After investigating the issue, it turns out that multiple causes might ultimately lead to this particular error code. Here’s a shortlist of potential causes:
Method 1: Run a Game Folder Integrity Check
Before you try any other fix, start by checking whether this particular error is related to an inconsistency with the game files of Counter-Strike Global Offensive. Some users who were previously dealing with the Failed to find a dedicated server error reported that the issue was resolved after they performed a game folder integrity check via the Steam menu. If you haven’t done this already, follow the instructions below to verify the game integrity of Counter-Strike GO: If the integrity check didn’t reveal any underlying corruption issues with the game installation, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 2: Delete Improper Workshop Folders
According to some affected users, you might also see this error occurring due to improper workshop folders that Steam is unable to load into the game. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix this problem by navigating to the location of the workshop maps and deleting every improper map instance. After doing this and restarting the game, most affected users have reported that the ‘Failed to find a dedicated server‘ error has stopped occurring. Here’s a quick guide on deleting the improper workshop folders: In case you still end up seeing the ‘Failed to find a dedicated server‘ error when you try to open a CS GO workshop map, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 3: Unsubscribe from All Workshop Maps
As it turns out, this problem can also occur due to a glitch with Steam’s Workshop subscription model. Several users who were previously encountering the same problem have reported that they managed to fix the issue by unsubscribing from everything. After doing this, deleting the Workshop folder, and resubscribing to the maps they wanted to play, they reported that the problem was finally resolved and they were able to play Workshop maps with bots without seeing the ‘Failed to find a dedicated server‘ error. Here’s a quick guide on unsubscribing from every Workshop map and deleting the workshop folder: In case the problem is still not resolved and you still see the ‘Failed to find a dedicated server‘ error, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 4: Ensure that Your NAT is OPEN
If you’re still encountering the same problem even after following every potential fix below, chances are you’re dealing with a NAT (Network Address Translation) issue. This important metric will ultimately determine if the game server accepts the connection with the machine or not. If the NAT is closed, you should encounter the ‘Failed to find a dedicated server‘ error with every Workshop map you attempt to play and face a similar issue when trying to play regular maps. If this scenario looks like it could be applicable, you should begin by checking if your NAT is closed on your computer, and if the NAT is indeed closed, you need to open it from your router settings.
Step 1: Check your NAT Type
Step 2: Open Your NAT
If the investigation above revealed that you are indeed dealing with a NAT issue, you need to open it from your router settings. With the vast majority of routers, you can do this by opening Universal Plug and Play (UPnP). UPnP has been an industry standard for years now, but if you’re using an older router model, you will likely need to forward the ports used by Steam and CS GO manually to allow the game servers to communicate with your computer. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: Note: The instructions below are general since the exact steps of forwarding ports manually will vary from router to router.
