Borderlands 4 Multiplayer Not Working: Borderlands 4 has captivated fans with its action-packed looter-shooter gameplay and cooperative multiplayer modes.
The thrill of teaming up with friends to take down enemies, explore vast worlds, and loot epic gear is a cornerstone of the Borderlands experience.
However, many players encounter issues where multiplayer simply doesn’t work—whether they can’t join sessions, face connection errors, or get stuck in matchmaking.
If you’re struggling with Borderlands 4 multiplayer not working on your PC or console, you’re not alone. This article will walk you through the common causes of multiplayer problems and provide practical, step-by-step solutions to fix them so you can get back to the fun of playing with friends.
Understanding the Multiplayer Issues in Borderlands 4
Multiplayer issues in Borderlands 4 can manifest in various ways:
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Unable to join friends’ games or invite them
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Frequent disconnects or connection failures
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Matchmaking not working or stuck on “Searching”
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Lag or high ping during multiplayer sessions
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Party chat or voice communication problems
These issues can stem from network problems, game bugs, hardware configurations, or account-related errors. By systematically diagnosing and fixing these areas, you can restore a smooth multiplayer experience.
Common Causes of Multiplayer Problems
Before diving into fixes, let’s look at some typical reasons Borderlands 4 multiplayer may not work:
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Network connectivity issues: Poor internet connection, NAT type restrictions, or firewall blocks.
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Server downtime or maintenance: Game servers might be temporarily unavailable.
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Outdated game or platform software: Running an older version can cause compatibility issues.
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Incorrect NAT settings: NAT type restricts your ability to connect with other players.
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Router or modem issues: Port forwarding or UPnP problems.
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Corrupted game files or cache: Can cause matchmaking or joining errors.
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Crossplay incompatibility or platform restrictions: Different platform settings can block multiplayer.
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Account and privacy settings: Restrictions on multiplayer or voice chat on consoles or platforms.
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Third-party software conflicts: VPNs, firewalls, or antivirus programs blocking connections.
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Party or voice chat system glitches: Issues with in-game or platform-level voice communication.
Step-by-Step Fixes for Borderlands 4 Multiplayer Not Working
1. Check Borderlands 4 Server Status
Before troubleshooting locally, confirm if the Borderlands 4 servers are up and running.
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Visit official sources like the Gearbox Software Twitter or Borderlands Support Page.
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Use third-party sites like DownDetector to see if other players are reporting issues.
If the servers are down or under maintenance, multiplayer problems will persist until the issue is resolved.
2. Restart Your Game, Console, and Router
A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches:
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Close Borderlands 4 and launch it again.
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Restart your PC or console (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S).
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Power cycle your router and modem by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in.
3. Ensure Borderlands 4 and System Software Are Up to Date
Outdated game versions or system software can cause multiplayer compatibility problems.
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Check for Borderlands 4 updates on your platform (Steam, Epic Games, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store) and install them.
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Update your operating system or console firmware to the latest version.
4. Check Your Internet Connection and Speed
Multiplayer requires a stable and reasonably fast internet connection.
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Test your internet speed at Speedtest.net — aim for at least 3 Mbps upload and download speeds.
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Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible to reduce lag and disconnections.
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If on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or use a 5 GHz band for better performance.
5. Check and Change Your NAT Type
Your NAT (Network Address Translation) type affects how easily you can connect to other players.
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NAT Type Open: Best for multiplayer, allows connections with all players.
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NAT Type Moderate: Can connect but may have restrictions.
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NAT Type Strict: Often blocks connections to many players, causing multiplayer issues.
How to check NAT type:
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On Windows, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status → View hardware and connection properties → Look for NAT type in the gaming section.
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On Xbox, go to Network Settings → NAT Type.
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On PlayStation, go to Network → View Connection Status.
If you have Moderate or Strict NAT:
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Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router.
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Forward the required ports for Borderlands 4 manually.
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Place your PC/console in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) of your router for troubleshooting (not recommended as a permanent solution).
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Restart your router after making changes.
6. Open Borderlands 4 Required Ports on Your Router
Port forwarding helps your router know where to send game data, improving connectivity.
Common Borderlands 4 ports:
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TCP: 3074, 27015-27030, 27036-27037
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UDP: 3074, 27000-27031, 27036
Refer to your router’s manual or manufacturer website for instructions on port forwarding.
7. Disable VPN and Proxy Services
VPNs and proxies can interfere with multiplayer connectivity.
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Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy service and check if multiplayer works.
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If the game works without VPN, try connecting to a different server or adjust VPN settings.
8. Adjust Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Your firewall or antivirus software may block Borderlands 4’s multiplayer connections.
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Add Borderlands 4 as an exception or whitelist it in your antivirus and firewall settings.
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Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall and test multiplayer.
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Use Windows Defender Firewall settings: Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall → Allow an app through firewall → Add Borderlands 4.
9. Clear Borderlands 4 Cache and Temporary Files
Cache files can become corrupted and cause multiplayer or matchmaking issues.
On PC:
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Navigate to the game folder and delete temporary files or cache folders if applicable.
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On Steam, right-click the game → Properties → Local Files → Verify Integrity of Game Files to refresh corrupted data.
On Consoles:
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Restart the console and clear the cache by fully powering it down (unplug power cable for 30 seconds).
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On Xbox, go to Settings → System → Storage → Clear local saved games (note this only clears cached data, your cloud saves are safe).
10. Verify Crossplay Settings
Borderlands 4 supports crossplay, but it must be enabled or compatible with your friends’ platforms.
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Ensure crossplay is enabled in the game’s settings.
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Confirm your friends are on compatible platforms and have crossplay enabled.
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Sometimes disabling crossplay temporarily can help identify if it’s causing issues.
11. Check Privacy and Multiplayer Permissions
On consoles and PC platforms, privacy settings can block multiplayer or voice chat.
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On Xbox: Go to Settings → Account → Privacy & online safety → Xbox Live privacy → View details & customize → Communication & multiplayer. Ensure multiplayer is allowed.
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On PlayStation: Go to Settings → Account Management → Privacy Settings → Communication and Multiplayer → Allow multiplayer and voice chat.
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On Steam/Epic, check if parental controls or community settings restrict multiplayer.
12. Use Borderlands 4’s Official Support Tools
Gearbox and publisher websites often provide specific troubleshooting tools or patches for known multiplayer issues. Check the official Borderlands support page regularly.
FAQs – Borderlands 4 Multiplayer Not Working
Q1: Why can’t I join my friend’s game in Borderlands 4?
This is often due to NAT type mismatches, server issues, or outdated game versions. Ensure your NAT type is Open or Moderate, update the game, and check for server status.
Q2: How do I fix Borderlands 4 stuck on matchmaking or “Searching for players”?
This can be caused by network instability, strict NAT type, or firewall blocks. Restart your router, set NAT to Open, and disable firewalls temporarily to test.
Q3: Does Borderlands 4 support cross-platform multiplayer?
Yes, Borderlands 4 supports crossplay between PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Both players must have crossplay enabled in settings.
Q4: What ports do I need to open for Borderlands 4 multiplayer?
Open TCP ports 3074, 27015-27030, 27036-27037 and UDP ports 3074, 27000-27031, 27036 on your router for best connectivity.
Q5: Can VPN cause Borderlands 4 multiplayer issues?
Yes, VPNs can introduce latency and block some connections. Disable VPN or use one with gaming servers optimized for Borderlands.
Q6: How do I check my NAT type on PC?
Use the Xbox app on Windows 10/11 or check your router’s admin panel under UPnP or NAT settings.
Q7: Why am I getting disconnected frequently in Borderlands 4 multiplayer?
This may be caused by unstable internet, router issues, or server problems. Use a wired connection, reset your router, and check for server outages.
Q8: Can antivirus block Borderlands 4 multiplayer?
Yes, some antivirus programs block game connections. Add Borderlands 4 to exceptions or temporarily disable antivirus to troubleshoot.
Conclusion
Multiplayer issues in Borderlands 4 can be frustrating, but most problems are fixable with the right approach. Start by confirming server status and updating your game and system. Then optimize your network settings by checking NAT type, forwarding ports, and disabling software that may interfere with connections.
By following the detailed steps in this guide, you should be able to resolve most multiplayer problems, ensuring you can jump back into the cooperative mayhem Borderlands 4 is known for.
If issues persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to Gearbox support or the active Borderlands community forums for additional help tailored to your setup.