Summary: Getting the ‘Baldur’s Gate 3 cannot join friends game because of mods’ error? Here’s how to fix it fast and get back to smooth co-op play!

Want to enjoy seamless multiplayer adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3 with your friends?

Whether you’re new to co-op or struggling to join a friend’s game due to mod issues, this guide has you covered. We’ll walk you through how to multiplay in Baldur’s Gate 3, explain why mods might block your connection, and offer simple fixes to get you back into the game.

Let’s dive in and level up your multiplayer gameplay!

Table of Contents

1. How to Multiplay in Baldur’s Gate 3
2. Why One Cannot Join Friends Game Because of Mods
3. How to Fix Being Unable to Join a Friend’s Game Due to Mods in Baldur’s Gate 3?
4. Best Mods To Play Cross-Play In Baldur’s Gate
5. How to Get Free Mods for BG3 with XMOD
6. Conclusion

How to Multiplay in Baldur’s Gate 3

Want to enjoy Baldur’s Gate 3 with friends? Here’s how to set up multiplayer, whether you’re playing online or locally.

Baldur’s Gate 3 supports up to 4-player online co-op and split-screen co-op. You can:

• Start a new multiplayer game
• Join an existing game session

1. From the main menu, click Multiplayer.
2. Select Create to open your custom lobby.
3. Adjust your lobby settings:
   1. Gameplay Mode
   2. Number of Slots
   3. Online Visibility (Closed / Friends Only / Invitation Only / Public)
4. Optional: Share a Direct Connection ID with friends for private invites.
5. Invite friends either in the lobby or during the character creation screen after the opening cutscene.

1. From the main menu, select Multiplayer.
2. Use filters (like “Friends”) to find your friend’s lobby.
3. Or enter a Direct Connection ID if the host shared it with you.
4. Join and create your character — or take control of an existing one.

Didn’t start in multiplayer mode? No problem.

1. Host opens the in-game Session Menu.
2. Go to Settings (gear icon) and invite friends.
3. Adjust visibility settings or generate a new Direct Connection ID.

Playing on the same device? BG3 supports split-screen on compatible platforms.

1. Connect a second controller.
2. From the main menu or during gameplay, press a button on the second controller to join.
3. A second player will be prompted to create or choose a character.

• Cross-Platform Multiplayer: Not supported (yet).
• Cross-Platform Saves: Yes! You can continue your progress on a different platform using your Larian account.

BG3 multiplayer is simple—host or join games with friends and start your co-op adventure.

However, even with multiplayer set up correctly, some players encounter issues joining their friends’ games—often due to mod-related conflicts.

Why One Cannot Join Friends Game Because of Mods

You may not be able to join a friend’s game in Baldur’s Gate 3 because your installed mods don’t match theirs. All players in a session must have the same mods and versions; mismatches can cause connection issues or game crashes.

Fortunately, if mods are preventing you from connecting, there’s a quick and effective fix you can try.

How to Fix Being Unable to Join a Friend’s Game Due to Mods in Baldur’s Gate 3? 

If you’re unable to join a friend’s game in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to mods, here’s a quick fix that often works:

1. From the main menu, open the in-game Mod Manager.
2. Untick all mods you’ve installed — this includes both in-game and third-party mods (like those from Nexus).
3. Return to the main menu.
4. Go back into the Mod Manager.
5. Re-tick all your mods to reactivate them.

This reset, in turn, can help resolve mod sync errors. So go ahead and give it a try — it’s worked for many players!

Then, once everything is running smoothly, you might also want to explore some of the best mods specifically designed for cross-play compatibility.

Best Mods To Play Cross-Play In Baldur’s Gate 3

While Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t officially support cross-play yet, some mods can improve cross-platform compatibility or enhance multiplayer experience. Popular options include:

• Party Limit Begone – Allows more players in one session.
• Native Mod Loader – Simplifies mod syncing between players.
• Basket Full of Equipment – Adds new gear that works smoothly across systems.
• Improved UI – Helps manage multiplayer sessions more efficiently.

Make sure all players use the same mod versions to avoid connection issues.

To easily find and install these mods, XMOD offers a streamlined and user-friendly solution.

How to Get Free Mods for BG3 with XMOD

If you want to enhance your single-player experience in Baldur’s Gate 3, try Xmod. It offers free access to cheats, trainers, and mods that elevate gameplay. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the Xmod app.
2. Search for Baldur’s Gate 3 within the app.

   

3. Launch the game directly from Xmod.

   

4. Activate your favorite mods and enjoy a personalized, upgraded experience.

Whether you’re tweaking visuals or adding powerful gear, Xmod makes modding BG3 quick and easy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, playing Baldur’s Gate 3 with friends can be an incredible experience—especially when enhanced with the right mods. By understanding how multiplayer works, resolving mod conflicts, and using tools like XMOD to safely access free mods, you can enjoy smoother, more customizable cross-play adventures together.