Helldivers 2 failed to establish network connection error workarounds
As fast as Arrowhead is blasting bugs, more are spawning to replace them, and one common issue players are running into is the 'failed to establish network connection' error which squashes attempts to join games.
Helldivers 2 updates have been flying out from Arrowhead Game Studios faster than drop pods from a Super Destroyer, but as with the frontlines in the Galactic War, there's always another fire to put out. From matchmaking woes and failed to join lobby errors, to long wait times (that were fixed) and login bugs on PS5, it's been a frantic launch month for the developer.
I'm something of a Helldiver myself, and after picking up the game a few weeks post-launch, I was feeling pretty smug about having avoided the initial issues that arose from it being so dang popular. But I was hit with the Helldivers 2 failed to establish network connection error on PS5 which brought my pre-planned gaming session to a grinding halt. After trying a few suggested fixes, I managed to find a workaround that finally let me join a game.
Knowing how important the fight is to spread managed democracy, I've rounded up all of the workarounds out there so far to overcome the Helldivers 2 'failed to establish network connection' error on both PC and PS5. Ideally, Arrowhead will be able to address this in a future update and get rid of it altogether, but for now, while patching the game, it's likely that there'll still be some problems lurking around that either resurface following an update, or just haven't been thoroughly stomped out yet.
This error in particular is the result of too many people playing essentially, so not the worst problem a developer could have. Arrowhead has attempted to combat it by increasing the server cap (at least twice now) but the concurrent player count seems to rise to the limit as soon the cap is bumped up.
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So with that in mind, here are some suggestions for how to fix the Helldivers 2 'failed to establish network connection' error.
How to fix Helldivers 2 failed to establish network connection error
Check Helldivers 2 server status
Let's start with the obvious one: are the servers up and running with no issues? Because if not, you're going to see a Helldivers 2 'failed to establish network connection' error when trying to get into a game. I strongly recommend joining the Helldiver 2 official Discord server, even if you're just a lurker like me. There are patch notes, updates on issues the devs are working on, and a channel dedicated to lore of the game with High Command dispatches on the status of the ongoing Galactic War.
You can also peep the game's Twitter account, as well as checking out third-party sites like Down Detector, where you can also report server issues you're experiencing.
Check Steam server status
PC players really need to be aware of this one, because judging by the reams of reddit posts, it seems that not a lot of people are aware that Steam has weekly maintenance that will affect whatever online game you're playing on the platform. This generally happens either early morning or late afternoon Pacific time every Tuesday, during the company's business hours, so there are as many people on hand to help out as possible in case something goes awry. You can read more about the particulars on the dedicated Steam downtime and server maintenance FAQ.
While there isn't a time set in stone for the routine Steam server maintenance, it takes place every Tuesday between around 11pm GMT - 2am GMT / 6pm - 9pm EST / 3pm - 6pm PST. The downtime itself doesn't tend to last long, being around 30 minutes unless something real bad is going on. This unofficial Steam server status Twitter account is a pretty handy one to bookmark to check the Steam server status, so be sure to give it a look if you're having problems with the Helldivers 2 'failed to establish network connection' error – especially on a Tuesday.
Restart the game
The tried-and-tested go-to for every technologically related problem: have you tried turning it off and on again? Closing the game and restarting it is often a quick fix for the majority of things, especially with patches and updates rolling out so frequently. The devs even recommend closing down and rebooting the game after an update has gone live. If you're feeling extra thorough, you can shut down your console completely and unplug it from the power source for at least 10 seconds (power cycling), before turning everything back on again.
Disable crossplay
Got friends you want to play with on other platforms? Well get ready to cut them off forever (or until the connection error is resolved, at least). Matchmaking Helldivers 2 players across different platforms can stuff up the servers so be sure to go into your gameplay settings and turn crossplay off if you're either not utilising it, or are more desperate to a do a dive than you are to match up with buddies on another platform.
Validate your Steam cache
This one is for all of you playing on Steam. If you ever run into issues running any game, then verifying the integrity of game files may help move things along; Steam will essentially check that the files are installed correctly. To do this, restart your PC and launch Steam. Either right click the game in your Steam library (or you can hit the gear icon from the game's library page on the far right) to bring up the drop down menu.
Select 'Properties' and navigate to the 'Installed Files' tab. Click 'verify integrity of game files' and Steam will start the process, which may take a few minutes. The Steam page for this process does give the heads up that one or more files failing to verify is normal, and you can go ahead and safely ignore messages along these lines because they're local configuration files that you should leave well alone.
Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet
Wi-Fi can be unstable at the best of times, so if you're frequently playing online, you're better off switching to a wired connection where you have the option. This may also help you out with the Helldivers 2 'failed to establish network connection' error as well, so have a rummage through that box of miscellaneous cables I know you have lying around and dig out your ethernet cable.
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Using a mobile hotspot
It may be the case that your mobile service is better than your Wi-Fi, and if so, this workaround can help you out. Switch to your mobile hotspot (which may also get you past some ISP firewalls when connecting) and if you manage to successfully get into a game, you can switch back to your ISP.
Use a VPN / disabling IPv6
Using a VPN will generate a new IP address, making it look like you're connecting to the internet from a different location – which is why you can use it to access region-specific content on streaming services like Netflix. A VPN can also let you select specific servers so a potentially lower ping, as well as circumventing throttling and firewalls.
Disabling IPv6 is essentially the same fix, as when using a VPN you get a new IP address and it disables IPv6. But if you don't have a VPN to use, head to your PC's network/ internet options, and on the active networks screen, click on the internet connection you're currently using. In the pop-up window, hit 'properties' and scroll through the options until you see 'Internet Protocol Version 6'. Uncheck the box, and hit 'OK' to save the changes.
Other potential workarounds
As for how I resolved the Helldivers 2 'failed to establish network connection' error, after trying to join my co-op buddy's game while we were both on our ships, as well as from the console dashboard (and there were a lot of attempts!), I waited until they dropped onto a planet and tried to join them again, And like magic, it suddenly worked. I think I just got lucky as nothing about that seems to make sense.
One player on reddit says they unsubscribed from PS Plus, subscribed again and it worked. Take both of these solutions with a pinch of salt as there's no rhyme or reason behind either! If all else fails, you can contact the game's support and try again later.
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