How do you Fix Error Code 9999 in Warhammer 40K: Darktide?

Generally speaking, the numbers assigned to error codes in online games don’t correlate to the severity of the error. That said, when you see a really, really high error code number, that can freak you out a bit, especially if it seems like an especially nasty error like Warhammer 40K: Darktide’s error 9999. So, how do you fix Error Code 9999 in Warhammer 40K: Darktide?

How do you Fix Error Code 9999 in Warhammer 40K: Darktide?

Error Code 9999 is a particularly nasty error in Warhammer 40K: Darktide that seems to render the game completely unplayable. Frustrating matters further is that, unlike other error codes, 9999 doesn’t offer up a concrete reason for its existence. It just kicks you out, says 9999, and that’s all you get.

Related: How to Fix FPS Drops and Lag in Warhammer 40K: Darktide

According to eagle-eyed users, Error Code 9999 seems to occur in similar circumstances to Error Code 4008, a “failed handshake timeout.” As this particular error is generally the result of internet connectivity issues, we can attempt to address 9999 with similar fixes to 4008. These include:

• Check your firewall settings
• Free up bandwidth
• Disable VPNs
• Switch to Experimental Branch

Check Your Firewall Settings

Darktide has been known to trip PC firewalls on occasion. It’s not the game’s fault, sometimes firewalls get a bit overzealous. If you open your firewall settings, you can add an exception for the game to your whitelist. Otherwise, try temporarily disabling your firewall just long enough to see if you can get into the game.

Free Up Bandwidth

Darktide is a bit of a bandwidth hog, needing a strong, steady internet connection in order to keep you connected to the game’s servers. If something is hampering your connection or sucking up your bandwidth, such as large files downloading in the background of your PC, that could be what’s preventing the game from connecting.

Disable VPNs

Some users have reported Darktide getting on a bit poorly with VPN programs. The exact reason for this isn’t known; it may be a problem with localizing the game’s servers to a player’s supposed location. Whatever the reason, if you’re using a VPN, try disabling it to see if you can get in.

Switch to Experimental Branch

In addition to the main release of Darktide, the developers also run an experimental branch for testing bugfixes and whatnot. Assuming you’re playing the game on Steam, you can switch to this branch by going to the game’s properties, switching to the Beta tab, and opting into the experimental build. Of course, since it’s experimental, you might encounter different problems, but at least you might be able to get in.

If none of these situations work for you, you might just need to wait for a hotfix from the developers. In the meantime, visit their support forums and report your problem so they can get a read on the current state of the game and prioritize a fix.