Elden Ring Error Code Inability-to-Join: How to Fix It

Medium 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
inability-to-join
Brand
Elden Ring
Product Type
game
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
The Elden Ring 'inability to join other worlds' error prevents you from connecting to other players' sessions for cooperative play or PvP invasions. This is typically caused by network configuration issues, NAT type restrictions, firewall rules, or server-side problems on FromSoftware's end. Working through the steps below will resolve the majority of cases on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code inability-to-join

  1. Check Elden Ring Server Status

  2. Verify Your Internet Connection

  3. Check and Open Your NAT Type

    When logging into your router admin panel, do not change settings you are unfamiliar with, as this can disrupt your entire home network.

  4. Disable VPN or Proxy Services

  5. Add Elden Ring to Your Firewall Whitelist (PC Only)

  6. Verify Game File Integrity (PC/Steam Only)

  7. Confirm Both Players Meet Multiplayer Prerequisites

  8. Update Game and System Software

  9. Flush DNS and Reset Network Stack (PC Only)

    Running netsh reset commands will disconnect any active VPN or special network adapter configurations. Reconnect them manually after restarting.

  10. Reinstall the Game as a Last Resort

    Back up your save files before uninstalling on PC to prevent any risk of save data loss.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps and still cannot join other worlds, the issue may be a persistent ISP-level restriction, carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) on your internet plan, or a hardware fault with your router or modem. Contact your Internet Service Provider and ask whether your connection uses CGNAT — if it does, request a public IP address. For console hardware network issues, contact PlayStation Support, Xbox Support, or a certified console repair technician. If the issue affects only Elden Ring and persists across all fixes, submit a support ticket directly to Bandai Namco at https://support.bandainamcoent.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Elden Ring say 'unable to join another player's world'?
This error typically means your game cannot establish a peer-to-peer connection with the host's session. The most common causes are a strict NAT type, firewall blocking the game's network traffic, server downtime, or a mismatch in game version between you and the host. Work through the steps above starting with checking server status and verifying your NAT type.
Does Elden Ring require PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core for multiplayer?
Yes. On PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, you need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to use online multiplayer in Elden Ring. On Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, you need Xbox Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold). PC players on Steam do not need an additional subscription beyond owning the game.
What NAT type do I need for Elden Ring multiplayer?
For the best experience, you want NAT Type 1 (Open) or NAT Type 2 (Moderate) on PlayStation, or Open NAT on Xbox and PC. NAT Type 3 (Strict) on PlayStation or Strict NAT on Xbox will almost always prevent you from joining or hosting sessions. Enable UPnP on your router or manually port-forward UDP ports 21000–21199 to open your NAT.
Can I play Elden Ring co-op across different platforms?
No. Elden Ring does not support cross-platform multiplayer. PC players can only connect with other PC players, PlayStation players can only connect with other PlayStation players, and Xbox players can only connect with other Xbox players. Make sure you and your co-op partner are on the same platform.
Why can I see multiplayer signs but not join them in Elden Ring?
If you can see summon signs but get the 'unable to join' error when you try to use them, the most likely causes are: the host just left the session or progressed past a boss, your level difference is outside the matchmaking range, your NAT type is too strict to complete the connection, or there was a brief server hiccup. Try using a Furlcalling Finger Remedy again to refresh the signs, wait a moment, and attempt to join a different sign.

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