Alexis Kestler
Seeing the "could not connect to Destiny 2 servers" error pop up in the game? Want to get back to playing your favorite Guardian ASAP? Don‘t worry, this guide has you covered with plenty of troubleshooting tips to solve the pesky connection issues.
Let‘s first look at why you may be getting this message in the first place.
What‘s Causing Connection Problems in Destiny 2
There‘s a few common culprits for losing connectivity to Destiny 2‘s servers:
Bungie Server Outages
With millions of active players, Bungie‘s servers sometimes go down for maintenance or experience technical issues on Bungie‘s end. Checking https://www.bungie.net/en/help/article/11881 and @BungieHelp on Twitter can confirm if they are having widespread problems.
Your Local Network Connection
Problems with your WiFi, Ethernet, router settings, or general internet stability can prevent maintaining a solid link to Bungie‘s servers. Some troubleshooting steps later in this guide will help track down and fix these types of issues.
Platform Specific Problems
Destiny 2 runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Stadia – each with their own connection processes. We‘ll go over platform-specific troubleshooting too.
Game File Corruption
The huge amounts of data that make up Destiny 2 can sometimes get corrupted, preventing proper communication between your game and Bungie‘s servers. Verifying files and re-installing helps here.
Account and Subscription Issues
Make sure your platform accounts, season passes, Xbox Live/PS Plus subscriptions are all active and in good standing. Lapsed credentials can block connectivity.
Now let‘s dive into the troubleshooting steps to get you reconnected to the Destiny 2 universe.
General Connectivity Troubleshooting
Before we get into platform-specific fixes, here are some general tips that apply to all Guardians:
Check Router and Modem
Power cycle your modem and router by unplugging them from power for 20-30 seconds. This clears any glitches and starts fresh. Also double check the physical connections between the two devices.
Wired Over Wireless
For the most stable connection, plug your PC or console directly into your router via Ethernet cable rather than using WiFi. This eliminates wireless interference.
Power Cycle Your Machine
Completely power down your PC or console, wait a few minutes, and restart fresh. This clears any software/memory errors preventing proper server communication.
Upgrade Internet Speed
Destiny 2 recommends a minimum 10 Mbps download speed – upping yours can improve connectivity reliability. Contact your ISP about speed upgrade options.
Port Forwarding
Configure your router‘s port forwarding to prioritize traffic for Destiny 2‘s ports (TCP/UDP 3097, 3074). This significantly improves connection stability.
Reset Router Settings
Factory reset your router and modem to wipe any problematic config changes. Re-run setup and re-enter wireless password. Test Destiny 2 afterwards.
Disable VPNs and Proxies
Any type of VPN software or proxy server can interfere with Destiny 2 traffic. Disable them as a test.
PC Troubleshooting
Let‘s run through PC-specific steps to get your connection working again:
Verify Game Files
This scans your game install and replaces any corrupted/missing files.
Steam: Right click Destiny 2 > Properties > Local Files tab > "Verify Integrity of Game Files"
Epic: Open Library > Click the three dots by Destiny 2 > Manage > Verify
Clear Download Cache
This wipes any temp files that may be causing conflicts.
Steam: Steam menu > Settings > Downloads tab > Clear Download Cache
Re-install Game
If file verification doesn‘t find issues, completely uninstall and re-download Destiny 2 as a fresh install.
Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated GPU drivers can affect connectivity. Use GeForce Experience or Radeon Software to update.
Allow Destiny 2 Through Firewall
Double check Windows Firewall or your 3rd party antivirus isn‘t blocking Destiny 2‘s ports or executables.
Disable Overlays
Software like Discord, GeForce Experience, Xbox Game Bar provide overlays that can interfere with Destiny 2. Temporarily disable them.
Try on Different Network
Connect your PC to a different WiFi or wired connection to isolate the issue. Eliminates network problems on your end.
PlayStation Troubleshooting
For PS4 and PS5 owners, here‘s how to troubleshoot connectivity problems:
Reset Internet Connection
This removes any corrupted connection data stored on your console.
Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Choose WiFi/wired > Custom Setup > Manually enter IP and DNS settings
Rebuild Database
This cleans up software errors and communication issues.
Power off PS4/5 > Hold power button until you hear two beeps > Choose Rebuild Database
Set Static IP Address
Using a static IP instead of automatic/dynamic assignment can improve reliability.
Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Custom > IP Address Settings > Manual
Port Forwarding
Forward ports 3097 and 3074 to prioritize Destiny traffic. Look up guides for your specific router model.
PSN Service Status
Make sure PlayStation Network itself isn‘t experiencing outages. Check status at https://status.playstation.com/
Check NAT Type
You‘ll need NAT Type 1 or 2 for best connectivity. Test in Settings > Network > View Connection Status
Xbox Troubleshooting
For Xbox One and Series X|S owners, these steps can get you back in the game:
Clear Persistent Storage
This wipes temporary files and updates that may be damaged.
Settings > System > Storage > Persistent Storage > Clear Persistent Storage
Clear Alternate MAC Address
Resets your console‘s network identification and stack.
Settings > General > Network Settings > Advanced Settings > Alternate MAC Address > Clear
Hard Restart
Hold power button for 10 seconds to completely shut down. Unplug Xbox for 2 minutes and restart.
Set Static IP Address
Use a manual IP instead of automatic assignment. Can improve reliability.
Settings > Network > Network Settings > Advanced Settings > IP Address > Static
UPnP Enabled
Make sure UPnP is enabled on your router – handles port opening for Xbox connection.
Check Service Status
Confirm Xbox Live itself isn‘t experiencing an outage at https://support.xbox.com/xbox-live-status
Contacting Bungie Support
If you still can‘t get connected after trying the troubleshooting steps, it‘s time to contact Bungie support directly:
- Post on the #Help forum at https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Topics/?tg=Help
- Submit a request at https://www.bungie.net/en/Help/Troubleshoot?oid=13967
- Tweet @BungieHelp
Explain the error, when it happens, troubleshooting you‘ve tried, and relevant system specs. Bungie staff can investigate and provide specialized fixes.
Don‘t Lose Hope, Guardians!
While dealing with connectivity issues in Destiny 2 can be frustrating, take comfort that you aren‘t alone. With over 65 million registered players as of 2022, Bungie‘s servers face huge demand and technical challenges. Scheduled maintenance downtime is common.
But with the troubleshooting tips provided in this guide, you should be able to resolve most "could not connect to Destiny 2 servers" errors on your own without waiting for support.
The Destiny community is always happy to help fellow Guardians over at r/DestinyTheGame on Reddit and official Bungie forums. You can also find lots of guides, news and commiseration while you work to get back online.
Stay persistent, and you‘ll be back to collecting sweet loot and taking down gods in no time. The fight to protect humanity from the Darkness needs you, Guardian!
