6 Ways to Fix the Helldivers 2 “Failed to Join Game Lobby” Error on a Windows PC

The Helldivers 2 “Failed to join game lobby” error is a widely reported gaming issue. One player describes that issue on Reddit like this, “I spent HOURS trying to load up this game (HD2) today… I FINALLY get in, try joining different squads for it to tell me ‘Failed to join game lobby.’” This multiplayer error occurs when players try to join lobbies or invite friends in Helldivers 2. These are potential ways to fix the Helldivers 2 “Failed to join game lobby” error on Windows PCs.

Read also: 8 Ways You Can Fix Helldivers 2 Not Launching on a Windows PC

Disable the Cross-Play Setting

Disabling cross-play is among the more widely confirmed ways to fix the Helldivers 2 “Failed to join game lobby” error. This setting enables cross-platform play, and disabling it reduces the number of players in your matchmaking pool. You can disable cross-play as follows.

1. Go into the Helldivers 2 settings menu.
2. Select the Options tab.
3. Click on Gameplay.
4. Set the Crossplay option to Off.
   
   

   The Crossplay option

5. Restart Helldivers 2 to see if the issue persists.

Verify the Helldivers 2 Game

Some HD2 players have said on Reddit that verifying game files fixed the Helldivers 2 “Failed to join game lobby” error on their PCs. Steam has a verification option for repairing game files, which you can select to apply this potential fix. So, try running a verification scan for Helldivers 2 as instructed on this Steam support page.

The Verify integrity of game files button

Disable Internet Protocol Version 6

Many HD2 players confirm disabling Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) can resolve the Helldivers 2 “Failed to join game lobby” error. So, it seems the IPv6 protocol can cause Helldivers 2 multiplayer issues. Go through these steps to disable Internet Protocol Version 6.

1. Activate Run by right-clicking Start and selecting the shortcut for opening that accessory.
2. Type ncpa.cpl into Run’s text box and click OK.
3. Right-click the network adapter to activate a context menu and select Properties from there.
4. Next, unselect the checkbox for Internet Protocol Version 6.
   
   

   The Internet Protocol Version 6 checkbox

5. Click OK to save.

Execute Network Commands

Executing network commands is another troubleshooting method for the Helldivers 2 “Failed to join game lobby” error that’s worked for some players. This includes executing commands that will flush DNS, reset Winsock, and renew IP address configuration. You can execute those commands as follows.

1. Press the Win key + S hotkey to access the file finder utility on your PC.
2. Enter cmd to search for and find the Command Prompt.
3. Click on the Run as administrator option for Command Prompt in the search results.
4. Input and execute these commands separately pressing the Return key after each.

Ipconfig /flushdns
netsch winsock reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsch int ip reset

The ipconfig /flushdns command

Power Cycle Your Router

It has also been confirmed by some HD2 players that restarting routers can resolve the Helldivers 2 “Failed to join game lobby” error. Doing this might not work for everybody, but it’s a relatively simple fix that’s got to be worth a try. Try restarting your router/modem by power cycling like this.

1. Turn off the router/modem.
2. Unplug the power cable for the router, and wait about a minute.
3. Plug your router back in.
4. Turn your router/modem on again.

If you have a separate modem, you will need to unplug it alongside the router. Reconnect the modem before plugging the router back in. Then turn the devices back on and wait for about five minutes.

Apply a Google DNS Server

You can set various DNS servers on your PC, among which is Google. Google is a more reliable DNS server that works better for some games. Some HD2 Players have resolved the HD2 join failed error by setting a Google DNS like this.

1. Go through the first three steps of the third resolution above to access the properties window for your network adapter.
2. Click Internet Protocol Version 4 > Properties.
3. Select Use the following DNS server addresses to activate value boxes beneath that setting.
4. Input the Google server value 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS box.
   
   

   The DNS server settings

5. Next, enter 8.8.4.4 inside the Alternative DNS value box.
6. Select OK to save and apply the changed settings.

All those troubleshooting methods are player-confirmed ways to fix the Helldivers 2 “Failed to join game lobby” error on Windows PCs. However, there isn’t one golden solution for fixing this gaming issue that works for everybody. You can also ask the HD2 help service for further potential fixes by clicking the Submit a request button on this Arrowhead page.