Borderlands Matchmaking Error Code 1 Fix

Borderlands matchmaking error code 1 prevents you from joining or hosting online co-op sessions. This fix involves checking your network connection, verifying game files, and adjusting your router or firewall settings. Follow the steps below to resolve it and get back to looting with friends.

What Is Matchmaking Error Code 1?

Error code 1 appears when the game’s matchmaking service cannot establish a stable connection to another player or to the session host. It is not a ban or a corrupted save; it’s a network-level failure. You’ll typically see it after selecting “Find Game” or when a friend tries to join your lobby. The error can happen in any Borderlands title that supports online co-op (Borderlands 2, The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 3, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands), but the causes and fixes are similar across all of them.

Why Does Error Code 1 Happen?

The root cause is almost always one of the following:

• NAT type restrictions – Your router’s NAT (Network Address Translation) type may be “Strict” or “Moderate,” which blocks the peer-to-peer connection the game uses.
• Firewall or antivirus blocking – Windows Defender or third-party security software may be blocking the game’s executable or its required ports.
• Corrupted game files – A missing or damaged file can break the matchmaking module.
• Server or service outage – The game’s matchmaking servers may be down temporarily, especially during peak times or after a patch.
• ISP or router issues – Some internet service providers use carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) that prevents peer-to-peer connections entirely.

How to Fix Error Code 1

Work through these steps in order. Most players resolve the issue with the first or second step.

1. Restart your game and platform – Close the game completely, then restart your console or PC. This clears temporary network glitches.
2. Check the server status – Visit the official Borderlands or Gearbox support page, or check community forums, to see if there is a known outage. If servers are down, you can only wait.
3. Verify game files – On Steam, right-click the game in your library, select Properties → Local Files → Verify Integrity of Game Files. On Epic Games Launcher, click the three dots next to the game and choose Verify. On consoles, this is done by reinstalling the game or checking for updates.
4. Change your NAT type – Log into your router’s admin page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and look for NAT settings. Set it to “Open” or “Type 1” if possible. If you can’t, enabling UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) often helps.
5. Enable UPnP – In your router settings, turn on UPnP. This allows the game to automatically open the ports it needs. Save the settings and restart your router.
6. Port forward manually – If UPnP doesn’t work, forward the specific ports used by Borderlands. For most titles, these are TCP 27015-27030, UDP 27000-27030, and UDP 4380. The exact ports vary by game and platform, so check the official support page or your router’s manual. Forward them to your console’s or PC’s local IP address.
7. Allow the game through Windows Firewall – Open Windows Defender Firewall, click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall,” find the Borderlands executable, and ensure both Private and Public boxes are checked. If it’s not listed, add it manually.
8. Temporarily disable antivirus – Some antivirus programs interfere with the game’s network activity. Disable your antivirus for a few minutes and try again. If it works, add the game to the exception list.
9. Use a wired connection – Wi-Fi can be unstable for peer-to-peer matchmaking. Plug your PC or console directly into your router with an Ethernet cable.
10. Contact your ISP – If you’ve done everything and still get error code 1, you may be behind CGNAT. Ask your ISP for a public IP address or a static IP, which allows inbound connections.

What If You’re the Host?

If you’re the one trying to host a game and your friends get error code 1 when joining you, the problem is on your side. The same fixes apply, but focus on NAT type and port forwarding. Your router must allow inbound connections to your device. Also, make sure your game is set to “Public” or “Friends Only” in the network settings, not “Offline” or “Local.”

Common Misconceptions

Some players think error code 1 means the game is broken or that they’ve been banned. That’s not true. It’s purely a network handshake failure. Another misconception is that restarting the router is enough. While that can help, it rarely fixes a persistent NAT issue. Also, turning off your firewall entirely is not recommended – better to add an exception for the game. Finally, error code 1 is not the same as error code 2 (which often relates to save data) or error code 3 (which usually indicates a timeout).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does error code 1 affect all Borderlands games?

Yes, it can appear in any Borderlands title that uses online matchmaking, including Borderlands 2, 3, The Pre-Sequel, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. The cause and fix are the same across all of them.

Will using a VPN fix error code 1?

Sometimes. A VPN can change your apparent network path and bypass certain ISP restrictions, but it can also add latency and cause other issues. Try it as a last resort, and use a VPN with a server close to you.

Why does error code 1 happen on console too?

Consoles have the same NAT and firewall issues as PCs. The fix is to adjust your router settings, enable UPnP, or forward ports. On Xbox, you can check your NAT type in the network settings – it should say “Open.” On PlayStation, check “View Connection Status” in network settings.

Can I fix error code 1 by reinstalling the game?

Reinstalling can fix corrupted files, but it won’t help if the issue is your network. Try verifying files first, and only reinstall if that fails.

Is there a way to play co-op without matchmaking?

Yes, you can use LAN mode if you’re on the same local network, or use third-party tools like Hamachi or Radmin VPN to create a virtual LAN. This bypasses the public matchmaking servers entirely.

When to Contact Support

If you’ve tried all the steps above and still see error code 1, it may be a server-side issue or a bug specific to your platform. Contact Gearbox Support or the platform’s support team (Steam, Epic, Xbox, PlayStation) with your network details and the steps you’ve already taken. They can check if your account or region is having specific issues. Also, check the official forums – sometimes a workaround is posted after a major update.

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