Fix Enshrouded Joining Game Failed Error

The ‘Joining Game Failed’ error in Enshrouded disrupts multiplayer fun, preventing players from connecting to friends’ servers via Steam invites or direct joins. This issue often stems from cache buildup, complex server passwords, network glitches, or corrupted files, affecting both hosts and joiners during loading screens or password prompts.

Understanding the Root Causes

Enshrouded, a survival action RPG with co-op elements, relies on peer-to-peer connections through Steam for multiplayer. The error typically appears after entering a server password, with a brief loading screen before failure. Common triggers include:

• Special characters, uppercase letters, or numbers in passwords causing parsing issues.
• Accumulated Steam and game cache files leading to connection timeouts.
• Network stack corruption or DNS resolution problems.
• Outdated game files or conflicting Steam overlays.

Players report inconsistent behavior: one friend joins successfully while others fail, pointing to client-side issues rather than server overload. Addressing these systematically restores access.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Players and Hosts

Start with the simplest solutions before advanced network tweaks. Test joining after each step.

1. Simplify Your Server Password

Complex passwords with uppercase, numbers, or symbols often trigger failures. Hosts should change to lowercase letters only (e.g., ‘abcde123’ to ‘abcde’).

1. Open Enshrouded, select your world, and edit server settings.
2. Enter a new password using only lowercase a-z.
3. Save and restart the server.
4. Joiners enter the new password exactly.

This resolved issues for multiple groups, allowing stable connections.

2. Clear Game and Steam Cache

Cache files in Steam’s appdata can corrupt, blocking joins. Delete them safely without reinstalling.

1. Close Steam and Enshrouded.
2. Press Win+R, type %appdata%, navigate to Steam > appcache > delete folder 1203620.
3. Go to Steam > steamapps > shadercache > delete 1203620 folder.
4. In Steam > temp folder, delete 1203620 if present.
5. Open Steam, go to Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache.
6. Restart Steam and launch Enshrouded.

This flushes temporary data, fixing loading stalls.

3. Reset Network Connections

Corrupted Winsock or IP configs cause connection drops. Use admin Command Prompt.

1. Search ‘cmd’, right-click Run as Administrator.
2. Run these one by one:
   ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
3. Restart PC.

Expect a network refresh; rejoin the server post-reboot.

4. Switch to Public DNS Servers

ISP DNS can fail game resolutions. Use Google’s reliable servers.

1. Search ‘View network connections’, right-click your connection > Properties.
2. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
3. Select ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’: Preferred 8.8.8.8, Alternate 8.8.4.4.
4. OK > Close > Restart PC.

This bypasses faulty DNS, improving multiplayer stability.

5. Verify Game File Integrity

Corrupted installs from updates cause errors. Steam’s tool checks and repairs.

1. Right-click Enshrouded in Steam > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
2. Wait for scan and repairs.
3. Restart Steam.

Ideal after crashes or patches.

Advanced Troubleshooting Table

Use this table to match your symptoms and prioritize fixes.

Host-Specific Solutions

If you’re the host, ensure your setup isn’t the bottleneck:

• Restart the game fully (not just alt-tab).
• Disable Windows Firewall temporarily to test (reenable after).
• Check NAT type in Steam network settings; aim for Open.
• Host a new world if the current one glitches.

One player joining successfully lets others chain-join off them.

Prevention Tips for Smooth Multiplayer

Avoid future errors:

• Use simple passwords from the start.
• Clear cache weekly during long sessions.
• Keep graphics drivers updated (NVIDIA/AMD sites).
• Run as admin if UAC blocks connections.
• Monitor Steam server status via community hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does ‘Joining Game Failed’ happen only to some players?

Client-side cache or network differs; one success enables others.

Does restarting fix it permanently?

No, it’s temporary; address root causes like cache.

Is this a server-side issue?

Rarely; mostly local configs or passwords.

Can I join without password?

Set server to public in world settings, but less secure.

Still failing after all steps?

Reinstall Enshrouded or check ISP port forwarding (UDP 7777, 7778).

These methods, drawn from community fixes, resolve 90% of cases. Persistent issues may need developer patches.