Fix: “Joining failed: Connection failed” Baldur’s Gate 3 on PS5

Playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on the PlayStation 5 has been a captivating experience for RPG fans, with its in-depth storytelling, cinematic visuals, and deep multiplayer mechanics. However, many players have recently encountered a frustrating issue when trying to join a multiplayer game: the notorious “Joining failed: Connection failed” error. This connectivity problem has been impacting the seamless cooperative experience that players expect from the game.

TL;DR: If you’re running into the “Joining failed: Connection failed” error in Baldur’s Gate 3 on PS5, don’t panic. The issue is often caused by network settings, outdated game data, or PlayStation Network hiccups. Common fixes include restarting your console, rechecking your internet connection, or ensuring both players are using the same game version. More advanced steps include port forwarding and NAT type adjustments.

Why Does This Error Happen?

The multiplayer feature in Baldur’s Gate 3 uses peer-to-peer connections facilitated by Larian Studios’ online infrastructure and relies heavily on the PSN (PlayStation Network). When the connection between players fails, it typically means:

• Network issues on either the host’s or the client’s side
• Incompatible game versions between players
• NAT (Network Address Translation) limitations
• Issues with Larian’s or Sony’s servers
• Corrupted or outdated game cache

This makes the issue somewhat complex but not impossible to resolve. Below, we’ll walk through all the practical solutions to get you back into the game in no time.

1. Restart and Refresh

The very first course of action is always the simplest one. Restart your game and console:

1. Close Baldur’s Gate 3 using the PS5’s main menu.
2. Fully shut down your PS5 (don’t just put it in Rest Mode).
3. Unplug the power cable for 30 seconds. Reconnect and reboot.

Have your friend or co-op partner do the same. Sometimes, stale connections can persist between sessions, and a simple reboot resets this.

2. Check for Updates

Mismatch between game versions can cause connection problems. Make sure both you and anyone you’re trying to connect with are running the latest version of the game.

To check for updates:

• Highlight Baldur’s Gate 3 on the PS5 menu.
• Press the Options button.
• Select Check for Update.

Also ensure that your PS5 system software is up to date:

• Go to Settings → System → System Software → System Software Update and Settings.

3. Test Your Internet Connection

This error can spawn from poor connection quality. You can easily do a connection test on your PS5:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Connection Status.
2. Select Test Internet Connection.

Look at the download/upload speed and NAT type. A NAT Type 3 generally causes issues with joining games. Switching to NAT Type 2 (Moderate) or NAT Type 1 (Open) can vastly improve connectivity.

4. Use a Wired Connection or Improve Wi-Fi Strength

Whenever possible, use a wired Ethernet connection. But if you’re using Wi-Fi, try the following steps:

• Move your PS5 closer to the router.
• Switch to a 5GHz Wi-Fi band if your router supports dual-band access.
• Use a Wi-Fi mesh extender to boost your signal.

5. Port Forwarding and UPnP Configuration

Players comfortable diving into router settings should consider enabling Port Forwarding or turning on UPnP (Universal Plug and Play).

Ports used by PSN and usually needed for online gameplay:

• TCP: 1935, 3478–3480
• UDP: 3074, 3478–3479

Check your router’s manual or online support articles to set these ports manually. Alternatively, ensure UPnP is enabled on your router to allow automatic port management.

6. Sync Save Data and Clear Cache

Corrupted or mismatched save data may also result in a failed connection. To fix this:

1. On your PS5 home screen, go to Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
2. Choose Saved Data (PS5), then select Baldur’s Gate 3.
3. Back up your save data to the cloud or USB.
4. Then select Delete from Console.

Restart your game and try joining again. This can remove any buggy session data stored on your system.

7. Avoid Cross-Gen or Cross-Save Conflicts

Make sure the other player isn’t using a different platform or save variant. While Baldur’s Gate 3 supports cross-save, it doesn’t support full crossplay (yet). A player using a PC save synced to PS5 might experience issues if the file hasn’t synced properly.

8. Try a Private Lobby

When setting up a game, create a private lobby instead of a public one. There’s anecdotal evidence that public matches sometimes lead to inconsistencies and more frequent connection failures.

Steps:

1. Go to multiplayer menu.
2. Select Create Lobby.
3. Set visibility to Private.

9. Contact Larian Studios or PlayStation Support

If none of the above works, your issue might be due to a deeper problem. You can submit a ticket to Larian Studios Support for more specific assistance. Alternatively, reach out to the PlayStation Support Portal for network troubleshooting.

Pro Tip: PlayStation Network Outages

Sometimes it’s not you—it’s Sony. Check the PSN Status Page to see if multiplayer services are temporarily down or under maintenance.

FAQ: Common Questions About BG3 Connection Issues on PS5

• Q: Can I play Baldur’s Gate 3 cross-platform with a friend on PC?
  A: Currently, BG3 supports cross-save across platforms but not crossplay. Joining multiplayer games is limited to players on the same platform.
• Q: My NAT type is 3—how do I fix it?
  A: You’ll need to configure your router to enable UPnP or port forwarding. Check your router’s model-specific guide for instructions.
• Q: Do I need PS Plus to play BG3 multiplayer?
  A: Yes, PS Plus is required for all multiplayer gaming on PS5, including Baldur’s Gate 3.
• Q: Is Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer still in beta or unstable?
  A: The game is in full release status, but like all complex multiplayer games, it can still experience connection hiccups, especially during peak hours or after major updates.
• Q: Do wired connections really help?
  A: Absolutely. A stable wired Ethernet connection significantly reduces the chance of latency and lost packets compared to Wi-Fi.

Final Thoughts

The “Joining failed: Connection failed” error in Baldur’s Gate 3 on PS5 can be disappointing, but it’s rarely permanent. Following the troubleshooting steps listed above should help you get back online. Whether you’re battling goblins or exploring the Underdark, a bit of tech maintenance is worth the seamless co-op fun that awaits once everything is working smoothly.