Big Walk Can’t Join Friends? Try these first

Run this short checklist before changing network settings:

  1. Make sure the host’s game is running and the host’s character is loaded into the world.
  2. Ask the host for the Join Code from the current session. If the session uses a password, confirm the current password too.
  3. Check that the first two version number components match on every device.
  4. Make sure every device has an accurate system clock, preferably with automatic date and time enabled.
  5. If joining still fails, have every player and the host close Big Walk completely, reopen it, and try again.

These are the official connection checks that most directly match a failed join attempt. The exact order is a practical way to work through them; it is not a claim about the game’s internal error handling.

“The Session You Are Trying to Join Isn’t Available”

If Big Walk shows “The session you are trying to join isn’t available,” do not assume that the message identifies one specific server problem. The official FAQ does not document a single technical cause for it.

Start with the current session instead:

  • Confirm the host is not just in a menu or creating a session. Their character should be loaded into the world.
  • Ask for a fresh Join Code from that session.
  • Check the first two version components on every device.
  • Check each device’s system clock.
  • Fully close and reopen Big Walk on every player’s device, then have the host start the session again.

Big Walk Join Code not working

The host can find the current code in the corner of the host menu before starting the game. Once the session is running, the code is available from the in-game menu under Session Details.

Big Walk generates a new Join Code every time the host starts a session. Do not keep using a code from an older screenshot, Discord message, or chat history. If the host has set a password, confirm that password from the current session as well.

For the normal crossplay and Join Code flow, see the Big Walk Crossplay and Join Codes guide. This page focuses on why an attempted join fails.

Friend’s game isn’t showing up

If you use a platform friends list, first add the host as a friend on the service you are using:

  • Steam friends for the Steam version.
  • PlayStation friends for PlayStation 5.
  • Nintendo Switch Online friends for Switch 2.

The official FAQ says an active friend’s host game should then appear in the platform’s friend-game menu. If you are not friends on that service, use the host’s current Join Code instead.

The Mac App Store version of Big Walk does not support Game Center friend-game listings. Mac App Store players should use a Join Code.

Check your Big Walk version

The official FAQ gives 1.2.3 as an example of Big Walk’s three-part version number. The first two components must match for players to play together; the third component can be different.

For example, a version difference in the last component alone is not, according to the official FAQ, a reason to block joining. If either of the first two components differs, update the game before troubleshooting deeper network issues.

Check your device’s system clock

Make sure Date & Time is correct and set automatically on every device. Also confirm the time zone is correct, then restart Big Walk and try the session again.

The official FAQ specifically warns that a significant difference between a device’s system clock and the online clock can stop a player from joining or hosting any games. This check applies even when the Join Code was entered correctly.

Check host and network problems

If the session, code, version, and clock checks pass, look for connection warnings in the lower-left of the host’s screen and confirm that every device has a working internet connection.

For jitter, lag, or repeated disconnections, the official network guidance recommends:

  • Stop heavy downloads and streaming on the host’s network.
  • Move closer to the wireless router or use Ethernet.
  • Check whether everyone is affected. If they are, the host’s network is a useful first place to investigate.
  • Lower the host’s graphics quality if the host’s frame rate is poor.

The official FAQ says a low host frame rate can contribute to network problems and suggests trying a different player as host. A different host is not documented as a way to transfer an existing save; see the save progress and hosting guide before changing hosts for a continuing journey.

Still can’t join?

If the official checks do not solve the problem, check Big Walk’s current official channels for a service-specific notice or contact help@bigwalk.game. Include:

  • Your platform.
  • Your Big Walk version.
  • The exact error text.
  • Whether the host can host other players.
  • Whether the affected player can join another session.

This page does not label a game-wide outage without a current official notice. Support can use those details to distinguish a session problem from a broader service issue.