How to Fix Modern Warfare 2 Required Network Service Has Failed Error

If you've run into the Modern Warfare 2 Required Network Service Has Failed Error, you're probably wondering what's going on. It's a reasonable question to ask, and we just so happen to have the answer.

Before we get into the details, it's worth remembering that with any new game, errors are a part of life. A bit like when a baby is learning to walk, a new game will regularly have errors. The developers pick them up, wipe off their knees, and help them get better. Or something.

Call of Duty is a vast and complex game, and is well-known for its vast array of errors. We've laready looked at Modern Warfare 2 lag, and Modern Warfare 2 crashing issues. Let's now consider what you need to do when you meet the required network service has failed issue.

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How to Fix Modern Warfare 2 Required Network Service Has Failed Error

Perhaps a little unusually, the solution to this error is actually very simple:

• Close the game and restart it.
• If that doesn't work, reboot your device, then relaunch the game.
• Next, try restarting your router, and make sure your internet connection is working properly:
  • We recommend the usual troubleshooting steps - perform a speed test, minimise traffic on your network, and if possible, switch to a wired connection for greater stability.
• It's also worth checking the server status of the game. You can do that via the Activison Online Services page. If there is a server-side situation, wait until that is resolved before trying again.
• Check for any pending game or system updates, and install any that are outstanding.
• If none of the above options work, then you may need to consider uninstalling the game, and then reinstalling it.

For most people, it seems that restarting the game is generally sufficient to remedy this particular problem. But what else do we know about it?

Credit: Activision

What Is The Modern Warfare 2 Required Network Service Has Failed Error?

Much like the fog of war, information can be hard to come by, to get a definitive picture of what's happening.

As we said in our introduction, errors are inevitable when a new game is released. You'll often find that a patch will be made available soon after launch. So keep an eye out for any game updates, and install them as soon as possible, as they will often address a range of known issues.

• Read More: Modern Warfare 2 Keyboard and Mouse: How To Use KBM on Modern Warfare 2 On PS5 and Xbox

In this specific instance, it isn't entirely clear why this error is happening. There is a possibility that it is simply caused by the volume of traffic on the servers, as everyone scrambles to try and play the game in its early days.

Fortunately though, it seems as though simply restarting will work for most people, and get you back into the game. We still can't explain Marmite though.