How to fix ‘invalid nickname’ error in Escape from Tarkov

If you’re getting bugged by an “invalid nickname” error message in Escape from Tarkov and are looking for ways to fix it, you’ve come to the right place for an answer. 

With all the adrenaline rush that Escape from Tarkov’s brutally realistic shooter experience has to offer, players naturally want to set up their account soon after server wipes conclude and get back to their grind immediately. Amid the hype, imagine being interrupted by a pesky error that doesn’t let you have your favorite nickname—certainly not a pleasant experience.

Don’t worry, though—we’ll help you troubleshoot the invalid nickname error in no time. 

How to fix ‘invalid nickname’ in Escape from Tarkov

As you may have already figured, the invalid nickname message, in most cases, indicates a backend error in Escape from Tarkov. It may happen when too many players are trying to set their nicknames at the same time. Simply put, someone else may be trying to get the same nickname as you, hence the error. 

According to reports, the invalid nickname error in Escape from Tarkov is recurring, affecting players after every update and server wipe. Despite its prevalence, there’s no official workaround for it. And it’s a backend error, so there’s not much you can do yourself. 

If you are hellbent on getting that nickname you love and want to bypass the invalid error, here’s what you can do: 

Clear cache

Close Escape from Tarkov. Launch the Battlestate Games launcher, select the game on the left, and then select Game Settings. In the drop-down menu, select Clear cache. Once done, try relaunching the game and inputting the name you want. This has fixed the error for some players after the latest Patch 0.15.0.0. 

Keep trying to set the nickname

Unfortunately, getting the nickname you want is a game of luck, and the error is a roadblock. If you are lucky, you can bypass the error by repeatedly entering your nickname and hitting the confirm button until it gets accepted. While this method has worked for some players, you must be patient. 

Remember that you may have to give up at some point and go for a different nickname if this doesn’t work out.

Your best bet is to be fast enough: Jump into the game as soon as the Escape from Tarkov servers go live after a wipe and set the name you want. Also, make sure you aren’t inputting an inappropriate nickname containing slurs. Entering such nicknames may cause the invalid error and even lead to your account getting permanently blocked.