How to Fix the Tarkov Bad Gateway Error: Step-by-Step Guide

You will not be able to play Tarkov when it displays the bad gateway error. This error may be indicated by a 504 or 502 error message. Commonly, this issue arises following an update to the game or its launcher. You might encounter the error when opening the launcher or amid gameplay.

1. Basic Troubleshooting

1. Status: Check Escape from Tarkov’s server status to ensure the services are operational.
2. Relaunch: Exit Tarkov and terminate its processes using the Task Manager.
3. Restart: Switch off your system and router, then unplug their power cables. Wait for a minute before plugging them back in and powering them on.
4. Update: Verify that your system’s OS and drivers, particularly the network driver, are updated.

2. Run the BSG Launcher and Escape from Tarkov as an Administrator

Lack of administrative privileges for the BSG launcher or Escape from Tarkov may prevent proper server communication, resulting in the bad gateway error. Running both as an administrator can resolve this issue.

1. Right-click on the BSG Launcher and choose Run as Administrator.
2. At the UAC prompt, confirm to launch the launcher with administrative privileges and start playing Tarkov.
3. If the problem continues, open File Explorer and navigate to the following location:

   C:\Program Files\Escape_From_Tarkov

   

4. Right-click on the escapefromtarkov.exe file and choose the Run as Administrator option.
5. Click Yes at the UAC prompt to open the game without the bad gateway error.

3. Change the Game Server

A bad gateway error in Tarkov can occur if the game server is experiencing issues or is overcrowded. Changing the game server can resolve the problem.

1. Launch the BSG Launcher and click on Change Server.

   

2. Deselect Automatic Server Selection and pick another server. For instance, if you’re experiencing issues on a USA server, try switching to Europe West or another region. Aim for a server with lower latency, and you may need to experiment with multiple servers to find the most suitable one.

4. Clear the Cache of the Battlestate Launcher

Incorrect cache entries in the Battlestate launcher may prevent proper server communication, leading to the gateway error. Clearing the launcher’s cache can fix this.

1. Launch the BSG Launcher with administrative rights and click the arrow next to your username.
2. Select Clear Cache and then reopen the launcher.

   

3. Check for game updates and install any that are available.

5. Flush the DNS Cache of the System

Escape from Tarkov may display the bad gateway error if the system’s DNS cache contains invalid server configurations for the game. Flushing the DNS cache, which rebuilds it from scratch, can rectify this issue.

1. Press the Windows key and search for Command Prompt.
2. Right-click it and select Run as Administrator.
3. Execute the following commands sequentially:

   ipconfig /flushdns
   
   ipconfig /release
   
   ipconfig /renew

   

4. Close the Command Prompt and restart your system and router.

6. Change the DNS Settings of the System

If your system’s DNS servers cannot properly translate web addresses into IP addresses in real-time, the game may not be able to connect to its servers, resulting in a gateway error. Altering the system’s DNS settings can offer a solution.

1. Right-click on the Network icon in your system tray and open Network and Internet Settings.
2. Go to Advanced Network Settings and select More Network Adapter Options (under Related Settings).
3. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.

   

4. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and enable Use the Following DNS Server Addresses.

   

5. Enter the following Preferred DNS Addresses:

   Primary: 8.8.8.8
   
   Secondary: 8.8.4.4

   

6. Apply the changes and try launching Tarkov.

7. Reset the System’s Network Settings

Tarkov might fail to connect to its servers if the system’s network settings become invalid or are compromised after a Windows update. Resetting these settings can address the problem.

This process will remove all network settings, including VPN configurations and Wi-Fi credentials, so be sure to record the necessary information beforehand.

1. Right-click on the Windows button and navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Network Reset.

   

2. Click Reset Now. After the reset, restart your system.

8. Try Another Network or Use a VPN

Your ISP might be interfering with Tarkov’s server access, causing the bad gateway error. To verify this, you can try another network or use a VPN.

8.1. Try Another Network

1. Disconnect from the current network and restart your system.
2. Connect to a different network (e.g., your phone’s hotspot) and attempt to launch Tarkov.

   

8.2. Use a VPN

1. Open a VPN application and connect to a VPN server. You may choose a free option like Proton VPN.

   

2. Now, try launching Tarkov to check if the issue is resolved.

9. Verify the Integrity of the Tarkov Game Files

The bad gateway error can also occur if Escape from Tarkov’s game files are corrupted or missing. This prevents the game from using those files to connect with its servers. Verifying the game file integrity can resolve such issues.

1. Launch the BSG Launcher and click the arrow at the top right (beneath your username).
2. Choose Integrity Check. Once the process is complete, you can play Tarkov.

   

10. Restoring the Router to Factory Defaults

A corrupted router firmware following an update can hinder data transmission between your system and Tarkov’s servers, leading to the bad gateway error. Resetting the router to its factory defaults can correct this.

You should back up your router’s settings before resetting because you’ll need to reconfigure it afterward.

1. Locate your router’s reset button.

   

2. Press and hold it with a pointed object (such as a paperclip).
3. Hold for 30 seconds and then release.
4. Once the router’s lights indicate reset completion, configure it per the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Reboot the system and connect to the network.
6. Open Tarkov, and it should now be free from the bad gateway error.

11. Reinstall the BSG Launcher

A bad gateway error on Tarkov can also be the result of a corrupted launcher installation after an update. Reinstalling the BSG launcher is likely to fix this issue.

1. If the launcher is open, close it and summon the Task Manager.
2. Terminate all Tarkov and launcher-related processes.
3. Right-click on the Windows button and open Apps & Features.

   

4. Find the BSG Launcher, expand its options, and select Uninstall.
5. Confirm the uninstallation, and once complete
6. Confirm the uninstallation, and once complete, restart your system.
7. Reinstall the launcher with administrative rights and direct it to Tarkov’s installation directory upon reinstallation.