Diablo 4 “start game pending” error – how to fix

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If you’ve been playing and are experiencing an issue with the Diablo 4 “start game pending” error, here’s what you can try to fix it.

Diablo 4 is a live service, online only game. This means you’re going to need an active internet connection to link up with the Blizzard servers. This can be annoying for many, as Diablo 4 is a game which is primarily played single-player. With no offline mode, constant server issues and long queue times mean it’s difficult to actually get onto the game at times.

One of the main issues players encounter is the “start game pending” error, which occurs when the queues to get into game are full.

Can you fix the Diablo 4 “start game pending” error?

To fix the Diablo 4 start game pending error, you will need to restart the platform you’re currently playing on. Blizzard quietly released a new update for Season 2 that’s somehow preventing players from accessing the game. Fortunately, a few players have noted that they were able to re-enter Sanctuary following a quick system restart, so this fix should work no matter what console you’re playing on.

In addition, we’d also recommend keeping the game open and keeping an eye on your position in the queue. Some users have reported that the tried and tested method of simply waiting things out worked for them, which means it may be all you need to do to get back into hell.

The game’s launch has been jam-packed full of networking frustrations, server load issues, and long wait times. Blizzard have addressed these issues many times, however it seems that the fundamental flaw is with the online-only aspect of the game.

We can only hope that one day Blizzard will release a patch for the game which includes an offline mode, however we don’t imagine this is going to come anytime soon.

If you’re consistently experiencing this issue when others might not be, we’d finally recommend a network reset just to see if that’s the issue. It’s unlikely though. Another real solution is only possible on Blizzard’s behalf – involving expanding the servers so that they can bare the load.

If you need help completing the Diablo 4 Season 2 journey, check out our guides on how to level up fast in Diablo 4 and where to get Biteberry in Diablo 4.

About the Author

Amaar Chowdhury

Amaar is a gaming journalist with an interest in covering the industry's corporations. Aside from that, he has a hankering interest in retro games that few people care about anymore.