If you’re playing Elden Ring on Windows and encounter the “Failed to Join Session” error, it can be frustrating and ruin your gaming experience. This guide provides clear, practical steps to troubleshoot and fix this issue, helping you reconnect with friends or multiplayer servers smoothly. Before starting, ensure your Windows system is up to date and that you have a stable internet connection. No specialized tools are needed, just your game and computer.
What You’ll Need
- A Windows PC with Elden Ring installed
- Stable internet connection
- Administrator access to your PC
- Optional: Router restart capability
Step-by-Step
- Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure your PC has a stable and active internet connection. Restart your modem/router if needed to reset the connection. Test by browsing or streaming to confirm stability.
- Restart Elden Ring and Your PC: Close the game completely. Restart your computer to clear temporary glitches that might be causing the issue.
- Verify Game Files: Use the platform (Steam or Windows Store) to verify the integrity of Elden Ring files. For Steam, right-click the game in your library, select “Properties,” then go to “Local Files” and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
- Update the Game and Windows: Make sure Elden Ring is updated to the latest version. Also, check Windows Update for any pending updates and install them. Restart your PC afterward.
- Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily: Sometimes, security software blocks multiplayer connections. Turn off your firewall and antivirus temporarily to test if they are the cause. Remember to turn them back on afterward.
- Open Necessary Ports: Elden Ring uses specific network ports. Open these in your router settings: TCP 3074, UDP 88, UDP 3074, UDP 53, and UDP 80. Consult your router manual for instructions on port forwarding.
- Set Network Profile to Private: Windows network settings may restrict multiplayer on public networks. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi/Ethernet, select your network, and set the network profile to “Private.”
- Flush DNS Cache: Open Command Prompt as administrator, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. Restart your PC afterward to apply changes.
- Disable VPNs or Proxy Servers: If you are using a VPN or proxy, disable them temporarily. These can interfere with game connections.
- Reinstall Elden Ring: If none of the above steps work, uninstall the game completely and reinstall it to fix potential corrupted files.
Common Mistakes
- Not checking for game and Windows updates before troubleshooting.
- Forgetting to open the correct network ports in the router.
- Disabling security software without re-enabling after testing.
- Ignoring the importance of network profile settings, especially on public networks.
- Using VPNs or proxies without disabling them during game sessions.
Tips
- Always keep your game and Windows OS updated to prevent compatibility issues.
- Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible for more stable multiplayer sessions.
- Restart your router periodically to resolve network issues.
- Check Elden Ring’s official forums or social media for server status updates, especially during outages.
- Consider setting your network to “Private” mode for better multiplayer connectivity.
Troubleshooting
If the “Failed to Join Session” error persists after following these steps, consider the following troubleshooting options:
- Test on a Different Network: Try connecting from another internet source, like a mobile hotspot, to determine if your network is the issue.
- Check Server Status: Visit Elden Ring’s official server status page or social media channels to see if there are ongoing outages or maintenance.
- Disable Background Applications: Close any applications that might interfere with network traffic, such as download managers or other bandwidth-heavy programs.
- Contact Support: Reach out to FromSoftware or platform support with details of your issue, including error messages and steps you’ve already taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I keep getting the “Failed to Join Session” error?
This error often results from network issues, incorrect game or system settings, or server problems. Troubleshooting steps like port forwarding and verifying game files usually resolve it.
2. Can my antivirus or firewall cause this error?
Yes, security software can block necessary game traffic. Temporarily disable them to test if they are the cause, but re-enable them afterward for protection.
3. Do I need to port forward for Elden Ring multiplayer?
Port forwarding improves connectivity and reduces errors. The typical ports are TCP 3074 and UDP 88, 3074, 53, 80. Check your router manual for instructions.
4. How can I tell if the problem is server-related?
Check Elden Ring’s official social media or server status pages. If servers are down or under maintenance, you need to wait until they are operational again.
5. Will reinstalling the game fix this issue?
Reinstalling can fix corrupted files that might cause connection errors. Use this as a last resort after trying all other troubleshooting steps.
6. Is using a VPN recommended for Elden Ring multiplayer?
Generally, VPNs can cause connection issues. Disable VPNs during gameplay unless necessary, and if you must use one, choose servers close to your location.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to resolve the “Failed to Join Session” error and enjoy seamless multiplayer sessions in Elden Ring. Patience and methodical troubleshooting often lead to the best results, and if problems persist, reaching out to support can provide additional help.
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