Need help with multiplayer issues; can't play with friends after hundreds of hours

[WTFWhyAreThereNoUsernames]

Is anybody able to assist us with these issues in the attached image?

Super disappointed, after working well for years the game's bugs have steadily increased more and more as the game has become bloated. After we took a year off, friends and I have been unable to even launch a game together. A friend (with no DLC) recently got the game, and we were excited to play together after the time off, with me hosting so they could experience some of the DLC; instead, literally nothing is working.

Thanks for any help, it'd be nice to be able to play the game I've sunk hundreds of dollars into again.

 

[AndrewT]

This is just in one particular campaign, is that right? Can you start and play a new test MP together okay?

 

[WTFWhyAreThereNoUsernames]

This is while attempting to start a totally fresh game. Nothing in the screenshot is from an old/saved game, in those particular screenshots it's me (owning DLC, hosting) and a friend (who just got the game to play multiplayer with us, has no DLC). I didn't even mess around with the start date or anything, it's entirely default to how it is when I click to host.

 

[AndrewT]

What if he hosts, as a test? This is to help determine who has the problem.

And I suggest you do a full **clean** re-install:

- move any valued save games elsewhere
- "uninstall" in Steam-CK2
- manually delete both the Steam/SteamApps/common/CK2 AND Documents/Paradox/CK2 folders
- re-install game in Steam, run a Steam Verify when done.
- add ck2game.exe to the exceptions list of your antivirus app; ESPECIALLY if you have Windows Defender, add it to the Ransomware "Apps Allowed Through" list.
- start the game with no mods active and test

In particular make sure there are no files or folders left under either the Steam CK2 or Documents CK2 locations, before installing again.