Saints Row Co-Op Not Working: Fix Crossplay & Matchmaking

If your Saints Row co-op is not working, the fix usually involves checking your online connection, verifying crossplay settings, and ensuring both players have the same game version. This guide covers the most common causes and step-by-step solutions for joining friends, crossplay, and matchmaking issues on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Background: How Co-Op Works in Saints Row

The 2022 Saints Row reboot (and its later expansions) supports two-player online co-op for the entire campaign. You can invite a friend through the in-game menu or the platform’s invite system. Crossplay is supported between PC (Epic Games Store and Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. However, the game does not have a public matchmaking system for co-op; you must play with people on your friends list or via invites.

Because co-op is peer-to-peer (no dedicated servers), connection issues are common. If one player has a strict NAT type or a weak internet connection, joining can fail. Also, the game requires both players to be on the same version and have the same DLC installed to avoid desync or join errors.

How to Join a Co-Op Session

1. Launch Saints Row and go to the main menu.
2. Select “Co-Op” from the menu.
3. Choose “Host Game” to start a session, or “Join Game” to see a list of friends who are hosting.
4. If you’re joining, select a friend from the list and press “Join.”
5. If you’re hosting, your friend will receive an invite through the platform (Steam, Epic, PSN, Xbox Live).

You can also send an invite from the in-game pause menu by selecting the “Social” tab and choosing a friend. Make sure both players are online and have their privacy settings set to allow invites.

Common Problems and Fixes

1. Crossplay Not Working

If you’re trying to play with a friend on a different platform and it’s not working, first confirm that crossplay is enabled in the game’s settings. Go to Options > Gameplay and ensure “Crossplay” is set to “On.” Both players must have this enabled. Also, check that your platform accounts (e.g., Epic Games account on PC) are linked correctly. On PC, the game uses Epic Online Services for crossplay, so you need an Epic Games account linked to your Steam or Epic copy.

2. Invite Not Appearing

Sometimes invites don’t show up due to platform notification settings. Check your platform’s privacy settings to allow invites from friends. On PlayStation, go to Settings > Account Management > Privacy Settings and set “Friend Requests” and “Invites” to “Anyone.” On Xbox, go to Settings > General > Online Safety & Family and adjust privacy. On PC, ensure you’re not in offline mode on Steam or Epic.

3. “Unable to Join Session” Error

This typically happens due to NAT type restrictions. Both players should have an open or moderate NAT type. You can check your NAT type on console in the network settings. To improve NAT, enable UPnP on your router or forward the necessary ports (e.g., TCP 27015-27030, UDP 27015-27030 for Steam; Epic uses similar ports). Restart your router and console/PC after making changes.

4. Desync or Disconnects During Play

If you can join but the game disconnects after a few minutes, it’s usually a connection stability issue. Try using a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. Also, check if any background downloads are hogging bandwidth. Both players should close other bandwidth-heavy applications.

5. Different Game Versions

If you and your friend have different game versions (e.g., one has the latest update, the other doesn’t), co-op will fail. Update the game on all platforms. Also, if one player has DLC that the other doesn’t, it can cause issues. Uninstall any DLC that isn’t shared or ensure both have the same content.

6. PC-Specific Issues

On PC, firewall or antivirus software can block the game’s connection. Add Saints Row to your firewall’s allowed list. Also, verify the integrity of game files on Steam or Epic to fix corrupted files. If using Steam, disable the Steam Overlay for this game, as it sometimes interferes with invites.

How to Choose the Right Connection Method

If you’re still having trouble, try switching between hosting and joining. Sometimes one player’s connection is better suited to host. Also, consider using the platform’s party system (e.g., Xbox Party) to communicate, but the game’s invite system should work independently. If crossplay is failing, try using the in-game friend code (if available) or invite them through the platform’s friend list.

Costs and Requirements

Co-op is free with the base game; no additional subscription is needed on PC. On consoles, you need an active subscription to PlayStation Plus (for PS4/PS5) or Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate (for Xbox) to play online co-op. There are no additional costs for crossplay features.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

When playing online, be cautious about sharing personal information. Only accept friend requests from people you know. Use the game’s privacy settings to limit who can send invites. Also, be aware that playing with strangers via friend codes can expose you to toxic behavior; it’s best to play with trusted friends.

Alternatives and Workarounds

If co-op still isn’t working, try these alternatives:

• Restart the game and both consoles/PCs.
• Check the official Saints Row social media or support page for known server issues.
• Try a different DNS server (e.g., Google DNS 8.8.8.8) on your router or device.
• If you’re on PC, try disabling crossplay and playing only with same-platform friends.
• Use a VPN as a last resort to change your NAT type, but this may increase latency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I join my friend’s Saints Row game even though we’re both online?

Check that both of you have the same game version and that crossplay is enabled if you’re on different platforms. Also, ensure your NAT type is not strict. Try having the other player host instead.

Does Saints Row support 4-player co-op?

No, Saints Row (2022) supports only 2-player co-op. There is no 4-player mode in the campaign.

Can I play co-op with a friend on PC if I’m on Steam and they’re on Epic?

Yes, crossplay between Steam and Epic is supported. Both players need to link their Epic Games account to their platform account, and crossplay must be enabled.

Why does my invite disappear before I can accept it?

This is often due to notification settings on your platform. Make sure invites are allowed from friends. Also, check that you’re not in “Do Not Disturb” mode.

Will my progress carry over if I play co-op?

Yes, progress is saved for the host and the guest. The guest’s progress is also saved, but some mission-specific progress may only count for the host. It’s best to play the same missions together to avoid confusion.

Is there a way to play co-op offline?

No, co-op requires an internet connection. There is no local split-screen or LAN mode in the 2022 reboot.

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