⚡ Quick Answer
Darktide Error Code 3013 means “Failed joining server” — the game couldn’t establish a stable connection to Fatshark’s backend while loading into a mission or the Mourningstar hub. It’s a connectivity error, not account or save-data damage, and is commonly linked to packet loss, ISP throttling (notably certain 4G and French ISPs), router NAT issues, or temporary server-side strain. Fatshark’s official fix path starts with rebooting your router and PC/console, checking your upload speed, and adding firewall exceptions for Darktide.
Getting bounced back to the character select screen with Darktide Error Code 3013 right before a mission is one of the most reported connection issues in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Here’s what actually causes it and the exact troubleshooting order Fatshark recommends.
What Is Darktide Error Code 3013?
Error Code 3013 is a connectivity error that appears as “Failed joining server” when Darktide can’t complete the handshake with Fatshark’s servers — whether you’re entering the Mourningstar hub or loading into a mission with your squad.
- Affects PC (Steam), Xbox, and PlayStation versions of Darktide
- Listed by Fatshark alongside related codes: 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 3001, 4001, 4008
- Does not delete or reset your character progress — Fatshark stores progress server-side
- Often appears in clusters — players report seeing 3013 alongside 3001 or 2004 during the same session
What Causes Error Code 3013 in Darktide?
According to Fatshark’s own support documentation and player reports on their forums, the leading causes are:
- Packet loss or dropped connections — Fatshark support has linked repeated 3013 cases to buffer overflow and dropped packets between client and server
- ISP-level throttling — Fatshark specifically notes that certain 4G networks, including some French ISPs, are commonly affected
- Low upload speed — an upload speed under roughly 1 Mbps is likely to cause an unstable connection
- Firewall or antivirus interference — security software blocking Darktide’s outbound server connection
- Background applications or mods (PC) — some mods and background processes have been tied to connectivity issues
- Temporary server-side load — spikes after updates or during peak hours
| Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Packet loss / dropped packets | Reboot router and PC/console, switch to wired connection |
| ISP or 4G throttling | Try a different network or contact your ISP; a VPN has helped some players |
| Low upload speed | Test speed at speedtest.net; aim for over 1 Mbps upload |
| Firewall/antivirus blocking connection | Add Darktide.exe and launcher as firewall exceptions |
| Mods or background apps (PC) | Disable mods and close background apps, then retry |
| Server-side load | Wait 15–30 minutes and retry, especially after patches |
How to Fix Darktide Error Code 3013: Step-by-Step
1. Reboot Your Router and PC/Console
Power-cycle your router for at least 30 seconds, then restart your PC or console. This is Fatshark’s first recommended step and resolves a large share of 3013 cases tied to a stale connection.
2. Check Your Internet Speed
Run a test at a site like Speedtest.net. Fatshark notes an upload speed below roughly 1 Mbps is likely to cause an unstable experience — if yours is low, switching to a wired Ethernet connection usually helps more than Wi-Fi.
3. Add Firewall and Antivirus Exceptions
Make sure your firewall and antivirus software aren’t blocking Darktide’s connection to Fatshark’s servers. Add the game executable and launcher to your allowed/exceptions list.
4. Disable Mods and Background Applications (PC)
Some mods and background processes have been linked to connectivity issues. Disable all mods, close unnecessary background apps, and try a clean launch.
5. Verify and Repair Your Installation
On Steam, right-click Darktide → Properties → Local Files → Verify Integrity of Game Files. On Xbox, use the “Verify and Repair” option in the Xbox App to check for a corrupted install.
6. Try a Selective Startup (Persistent PC Issues)
If the error persists, Fatshark support has recommended a Windows Selective Startup (via msconfig, disabling non-essential startup items) to rule out third-party software interference.
| Platform | Recommended Fix |
|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Verify integrity of game files, disable mods, check firewall rules |
| Xbox | Use “Verify and Repair” in the Xbox App; check account sign-in status |
| PlayStation | Restart console, test connection under Network Settings |
| Mobile data / 4G users | Switch to a fixed broadband connection where possible; some ISPs are known to throttle this traffic |
Is Error Code 3013 a Server-Side Issue?
Sometimes. Player reports on Steam and Fatshark’s own forums show 3013 spiking after certain patches, suggesting server-side or backend sync issues on top of individual connection problems. If the fixes above don’t help, check Fatshark’s official support article and report your console log directly — Fatshark’s support team has actively worked with affected players to diagnose packet-level issues. See the official Fatshark support article on connectivity errors for the full troubleshooting checklist and log submission steps.
Dealing with other live-service game errors too? Check our full gaming and tech news coverage for more error-code guides and service status updates.
Related Topics
Here’s what players are actually typing into Google around this error, with short, direct answers to each:
1. “darktide error code 3013 fix”
Start by rebooting your router and PC/console, then check your upload speed and firewall exceptions — Fatshark’s official first steps for this error.
2. “darktide failed joining server”
This is the exact on-screen message for Error Code 3013 — it signals a failed connection handshake with Fatshark’s servers, not a corrupted save.
3. “darktide error 3001 and 3013”
Players often see these two codes together; both relate to connection stability and respond to the same router/network troubleshooting steps.
4. “fatshark connectivity errors support”
This refers to Fatshark’s official help article covering Error Codes 2001–4008, including 3013, with router and firewall guidance.
5. “darktide keeps disconnecting 2026”
A broader search for ongoing session drops, which frequently traces back to the same packet loss and ISP-level causes behind Error Code 3013.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Error Code 3013 delete my character or progress?
No. Darktide stores your progress on Fatshark’s servers, so a connection error like 3013 does not erase or reset it.
Is this error more common on certain ISPs?
Yes — Fatshark has specifically flagged some 4G networks and certain French ISPs as more prone to triggering this error.
Should I use a VPN to fix it?
Some players report success rerouting through a VPN when the issue is ISP-side, but it’s not an official Fatshark fix — try the router, speed, and firewall steps first.
📝 TL;DR
- Darktide Error Code 3013 means “Failed joining server” — a connectivity error, not a save-data or account issue
- Main causes: packet loss, ISP/4G throttling, low upload speed, firewall blocks, mods or background apps
- Fatshark’s first fix: reboot router and PC/console, then test your upload speed
- PC players should verify game files and disable mods before deeper troubleshooting
- Certain 4G networks and some French ISPs are specifically flagged by Fatshark as higher-risk
- If nothing works, submit console logs to Fatshark support for a packet-level diagnosis
Written by Freddy John
Freddy John covers gaming errors, service outages, and consumer tech troubleshooting for Seminars Only News. This guide was compiled from Fatshark’s official support documentation and verified player reports, and is reviewed periodically for accuracy as Darktide’s backend infrastructure changes.
