Struggling to connect with friends in your favorite multiplayer games? Or can’t get that crucial NPC to join your party? Joining issues are a common frustration across platforms and titles, from Borderlands 4 to Baldur’s Gate 3. Whether you’re facing version mismatches, network hurdles, or in-game bugs, this guide breaks down the most common causes and offers clear solutions to get you back in the action.
Before diving into game-specific fixes, it’s worth checking a few universal factors that often block players from joining each other. These steps apply to most online games and can resolve many problems instantly.
General Multiplayer Joining Troubleshooting
Many connection failures share the same roots. Start here if you can’t join a friend in any game.
Check Your Internet and NAT Type
A stable internet connection is essential. If your NAT type is strict, you may have trouble joining other players. Restart your router, enable UPnP in router settings, or port forward the necessary ports for your game. Switching to a wired connection can also reduce latency and disconnection issues.
Update the Game and Platform
Version mismatches are a leading cause of “incompatible game version” errors. Make sure everyone downloads the latest patch. On consoles, check for system updates too. Cross-play games often require all platforms to be on the same update, so coordinate with your group before starting a session.
Adjust Firewall and Antivirus
Overzealous security software can block game traffic. Add the game’s executable to your firewall’s allowlist and temporarily disable any third-party antivirus to test if it’s the culprit.
Check In-Game and Platform Privacy Settings
Both your game and your console or platform (Steam, PSN, Xbox Live) have privacy controls. Ensure you appear online, allow friends to join, and have cross-play enabled if needed. Some games require an “Invite Only” or “Friends Only” setting to permit joining.
Reboot Everything
Restarting your device, router, and the game itself clears temporary glitches that can block connections.
Borderlands 4 Joining Problems and Fixes
Borderlands 4’s chaotic co-op is a highlight, but joining friends isn’t always smooth. Here are the most common fixes.
Incompatible Game Versions
If you see an “incompatible game version” message, one of you is running an older build. Verify the game files on PC or check for updates on console. On PC, sometimes a manual update or a restart of the launcher (Steam, Epic) forces the patch. If you’ve recently installed DLC, ensure everyone in the party has it, because missing content can create a version conflict.
Cross-Platform and Cross-Gen Play
Borderlands 4 supports cross-play, but it’s not always automatic. In the settings menu, under Network, confirm cross-play is enabled. If you’re on different console generations (PS4 to PS5, Xbox One to Series X), the game usually pairs you, but double-check that both systems are using the same network preferences.
In-Game Party and Session Settings
The host must set the game to “Friends Only” or “Invite Only” while the joining player selects “Join Friend” from the main menu. If you’re in a different region, try using the in-game matchmaking browser set to “Friends” or invite via the platform’s friends list. Some players report that starting a public game and then switching to private once everyone has joined works around connection issues.
Direct Connection and Router Tweaks
On PC, you can sometimes connect directly via IP if the game’s matchmaking fails. Open the console and use the open [IP address] command (if supported). For consoles, placing all players in a party chat before launching the game can help establish a stable link.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Multiplayer and Companion Joining Fixes
Baldur’s Gate 3 presents unique challenges, from multiplayer lobby issues on PS5 to stubborn NPCs who refuse to participate.
Can’t Join Friends on PS5
On the PS5, ensure you and your friends have the same version of the game. Even a minor hotfix can break connectivity. Restart the game and try joining from the main menu rather than mid-game. Check PSN privacy settings to make sure you’re not appearing offline. Sometimes, inviting friends through the in-game “Multiplayer” menu rather than the PSN party system resolves the problem.
Party Limit Mod Conflicts on Console
Mods that increase the party limit beyond four can prevent additional players from joining, especially on console where such mods may be unofficial or poorly optimized. If you can’t add a fifth player, disable the mod and try again. Once all players have joined the lobby, you can often re-enable the mod, but stability isn’t guaranteed.
Barcus Won’t Join Camp
Barcus Wroot’s recruitment is a multi-step process. After saving him from the windmill in the Blighted Village (ensure you pull the brake lever correctly), speak to him and agree to help the gnomes. Later, at Grymforge, free the gnome slaves and speak to him again. A long rest usually triggers his appearance at camp. If he still doesn’t show up, return to the Grymforge area and confirm the quest has progressed. As a last resort, try a full camp rest without any other active companion quests.
Jaheira Refuses to Join Combat
Jaheira is a powerful ally, but she occasionally idles. This is often a pathfinding bug or a conflict with the game’s AI. Switch control to Jaheira manually and issue an attack command. If that doesn’t work, send her to camp and then re-add her to the party. In the Moonrise Towers assault, she may stay in panther form and not engage; use the “Group Hide” action to reset her status. Reloading a save before the combat encounter also helps.
A Way Out: Joining Your Friend
A Way Out is built entirely around co-op, but joining can still fail. The game uses a “Friend Pass” system: one player buys the full game, and the other downloads the free Friend Pass. Both must be online on the same platform family (PlayStation 4/5 or Xbox One/Series or PC via EA App/Steam).
After downloading, both players should add each other as friends on the platform. The host invites the other from the main menu. If the invite doesn’t arrive, restart the game and try sending the invite again. NAT issues are a common culprit, so check your network configuration. On PC, running the game as an administrator can bypass permission blocks.
Roblox: Blocked Users Still Joining Your Game
Roblox’s blocking feature is limited. Blocking a user prevents them from chatting with you, sending friend requests, or following you into games you’ve joined specifically through your profile. However, it does not stop them from joining a public server you’re in. If you want to prevent a blocked user from ever joining your game, you must set the game to “Private” (VIP server) or use the in-experience privacy settings to limit who can enter. Some games have their own internal block systems, so check the specific title’s settings.
If you’re the creator of a custom server and blocked players can still join, the game likely uses its own matchmaking that bypasses Roblox’s standard block list. File a report with the game developer if this is a persistent issue.
Path of Exile: Can’t Join Kingsmarch
Kingsmarch is the central hub in the Settlers league. If you can’t join it, first confirm your character is in the correct league. Standard characters can’t access league-exclusive towns. Next, ensure you’re on the same gateway and region as your party. Create a new instance by holding Ctrl (PC) while clicking the Kingsmarch waypoint, then select “New” from the instance list. If the area is full, waiting a few minutes or trying a less populated server helps. A full game restart often resolves the issue.
Joining Raids and Other Group Activities Without a Dedicated Team
Many MMOs and online titles allow you to join raids through group finders or matchmaking. Look for a “Looking for Group” or “Activity Finder” menu. Games like Destiny 2 use a companion app or third-party LFG tools. Even then, some high-level content requires a pre-made team. If you lack a dedicated group, queue for a guided raid or join a clan dedicated to teaching beginners. Always check the game’s official forums for community groups.
How to Join Other Players’ Crews Instead of Always Being Captain
In games like Sea of Thieves, the crew system defaults the person starting the ship to captain. To join someone else’s crew, wait for a friend to create a ship and then accept their invite. Use “Open Crew” to randomly match, or seek out LFG posts where hosts specify they need crew members. If you keep ending up as captain, it’s because you’re the one initiating the session. Coordinate out-of-game to ensure someone else takes the lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I join my friend in Borderlands 4?
Usually it’s a version mismatch or cross-play setting. Update the game, enable cross-play in the network options, and restart your platform. If that fails, try joining through a direct invite while in a platform party.
How do I fix incompatible game version errors?
Check for pending updates on all platforms. On PC, verify game files or restart the launcher. Ensure all players have the same DLC installed, as missing add-ons can cause version conflicts.
Why won’t Barcus join my camp in Baldur’s Gate 3?
You must rescue him from the windmill in the Blighted Village, talk to him, and later free the gnomes at Grymforge. A long rest usually brings him to camp. If not, return to Grymforge and confirm the quest has advanced.
Why can’t I join my friend in A Way Out?
Both players need the same platform version, and the non-owner must download the Friend Pass. Send invites from the main menu, and check NAT settings if names don’t appear. Running the game as admin on PC can fix permission issues.
How do I fix multiplayer joining issues in Baldur’s Gate 3 on PS5?
Restart the game, ensure you’re not appearing offline, and join from the main menu. Both players must have the same patch. If using mods, disable them until the lobby is formed.
Why can blocked users still join my game on Roblox?
Blocking in Roblox only restricts chat and profile interactions, not server access. Set your game to private or adjust the experience’s privacy settings to prevent unwanted players from connecting.
Why won’t Jaheira join combat in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Switch to her manually and order an attack. If she remains idle, send her to camp and re-recruit her. The “Group Hide” action can reset AI. Reloading before the fight also works.
Can I join a raid without being on a dedicated team?
Many games offer matchmaking or group finders for easier raids. For high-end content, you may need a pre-made group. Use LFG tools or join a beginner-friendly clan.
How can I join other players’ crews instead of always being captain?
Wait for a friend to start a ship and send you an invite, or use “Open Crew” for random matchmaking. If you’re always captain, you’re likely the one creating the session.
Why can’t I join the Kingsmarch area in Path of Exile?
Check that your character is in the Settlers league, not Standard. Hold Ctrl while clicking the waypoint to create a new instance. Restart the game if the problem persists.
Why does the party limit mod prevent a fifth player from joining on console?
Console mods for Baldur’s Gate 3 that increase party size can interfere with multiplayer. Disable the mod, let all players join, then re-enable it if the game remains stable.
With these troubleshooting steps, the vast majority of joining problems can be resolved. If you’re still stuck, visit the game’s official support forums or community Discord for real-time help.
