Remnant 2 Can't Join a Friend's Game? Here's the Fix
Most Remnant 2 co-op failures come down to cross-play settings, a strict NAT type, or a version mismatch after a patch. The fastest fix: make sure cross-play is enabled on both accounts, both players are on the same version, and your NAT is Open (UPnP). Then invite through the in-game friends menu rather than searching. Steps below, in order.
Remnant 2 — the Epic-overlay rule most crossplay joins miss
- Crossplay invite MUST use Epic overlay
Shift+F3 (Epic) / Shift+Tab (Steam) > right-click friend > Join/Invite — the Steam friends list will NOT work for crossplay- Link accounts first
link Epic + Steam from the main-menu prompt (top-left) before crossplay works- Session must be joinable
host loads a save and sets session to Public or Friends Only- Gotcha
Frame Generation blocks the EOS overlay — if Shift+F3 does nothing, disable frame gen
Last verified: September 2026
Error codes
Failed to join game / connection to host failed
The client couldn't connect to your friend's session
Cause: Cross-play disabled, a strict NAT, or a version mismatch after an update.
- Enable Cross-Play in Settings on both accounts (required for PC<->console and reliable PC joins).
- Confirm both players are on the same game version — restart the launcher to pull any pending patch.
- Set NAT to Open via UPnP on your router.
- Invite through the in-game Friends menu and have the host set the game to Online.
Host is no longer available / session ended
The session closed or couldn't be maintained
Cause: Host set to Private/Solo, a dropped connection, or a Gearbox/crossplay service hiccup.
- Host sets the world to Online and to Friends Only or Public.
- Allow Remnant2.exe through Windows Firewall on both PCs.
- Both sign out and back in to refresh cross-play, then retry.
Fixes that work for most Remnant 2 errors
- Enable Cross-Play in Settings on both accounts — it's needed for most co-op joins, not just cross-platform.
- Match versions: restart the launcher so both players are on the same patch before joining.
- Set an Open NAT by enabling UPnP on the router.
- Allow Remnant2.exe through Windows Firewall and antivirus on both machines.
- Host sets the world to Online and Friends Only/Public, then invites via the in-game Friends menu.
- Use a wired connection and restart the router to clear NAT issues.
- Verify game files if joins fail after an update.
FAQ
Why can't I join my friend in Remnant 2?
Usually cross-play is off, your NAT is strict, or you're on different versions. Enable Cross-Play on both accounts, match the patch, and set an Open NAT via UPnP.
Do I need cross-play on for PC-to-PC Remnant 2 co-op?
It helps reliability — enable Cross-Play in Settings on both accounts even on the same platform, then invite through the in-game Friends menu.
How do I fix 'failed to join game' in Remnant 2?
Match versions, enable cross-play, set an Open NAT with UPnP, allow Remnant2.exe through the firewall, and have the host set the world to Online/Friends Only.
Why does Remnant 2 say the host is no longer available?
The host's session was Private or dropped. Have them set the world to Online and Friends Only/Public, refresh cross-play, and re-invite you.
Other games
- No Man's Sky Keeps Crashing on PC? How to Fix It (2026)
- Subnautica Won't Launch on PC? How to Fix It (2026)
- Lethal Company Can't Join Lobby? Fix "Connection Lost" (2026)
- Palworld Multiplayer Not Working? Fix "Can't Join Friend" (2026)
- Phasmophobia Can't Connect to Lobby? Fix "Failed to Connect" (2026)
- Valheim Can't Connect to Dedicated Server? How to Fix It (2026)
- ARK Survival Ascended Won't Launch? How to Fix It (2026)
- Dead by Daylight Stuck on Loading Screen? How to Fix It (2026)