Are you excited to dive into the chaotic and fun world of *Helldivers 2*, only to find that you can’t join your friends for some good old cooperative action? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Many players have encountered this frustrating issue, and today we will explore why it happens and what you can do to fix it. Let’s get started and solve this problem together!
The Problem: “Cant Join Friends” in *Helldivers 2*
So, what’s going on here? The main issue many players face is being unable to join their friends’ game sessions in *Helldivers 2* on PC. This can leave you feeling stuck and isolated, especially when you want to team up and experience the cooperative gameplay with your buddies. Whether you’re trying to join through the in-game menu, Steam, or even using the game’s party system, the results are often the same—nothing happens. It’s like being invited to a party, but the door is locked and no one can hear you knocking.
This issue can affect both new players and those who have been enjoying *Helldivers 2* for a while. The problem seems to occur under certain conditions and setups, especially in multiplayer sessions where cross-play or network issues might be at play.
Why Can’t You Join Friends in *Helldivers 2*?
There could be several reasons why you’re facing this issue. Some of the most common culprits include:
1. **Server Problems**: Sometimes, the game’s servers might be down or experiencing high traffic. This can prevent you from connecting to your friends, even if everything else seems fine on your end.
2. **Firewall or Antivirus Blockage**: Your PC’s firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the game’s connection. This is a common issue in many online games and can cause you to get stuck at the “joining” screen.
3. **Version Mismatch**: If you or your friends are running different versions of the game, it could prevent you from joining each other’s sessions. Always make sure that you and your friends have the same updates installed.
4. **NAT Type Issues**: Network Address Translation (NAT) can be a huge issue for online multiplayer games. If your NAT type is set to “Strict” or “Moderate,” it may block your connection to others, making it difficult to join their games.
5. **Cross-Play Issues**: If you and your friends are playing on different platforms, there might be cross-play restrictions that prevent you from joining each other’s game.
Solutions to Fix the “Cant Join Friends” Issue
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are a few solutions you can try to fix the “can’t join friends” issue in *Helldivers 2* on PC:
1. **Check Server Status**: Before doing anything else, make sure the game servers are up and running. You can check this on the game’s official website or Twitter account. If the servers are down, there’s not much you can do but wait for them to come back online.
2. **Allow the Game Through Your Firewall**: Open your firewall settings and make sure that *Helldivers 2* is allowed to communicate through it. You might need to add an exception for the game in your antivirus software as well.
3. **Update Your Game**: Make sure your game is up-to-date. Developers frequently release patches to fix bugs and improve multiplayer connectivity. Update your game and ask your friends to do the same.
4. **Check NAT Type**: Go to your router settings and check your NAT type. If it’s set to “Strict” or “Moderate,” you can try changing it to “Open.” This will improve your chances of connecting to your friends’ sessions.
5. **Enable Cross-Play**: If you’re playing on different platforms, make sure cross-play is enabled in the game settings. This allows players on different platforms to join each other’s games.
Player Feedback: What Are Others Saying?
After browsing forums and checking out social media, it’s clear that this issue is something that many players have encountered. Some players shared that simply restarting the game or verifying the game files on Steam fixed the issue for them. Others suggested that the problem might be related to the way matchmaking works in the game—especially with cross-play or if you’re playing with people who have different game regions set up.
One player commented, “I spent an hour trying to join my friend’s game, but nothing worked. Eventually, we realized that our NAT settings were the problem! I switched mine to open, and I was in like magic. Lesson learned—check your settings first!”
Another player added, “I thought it was my internet, but turns out the server was just overloaded. I kept getting stuck at the loading screen. It was frustrating, but I just waited a bit and tried again. It worked after a while.”
Wrap-Up: Can You Finally Join Your Friends?
In the end, *Helldivers 2* is a fantastic game, but like any online multiplayer game, it does come with its share of connection issues. The “can’t join friends” issue on PC can be annoying, but with a little troubleshooting, you can usually get back into the action. Whether it’s fixing your firewall settings, checking for server issues, or ensuring everyone’s game version matches, there are solutions out there.
Have you run into the “can’t join friends” issue in *Helldivers 2*? How did you solve it? Share your experiences and solutions in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you overcame this multiplayer hurdle!
In the meantime, keep your gear ready, because *Helldivers 2* is a wild ride when you can finally get into the game!
