The latest instalment of the popular Arma series has arrived, but it has unfortunately brought with it a few challenges, including the much-discussed Arma Reforger "Failed To Join Server" error.
Plenty of players have been hit by this issue. But what is it, why is it happening, and what can be done about it? All good questions, and all deserving of answers. Which is exactly what we intend to provide. It's almost like we do this stuff for a living or something.
How To Fix Arma Reforger Failed To Join Server Issue
If you are struggling to join a server to play Arma Reforger, there are a few different things you can try in order to overcome this trying problem. But before you do anything, we recommend that you make sure your computer meets the minimum specifications for the game. These are:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4460 / AMD FX-4300
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or similar
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 15 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX®-compatible
- Additional Notes: Internet connection and DirectX 12 compatible PC required.
If your system doesn't meet or exceed these requirements, then the chances are you are going to run into a host of issues, that no amount of troubleshooting can fix.
But assuming you have the right tools for the job, here's what you can try.
Look For A Different Server
The servers on Arma Reforger don't have a vast capacity for players before becoming full. So your first step is to look for a server that hasn't been filled yet.
Most servers seem to have a capacity for either 32 or 64 players. So look for a server where the numbers are well below these thresholds, and try to join it. There can be a lag between the server filling up and the numbers being updated. So while you can try a server with, say 28 players on it, don't be too downhearted if you don't succeed.
As an additional point to this, you can try using a VPN to try and connect to servers in a different location, which might have less traffic. If you are already using a VPN, try turning it off to connect to a more local server.
For the majority of cases, this will be enough to get you back up and running. But just in case these aren't effective, there are some other things you can try.
Other Potential Fixes
Given this is a server error, most of the time it won't have anything to do with your setup. But if you've tried the fix we suggested above without any success, then it may be worth checking a few things at your end.
- Start by making sure your internet connection is working properly. Test a different game or app. If you are on WiFi, consider switching to a wired connection. And try to minimise traffic jostling for bandwidth on your network.
- Check for any system or game updates, and install any that are outstanding.
- Make sure your firewall or antivirus isn't blocking the game.
- Just in case something has been corrupted during installation, try verifying the integrity of the game files. To do this:
- Load Steam.
- From the Library section, right-click on the game and select Properties from the menu.
- Select the Local files tab and click Verify integrity of game files...
- Steam will verify the game's files.
If none of these solutions works, then we'd recommend contacting the developers for further support. You can find them on Twitter @ArmaPlatform.
What Is The Arma Reforger Failed To Join Server Error?
Fairly simply, this Arma Reforger failed to join server issue arises when players are trying to join a game, and are unable to do so. Instead, they get this lovely error.
So what's behind this particular problem? Well, the first thing to be mindful of, is the fact that the game has been released as an early access title. This basically means that the game is far from the finished article, and as a result, errors are an almost inevitable part of the process. The developers will then use feedback from players to fix issues.
Coupled with this, is the fact that new games almost always attract a spike in traffic in the period after their release. This can often lead to the servers struggling to cope with the volume of players trying to get online at the same time.
It is this second issue which is most likely to be responsible for this particular problem. Servers are quickly filled up, and that means new players trying to join are unable to do so.
With all this in mind, there is a limit to how much you can influence things. None of us has any control over the servers, which means that despite our best efforts, there may be occasions where we can do little else but wait.
That being said, the solutions we've outlined do provide your best chance of overcoming the issue, until such times as the servers have sufficient capacity to cope with demand, and traffic begins to stabilise.