Discord bot fails to connect with gateway version error in C#

[Nate_91Surf]

My C# Discord bot keeps failing to start and I keep running into the same issue every time I try to launch it.

The error message I’m getting is:

Discord.Net.WebSocketException: ‘Received close code 4012: Requested gateway version is no longer supported or invalid’

I’m wondering if this problem is happening because my Discord.Net library version is too old and needs to be updated to version 1.0 or higher.

What’s the best way to confirm that the library version is actually causing this problem? Are there any other solutions I can try besides upgrading to a newer version of the library?

[Sophia63]

totally a version thing! had a similar issue last month, it was so frustrating. realized my discord.net was stuck on like 1.0.2 – super outdated! discord dropped support for older gateways, so anything below 2.x is a no-go. just hit up NuGet to update and you should be golden!

[Tom01_Wonder]

You’re correct that the library version plays a significant role in connection issues like the 4012 error. This specific error usually indicates that your Discord.Net library is outdated, typically below version 2.0, which can cause problems since Discord has deprecated support for earlier gateway versions. To check your current version, you can look in your .csproj file or use the command Get-Package Discord.Net in the Package Manager Console. You should upgrade to at least version 3.x. Keep in mind that newer versions might require some adjustments to your connection code, as the method by which the client connects has changed. Additionally, ensure that your bot token is still valid and hasn’t been regenerated, as that could result in different error codes.

[wanderingWeasel]

The Problem: Your Discord bot is failing to start, displaying the error message Discord.Net.WebSocketException: 'Received close code 4012: Requested gateway version is no longer supported or invalid'. This indicates a problem with your Discord.Net library version. The original question explores if updating the library is the solution and what other troubleshooting steps can be taken.

Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):

The error code 4012 signifies that your Discord.Net library is outdated and incompatible with the current Discord gateway version. Discord periodically updates its gateway, deprecating older versions for security reasons. Your bot attempts to connect using an unsupported protocol, leading to the connection failure. Simply updating the library to a recent version will resolve the core issue, ensuring compatibility with the current gateway.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Update the Discord.Net Library:

The most effective solution is to upgrade your Discord.Net library to the latest stable version. This typically involves using NuGet Package Manager. Here’s how:

1. Open your C# project in Visual Studio.
2. Open the NuGet Package Manager Console (Tools → NuGet Package Manager → Package Manager Console).
3. Execute the following command: Update-Package Discord.Net
4. Rebuild your project after the update completes.

Step 2: Verify the Updated Version:

After the update, check the version number of your Discord.Net package to confirm the upgrade was successful. You can find this information in your project’s .csproj file or by using the Get-Package Discord.Net command in the Package Manager Console again. Ensure the version is at least 3.x (or the latest stable version available).

Step 3: Review Connection Code (If necessary):

Major version updates in Discord.Net can sometimes introduce changes to the way the bot connects to Discord. Review your bot’s connection initialization code. There might be minor adjustments needed for compatibility with the newer library version. Refer to the official Discord.Net documentation for the updated connection procedures for your specific version.

Step 4: Check Bot Token:

Although unlikely to cause the 4012 error directly, ensure your bot’s token is still valid and hasn’t been accidentally regenerated. An invalid token can lead to connection issues, although usually with different error codes.

Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:

• NuGet Issues: If the Update-Package command fails, investigate potential NuGet package manager problems. Check your internet connection and ensure NuGet is configured correctly within Visual Studio.
• Project Conflicts: Sometimes, updates can conflict with other libraries. If you face unexpected errors after upgrading, check for dependencies that might be incompatible with the updated Discord.Net version.
• Bot Intents: While not directly related to the 4012 error, make sure your bot’s intents are correctly configured in the Discord Developer Portal. Discord has modified its intent requirements in recent updates.

Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!

[RunningTiger]

Been dealing with Discord bot development for three years and hit this exact error during a major project deployment. This gateway version error pops up when Discord drops support for older API versions - they do this regularly for security reasons. Don’t just update the library version. Check your connection initialization code too. Sometimes it stays broken after updating because the connection method changed between major versions. Back up your code before upgrading since Discord.Net 3.x broke how clients are configured and connected. If you’re running multiple bot instances, they might hit rate limits that show up as connection errors instead of proper rate limit responses.

[HappyDancer99]

The 4012 error indicates that your Discord.Net library is indeed outdated. I faced a similar issue a while ago, and upon upgrading my library, it resolved the problem immediately. You can verify your current version in the project file or by using the Package Manager Console. Discord frequently deprecates older gateway versions for security, so keeping your library up to date is crucial. If after the upgrade you continue facing issues, ensure that your bot intents are correctly set, as Discord has recently modified those requirements as well. Updating via NuGet typically resolves this.