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

The error message “Joining failed: Connection failed” in Baldur’s Gate 3 appears when the game fails to establish or maintain a stable connection with Larian’s multiplayer servers. During this issue, the loading bar typically loops between 20% and 60% before showing the error message, preventing you from joining or hosting a session.

This problem usually points to a communication failure between your console and Larian’s servers, most often triggered by an incorrect DNS configuration, unstable network routing, or corrupted cloud-sync data. In rare situations, temporary server outages or account desynchronization can also cause the connection to fail during the initial communication with the servers.

1. Change DNS to Google’s DNS

Your ISP’s default DNS can be slow, misconfigured, or affected by routing problems. Google’s DNS, on the other hand, is fast, globally distributed, and highly reliable. Switching to it often helps your console create a more stable link to Larian’s servers.

1. Go to Settings on your PS5.
2. Select Network from the available options.
3. Choose Settings from the left pane.
4. Click Set Up Internet Connection.
5. Press the Options button while hovering over your connected Wi-Fi network.
6. Select Advanced Settings from the menu.
7. Set DNS Settings to Manual.
8. Enter 8.8.8.8 as the Primary DNS.
9. Enter 8.8.4.4 as the Secondary DNS.
10. Select OK and test if the issue is resolved.

2. Toggle Off Internet

Temporarily disabling your PS5’s internet resets any ongoing handshake attempts with Larian’s servers. This can clear stuck matchmaking data and forces Baldur’s Gate 3 to restart its online session cleanly.

1. Open Settings from the home screen.
2. Select Network.
3. Choose Settings from the left pane.
4. Turn off the Connect to the Internet option.
5. Restart the game and check if the connection works properly.

3. Turn Cloud Syncing Off

When cloud syncing is enabled, the game attempts to validate both local and cloud save states during multiplayer sessions. If these saves fall out of sync or fail to upload correctly, Baldur’s Gate 3 may not validate your multiplayer state, causing connection errors. Turning off cloud syncing prevents such conflicts and allows the game to start a fresh online session.

1. Go to Settings again from the home page.
2. Select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
3. Choose Saved Data (PS5) > Synced Saved Data.
4. Open Auto-Sync Saved Data.
5. Locate Baldur’s Gate 3 from the list.
6. Disable Auto-Sync Saved Data for it.
7. Restart your console and try joining a multiplayer session again.