How to fix Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Error Code 38

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s Error Code 38 has caused matchmaking issues since its release and has returned in Warzone Season 5. But although frustrating, the fix is often simple.

Although the previous CoD games are often left to gather dust once the franchise moves on to the next blockbuster installment, the new joint progression system has kept Modern Warfare alive. For those who prefer the realistic feel of Infinity Ward’s engine, want to level up the best Warzone weapons, or progress the Season 5 Battle Pass, Modern Warfare will continue to track your progress, keeping the game alive and well.

Modern Warfare players recently have had to deal with Error Code 65538 and Diver Error 6 Code, and Dev Error 6034 continues to be a problem. On top of that, players are still suffering from Error Code 38, but luckily, the fix is usually simple.

How to fix Error Code 38 in Modern Warfare

Check for a pending update

As Warzone is still tied to Modern Warfare and they’re launched from the same client, sometimes the most recent updates don’t automatically download. Launching an out-of-date version of the game can cause many problems, most notably Error Code 38.

• Read more: Which Modern Warfare packs do you need to play multiplayer?

To check if Modern Warfare is up to date on PlayStation and Xbox:

1. Close Modern Warfare.
2. Navigate to your Game Library / My Games and Apps.
3. Find Modern Warfare / Warzone.
4. Press the ‘Options’ button.
5. Select ‘Check for Update’ (PlayStation).
6. Select ‘Manage Game’ then scroll down to ‘Downloads’ (Xbox).
7. If an update is available, install the update.

Once this update is installed, you should be able to play Modern Warfare without seeing Error Code 38.

Fully restart your console

If an update isn’t showing, it’s worth fully restarting your console. This will either fix the problem or make the missing update show up.

• Read more: MW Submachine Gun Charlie MP5 gets major nerf for Warzone

To hard restart Xbox consoles:

1. Hold down the power button until the Xbox completely shuts down.
2. Release the power button.
3. Disconnect the power cable.
4. Wait five minutes.
5. Plug the power cable back in.
6. Turn your Xbox back on.

Completely restarting the PlayStation is much simpler:

1. Hold down the power button for 5 seconds until the PlayStation completely shuts down.
2. Wait a few seconds.
3. Press and hold the power button until the PlayStation turns back on.

Restart your internet router

If Error Code 38 still persists, it could be something to do with your internet. If possible, you should always make sure you have your console connected to the router with an ethernet cable, as this will alleviate Packet Loss and Packet Burst, as well as give you a more reliable connection.

• Read more: Warzone players are tired of “repetitive” Seasonal Operators and story

Before you connect to your console with an ethernet cable, you should restart your router to fix any problems with your connection. After you’ve restarted your router and connected an ethernet cable, launch Modern Warfare and hopefully, Error Code 38 will be gone.

What is Modern Warfare’s Error Code 38?

When trying to boot up Modern Warfare or join a match, console players can sometimes be hit by Error Code 38, completely preventing them from playing the game.

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This usually occurs around the time of updates and can often be caused by the update not installing properly. Or, if it occurs long after the update, it could be through a client-side console problem.

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If none of these solutions work, we recommend submitting a ticket to Activision Support, who will be on hand to help deal with the issue.

Image Credit: Activision