WARDOGS proximity chat and voice not working: fix
Voice in WARDOGS is two channels: proximity (everyone nearby, enemies too) and team. If nobody hears you, it's almost always the input device or Windows microphone privacy. If you hear nobody, check the output device and the two volume sliders, which default lower than you'd expect.
Nobody can hear me
- Windows privacy. Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone → *Let desktop apps access your microphone*: On.
- Right device. Settings → System → Sound → Input: pick your actual mic, not "Steam Streaming Microphone" or a webcam. Then in WARDOGS Audio settings set the input device to the same one (not "Default" if Windows keeps switching).
- Push-to-talk keys. Proximity and team voice have separate binds. Check both under Controls, and make sure Discord or another app hasn't grabbed the same key with a global hotkey.
- Discord. If Discord is open with voice active and "Automatic input sensitivity" on, it can hold the mic exclusively on some drivers. Mute Discord's mic or set the game's input device explicitly.
- Test. In the settings there is a mic level meter; talk and watch it move. No movement = steps 1–2 again.
I can't hear anyone
- Output device in-game set to your headset, not the monitor's speakers.
- Proximity voice volume and team voice volume are separate sliders, and the proximity one defaults low. Push both to 70–80%.
- Windows spatial sound (Sonic/Atmos) on top of the game's own spatial audio can drop voice into the wrong place or silence it; use one or the other.
Voice cuts out or robotic
- That's packet loss to the voice relay, usually Wi-Fi. Cable in.
- If only proximity cuts out, you're walking in and out of range; it's distance-based and fades fast.
Voice works but nobody talks
Launch-week servers are mostly quiet. Community servers with an active Discord are where proximity chat gets good; see how to join one.
FAQ
How does proximity chat work in WARDOGS?
Anyone within roughly 20–30 metres hears you, enemies included. Team voice is separate and reaches your whole squad. Both have their own keybind and volume.
Can enemies hear my proximity chat?
Yes. That's the point. Use team voice for callouts you don't want overheard.
Why can I hear others but they can't hear me?
Your input device. Windows or the game picked the wrong microphone, or Windows mic privacy is blocking desktop apps.
Sick of full servers and queues?
Rent your own WARDOGS server from an approved host and play with your mates on your rules. UK/EU: QONZER (bare metal, no slot fees). Anywhere else: BisectHosting (21 locations). Casual group: xREALM (pay by the hour). Full comparison.