Breaking:
With the release of the 7.0.5.3 hotfix on May 9, 2023, there are widespread reports of Destiny 2 players receiving the Chicken, Plum and CAT error codes. The developers are aware of the issue and are working on a fix.
Original:
The Destiny 2 Error Code Chicken is no paltry issue. If you have been getting into a flap and having your feathers ruffled by this, fret no more.
This article will have all the answers you need, to understand what it is, what causes it, and how you might be able to fix it. So no more chicken-related problems.
Let's get into it.
What is Error Code Chicken?
Alongside being an absolute dream for terrible puns, Error Code Chicken has been causing lots of gamers a problem. While there isn't a specific known cause for the error, it is related to losing connection to the game servers.
This inevitably has the knock-on effect of stopping people from accessing their characters and actually playing the game. It also appears to be one which if you get it, you might well be stuck for a few days before it resolves itself.
For many people, this error was linked to the servers on the game being down for maintenance. In theory, then, it should have resolved itself as soon as the servers were brought back online. But if this is not the case for you, here are some solutions, to rid yourself of that fowl problem.
How to fix Destiny 2 Error Code Chicken
Here's a selection of options you can try if that Destiny 2 error code just won't go away.
Use a wired connection
Bungie's own troubleshooting guide recommends this as the first thing to try. A wired connection is almost always more reliable than a wireless one.
This will help to maintain the connection between your network and the game servers. Additionally, try to minimise the number of other programs or devices that are also trying to use bandwidth.
Try reconnecting to the server, or using a VPN
It may be the case that lots of players from one location are all trying to log on concurrently, which can affect the server. So trying to disconnect and reconnect might resolve this.
If you wish, you can also try using a VPN to connect to a different server in a different location, which might not be as busy. Lots of users have reported trying this and finding it fixes the problem.
Restart your router
Another Bungie recommended solution. Disconnect your router, give it a time-out for a few minutes, and then reconnect and power up. Then, reconnect your equipment, sign back into your network, and make sure you have a stable internet connection. You may find this is all you need to do, to rid yourself of Error Code: Chicken.
Clear the cache
This one is slightly more complicated but still pretty simple. Occasionally, the temporary files held in the cache on your console can become corrupted or overwritten. Clearing the cache will help to remove any dodgy code, download fresh files, and hopefully rid you of that troublesome error. To clear the cache on your console, Bungie recommends:
- Power down the console.
- Once the console is completely powered down, unplug the power cord from the back of the console.
- Let the console sit unplugged for at least 5 minutes.
- Plug the power cord back into the console and power it on.
- Re-launch the Destiny game.
To clear the download cache in the Steam launcher:
- From your Steam Client, open the Settings panel by selecting "Steam > Settings" from the top left client menu.
- In the Settings panel, select the Downloads tab and you'll find the "Clear Download Cache" button at the bottom.
- Then select "OK" to confirm and acknowledge that you'll need to login to Steam again.
Contact your ISP
If you have tried all the above and haven't had any joy, then it may start pointing to an issue with your internet service provider, rather than the game itself. So you may need to contact them, to check for any service-related interruptions.
Delete and reinstall
While this is the most extreme option, uninstalling and reinstalling does tend to be a pretty effective way of fixing game bugs. So if you have exhausted all other options, then this might be the way to go. Removing all the files from your device and reinstalling new ones can often remove any rogue elements.
If nothing at all seems to be working, then try contacting Bungie's help forum, located here