. Try loading into EFT. If it works, you’ve likely found the problem.
Important! Always re-enable your security software immediately afterward. It’s essential for protection.
Update graphics drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can lead to glitches and compatibility issues. Make sure you have the latest juice for your graphics card, using the links below:
Verify game file integrity
Corrupted or missing game files can ruin your Tarkov day. The EFT launcher has a built-in tool to help.
Locate the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” option in your EFT launcher settings. This process automatically checks whether your installation is complete and repairs any damaged files it finds and can be the remedy for the EFT awaiting session start bug.
Choice your server
Having too many servers selected in the launcher can sometimes introduce matchmaking complications. Try selecting a smaller group of servers in your region with low ping. A smaller, localized selection often facilitates smoother connection to those specific servers.
We hope that our guide was able to EFT awaiting session start bug for you and if did, check out all Escape from Tarkov Woods extraction points to get yourself ready for a new game!
Featured image credit: Escape from Tarkov/Battlestate Games.
