How Do I Fix Dying Light Multiplayer?

Experiencing issues with Dying Light’s multiplayer can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re eager to team up with friends and conquer the zombie-infested city of Harran. The good news is that most multiplayer problems have fairly straightforward solutions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to troubleshoot and fix Dying Light’s multiplayer issues.

Troubleshooting Dying Light Multiplayer Issues

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps you can take to resolve common multiplayer problems in Dying Light:

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

• Restart Your Game and Console/PC: This might seem obvious, but a simple restart can often clear up temporary glitches that might be affecting your multiplayer connection. Close the game completely, and if you’re playing on a console, restart it as well. On a PC, make sure to close the game in the task manager, to avoid any background processes from causing issues.
• Check Your Network Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for multiplayer gaming. Ensure you have a reliable connection.
  • Test Your Speed: Use a speed test website to verify your download and upload speeds.
  • Restart Your Router: Power cycle your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. This can often resolve connection issues.
  • Check Your Ethernet Cable/Wi-Fi Signal: If using a wired connection, make sure the cable is properly connected and not damaged. If on Wi-Fi, ensure your signal is strong and stable.
• Check for Updates: Make sure both the Dying Light game and your platform’s operating system are updated. Developers frequently release patches to fix bugs and improve performance, and these updates may resolve multiplayer issues.
  • Steam/PSN/Xbox Updates: Check for any pending system or application updates on your chosen platform.
• Check the Game’s Server Status: Sometimes the problem might not be on your end. Check the official Dying Light social media channels or community forums to see if there are any known server outages or maintenance periods.
• Try a Different Multiplayer Mode: If you’re having trouble joining a specific mode, try a different one to see if the issue persists. This can help pinpoint the source of the problem. For example, try switching from a public game to friends only, or vice versa.

In-Game Settings and Actions

• Set Your Game Type to Public: In Dying Light, you need to ensure that the GAME TYPE option is set to PUBLIC in the ONLINE menu if you want to be found by other players. If you just want to play with friends, choose Friends Only.
• Matchmaking: Access the Matchmaking option through the ESC key (or equivalent on your console) to join or invite players.
• Complete the Prologue: Multiplayer is not unlocked right away. You need to complete the prologue and the first night in the game. Look out for a pop-up message when you wake up in the first safe zone, confirming that co-op mode is available. In Dying Light 2, you need to complete the “Markers of Plague” quest after the prologue.
• Invite Friends Correctly: To invite friends, press the ESC key and look in the right-down corner of the screen where your friend list should appear. Make sure your friend has the game set to NOT private and you will see their name along with their progress. You can then join that person’s game.
• Steam Profile: If you’re playing on PC through Steam, ensure that the correct Steam accounts are signed in. Incorrect profiles can prevent invites from working properly.

Advanced Troubleshooting

• Change Your NAT Type: A strict NAT type can restrict connections with other players. Check your router’s settings and try changing your NAT type to Open or Moderate. This may require port forwarding which can be found online for most routers.
• Firewall and Antivirus: Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Dying Light’s connection. Try temporarily disabling them (only for testing purposes) or add the game to their exceptions list. Make sure to re-enable them immediately after testing.
• Check for Conflicting Software: Sometimes, other applications running on your system can interfere with the game. Try closing any unnecessary programs while playing.
• Reinstall the Game: If all else fails, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Dying Light. This can help resolve corrupt files that may be causing the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Dying Light multiplayer not working?

Unstable internet connections are a primary culprit. Other reasons include outdated game versions, server issues, incorrect game settings, NAT type restrictions, or conflicts with other software.

2. How do you get Dying Light multiplayer to work?

Ensure your network connection is stable, set your game type to PUBLIC or Friends Only, complete the prologue, and then use the Matchmaking menu to find other players.

3. Why can’t I invite my friend in Dying Light?

Co-op mode unlocks after completing the prologue and sleeping in the first safe zone. After this, invite friends via the ESC menu, making sure your friend has set their game to NOT private.

4. Is Dying Light multiplayer offline?

No, Dying Light only offers online co-op. There is no local splitscreen option, and your friend will need their own computer.

5. Do you have to unlock multiplayer in Dying Light?

Yes, co-op sessions become available after completing the first night in the game and sleeping in the first safe zone or completing the quest “Markers of Plague” in Dying Light 2.

6. Can you play Dying Light fully co-op?

Yes, you can play the entire campaign in co-op. All story missions and side quests can be done with friends.

7. How long until I can play with friends in Dying Light?

Dying Light 1: The wait is usually about 45 minutes, after the tutorial section. Dying Light 2: About an hour or two depending on your rate of progress, after completing the prologue and the “Markers of Plague” quest.

8. How do you play with friends on Dying Light 1?

You can either join your friend’s public game through the pause (option) menu by waiting for their name to appear and pressing your action button, or you can invite them via the ESC menu.

9. Why can’t I invite people on Steam?

Make sure the correct Steam accounts are signed in, and that the game is not being blocked by a firewall. If all checks out, you may need to restart the game or Steam itself.

10. How does co-op progress work in Dying Light?

All items you collect within a co-op match are yours to keep. However, in Dying Light 2, quest progress is tied to the host’s save. The first Dying Light saves quest progress for all players.

11. Is Dying Light better with friends?

Yes, many players find co-op much easier and more enjoyable, allowing for strategic teamwork against tough enemies. The game is designed with co-op in mind.

12. At what point is Dying Light multiplayer available?

Dying Light 1: After the prologue and sleeping in the first safe zone. Dying Light 2: After completing the prologue and the “Markers of Plague” quest.

13. How many people can play Dying Light multiplayer?

Both Dying Light 1 and 2 support up to four players in co-op. You can team up with up to three friends to experience the game together.

14. Do all players need DLC for Dying Light?

For DLC content like “The Following,” all players need to own the DLC to play together. For just the base game, it doesn’t matter which DLC each player has.

15. Can you wait out the night in Dying Light?

Yes, you can use the sleeping bag in safe zones to skip through the night and go straight to daytime. This is a useful option if the player is struggling with the more dangerous nighttime zombies.

By following these steps and understanding the game’s mechanics, you should be able to enjoy Dying Light with your friends without frustrating connection issues. Remember to always check for updates and maintain a stable network connection for the best possible co-op experience.