Borderlands 4 – Incompatible Version Error Explained, with Fixes!

We're having a grand old time farming out guns in Borderlands 4 and approaching the level cap, but it's a simple statement of fact that the game's not running the way it should. In fact, not only is Borderlands 4 awfully crummy compared to most other (non-Unreal 5) games, but it's also loaded with post-patch errors, like the infamous Incompatible Version one.

The bad news is that you never really know when Borderlands 4's Incompatible Version Error might crop up, short of expecting it after a sudden update. The good news is that we do have some potential fixes we recommend you try out. And while you're at it, you might as well optimize your game's graphics settings for an ideal balance between visuals and performance. Or... uh, at least as "ideal" as we can get it right now.

Save up to 32% on Borderlands 4 using code ‘5OFF‘

What is Borderlands 4 Incompatible Version Error?

From our admittedly limited experience with this particular error, Borderlands 4's Incompatible Version Error is a message that comes up when the game detects a mismatch between your build and that of the people you're trying to play multiplayer with. Obviously, you need to have one of those in place to prevent crashes and save corruption, but it appears that Gearbox Software might've been a tad overzealous with how they're triggered.

Notably, we've seen reports from folks who definitely do have the same Borderlands 4 game build installed and fully patched-up, and they're still getting the Incompatible Version Error. This suggests that something's been cached up somewhere in an egregious way, making the game seem like it's out-of-date at the host or the client's end. Crossplay matches, in particular, seem to be susceptible to getting beset by the error.

Regardless of whose game build is to blame, you do want to get this problem resolved ASAP unless you prefer to play Borderlands 4 entirely solo. So, here are some ways you could do just that.

How to fix the Incompatible Version Error?

The first order of business here really ought to be for you to check if there's actually been an update you might be missing. Most cases, Steam should let you know that there's a download waiting for you, but it's still possible that one might go under the radar, all stealth-like. If there is one, obviously download and install it, and give it a go again once it's all been fully implemented. Also make sure that everyone you're playing the game with does the same!

If this doesn't work, however, we've seen users report that a full restart of their machine can clear things up. On this note, we recommend doing the following:

This clears your RAM and can resolve a variety of cache-related problems you may or may not have had up until then. It's not a golden bullet, no, but it has helped us a bunch in the past, so give it a shot.

One of the more advanced potential fixes we've noticed comes from Reddit user Greedy-Wait-2539, and they report this resolved the problem for them on PC specifically. They deleted their Borderlands 4 patch and caching folders, and this ended up fixing the problem:

This should re-trigger the patching process and resolve any problems you might've had up until then. Alternatively, you may be able to download this folder, courtesy of GreenRepeat, and replace your PersistentDownloadDir with it entirely.

Several players have reported this specifically being the culprit, so if you're having a particularly egregious Incompatible Version Error, this may be the fix you've been looking for.

Finally, you might want to try verifying your Steam installation's game integrity, on the off chance that something's gone awry there. This doesn't usually help, but there's no reason why you wouldn't give it a shot. Just right-click on the game in Steam and then hit 'Properties'. Then go to the 'Installed Files' tab and select the 'Verify integrity of game files.' This might take a few minutes, but it's a good sanity check to confirm nothing's actually broken on your end.

Oh, and don't forget to stock up on Golden Keys via all the recent Borderlands 4 SHiFT Code releases. We've got a tally of those running here at 2Game, too, so don't fret.

Save up to 32% on Borderlands 4 using code ‘5OFF‘

There’s gotta be one of those present.