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How to fix 'join failed different version' error in CoD BO6 explained

Another day, another frustrating error.

Call of Duty still showing a player running with an assault rifle

Activision

Published: Thursday, 30 January 2025 at 5:14 pm

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Encountering an error in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is always frustrating.

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With Season 2 in full swing, players are continuing to load into the action to experience the new Multiplayer maps on offer and The Tomb Easter Egg, which is certainly challenging.

One error that is disrupting the experience for many involves Black Ops 6 thinking players are attempting to play using an older version of the game.

Thankfully, there are a handful of useful fixes that should get fans returning to action as fast as possible.

Here, find out how to fix the 'join failed different version error' affecting Black Ops 6 and Warzone.

What is the join failed different version error in CoD BO6?

Call of Duty still showing a player in a white jumpsuit holding a gun

Call of Duty.

The join failed different version error occurs when Call of Duty thinks players are attempting to access the servers with an older version of the game.

In most cases, the error appears when players are attempting to join their friends before starting a match.

Treyarch says it is aware of the issue, meaning a surefire fix isn't far away. In the meantime, there are some workarounds that stop it from appearing.

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How to fix the join failed different version error in CoD BO6

Restart the game

The first, and arguably the most effective, way to stop the error from appearing is by restarting Call of Duty.

Whether it's on PC or consoles, rebooting the game should allow players back into the action.

If that doesn't work, fear not! There are still plenty of other options to try.

Check for updates

Although you may have downloaded the Season 2 update when it rolled out, there's always a chance Treyarch has applied smaller adjustments to Black Ops 6.

Here's how to check if there's an update causing the error:

Contact support

If neither of those two solutions work, it's worth contacting the Activision support team to see if they can offer any additional assistance.

Visit their website and follow the steps to get in touch with a representative who can help further.

If support doesn't help, players should wait until Treyarch releases another update that includes a fix to solve the error once and for all.

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Authors

Jon NicholsonFreelance Writer

Jon Nicholson is a Freelance Gaming Writer, specialising in the Call of Duty franchise. He previously worked for Gfinity, GGRecon and Red Bull writing a variety of gaming news and guides. Alongside his previous work, he's a Freelance News Writer for Esports Insider.

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