Baldur's Gate 3: How to Fix Error Joining Failed
Image Credits: Larian Studios
If Baldur’s Gate 3 decided to ruin your multiplayer session with the dreaded "Joining failed: can't join this game right now!" message—don’t panic. You don’t need to sacrifice your save file to the gods of RNG just yet. There’s a workaround that has saved plenty of campaigns, and it’s surprisingly simple.
Here’s how to get your party back together without losing progress.
The Quick Fix for Multiplayer Connection Issues (Error Joining)
Forget spamming the join button or restarting your game for the tenth time. Follow these steps:
Start a Brand-New Game
Have the host create a completely fresh game. Yes, really—just click "New Game" like you’re about to abandon your 50-hour save.Join Using Direct Connect
Instead of using regular invites or lobby lists, use the Direct Connect option. Grab the lobby code from the host and join the new game this way.Load Your Original Save
Once everyone is inside this throwaway game, have the host load your actual campaign save from the pause menu. Like magic, you should all drop back into your real adventure.
Why Does This Work?
Because Baldur's Gate 3 multiplayer can be... temperamental. This method basically "resets" whatever invisible issue is blocking players from joining. Direct Connect seems to bypass the usual problems, and loading the save once you're already connected sidesteps the bug.
Final Blurb
If you're stuck outside your own party like an uninvited guest, this fix can save your run. It’s not elegant—but neither is losing nine months of progress. Next time Larian’s multiplayer decides to act up, just remember: fake a new game, connect directly, and sneak back into your real save.
If this doesn't work, well... it might be time to bribe your party with snacks and wait for the next patch.
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