Big Walk Join Code: fix Session Unavailable
Where the host finds a Big Walk Join Code, how required passwords work, and the official fixes for Session Unavailable, missing friends and connection timeouts.
Quick answer
Before the game starts, the host can see the Join Code in the corner of the host menu. After loading into the world, they can find the current code under Menu → Session Details. The code is created for that session, so a restart means sharing the new one. Version 1.4.9 also requires the host to set a password. If joining fails, first confirm the host is fully loaded, re-read the current code and password, check both devices have accurate clocks and working internet, then restart the game before changing any network settings.
- Code location
- Host menu or Session Details
- Password
- Required since 1.4.9
- Mac App Store
- Always uses a Join Code
- Version matching
- First two numbers must match
Where the host finds the Join Code
The code belongs to the host and to the current session. Before the host starts the game, it is displayed in the corner of the host menu. Once everyone is walking around the island, the host opens the in-game menu and chooses Session Details to see it again.
A Join Code is not a permanent room address. If the host closes Big Walk, returns to the title screen or starts a different session, ask for the code now shown in Session Details instead of retrying the old one.
Players on the Mac App Store build always use this route because that version does not support Game Center. Steam, PlayStation and Nintendo players can also use a code whenever the friends list is missing the host or the group is split across platforms.
How to join with a code
Wait until the host has started the session and their character is fully loaded into the world. Open the join screen, enter the current Join Code, then enter the password the host chose. A valid code can connect Steam, Mac App Store, PS5 and Switch 2 players to the same world.
Do not use a code posted publicly unless you intend to join that person. Anyone who knows both the code and password can try to enter, so streamers should keep both off screen and groups should share them only with the players they invited.
Why Big Walk now asks for a session password
The official 1.4.9 update made Session Passwords required when starting a game. This is separate from the Join Code: the code identifies the active session, while the password controls who can enter it.
The host can change the password while the game is running from Menu → Session Details. If the code is accepted but the password is not, ask the host for the current password rather than creating a new save or reinstalling the game.
If the friend session is missing instead
A missing friends-list entry and a rejected Join Code are different problems. On Steam, PlayStation or Nintendo, first confirm the host is actually added as a friend on that platform and has already loaded the session. Then refresh the friends list.
If the listing still does not appear, stop repeating the friend request and use the current Join Code. Mac App Store players should skip the friends-list step entirely because their build has no Game Center friend integration.
What happens after the host disconnects
When the host leaves, everyone is disconnected because the host owns both the live session and its save. Progress is not transferred to another player, and the old code does not keep the world open.
To continue, the same host reopens the saved world and shares the new session details. If someone else hosts, that person starts a different save; a working Join Code cannot move the original progress between them.
Frequently asked
Where is the Big Walk Join Code?
The host sees it in the corner of the host menu before starting. During play, the host opens Menu → Session Details to see the current code.
Why does my Big Walk Join Code not work?
First confirm the host is fully loaded and the code and password are current. Then check internet access, accurate system clocks and compatible version numbers before restarting both games and trying one fresh session.
How do I fix Session Unavailable in Big Walk?
Ask the host to stay in the world and read the current details from Session Details. If it still fails, close and reopen both games, check each device clock and connection, and reboot the devices before changing router settings.
Does a Big Walk Join Code expire?
It belongs to one active session. When the host ends or restarts that session, use the new code shown in the host menu or Session Details.
Do Big Walk players need the same version?
Only the first two version numbers must match. The official FAQ says a third-number difference, such as 1.4.8 and 1.4.9, does not stop players joining each other.
Why is Big Walk asking for a password?
Version 1.4.9 made session passwords required. The host chooses it when starting and can change it later under Menu → Session Details.
Can Mac App Store players use a friends list?
No. That build does not support Game Center, so Mac App Store players join every session with a Join Code.
Sources and verification
Official pages are the primary reference. Player reports are labelled as community samples and never presented as official facts.