Deadlock "Cannot enter matchmaking, already in a game"
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Last checked
October 5, 2026
Queueing shows "Cannot enter matchmaking, you are already in a game. Please leave that game first", even though you aren't in a match, and using disconnect in the console or leaving the sandbox doesn't clear it.
Also appears as: cannot enter matchmaking you are already in a game, cannot enter matchmaking you are already in a game please leave that game first, deadlock already in a game, deadlock cannot queue because you are in a match, deadlock please leave that game first, deadlock can't matchmake
The game thinks your account is still in a match, so it blocks you from queueing. Three players posted this on Steam Discussions between February and June 2026. Two were brand-new players who couldn't even start the tutorial. One said it was tied to their account, because it worked on another account, and that waiting days didn't clear it. Verifying files, reinstalling, the disconnect console command and a party queue didn't help the May poster. The only fix suggestions were replies (leave the sandbox, or restart), and none was confirmed. If your message says "already trying to find a match", see the other Deadlock matchmaking page.
What to try
- 01Unconfirmed
Fully restart Deadlock and Steam (unconfirmed)
A reply to a related "cannot enter matchmaking" thread said to restart the game. No one in the "already in a game" threads said it worked, and the May poster had already tried reinstalling.
- 02Unconfirmed
Enter the sandbox and exit it (unconfirmed)
One reply in a 2025 thread said entering and leaving the sandbox cleared the stuck queue message for them. The May 2026 poster tried it and it didn't help, so it may not work for this variant.
- 03Unconfirmed
No confirmed fix yet; this page will be updated
No confirmed fix yet; this page will be updated. Reporters said verifying files, reinstalling, the console disconnect command and queueing from a party did nothing, and the June poster said another Steam account on the same PC worked, which points to the account's state on Valve's side. Report it in the Bug Reports section of forums.playdeadlock.com and mention that.
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What people are saying
Notes from players who've hit this one — no time limit, an answer from months ago is still an answer.
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