The Outlast Trials is currently facing significant server issues, with over 1,000 reports logged by players experiencing login and matchmaking problems. As of December 30, 2025, players across multiple platforms including Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation, and Xbox are encountering a persistent “Unexpected error while contacting Red Barrels service” message which has caused widespread connectivity issues for the live service horror game.
Independent trackers noted 1,075 player reports in the last 24 hours alone, indicating a sharp increase in issues within the game. The problems are not isolated to one platform; players across PC and all major consoles are affected, leading to significant frustration as users are unable to join multiplayer trials. Reports show that players are being kicked mid-game or unable to connect altogether.
This current outage marks one of the most extensive service failures for Red Barrels since the game’s launch in March 2024. Players from various Reddit discussions have suggested that backend instability may be at the heart of the problem, though no official cause has been confirmed. Players recommended verifying their internet connections and game files, but given the scale of the issue, such measures are unlikely to resolve the widespread connectivity troubles.
Players have expressed their concerns and frustrations on community forums, sharing experiences of losing progress during matches due to server disconnections. As the situation continues, Red Barrels has encouraged players to stay updated through their official support channels, including the Outlast Discord server where status updates are typically posted during critical issues.
While no official timeline for service restoration has been provided, Red Barrels often resolves such issues within a few hours, and they may offer compensation for any significant interruptions that players face. Historical instances suggest that players might receive tokens or extensions for lost trial opportunities following these outages, giving hope to affected users eager to return to the game.
Community engagement remains strong among players despite these challenges, and the Outlast Trials community is anticipated to rally through these temporary setbacks, waiting for updates on server stability and potential remedies from Red Barrels.