Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
VGSOURCES
Get listed

Conan ExilesPATCH 2026.10.18

Failed to Join Requested Game in Conan Exiles: Diagnose and Fix the Error

By VGSources Team 8 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

“Failed to join requested game” is a generic connection failure, not proof that your Conan Exiles installation is broken. The quickest way to narrow it down is to join a different known-good server. If other official servers load normally, the requested server is the leading suspect; if every server fails, investigate your client, network permissions, game files, or platform service instead.

Use the sequence below to separate a crashed or starting server from an outdated mod, a stale Steam session, a firewall rule, or a co-op session that needs to be recreated.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the message actually tells you

Players may see slightly different wording: “Failed to join requested game,” “Could not connect to the server,” “‘Join Session’ failed,” “lost connection to the server,” or “pending connection to host.” These messages describe the same broad stage of failure: Conan Exiles could not complete the connection to the session you selected. They do not identify whether the remote server is offline, a mod is incompatible, the host session is stuck, or your local client is being blocked.

A useful example is a player who received the complete “Failed to join requested game. Could not connect to the server. ‘Join Session’ failed” message while other official PvE-C servers remained reachable. That pattern points first to the requested server rather than automatically to the player’s installation.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Shock Blue | Textured triggers and bumpers, Hybrid D-pad, XBOX Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C, Play across Console & PC & Cloud Devices
  • MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
  • PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
  • SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
  • BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.

Use the failure pattern as your first diagnostic

What you observe Most useful interpretation Best next action
Only one official or private server fails; other servers open The target server may have crashed, be restarting, or be unavailable to its administrator or provider. Confirm the server status and report the failure with the server name or number.
Every server fails A local client, Steam, firewall, file-integrity, platform, or broader network problem becomes more likely. Reset the client connection path, check security permissions, and validate files.
Only a modded server fails Your installed mod set, order, or versions may not match the server after a game or mod update. Compare the complete mod list and update or disable incompatible mods.
A friend’s co-op or a single-player session fails The host session state may not have ended or recreated cleanly. Have the host close the session and create it again, then retry the join.
A Steam connect link fails while Conan Exiles is already open The launch path can leave the game in a state that cannot accept the requested connection. Exit the game and Steam completely, then initiate the connection from a clean launch.

Follow this troubleshooting order

1. Try another known-good server

Start with a server you have previously joined or an official server that other players can currently reach. Do not change mods, firewall settings, or files before this test; its purpose is to establish the scope of the problem.

  • If the second server loads, your account and basic client connection are probably functioning well enough to reach a session. Concentrate on the original server’s status, address, port, startup state, or mod configuration.
  • If the second server produces the same error, test a third server if available. A failure across unrelated servers justifies checking your local client path and security settings.

Other servers working does not guarantee that the target server is down, but it is the fastest server-side discriminator available to a player.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

2. Check whether the target server is running

For an official server, look for current service or outage information available through the game’s normal channels and ask other players whether they can connect. A single-server failure can occur when the process has crashed and is waiting for an administrator or provider to restore it. One player, Taemien, described the same pattern as a server that may have crashed and be waiting for a rollback; that is a player diagnosis, not a confirmed incident report, so treat it as a possibility rather than a fact.

For a private or rented server, contact the owner or administrator. They should verify that the server process is running, allow enough time for startup, and confirm that the address and game port have not changed. A server panel can show an instance as “started” before it is ready to accept players, so a short wait followed by a fresh attempt is reasonable.

3. Verify the address and port for a private server

Use the current address and game port displayed in the host’s control panel, not an old bookmark or an address copied from a previous rental. When the host recommends direct connection, use Conan Exiles’ in-game Direct Connect option and enter the values exactly as displayed. A correct-looking server name can still point to an old instance or a different port.

Rank #2
GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows 10/11, Plug and Play Gaming Gamepad with Hall Effect Joysticks/Hall Trigger, 3.5mm Audio Jack (White)
  • Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
  • Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
  • Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
  • Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
  • Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.

Ask the administrator to confirm whether the server has recently been moved, reinstalled, restored from a backup, or had its port changed. Those changes can leave a saved listing visible while the endpoint you are trying to reach is no longer the active one.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

4. Check mods and version compatibility

Modded servers require more than having the same mod names. Compare your complete installed set with the server’s required set, including load order and the versions currently offered by each mod author. A game update can make an otherwise familiar mod incompatible, and one incompatible item can prevent the join from completing.

Funcom forum staff member Ignasi gave this guidance: “If playing in a server with mods, please make sure to either disable mods until they’re updated or inform the mod authors to make their mods compatible with the last version.” Follow that advice as a controlled test:

  1. Record the server’s required mods and order before changing anything.
  2. Update the mods that have newer compatible releases.
  3. If the administrator permits it, disable outdated mods and attempt to join a compatible configuration.
  4. If the server starts successfully with a reduced or updated set, add or update items only as the administrator confirms they are supported.

Do not randomly rearrange a server’s load order. If the server owner supplies an order, reproduce it exactly; otherwise, ask the owner which configuration is authoritative.

5. Reset the Conan Exiles and Steam connection path

On PC, fully exit Conan Exiles and Steam rather than leaving either application suspended in the background. Relaunch Steam, start Conan Exiles normally, and try the server again. This clears a stale session state without changing your saves or server configuration.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Electric Volt | Textured triggers and bumpers, Hybrid D-pad, XBOX Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C, Play across Console & PC & Cloud Devices
  • MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
  • PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
  • SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
  • BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.

Pay particular attention to how you launch the game. A hosting guide reports that using a Steam connect button while Conan Exiles is already running can produce this error. Close the game before activating that link, then let Steam start the game and pass the connection request during launch. If the server provides an in-game Direct Connect route, use that after the clean restart instead of repeatedly clicking an old external link.

Players on Xbox or PlayStation will not have the same Steam launch path. They should still close the game completely, relaunch it, and retry the session, while focusing later checks on their platform’s network and service status.

6. Check PC firewall permissions and validate files

On Windows PC, confirm that Conan Exiles is allowed through the firewall on both private and public network profiles. A rule enabled for only one profile can work at home and fail on another network classification. Make the smallest change necessary within your normal security policy.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Security software can also interfere with the connection. If your organization or personal security policy allows testing, temporarily pause the relevant antivirus or firewall component for one controlled join attempt, then restore protection immediately. If the connection works only while protection is disabled, create a narrowly scoped allow rule rather than leaving the security tool off.

Use Steam’s game-file validation function to check for damaged or missing Conan Exiles files. Validation is a repair check, not a guarantee that a server outage or incompatible mod will be fixed. If validation reports changes, allow the download to finish, restart the game, and test the same server again.

Rank #4
Sale
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Deep Pink | Textured triggers and bumpers, Hybrid D-pad, XBOX Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C, Play across Console & PC & Cloud Devices
  • MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
  • PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
  • SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
  • BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.

7. Recreate a co-op or single-player session

The message can appear when joining a friend’s co-op game and in single-player or co-op contexts, where the host’s session state is part of the connection. Ask the host to end the session cleanly, close the game, relaunch it, and create a new session. The joining player should also restart Conan Exiles before trying again.

Recreating the session is a diagnostic step, not a guaranteed cure. If a new session works, the previous host instance was likely stale or failed to close correctly. If every new session fails while public servers work, collect the host platform, session settings, and exact error text for further support.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Choose the next action by platform and session type

Platform or session Checks that matter most Who can usually resolve the fault
PC, official server Test another official server; then reset Steam and Conan Exiles, check firewall profiles, and validate files if failures are widespread. Funcom or the server operator for a one-server outage; the player for local client checks.
PC, private or rented server Confirm the current host-panel address, game port, process status, startup time, and required mods. The server owner or hosting provider for endpoint and process problems.
Xbox or PlayStation, official server Test another server and fully restart the game. If all servers fail, check the console’s network and platform-service status. The platform or game service when the failure is broad; the operator when only one server fails.
Any platform, modded server Match the complete mod set, versions, and order; test only a configuration the administrator supports. The player and server administrator together.
Any platform, friend-hosted co-op Have the host end and recreate the session; both players should relaunch before retrying. The session host for a stuck instance, with both players supplying details if it persists.

What to send an administrator or support team

A useful report lets the recipient distinguish a server outage from a client or compatibility problem without asking you to repeat basic tests. Include:

  • The server number and name, or the friend-hosted session description.
  • Your platform: PC, Xbox, or PlayStation.
  • Your region and the date and time of the failed attempt.
  • The exact error text, including whether it says “Join Session” failed, “pending connection to host,” or “lost connection to the server.”
  • Whether another official or private server loaded successfully.
  • For a modded server, the complete installed mod list, versions, and order, plus any recent game or mod update.
  • For a private server, the address and game port shown by the host panel, without replacing them with an obsolete saved entry.
  • Which controlled checks you already completed: clean Steam restart, firewall permission review, file validation, or session recreation.

If other servers work and only one target remains unreachable, lead with that fact. It prevents the administrator from treating a likely server-side outage as a general reinstall request. If no servers work, say so explicitly and provide the client and platform details so local troubleshooting can begin.

When to wait, when to change settings, and when to stop retrying

  • Wait and report: one server fails while unrelated servers work, especially immediately after the server has restarted or been restored.
  • Check compatibility: the failure is limited to a modded server or began after a game or mod update.
  • Reset the client: a Steam connect link was used while the game was already open, or every attempt began from a long-running game session.
  • Inspect local security and files: all servers fail on PC, particularly when the error persists after a clean relaunch.
  • Recreate the host session: the problem occurs only with a friend’s co-op or a single-player session.

Repeatedly clicking Join without changing the relevant condition does not provide new information. Make one controlled change, retry the same target, and record the result. That approach keeps a temporary server outage, a mod mismatch, and a local connection problem from being confused with one another.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Conan ExilesmultiplayerPC gamingserver errorstroubleshooting

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.