How to Fix Friend Request Not Working in Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 Arc Thrower
Screenshot by Insider Gaming

Unless you’re genuinely not in the mood, playing video games with friends is usually far more entertaining than solo. Unfortunately, more and more games require an active internet connection, and if the server isn’t working correctly, it can damper your game time. Here’s how to fix the friend request not working error in Helldivers 2!

How to Solve “Friend Request Not Working” in Helldivers 2

There are a handful of fixes for the “friend request not working” bug in Helldivers 2, and they should resolve the issue with the friends list error, too. Depending on how much trouble the error is giving you and whether or not you can live without playing with your friend group until the developers fix it, you can try:

  • Restart your game completely, including any background applications, and then attempt to add the desired friend once more.
  • Changing your Steam name to something new, between 3 and 16 characters, with no special characters.
  • Wait for developer Arrowhead to fix the problem with a hotfix, though they’re currently attempting to resolve community woes regarding nerfs to the game.

It’s important to note that if you should choose to change your name, be wary. Some folks find it impossible to change their name back in Helldivers 2. It works fine through Steam, but the third-person shooter registers the new name and retains it for whatever reason.

What Causes the Friends List Error in Helldivers 2

While certainly not a guaranteed cause, the issue with your friends list and friend requests in Helldivers 2 appears to be due to crossplay. Many players find themselves able to add and play with other PC players or console players but not with someone from another system entirely.


For more Helldivers 2 guides from Insider Gaming, check out How to Unlock and Use the Anti-Material Rifle in Helldivers 2!