Unknown Error
ARC Raiders
Mouse Freezes Intermittently - ARC Raiders Fix Guide
🎯 Quick Answer
Lower your mouse polling rate to 500Hz or 250Hz via your mouse's manufacturer software, as high polling rates can cause interrupt conflicts with ARC Raiders' engine.
SECTION 1: OVERVIEW
This troubleshooting guide addresses a specific input interruption error in ARC Raiders where the mouse input device ceases to register positional data for 2-5 seconds while the game's rendering and simulation threads continue to operate normally. The error is characterized by a temporary loss of pointer control, often accompanied by the game engine maintaining the last received input state (e.g., continuous fire from an automatic weapon). The issue primarily manifests on Windows 10 and 11 platforms across various hardware configurations, with a higher incidence reported on systems utilizing high-polling-rate gaming mice. The problem is intermittent, occurring 0-5 times per gaming session, and is not tied to a specific in-game error code or crash report, making it a silent input subsystem failure.SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS
The mouse cursor or in-game aim becomes completely unresponsive for a duration of 2 to 5 seconds. During this period, the game's video output, audio, and network connectivity remain functional; the character and environment continue to animate. If the left mouse button was depressed at the moment of freeze, the game engine may interpret this as a held input, causing continuous weapon fire. Input from the keyboard (WASD keys, etc.) typically continues to register. The freeze resolves spontaneously, with control returning and no subsequent crash or error message. This occurs randomly during gameplay, with no predictable trigger related to specific in-game actions or locations.SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES
- High USB Polling Rate Conflict: A polling rate of 1000Hz or higher can overwhelm or create timing conflicts with the game engine's input stack, leading to buffer overruns or missed interrupts.
- Exclusive Fullscreen Optimization Interference: Windows Fullscreen Optimizations can introduce latency and conflict with raw input handling in certain Unreal Engine titles.
- Outdated or Corrupt Mouse Driver: The default Windows HID driver or a vendor-specific driver may have a compatibility fault with the game's direct input calls.
- Razer Synapse/Third-Party Peripheral Software Conflict: Background processes from mouse configuration suites can hook into the input pipeline and cause intermittent blocking.
- In-Game Display Mode Setting: Borderless Fullscreen mode can pass mouse control through the Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM), introducing an additional point of failure.
- Power Management for USB Root Hubs: The Windows OS may be set to suspend USB hubs to save power, causing temporary device disconnection.
- GPU Driver Latency Issues: Specific graphics driver versions, particularly with NVIDIA's GeForce Experience overlay enabled, can negatively impact input latency.
SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS
Solution 1: Reduce Mouse Polling Rate
Difficulty: Easy Time: 3 minutes Success Rate: High Steps:- Open your mouse configuration software (e.g., Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub).
- Navigate to the settings or performance tab for your specific mouse model.
- Locate the polling rate (or report rate) setting.
- Change the value from 1000Hz or higher to 500Hz.
- Apply the setting and close the software.
- Launch ARC Raiders and test.
Solution 2: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations for ARC Raiders
Difficulty: Easy Time: 2 minutes Success Rate: Medium Steps:- Navigate to your ARC Raiders installation directory (typically
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\ARC Raiders). - Locate the game's main executable file (e.g.,
ARC_Raiders.exe). - Right-click the file and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box labeled "Disable fullscreen optimizations".
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Launch the game, ensuring it is set to Exclusive Fullscreen mode in its video settings.
Solution 3: Reinstall Mouse Drivers & Disable Peripheral Software
Difficulty: Medium Time: 5 minutes Success Rate: Medium Steps:- Press
Win + Xand select Device Manager. - Expand the "Mice and other pointing devices" section.
- Right-click your gaming mouse and select Uninstall device. Check the box that says "Attempt to remove the driver for this device" if present.
- Uninstall any manufacturer software (Razer Synapse, iCUE, etc.) via Windows Settings > Apps.
- Restart your computer. Windows will install a generic HID-compliant mouse driver upon boot.
- Test ARC Raiders using the default driver. Only reinstall manufacturer software if necessary for DPI control, and avoid running it in the background during gameplay.
Solution 4: Adjust In-Game Display and Cursor Settings
Difficulty: Easy Time: 2 minutes Success Rate: Low-Medium Steps:- Launch ARC Raiders and enter the game's Settings menu.
- Navigate to the Video or Display settings.
- Change the Display Mode from "Borderless Fullscreen" or "Windowed" to "Fullscreen" or "Exclusive Fullscreen".
- Navigate to Gameplay or Interface settings.
- Disable any settings related to "Hardware Cursor" or "Use Raw Input" (or enable "Use Raw Input" if it is disabled—testing both states is required).
- Apply changes and restart the game.
Solution 5: Prevent USB Selective Suspend
Difficulty: Easy Time: 3 minutes Success Rate: Low Steps:- Open the Windows Control Panel and select Power Options.
- Click "Change plan settings" next to your active power plan, then click "Change advanced power settings".
- In the new window, expand USB settings, then expand USB selective suspend setting.
- Set both "On battery" and "Plugged in" to Disabled.
- Click Apply and OK.
- Restart your computer.