# Why Can't I Join My Friends Game on Contagion?

If you're having trouble joining your friends' game in Contagion, the most common reasons relate to your firewall settings or your Steam online status. These issues can prevent the game from establishing a proper connection for peer-to-peer multiplayer.

Common Reasons & Solutions for Connection Issues

Joining a friend's game in Contagion often requires ensuring your system and Steam client are configured correctly for peer-to-peer connections. Here are the primary culprits and how to address them:

Firewall Interference

One of the most frequent causes is your computer's firewall blocking Contagion. This typically occurs if, when you launched the game for the first time, you inadvertently denied permission for it to communicate through the firewall, often by clicking "deny" on a pop-up prompt. When the firewall restricts the game, it prevents incoming and outgoing connections necessary for multiplayer.

How to Resolve Firewall Issues:

• Check Windows Defender Firewall:
  1. Go to Start Menu and search for "Windows Defender Firewall."
  2. Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall."
  3. Look for "Contagion" in the list. Ensure that both "Private" and "Public" network checkboxes are ticked for the game.
  4. If Contagion is not listed, click "Allow another app...", browse to your Contagion installation directory (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Contagion), select Contagion.exe, and add it. Then, ensure its network access is allowed.
• Third-Party Firewalls/Antivirus: If you use a third-party antivirus suite with its own firewall (e.g., Norton, McAfee, Avast), you may need to manually add Contagion as an exception within that software's settings. Consult your security software's documentation for specific instructions.

Steam Online Status

For peer-to-peer connections like those in Contagion, both you and your friend must be visible and connectable through Steam. If either player is set to "Offline" or "Invisible" in their Steam client, it can prevent game invitations and direct connections from working properly.

How to Ensure Correct Steam Status:

• Set Your Status to Online:
  1. Launch the Steam client.
  2. In the top menu bar, click on "Friends & Chat."
  3. At the top of the Friends List window, click on your profile name or the dropdown arrow next to your current status.
  4. Select "Online."
• Verify Friend's Status: Encourage your friend to also check their Steam status and ensure they are set to "Online."

Additional Tips for Joining Games

• Restart Game and Steam: Sometimes a simple restart of both Contagion and the Steam client can resolve temporary connection glitches.
• Verify Game Files: Corrupted game files can cause various issues, including connectivity problems.
  1. In Steam, right-click on Contagion in your Library.
  2. Select "Properties."
  3. Go to the "Installed Files" tab.
  4. Click "Verify integrity of game files..."
• Router/Modem Restart: If general internet connectivity seems fine but game connections are difficult, try restarting your home router and modem. This can refresh your network connection and resolve potential issues.
• Check Game Version: Ensure both you and your friend have the exact same version of Contagion installed. Mismatched versions can prevent players from joining each other. Steam usually handles updates automatically, but it's worth double-checking.

For more detailed troubleshooting and community discussions, you might find helpful information on the Steam Community forums for Contagion.