Connection troubleshooting
Version mismatch and EOS checks when friends cannot join
Big Walk
A Big Walk co-op connection checklist for groups stuck on version mismatch, missing friend sessions, Join Code failures, system-clock problems, or Epic Online Services reachability.
Quick answer
Before changing router settings, make sure the host is already loaded into the world, everyone has matching first two Big Walk version numbers, the Join Code is fresh, the system clock is accurate, and Epic Online Services is reachable. Only then try the PC proxy reset or console router and parental-control checks.
Checked 2026-08-31: the official FAQ separates simple join checks from deeper EOS checks. Start with host loaded state, version compatibility, Join Code, and system clock before changing proxy or router settings.
Join decision table
| Symptom | First check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| A friend's game does not appear | Have the host load into the world, then use a fresh Join Code. | The official FAQ says Join Codes are generated by hosted sessions and are the fallback when friend-list joining is not enough. |
| Players worry about a version mismatch | Compare the first two numbers in the version string. | The FAQ says Big Walk versions use three numbers, and only the first two need to match for players to play together. |
| Mac App Store player cannot see friend sessions | Skip friend-list troubleshooting and join by code. | The FAQ says the Mac App Store version does not support Game Center friend sessions. |
| Nobody can join or host any games | Check system clock accuracy, then test Epic Online Services reachability. | The FAQ says a significantly wrong clock can prevent both joining and hosting. |
| api.epicgames.dev cannot be reached | Treat it as an EOS/network path problem before blaming a single host. | The FAQ points PC and Mac players to ping api.epicgames.dev when common checks fail. |
| PC still cannot connect to EOS | Only after the checks above, try netsh winhttp reset proxy in Command Prompt. | Proxy reset is a later PC-specific step, not the first thing to run for every join problem. |
Checklist
- Ask the host to start the session and load their character into the world before anyone else retries.
- Have the host share a fresh Join Code from the host menu or Session Details; do not use an old screenshot or code from a previous session.
- Compare everyone's Big Walk version number. The first two numbers need to match, while the third number can differ.
- If a Mac App Store player cannot see the session in a friends list, use the Join Code instead of chasing Game Center settings.
- Confirm every device has working internet, then fully close Big Walk on host and joiners before reopening.
- If the group still cannot join or host anything, turn on automatic time sync and make sure the system clock is accurate.
- On PC or Mac, test whether the device can reach Epic Online Services by pinging api.epicgames.dev.
- If PC EOS reachability still fails after the earlier checks, open Command Prompt and try netsh winhttp reset proxy, then restart the game.
- On console, check router, parental-control, or network restrictions only after the version, Join Code, host-loaded, clock, and EOS checks are done.
- Before contacting support, write down platform, version number, host warnings, whether the Join Code was regenerated, and the exact point where joining fails.
Do not do this
- Do not reset router, proxy, firewall, antivirus, or parental-control settings before the simple host, version, Join Code, clock, and EOS checks.
- Do not share a Join Code or session password in a public stream, forum screenshot, or social post.
- Do not reinstall the game or delete saves just because a player cannot see a friend session.
- Do not tell every platform to run PC-only commands such as netsh winhttp reset proxy.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Big Walk players need the exact same version number?
No. The official FAQ says the version number has three parts, such as 1.2.3. The first two numbers need to match for players to play together, while the third number can be different.
What should we do first if a friend's game does not appear?
Have the host load into the world, then use a fresh Join Code from the host menu or Session Details. The Join Code is the clean fallback when friend-list joining is not enough.
Why can't a Mac App Store player see friend games?
The official FAQ says the Mac App Store version does not support Game Center friend sessions, so that player should use a Join Code.
What does EOS mean in this Big Walk problem?
EOS means Epic Online Services. If common join checks fail and nobody can join or host games, the FAQ points players to system clock accuracy and reaching api.epicgames.dev.
Should I run netsh winhttp reset proxy immediately?
No. Treat it as a later PC-specific step after checking host loaded state, version compatibility, Join Code, internet connection, system clock, and EOS reachability.