Arc Raiders audio cuts out for some players, and a Steam launch option can stop it

Mihaela KicevskiNovember 7, 2025

47 1 minute read

Arc Raiders players on Steam have been experiencing an annoying audio issue where sound stutters or drops out after a few matches. The game keeps running, but the audio cuts for a second or two repeatedly, which is frustrating in a game that relies on sound cues. Several players say a simple workaround stops the dropouts by adding a single launch option in Steam. It is quick to try and only takes a few clicks.

How to try the fix

Open your Steam library and right-click Arc Raiders.
Select Properties.
Under the General tab, find the Launch Options field and enter -norhithread.

After that, start the game and see if the audio holds. A Steam community thread shows several players reporting the same improvement after using the -norhithread flag. Some users mention a very small FPS hit, but many say they did not notice any difference and that being able actually to hear the game was worth it.

Why this happens is not clear. Players have suggested Bluetooth headsets, Discord, and older CPUs as possible contributors, but no single confirmed cause has emerged yet. For now the launch option is a cheap test that seems to help a lot of people. If you want some background on Arc Raiders’ recent player activity, we covered the game’s big Steam turnout in our ARC Raiders Server Slam coverage.

Please say in the comments if the -norhithread trick works for you, and what audio setup you use so others can compare.

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ARC Raiders is a multiplayer extraction adventure, set in a lethal future earth, ravaged by a mysterious mechanized threat known as ARC. Enlist as a Raider and scavenge the surface to thrive in a desolate world. But beware of the machines. Beware of Raiders preying on others.

ARC Raiders blends the tension from extraction shooters with atmospheric settings from the adventure genre. Lurking threats—from deadly machines to other Raiders—create a constant ebb and flow of intensity, where every moment is charged with the thrill of high stakes. Extract valuable loot and explore the unfolding mysteries of a vibrant, lethal world.

ARC Raiders supports seamless social play across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Play with your squad and thrive as a team, or rise in the ranks as a lone ranger.