Unlocking the Mystery: Reasons Why You Can’t Join Your Friend in Elden Ring and How to Fix It
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Elden Ring release, many fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to team up with their friends and conquer the game together. However, some are facing the frustrating reality that they can’t seem to join their friend’s game. If you’re one of those players experiencing this issue, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the most common reasons why you can’t join your friend in Elden Ring and offering some solutions to fix it.
Why Can’t You Join Your Friend in Elden Ring?
1. NAT Type
One of the most common reasons why you can’t join your friend’s game is due to NAT type. NAT, or Network Address Translation, assigns a public IP address to your router that’s separate from the private IP addresses that devices use to communicate within the network. This setup can create issues when trying to join a friend’s game, as NAT type determines how devices can communicate with each other.
To check your NAT type, navigate to your network settings in Elden Ring and check the options that display your NAT type. There are three types of NAT – strict, moderate, and open. If your NAT type is strict or moderate, this could be why you can’t join your friend’s game. To fix this, you’ll need to configure your router to have an open NAT type, which some routers offer options for, or you may need to contact your internet service provider.
2. Firewall Settings
Another reason why you may be unable to join your friend’s game is due to firewall settings. Firewalls are security measures that block or allow incoming and outgoing traffic based on certain criteria. Some firewalls may block Elden Ring’s communication with your friend’s device, preventing you from joining their game.
To check your firewall settings, navigate to your computer’s control panel and search for the firewall settings. Make sure that Elden Ring is listed as an exception or allowed program, and that it’s able to communicate with your friend’s device.
3. Game Version Mismatch
If you and your friend have different versions of Elden Ring, this can also prevent you from joining their game. Make sure that you and your friend have the same game version and that it’s up to date. If you’re playing on different platforms, like PC and console, you won’t be able to join each other’s games.
How to Fix the Issue
1. Check your NAT Type
If your NAT type is the issue, try to configure your router to have an open NAT type. Alternatively, you may need to contact your internet service provider to ask them to do this for you.
2. Adjust Firewall Settings
If your firewall settings are preventing you from joining your friend’s game, navigate to your firewall settings and add Elden Ring as an exception, allowing inbound and outbound traffic for the game.
3. Match Game Versions
Ensure that you and your friend have the same game version and that it’s updated. If you’re still unable to join your friend’s game, it may be worth having both players verify the game files or perform a fresh reinstall.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several reasons why you may not be able to join your friend in Elden Ring, including NAT type, firewall settings, and game version mismatches. By following our tips and troubleshooting advice, you can overcome these issues and enjoy playing Elden Ring with your friends. So don’t let these technical barriers ruin your gaming experience – start troubleshooting today!
FAQs
1. Can I join a friend’s game if we’re playing on different platforms?
No, console and PC players cannot join each other’s games due to platform incompatibility.
2. What are the three types of NAT?
The three types of NAT are Strict, Moderate, and Open.
3. How do I check my NAT type?
Navigate to your network settings in Elden Ring and locate the options that show your NAT type.
4. How do I add Elden Ring as an exception on my firewall settings?
Navigate to your computer’s control panel and search for firewall settings. Locate the option to add an allowed program and select Elden Ring from your files.
5. What should I do if all of these solutions fail?
If you’re still unable to join your friend’s game, it may be worth contacting Elden Ring support for further assistance.
