⚡ Quick Answer
Darktide Error 9999 is a backend connection failure between your client and Fatshark’s dedicated servers. Verify Steam/Xbox servers are online → Disable IPv6 → Allow Darktide through Windows Firewall → Verify game files → Restart router. Most fixes take under 5 minutes.
📋 Error Overview
🗣️ Plain English Translation
Darktide Error 9999 means: “Your game client cannot handshake with Fatshark’s backend servers.” This is a network-layer failure, not a game crash. Your PC is fine; the pipe between you and the server is blocked, misconfigured, or the server itself is down.
🎯 The Quickest Fix
- Check Fatshark Server Status on their official status page or Downdetector.
- Disable IPv6 in your Network Adapter settings (Control Panel → Network → Adapter Properties → Uncheck IPv6).
- Restart your PC and router.
- Launch Darktide and attempt to join a mission.
⚠️ Prerequisites & Warnings
- 🔴 Do not use VPNs or proxy servers. Darktide’s anti-cheat (EAC) may flag unusual routing.
- 🟡 Game Pass users: Ensure Xbox Live services are operational. Error 9999 often cascades from Xbox Live outages.
- 🔵 Port forwarding is not required but ensure ports 27015-27030 (Steam) are not blocked by ISP.
🔧 Step-by-Step Resolutions
Method 1: Verify Game File Integrity
| Platform | Steps |
|---|---|
| Steam | Library → Right-click Darktide → Properties → Installed Files → Verify Integrity of Game Files |
| Xbox App | My Library → Darktide → More Options (…) → Manage → Files → Verify and Repair |
Method 2: Windows Firewall & Anti-Virus
- Open Windows Security → Firewall & Network Protection → Allow an app through firewall.
- Ensure both darktide.exe and start_protected_game.exe are allowed on Private and Public networks.
- If using third-party AV (Kaspersky, Norton, Bitdefender), add Darktide’s install folder to Exclusions.
- Temporarily disable AV to test if it resolves the issue.
Method 3: Network Stack Reset
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run these commands sequentially:
netsh winsock resetnetsh int ip resetipconfig /releaseipconfig /renewipconfig /flushdns
- Restart your PC.
🧠 The Technical Context
Error 9999 is a catch-all backend handshake failure in Darktide’s proprietary networking stack. Unlike HTTP error codes, this is an internal Fatshark code thrown when:
- The backend session ticket expires or is rejected during the TLS handshake.
- Steamworks API fails to authenticate your Steam ID with Fatshark’s backend.
- NAT traversal fails due to symmetric NAT or carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) on your ISP.
- Fatshark’s backend microservices (PlayFab or custom) are experiencing a partial outage.
Related: Marvel Rivals Login Error 10 uses similar backend authentication.
🛟 The “Still Broken?” Safety Net
- Navigate to your AppData folder and delete the console_logs and crash_dumps folders (back up first).
- Delete user_settings.config to force a full settings reset.
- Reinstall the game on a different drive (preferably SSD).
- Contact Fatshark Support with your console_log file attached.
👤 Author / Maintainer
Verified by: Multiplayer Network Engineer | Last Updated: 27 June 2026
📌 TLDR
Darktide 9999 = Backend handshake failure. Fix: Disable IPv6 → Verify game files → Whitelist in firewall → Reset network stack. Prevention: Avoid CGNAT ISPs, keep Windows network drivers updated, and monitor Fatshark server status.
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