diff --git a/Source/dvlnet/base.cpp b/Source/dvlnet/base.cpp
index 4e88c2dc2..ec853e478 100644
--- a/Source/dvlnet/base.cpp
+++ b/Source/dvlnet/base.cpp
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@
 #include <cstring>
 #include <memory>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include "player.h"
 
 namespace devilution {
@@ -37,93 +39,119 @@ void base::DisconnectNet(plr_t plr)
 {
 }
 
-void base::SendEchoRequest(plr_t player)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::SendEchoRequest(plr_t player)
 {
 	if (plr_self == PLR_BROADCAST)
-		return;
+		return {};
 	if (player == plr_self)
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	timestamp_t now = SDL_GetTicks();
-	auto echo = pktfty->make_packet<PT_ECHO_REQUEST>(plr_self, player, now);
-	send(*echo);
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+	    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_ECHO_REQUEST>(plr_self, player, now);
+	if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(pkt.error());
+	}
+	send(**pkt);
+	return {};
 }
 
-void base::HandleAccept(packet &pkt)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::HandleAccept(packet &pkt)
 {
 	if (plr_self != PLR_BROADCAST) {
-		return; // already have player id
+		return {}; // already have player id
 	}
 	if (pkt.Cookie() == cookie_self) {
-		plr_self = pkt.NewPlayer();
+		tl::expected<plr_t, PacketError> newPlayerPkt = pkt.NewPlayer();
+		if (!newPlayerPkt.has_value())
+			return tl::make_unexpected(newPlayerPkt.error());
+		plr_self = *std::move(newPlayerPkt);
 		Connect(plr_self);
 	}
-	if (game_init_info != pkt.Info()) {
-		if (pkt.Info().size() != sizeof(GameData)) {
+	tl::expected<const buffer_t *, PacketError> infoPkt = pkt.Info();
+	if (!infoPkt.has_value())
+		return tl::make_unexpected(infoPkt.error());
+	const buffer_t &info = **infoPkt;
+	if (game_init_info != info) {
+		if (info.size() != sizeof(GameData)) {
 			ABORT();
 		}
 		// we joined and did not create
-		game_init_info = pkt.Info();
+		game_init_info = info;
 		_SNETEVENT ev;
 		ev.eventid = EVENT_TYPE_PLAYER_CREATE_GAME;
 		ev.playerid = plr_self;
-		ev.data = const_cast<unsigned char *>(pkt.Info().data());
-		ev.databytes = pkt.Info().size();
+		ev.data = const_cast<unsigned char *>(info.data());
+		ev.databytes = info.size();
 		RunEventHandler(ev);
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
-void base::HandleConnect(packet &pkt)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::HandleConnect(packet &pkt)
 {
-	plr_t newPlayer = pkt.NewPlayer();
-	Connect(newPlayer);
+	return pkt.NewPlayer().transform([this](plr_t &&newPlayer) {
+		Connect(newPlayer);
+	});
 }
 
-void base::HandleTurn(packet &pkt)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::HandleTurn(packet &pkt)
 {
 	plr_t src = pkt.Source();
 	PlayerState &playerState = playerStateTable_[src];
 	std::deque<turn_t> &turnQueue = playerState.turnQueue;
-	const turn_t &turn = pkt.Turn();
-	turnQueue.push_back(turn);
-	MakeReady(turn.SequenceNumber);
-}
-
-void base::HandleDisconnect(packet &pkt)
-{
-	plr_t newPlayer = pkt.NewPlayer();
-	if (newPlayer != plr_self) {
-		if (IsConnected(newPlayer)) {
-			auto leaveinfo = pkt.LeaveInfo();
-			_SNETEVENT ev;
-			ev.eventid = EVENT_TYPE_PLAYER_LEAVE_GAME;
-			ev.playerid = pkt.NewPlayer();
-			ev.data = reinterpret_cast<unsigned char *>(&leaveinfo);
-			ev.databytes = sizeof(leaveinfo_t);
-			RunEventHandler(ev);
-			DisconnectNet(newPlayer);
-			ClearMsg(newPlayer);
-			PlayerState &playerState = playerStateTable_[newPlayer];
-			playerState.isConnected = false;
-			playerState.turnQueue.clear();
-		}
-	} else {
+	return pkt.Turn().transform([&](turn_t &&turn) {
+		turnQueue.push_back(turn);
+		MakeReady(turn.SequenceNumber);
+	});
+}
+
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::HandleDisconnect(packet &pkt)
+{
+	tl::expected<plr_t, PacketError> newPlayer = pkt.NewPlayer();
+	if (!newPlayer.has_value())
+		return tl::make_unexpected(newPlayer.error());
+	if (*newPlayer == plr_self) {
 		ABORT(); // we were dropped by the owner?!?
 	}
+	if (IsConnected(*newPlayer)) {
+		tl::expected<leaveinfo_t, PacketError> leaveinfo = pkt.LeaveInfo();
+		if (!leaveinfo.has_value())
+			return tl::make_unexpected(leaveinfo.error());
+		_SNETEVENT ev;
+		ev.eventid = EVENT_TYPE_PLAYER_LEAVE_GAME;
+		ev.playerid = *newPlayer;
+		ev.data = reinterpret_cast<unsigned char *>(&*leaveinfo);
+		ev.databytes = sizeof(leaveinfo_t);
+		RunEventHandler(ev);
+		DisconnectNet(*newPlayer);
+		ClearMsg(*newPlayer);
+		PlayerState &playerState = playerStateTable_[*newPlayer];
+		playerState.isConnected = false;
+		playerState.turnQueue.clear();
+	}
+	return {};
 }
 
-void base::HandleEchoRequest(packet &pkt)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::HandleEchoRequest(packet &pkt)
 {
-	auto reply = pktfty->make_packet<PT_ECHO_REPLY>(plr_self, pkt.Source(), pkt.Time());
-	send(*reply);
+	return pkt.Time()
+	    .and_then([&](cookie_t &&pktTime) {
+		    return pktfty->make_packet<PT_ECHO_REPLY>(plr_self, pkt.Source(), pktTime);
+	    })
+	    .transform([&](std::unique_ptr<packet> &&pkt) {
+		    send(*pkt);
+	    });
 }
 
-void base::HandleEchoReply(packet &pkt)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::HandleEchoReply(packet &pkt)
 {
-	uint32_t now = SDL_GetTicks();
+	const uint32_t now = SDL_GetTicks();
 	plr_t src = pkt.Source();
-	PlayerState &playerState = playerStateTable_[src];
-	playerState.roundTripLatency = now - pkt.Time();
+	return pkt.Time().transform([&](cookie_t &&pktTime) {
+		PlayerState &playerState = playerStateTable_[src];
+		playerState.roundTripLatency = now - pktTime;
+	});
 }
 
 void base::ClearMsg(plr_t plr)
@@ -136,14 +164,15 @@ void base::ClearMsg(plr_t plr)
 	    message_queue.end());
 }
 
-void base::Connect(plr_t player)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::Connect(plr_t player)
 {
 	PlayerState &playerState = playerStateTable_[player];
 	bool wasConnected = playerState.isConnected;
 	playerState.isConnected = true;
 
 	if (!wasConnected)
-		SendFirstTurnIfReady(player);
+		return SendFirstTurnIfReady(player);
+	return {};
 }
 
 bool base::IsConnected(plr_t player) const
@@ -152,35 +181,33 @@ bool base::IsConnected(plr_t player) const
 	return playerState.isConnected;
 }
 
-void base::RecvLocal(packet &pkt)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::RecvLocal(packet &pkt)
 {
 	if (pkt.Source() < MAX_PLRS) {
-		Connect(pkt.Source());
+		if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = Connect(pkt.Source());
+		    !result.has_value()) {
+			return result;
+		}
 	}
 	switch (pkt.Type()) {
 	case PT_MESSAGE:
-		message_queue.emplace_back(pkt.Source(), pkt.Message());
-		break;
+		return pkt.Message().transform([&](const buffer_t *message) {
+			message_queue.emplace_back(pkt.Source(), *message);
+		});
 	case PT_TURN:
-		HandleTurn(pkt);
-		break;
+		return HandleTurn(pkt);
 	case PT_JOIN_ACCEPT:
-		HandleAccept(pkt);
-		break;
+		return HandleAccept(pkt);
 	case PT_CONNECT:
-		HandleConnect(pkt);
-		break;
+		return HandleConnect(pkt);
 	case PT_DISCONNECT:
-		HandleDisconnect(pkt);
-		break;
+		return HandleDisconnect(pkt);
 	case PT_ECHO_REQUEST:
-		HandleEchoRequest(pkt);
-		break;
+		return HandleEchoRequest(pkt);
 	case PT_ECHO_REPLY:
-		HandleEchoReply(pkt);
-		break;
+		return HandleEchoReply(pkt);
 	default:
-		break;
+		return {};
 		// otherwise drop
 	}
 }
@@ -213,8 +240,13 @@ bool base::SNetSendMessage(int playerId, void *data, unsigned int size)
 	else
 		dest = playerId;
 	if (dest != plr_self) {
-		auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_MESSAGE>(plr_self, dest, message);
-		send(*pkt);
+		tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+		    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_MESSAGE>(plr_self, dest, message);
+		if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+			LogError("make_packet: {}", pkt.error().what());
+			return false;
+		}
+		send(**pkt);
 	}
 	return true;
 }
@@ -319,37 +351,47 @@ bool base::SNetSendTurn(char *data, unsigned int size)
 	return true;
 }
 
-void base::SendTurnIfReady(turn_t turn)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::SendTurnIfReady(turn_t turn)
 {
 	if (awaitingSequenceNumber_)
 		awaitingSequenceNumber_ = !IsGameHost();
 
 	if (!awaitingSequenceNumber_) {
-		auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_TURN>(plr_self, PLR_BROADCAST, turn);
-		send(*pkt);
+		tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+		    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_TURN>(plr_self, PLR_BROADCAST, turn);
+		if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+			return tl::make_unexpected(pkt.error());
+		}
+		send(**pkt);
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
-void base::SendFirstTurnIfReady(plr_t player)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::SendFirstTurnIfReady(plr_t player)
 {
 	if (awaitingSequenceNumber_)
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	PlayerState &playerState = playerStateTable_[plr_self];
 	std::deque<turn_t> &turnQueue = playerState.turnQueue;
 	if (turnQueue.empty())
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	for (turn_t turn : turnQueue) {
-		auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_TURN>(plr_self, player, turn);
-		send(*pkt);
+		tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+		    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_TURN>(plr_self, player, turn);
+		if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+			return tl::make_unexpected(pkt.error());
+		}
+		send(**pkt);
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
-void base::MakeReady(seq_t sequenceNumber)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base::MakeReady(seq_t sequenceNumber)
 {
 	if (!awaitingSequenceNumber_)
-		return;
+		return {};
 
 	current_turn = sequenceNumber;
 	next_turn = sequenceNumber;
@@ -360,8 +402,12 @@ void base::MakeReady(seq_t sequenceNumber)
 	for (turn_t &turn : turnQueue) {
 		turn.SequenceNumber = next_turn;
 		next_turn++;
-		SendTurnIfReady(turn);
+		if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = SendTurnIfReady(turn);
+		    !result.has_value()) {
+			return result;
+		}
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 void base::SNetGetProviderCaps(struct _SNETCAPS *caps)
@@ -400,21 +446,35 @@ bool base::SNetRegisterEventHandler(event_type evtype, SEVTHANDLER func)
 
 bool base::SNetLeaveGame(int type)
 {
-	auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_DISCONNECT>(plr_self, PLR_BROADCAST,
-	    plr_self, type);
-	send(*pkt);
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+	    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_DISCONNECT>(
+	        plr_self, PLR_BROADCAST, plr_self, type);
+	if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+		LogError("make_packet: {}", pkt.error().what());
+		return false;
+	}
+	send(**pkt);
 	plr_self = PLR_BROADCAST;
 	return true;
 }
 
 bool base::SNetDropPlayer(int playerid, uint32_t flags)
 {
-	auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_DISCONNECT>(plr_self,
-	    PLR_BROADCAST,
-	    (plr_t)playerid,
-	    (leaveinfo_t)flags);
-	send(*pkt);
-	RecvLocal(*pkt);
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+	    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_DISCONNECT>(
+	        plr_self,
+	        PLR_BROADCAST,
+	        (plr_t)playerid,
+	        (leaveinfo_t)flags);
+	if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+		LogError("make_packet: {}", pkt.error().what());
+		return false;
+	}
+	send(**pkt);
+	if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = RecvLocal(**pkt); !result.has_value()) {
+		LogError("SNetDropPlayer: {}", result.error().what());
+		return false;
+	}
 	return true;
 }
 
diff --git a/Source/dvlnet/base.h b/Source/dvlnet/base.h
index 699e0adc8..28a85b90d 100644
--- a/Source/dvlnet/base.h
+++ b/Source/dvlnet/base.h
@@ -76,10 +76,10 @@ protected:
 
 	std::unique_ptr<packet_factory> pktfty;
 
-	void Connect(plr_t player);
-	void RecvLocal(packet &pkt);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> Connect(plr_t player);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> RecvLocal(packet &pkt);
 	void RunEventHandler(_SNETEVENT &ev);
-	void SendEchoRequest(plr_t player);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> SendEchoRequest(plr_t player);
 
 	[[nodiscard]] bool IsConnected(plr_t player) const;
 	virtual bool IsGameHost() = 0;
@@ -90,17 +90,17 @@ private:
 
 	plr_t GetOwner();
 	bool AllTurnsArrived();
-	void MakeReady(seq_t sequenceNumber);
-	void SendTurnIfReady(turn_t turn);
-	void SendFirstTurnIfReady(plr_t player);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> MakeReady(seq_t sequenceNumber);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> SendTurnIfReady(turn_t turn);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> SendFirstTurnIfReady(plr_t player);
 	void ClearMsg(plr_t plr);
 
-	void HandleAccept(packet &pkt);
-	void HandleConnect(packet &pkt);
-	void HandleTurn(packet &pkt);
-	void HandleDisconnect(packet &pkt);
-	void HandleEchoRequest(packet &pkt);
-	void HandleEchoReply(packet &pkt);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> HandleAccept(packet &pkt);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> HandleConnect(packet &pkt);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> HandleTurn(packet &pkt);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> HandleDisconnect(packet &pkt);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> HandleEchoRequest(packet &pkt);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> HandleEchoReply(packet &pkt);
 };
 
 } // namespace net
diff --git a/Source/dvlnet/base_protocol.h b/Source/dvlnet/base_protocol.h
index 9d0ab0bd6..9594cf8e4 100644
--- a/Source/dvlnet/base_protocol.h
+++ b/Source/dvlnet/base_protocol.h
@@ -10,8 +10,7 @@
 #include "player.h"
 #include "utils/log.hpp"
 
-namespace devilution {
-namespace net {
+namespace devilution::net {
 
 template <class P>
 class base_protocol : public base {
@@ -56,18 +55,18 @@ private:
 	bool isGameHost_;
 
 	plr_t get_master();
-	void InitiateHandshake(plr_t player);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> InitiateHandshake(plr_t player);
 	void SendTo(plr_t player, packet &pkt);
 	void DrainSendQueue(plr_t player);
 	void recv();
-	void handle_join_request(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender);
-	void recv_decrypted(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender);
-	void recv_ingame(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> handle_join_request(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> recv_decrypted(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> recv_ingame(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender);
 	bool is_recognized(endpoint_t sender);
 
 	bool wait_network();
 	bool wait_firstpeer();
-	void wait_join();
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> wait_join();
 };
 
 template <class P>
@@ -121,24 +120,33 @@ bool base_protocol<P>::send_info_request()
 {
 	if (!proto.network_online())
 		return false;
-	auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_INFO_REQUEST>(PLR_BROADCAST, PLR_MASTER);
-	proto.send_oob_mc(pkt->Data());
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+	    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_INFO_REQUEST>(PLR_BROADCAST, PLR_MASTER);
+	if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+		LogError("make_packet: {}", pkt.error().what());
+		return false;
+	}
+	proto.send_oob_mc((*pkt)->Data());
 	return true;
 }
 
 template <class P>
-void base_protocol<P>::wait_join()
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base_protocol<P>::wait_join()
 {
 	cookie_self = packet_out::GenerateCookie();
-	auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_JOIN_REQUEST>(PLR_BROADCAST,
-	    PLR_MASTER, cookie_self, game_init_info);
-	proto.send(firstpeer, pkt->Data());
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+	    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_JOIN_REQUEST>(PLR_BROADCAST, PLR_MASTER, cookie_self, game_init_info);
+	if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+		return tl::unexpected(pkt.error());
+	}
+	proto.send(firstpeer, (*pkt)->Data());
 	for (auto i = 0; i < 500; ++i) {
 		recv();
 		if (plr_self != PLR_BROADCAST)
 			break; // join successful
 		SDL_Delay(10);
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 template <class P>
@@ -149,7 +157,11 @@ int base_protocol<P>::create(std::string addrstr)
 
 	if (wait_network()) {
 		plr_self = 0;
-		Connect(plr_self);
+		if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = Connect(plr_self);
+		    !result.has_value()) {
+			LogError("Connect: {}", result.error().what());
+			return -1;
+		}
 	}
 	return (plr_self == PLR_BROADCAST ? -1 : plr_self);
 }
@@ -161,8 +173,12 @@ int base_protocol<P>::join(std::string addrstr)
 	isGameHost_ = false;
 
 	if (wait_network()) {
-		if (wait_firstpeer())
-			wait_join();
+		if (wait_firstpeer()) {
+			if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = wait_join(); !result.has_value()) {
+				LogError("wait_join: {}", result.error().what());
+				return -1;
+			}
+		}
 	}
 	return (plr_self == PLR_BROADCAST ? -1 : plr_self);
 }
@@ -180,7 +196,7 @@ void base_protocol<P>::poll()
 }
 
 template <class P>
-void base_protocol<P>::InitiateHandshake(plr_t player)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base_protocol<P>::InitiateHandshake(plr_t player)
 {
 	Peer &peer = peers[player];
 
@@ -189,7 +205,9 @@ void base_protocol<P>::InitiateHandshake(plr_t player)
 	// If the connection is already open, it should be safe to initiate from either end.
 	// If not, only the player with the smaller player number should initiate the handshake.
 	if (plr_self < player || proto.is_peer_connected(peer.endpoint))
-		SendEchoRequest(player);
+		return SendEchoRequest(player);
+
+	return {};
 }
 
 template <class P>
@@ -232,13 +250,15 @@ void base_protocol<P>::recv()
 		buffer_t pkt_buf;
 		endpoint_t sender;
 		while (proto.recv(sender, pkt_buf)) { // read until kernel buffer is empty?
-			try {
-				auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet(pkt_buf);
-				recv_decrypted(*pkt, sender);
-			} catch (packet_exception &e) {
+			tl::expected<void, PacketError> result
+			    = pktfty->make_packet(pkt_buf)
+			          .and_then([&](std::unique_ptr<packet> &&pkt) {
+				          return recv_decrypted(*pkt, sender);
+			          });
+			if (!result.has_value()) {
 				// drop packet
 				proto.disconnect(sender);
-				Log("{}", e.what());
+				Log("{}", result.error().what());
 			}
 		}
 		while (proto.get_disconnected(sender)) {
@@ -256,7 +276,7 @@ void base_protocol<P>::recv()
 }
 
 template <class P>
-void base_protocol<P>::handle_join_request(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base_protocol<P>::handle_join_request(packet &inPkt, endpoint_t sender)
 {
 	plr_t i;
 	for (i = 0; i < Players.size(); ++i) {
@@ -264,70 +284,94 @@ void base_protocol<P>::handle_join_request(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender)
 		if (i != plr_self && !peer.endpoint) {
 			peer.endpoint = sender;
 			peer.sendQueue = std::make_unique<std::deque<packet>>();
-			Connect(i);
+			if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = Connect(i);
+			    !result.has_value()) {
+				return result;
+			}
 			break;
 		}
 	}
 	if (i >= MAX_PLRS) {
 		// already full
-		return;
+		return {};
 	}
 
 	auto senderinfo = sender.serialize();
 	for (plr_t j = 0; j < Players.size(); ++j) {
 		endpoint_t peer = peers[j].endpoint;
 		if ((j != plr_self) && (j != i) && peer) {
-			auto peerpkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_CONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST, i, senderinfo);
-			proto.send(peer, peerpkt->Data());
-
-			auto infopkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_CONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST, j, peer.serialize());
-			proto.send(sender, infopkt->Data());
+			{
+				tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+				    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_CONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST, i, senderinfo);
+				if (!pkt.has_value())
+					return tl::make_unexpected(pkt.error());
+				proto.send(peer, (*pkt)->Data());
+			}
+			{
+				tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+				    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_CONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST, j, peer.serialize());
+				if (!pkt.has_value())
+					return tl::make_unexpected(pkt.error());
+				proto.send(sender, (*pkt)->Data());
+			}
 		}
 	}
 
 	// PT_JOIN_ACCEPT must be sent after all PT_CONNECT packets so the new player does
 	// not resume game logic until after having been notified of all existing players
-	auto reply = pktfty->make_packet<PT_JOIN_ACCEPT>(plr_self, PLR_BROADCAST,
-	    pkt.Cookie(), i,
-	    game_init_info);
-	proto.send(sender, reply->Data());
+	tl::expected<cookie_t, PacketError> cookie = inPkt.Cookie();
+	if (!cookie.has_value())
+		return tl::make_unexpected(cookie.error());
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+	    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_JOIN_ACCEPT>(plr_self, PLR_BROADCAST, *cookie, i, game_init_info);
+	if (!pkt.has_value())
+		return tl::make_unexpected(pkt.error());
+	proto.send(sender, (*pkt)->Data());
 	DrainSendQueue(i);
+	return {};
 }
 
 template <class P>
-void base_protocol<P>::recv_decrypted(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base_protocol<P>::recv_decrypted(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender)
 {
 	if (pkt.Source() == PLR_BROADCAST && pkt.Destination() == PLR_MASTER && pkt.Type() == PT_INFO_REPLY) {
 		size_t neededSize = sizeof(GameData) + (PlayerNameLength * MAX_PLRS);
-		if (pkt.Info().size() < neededSize)
-			return;
-		const GameData *gameData = (const GameData *)pkt.Info().data();
+		const tl::expected<const buffer_t *, PacketError> pktInfo = pkt.Info();
+		if (!pktInfo.has_value())
+			return tl::make_unexpected(pktInfo.error());
+		const buffer_t &infoBuffer = **pktInfo;
+		if (infoBuffer.size() < neededSize)
+			return {};
+		const GameData *gameData = reinterpret_cast<const GameData *>(infoBuffer.data());
 		if (gameData->size != sizeof(GameData))
-			return;
+			return {};
 		std::vector<std::string> playerNames;
 		for (size_t i = 0; i < Players.size(); i++) {
 			std::string playerName;
-			const char *playerNamePointer = (const char *)(pkt.Info().data() + sizeof(GameData) + (i * PlayerNameLength));
+			const char *playerNamePointer = reinterpret_cast<const char *>(infoBuffer.data() + sizeof(GameData) + (i * PlayerNameLength));
 			playerName.append(playerNamePointer, strnlen(playerNamePointer, PlayerNameLength));
 			if (!playerName.empty())
 				playerNames.push_back(playerName);
 		}
 		std::string gameName;
-		size_t gameNameSize = pkt.Info().size() - neededSize;
+		size_t gameNameSize = infoBuffer.size() - neededSize;
 		gameName.resize(gameNameSize);
-		std::memcpy(&gameName[0], pkt.Info().data() + neededSize, gameNameSize);
+		std::memcpy(&gameName[0], infoBuffer.data() + neededSize, gameNameSize);
 		game_list[gameName] = GameListValue { *gameData, std::move(playerNames), sender };
-		return;
+		return {};
 	}
-	recv_ingame(pkt, sender);
+	return recv_ingame(pkt, sender);
 }
 
 template <class P>
-void base_protocol<P>::recv_ingame(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> base_protocol<P>::recv_ingame(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender)
 {
 	if (pkt.Source() == PLR_BROADCAST && pkt.Destination() == PLR_MASTER) {
 		if (pkt.Type() == PT_JOIN_REQUEST) {
-			handle_join_request(pkt, sender);
+			if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = handle_join_request(pkt, sender);
+			    !result.has_value()) {
+				return result;
+			}
 		} else if (pkt.Type() == PT_INFO_REQUEST) {
 			if ((plr_self != PLR_BROADCAST) && (get_master() == plr_self)) {
 				buffer_t buf;
@@ -341,58 +385,81 @@ void base_protocol<P>::recv_ingame(packet &pkt, endpoint_t sender)
 					}
 				}
 				std::memcpy(buf.data() + game_init_info.size() + (PlayerNameLength * MAX_PLRS), &gamename[0], gamename.size());
-				auto reply = pktfty->make_packet<PT_INFO_REPLY>(PLR_BROADCAST,
-				    PLR_MASTER,
-				    buf);
-				proto.send_oob(sender, reply->Data());
+				tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> reply
+				    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_INFO_REPLY>(PLR_BROADCAST, PLR_MASTER, buf);
+				if (!reply.has_value()) {
+					return tl::make_unexpected(reply.error());
+				}
+				proto.send_oob(sender, (*reply)->Data());
 			}
 		}
-		return;
-	} else if (pkt.Source() == PLR_MASTER && pkt.Type() == PT_CONNECT) {
+		return {};
+	}
+	if (pkt.Source() == PLR_MASTER && pkt.Type() == PT_CONNECT) {
 		if (!is_recognized(sender)) {
 			LogDebug("Invalid packet: PT_CONNECT received from unrecognized endpoint");
-			return;
+			return {};
 		}
 
 		// addrinfo packets
-		plr_t newPlayer = pkt.NewPlayer();
-		Peer &peer = peers[newPlayer];
-		peer.endpoint.unserialize(pkt.Info());
+		tl::expected<plr_t, PacketError> newPlayer = pkt.NewPlayer();
+		if (!newPlayer.has_value())
+			return tl::make_unexpected(newPlayer.error());
+		Peer &peer = peers[*newPlayer];
+		tl::expected<const buffer_t *, PacketError> pktInfo = pkt.Info();
+		if (!pktInfo.has_value())
+			return tl::make_unexpected(pktInfo.error());
+		peer.endpoint.unserialize(**pktInfo);
 		peer.sendQueue = std::make_unique<std::deque<packet>>();
-		Connect(newPlayer);
+		if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = Connect(*newPlayer);
+		    !result.has_value()) {
+			return result;
+		}
 
 		if (plr_self != PLR_BROADCAST)
-			InitiateHandshake(newPlayer);
-
-		return;
-	} else if (pkt.Source() >= MAX_PLRS) {
+			return InitiateHandshake(*newPlayer);
+		return {};
+	}
+	if (pkt.Source() >= MAX_PLRS) {
 		// normal packets
 		LogDebug("Invalid packet: packet source ({}) >= MAX_PLRS", pkt.Source());
-		return;
-	} else if (sender == firstpeer && pkt.Type() == PT_JOIN_ACCEPT) {
+		return {};
+	}
+	if (sender == firstpeer && pkt.Type() == PT_JOIN_ACCEPT) {
 		plr_t src = pkt.Source();
 		peers[src].endpoint = sender;
-		Connect(src);
+		if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = Connect(src);
+		    !result.has_value()) {
+			return result;
+		}
 		firstpeer = {};
 	} else if (sender != peers[pkt.Source()].endpoint) {
 		LogDebug("Invalid packet: packet source ({}) received from unrecognized endpoint", pkt.Source());
-		return;
+		return {};
 	}
 	if (pkt.Destination() != plr_self && pkt.Destination() != PLR_BROADCAST)
-		return; // packet not for us, drop
+		return {}; // packet not for us, drop
 
 	bool wasBroadcast = plr_self == PLR_BROADCAST;
-	RecvLocal(pkt);
+	if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = RecvLocal(pkt);
+	    !result.has_value()) {
+		return result;
+	}
 
 	if (plr_self != PLR_BROADCAST) {
 		if (wasBroadcast) {
 			// Send a handshake to everyone just after PT_JOIN_ACCEPT
-			for (plr_t player = 0; player < Players.size(); player++)
-				InitiateHandshake(player);
+			for (plr_t player = 0; player < Players.size(); player++) {
+				if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = InitiateHandshake(player);
+				    !result.has_value()) {
+					return result;
+				}
+			}
 		}
 
 		DrainSendQueue(pkt.Source());
 	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 template <class P>
@@ -462,5 +529,4 @@ std::string base_protocol<P>::make_default_gamename()
 	return proto.make_default_gamename();
 }
 
-} // namespace net
-} // namespace devilution
+} // namespace devilution::net
diff --git a/Source/dvlnet/packet.cpp b/Source/dvlnet/packet.cpp
index 08771561a..715c6cc3c 100644
--- a/Source/dvlnet/packet.cpp
+++ b/Source/dvlnet/packet.cpp
@@ -10,8 +10,12 @@
 #include <random>
 #endif
 
-namespace devilution {
-namespace net {
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
+#include "utils/algorithm/container.hpp"
+#include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
+
+namespace devilution::net {
 
 #ifdef PACKET_ENCRYPTION
 
@@ -80,7 +84,12 @@ const char *packet_type_to_string(uint8_t packetType)
 	}
 }
 
-wrong_packet_type_exception::wrong_packet_type_exception(std::initializer_list<packet_type> expectedTypes, std::uint8_t actual)
+PacketTypeError::PacketTypeError(std::uint8_t unknownPacketType)
+    : message_(StrCat("Unknown packet type ", unknownPacketType))
+{
+}
+
+PacketTypeError::PacketTypeError(std::initializer_list<packet_type> expectedTypes, std::uint8_t actual)
 {
 	message_ = "Expected packet of type ";
 	const auto appendPacketType = [this](std::uint8_t t) {
@@ -88,7 +97,7 @@ wrong_packet_type_exception::wrong_packet_type_exception(std::initializer_list<p
 		if (typeStr != nullptr)
 			message_.append(typeStr);
 		else
-			message_.append(std::to_string(t));
+			StrAppend(message_, t);
 	};
 
 	constexpr char KJoinTypes[] = " or ";
@@ -103,16 +112,13 @@ wrong_packet_type_exception::wrong_packet_type_exception(std::initializer_list<p
 
 namespace {
 
-void CheckPacketTypeOneOf(std::initializer_list<packet_type> expectedTypes, std::uint8_t actualType)
+tl::expected<void, PacketTypeError> CheckPacketTypeOneOf(std::initializer_list<packet_type> expectedTypes, std::uint8_t actualType)
 {
-	for (std::uint8_t packetType : expectedTypes)
-		if (actualType == packetType)
-			return;
-#if DVL_EXCEPTIONS
-	throw wrong_packet_type_exception(expectedTypes, actualType);
-#else
-	app_fatal("wrong packet type");
-#endif
+	if (c_none_of(expectedTypes,
+	        [actualType](uint8_t type) { return type == actualType; })) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(PacketTypeError(expectedTypes, actualType));
+	}
+	return {};
 }
 
 } // namespace
@@ -143,64 +149,60 @@ plr_t packet::Destination() const
 	return m_dest;
 }
 
-const buffer_t &packet::Message()
+tl::expected<const buffer_t *, PacketError> packet::Message()
 {
 	assert(have_decrypted);
-	CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_MESSAGE }, m_type);
-	return m_message;
+	return CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_MESSAGE }, m_type)
+	    .transform([this]() { return &m_message; });
 }
 
-turn_t packet::Turn()
+tl::expected<turn_t, PacketError> packet::Turn()
 {
 	assert(have_decrypted);
-	CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_TURN }, m_type);
-	return m_turn;
+	return CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_TURN }, m_type)
+	    .transform([this]() { return m_turn; });
 }
 
-cookie_t packet::Cookie()
+tl::expected<cookie_t, PacketError> packet::Cookie()
 {
 	assert(have_decrypted);
-	CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_JOIN_REQUEST, PT_JOIN_ACCEPT }, m_type);
-	return m_cookie;
+	return CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_JOIN_REQUEST, PT_JOIN_ACCEPT }, m_type)
+	    .transform([this]() { return m_cookie; });
 }
 
-plr_t packet::NewPlayer()
+tl::expected<plr_t, PacketError> packet::NewPlayer()
 {
 	assert(have_decrypted);
-	CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_JOIN_ACCEPT, PT_CONNECT, PT_DISCONNECT }, m_type);
-	return m_newplr;
+	return CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_JOIN_ACCEPT, PT_CONNECT, PT_DISCONNECT }, m_type)
+	    .transform([this]() { return m_newplr; });
 }
 
-timestamp_t packet::Time()
+tl::expected<timestamp_t, PacketError> packet::Time()
 {
 	assert(have_decrypted);
-	CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_ECHO_REQUEST, PT_ECHO_REPLY }, m_type);
-	return m_time;
+	return CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_ECHO_REQUEST, PT_ECHO_REPLY }, m_type)
+	    .transform([this]() { return m_time; });
 }
 
-const buffer_t &packet::Info()
+tl::expected<const buffer_t *, PacketError> packet::Info()
 {
 	assert(have_decrypted);
-	CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_JOIN_REQUEST, PT_JOIN_ACCEPT, PT_CONNECT, PT_INFO_REPLY }, m_type);
-	return m_info;
+	return CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_JOIN_REQUEST, PT_JOIN_ACCEPT, PT_CONNECT, PT_INFO_REPLY }, m_type)
+	    .transform([this]() { return &m_info; });
 }
 
-leaveinfo_t packet::LeaveInfo()
+tl::expected<leaveinfo_t, PacketError> packet::LeaveInfo()
 {
 	assert(have_decrypted);
-	CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_DISCONNECT }, m_type);
-	return m_leaveinfo;
+	return CheckPacketTypeOneOf({ PT_DISCONNECT }, m_type)
+	    .transform([this]() { return m_leaveinfo; });
 }
 
-void packet_in::Create(buffer_t buf)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> packet_in::Create(buffer_t buf)
 {
 	assert(!have_encrypted && !have_decrypted);
 	if (buf.size() < sizeof(packet_type) + 2 * sizeof(plr_t))
-#if DVL_EXCEPTIONS
-		throw packet_exception();
-#else
-		app_fatal("invalid packet");
-#endif
+		return tl::make_unexpected(PacketError());
 
 	decrypted_buffer = std::move(buf);
 	have_decrypted = true;
@@ -210,10 +212,11 @@ void packet_in::Create(buffer_t buf)
 	// we save a copy in encrypted_buffer anyway
 	encrypted_buffer = decrypted_buffer;
 	have_encrypted = true;
+	return {};
 }
 
 #ifdef PACKET_ENCRYPTION
-void packet_in::Decrypt(buffer_t buf)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> packet_in::Decrypt(buffer_t buf)
 {
 	assert(!have_encrypted && !have_decrypted);
 	encrypted_buffer = std::move(buf);
@@ -222,7 +225,7 @@ void packet_in::Decrypt(buffer_t buf)
 	if (encrypted_buffer.size() < crypto_secretbox_NONCEBYTES
 	        + crypto_secretbox_MACBYTES
 	        + sizeof(packet_type) + 2 * sizeof(plr_t))
-		throw packet_exception();
+		return tl::make_unexpected(PacketError());
 	auto pktlen = (encrypted_buffer.size()
 	    - crypto_secretbox_NONCEBYTES
 	    - crypto_secretbox_MACBYTES);
@@ -234,9 +237,10 @@ void packet_in::Decrypt(buffer_t buf)
 	    encrypted_buffer.data(),
 	    key.data());
 	if (status != 0)
-		throw packet_exception();
+		return tl::make_unexpected(PacketError());
 
 	have_decrypted = true;
+	return {};
 }
 #endif
 
@@ -298,5 +302,4 @@ packet_factory::packet_factory(std::string pw)
 #endif
 }
 
-} // namespace net
-} // namespace devilution
+} // namespace devilution::net
diff --git a/Source/dvlnet/packet.h b/Source/dvlnet/packet.h
index a306a422f..a6edffa94 100644
--- a/Source/dvlnet/packet.h
+++ b/Source/dvlnet/packet.h
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@
 #include <memory>
 #include <string>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #ifdef PACKET_ENCRYPTION
 #include <sodium.h>
 #endif
@@ -13,6 +15,7 @@
 #include "appfat.h"
 #include "dvlnet/abstract_net.h"
 #include "utils/attributes.h"
+#include "utils/str_cat.hpp"
 #include "utils/stubs.h"
 
 namespace devilution {
@@ -56,19 +59,20 @@ struct turn_t {
 static constexpr plr_t PLR_MASTER = 0xFE;
 static constexpr plr_t PLR_BROADCAST = 0xFF;
 
-class packet_exception : public dvlnet_exception {
+class PacketError {
 public:
-	const char *what() const throw() override
+	virtual const char *what() const
 	{
 		return "Incorrect package size";
 	}
 };
 
-class wrong_packet_type_exception : public packet_exception {
+class PacketTypeError : public PacketError {
 public:
-	wrong_packet_type_exception(std::initializer_list<packet_type> expectedTypes, std::uint8_t actual);
+	explicit PacketTypeError(std::uint8_t unknownPacketType);
+	PacketTypeError(std::initializer_list<packet_type> expectedTypes, std::uint8_t actual);
 
-	const char *what() const throw() override
+	const char *what() const override
 	{
 		return message_.c_str();
 	}
@@ -105,30 +109,30 @@ public:
 	packet_type Type();
 	plr_t Source() const;
 	plr_t Destination() const;
-	const buffer_t &Message();
-	turn_t Turn();
-	cookie_t Cookie();
-	plr_t NewPlayer();
-	timestamp_t Time();
-	const buffer_t &Info();
-	leaveinfo_t LeaveInfo();
+	tl::expected<const buffer_t *, PacketError> Message();
+	tl::expected<turn_t, PacketError> Turn();
+	tl::expected<cookie_t, PacketError> Cookie();
+	tl::expected<plr_t, PacketError> NewPlayer();
+	tl::expected<timestamp_t, PacketError> Time();
+	tl::expected<const buffer_t *, PacketError> Info();
+	tl::expected<leaveinfo_t, PacketError> LeaveInfo();
 };
 
 template <class P>
 class packet_proc : public packet {
 public:
 	using packet::packet;
-	void process_data();
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> process_data();
 };
 
 class packet_in : public packet_proc<packet_in> {
 public:
 	using packet_proc<packet_in>::packet_proc;
-	void Create(buffer_t buf);
-	void process_element(buffer_t &x);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> Create(buffer_t buf);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> process_element(buffer_t &x);
 	template <class T>
-	void process_element(T &x);
-	void Decrypt(buffer_t buf);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> process_element(T &x);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> Decrypt(buffer_t buf);
 };
 
 class packet_out : public packet_proc<packet_out> {
@@ -138,9 +142,9 @@ public:
 	template <packet_type t, typename... Args>
 	void create(Args... args);
 
-	void process_element(buffer_t &x);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> process_element(buffer_t &x);
 	template <class T>
-	void process_element(T &x);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> process_element(T &x);
 	template <class T>
 	static const unsigned char *begin(const T &x);
 	template <class T>
@@ -150,67 +154,68 @@ public:
 };
 
 template <class P>
-void packet_proc<P>::process_data()
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> packet_proc<P>::process_data()
 {
 	P &self = static_cast<P &>(*this);
-	self.process_element(m_type);
-	self.process_element(m_src);
-	self.process_element(m_dest);
+	{
+		tl::expected<void, PacketError> result
+		    = self.process_element(m_type)
+		          .and_then([&]() {
+			          return self.process_element(m_src);
+		          })
+		          .and_then([&]() {
+			          return self.process_element(m_dest);
+		          });
+		if (!result.has_value())
+			return result;
+	}
 	switch (m_type) {
 	case PT_MESSAGE:
-		self.process_element(m_message);
-		break;
+		return self.process_element(m_message);
 	case PT_TURN:
-		self.process_element(m_turn.SequenceNumber);
-		self.process_element(m_turn.Value);
-		break;
+		return self.process_element(m_turn.SequenceNumber)
+		    .and_then([&]() { return self.process_element(m_turn.Value); });
 	case PT_JOIN_REQUEST:
-		self.process_element(m_cookie);
-		self.process_element(m_info);
-		break;
+		return self.process_element(m_cookie)
+		    .and_then([&]() { return self.process_element(m_info); });
 	case PT_JOIN_ACCEPT:
-		self.process_element(m_cookie);
-		self.process_element(m_newplr);
-		self.process_element(m_info);
-		break;
+		return self.process_element(m_cookie)
+		    .and_then([&]() { return self.process_element(m_newplr); })
+		    .and_then([&]() { return self.process_element(m_info); });
 	case PT_CONNECT:
-		self.process_element(m_newplr);
-		self.process_element(m_info);
-		break;
+		return self.process_element(m_newplr)
+		    .and_then([&]() { return self.process_element(m_info); });
 	case PT_DISCONNECT:
-		self.process_element(m_newplr);
-		self.process_element(m_leaveinfo);
-		break;
+		return self.process_element(m_newplr)
+		    .and_then([&]() { return self.process_element(m_leaveinfo); });
 	case PT_INFO_REPLY:
-		self.process_element(m_info);
-		break;
+		return self.process_element(m_info);
 	case PT_INFO_REQUEST:
-		break;
+		return {};
 	case PT_ECHO_REQUEST:
 	case PT_ECHO_REPLY:
-		self.process_element(m_time);
-		break;
+		return self.process_element(m_time);
 	}
+	return tl::make_unexpected(PacketTypeError(m_type));
 }
 
-inline void packet_in::process_element(buffer_t &x)
+inline tl::expected<void, PacketError> packet_in::process_element(buffer_t &x)
 {
 	x.insert(x.begin(), decrypted_buffer.begin(), decrypted_buffer.end());
 	decrypted_buffer.resize(0);
+	return {};
 }
 
 template <class T>
-void packet_in::process_element(T &x)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> packet_in::process_element(T &x)
 {
-	if (decrypted_buffer.size() < sizeof(T))
-#if DVL_EXCEPTIONS
-		throw packet_exception();
-#else
-		app_fatal("invalid packet");
-#endif
+	if (decrypted_buffer.size() < sizeof(T)) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(PacketError());
+	}
 	std::memcpy(&x, decrypted_buffer.data(), sizeof(T));
 	decrypted_buffer.erase(decrypted_buffer.begin(),
 	    decrypted_buffer.begin() + sizeof(T));
+	return {};
 }
 
 template <>
@@ -352,15 +357,17 @@ inline void packet_out::create<PT_ECHO_REPLY>(plr_t s, plr_t d, timestamp_t t)
 	m_time = t;
 }
 
-inline void packet_out::process_element(buffer_t &x)
+inline tl::expected<void, PacketError> packet_out::process_element(buffer_t &x)
 {
 	decrypted_buffer.insert(decrypted_buffer.end(), x.begin(), x.end());
+	return {};
 }
 
 template <class T>
-void packet_out::process_element(T &x)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> packet_out::process_element(T &x)
 {
 	decrypted_buffer.insert(decrypted_buffer.end(), begin(x), end(x));
+	return {};
 }
 
 template <class T>
@@ -384,12 +391,12 @@ public:
 
 	packet_factory();
 	packet_factory(std::string pw);
-	std::unique_ptr<packet> make_packet(buffer_t buf);
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> make_packet(buffer_t buf);
 	template <packet_type t, typename... Args>
-	std::unique_ptr<packet> make_packet(Args... args);
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> make_packet(Args... args);
 };
 
-inline std::unique_ptr<packet> packet_factory::make_packet(buffer_t buf)
+inline tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> packet_factory::make_packet(buffer_t buf)
 {
 	auto ret = std::make_unique<packet_in>(key);
 #ifndef PACKET_ENCRYPTION
@@ -400,16 +407,20 @@ inline std::unique_ptr<packet> packet_factory::make_packet(buffer_t buf)
 	else
 		ret->Decrypt(std::move(buf));
 #endif
-	ret->process_data();
+	if (const tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = ret->process_data(); !result.has_value()) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(result.error());
+	}
 	return ret;
 }
 
 template <packet_type t, typename... Args>
-std::unique_ptr<packet> packet_factory::make_packet(Args... args)
+tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> packet_factory::make_packet(Args... args)
 {
 	auto ret = std::make_unique<packet_out>(key);
 	ret->create<t>(args...);
-	ret->process_data();
+	if (const tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = ret->process_data(); !result.has_value()) {
+		return tl::make_unexpected(result.error());
+	}
 #ifdef PACKET_ENCRYPTION
 	if (secure)
 		ret->Encrypt();
diff --git a/Source/dvlnet/tcp_client.cpp b/Source/dvlnet/tcp_client.cpp
index 2df717086..3b7dcd862 100644
--- a/Source/dvlnet/tcp_client.cpp
+++ b/Source/dvlnet/tcp_client.cpp
@@ -1,15 +1,17 @@
 #include "dvlnet/tcp_client.h"
-#include "options.h"
-#include "utils/language.h"
 
-#include <SDL.h>
 #include <exception>
 #include <functional>
 #include <memory>
 #include <stdexcept>
 #include <system_error>
 
+#include <SDL.h>
 #include <asio/connect.hpp>
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
+#include "options.h"
+#include "utils/language.h"
 
 namespace devilution::net {
 
@@ -43,10 +45,14 @@ int tcp_client::join(std::string addrstr)
 	StartReceive();
 	{
 		cookie_self = packet_out::GenerateCookie();
-		auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet<PT_JOIN_REQUEST>(PLR_BROADCAST,
-		    PLR_MASTER, cookie_self,
-		    game_init_info);
-		send(*pkt);
+		tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+		    = pktfty->make_packet<PT_JOIN_REQUEST>(
+		        PLR_BROADCAST, PLR_MASTER, cookie_self, game_init_info);
+		if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+			SDL_SetError("make_packet: %s", pkt.error().what());
+			return -1;
+		}
+		send(**pkt);
 		for (auto i = 0; i < NoSleep; ++i) {
 			try {
 				poll();
@@ -95,8 +101,15 @@ void tcp_client::HandleReceive(const asio::error_code &error, size_t bytesRead)
 	recv_queue.Write(std::move(recv_buffer));
 	recv_buffer.resize(frame_queue::max_frame_size);
 	while (recv_queue.PacketReady()) {
-		auto pkt = pktfty->make_packet(recv_queue.ReadPacket());
-		RecvLocal(*pkt);
+		tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt = pktfty->make_packet(recv_queue.ReadPacket());
+		if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+			LogError("make_packet: {}", pkt.error().what());
+			return;
+		}
+		if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = RecvLocal(**pkt); !result.has_value()) {
+			LogError("RecvLocal: {}", result.error().what());
+			return;
+		}
 	}
 	StartReceive();
 }
diff --git a/Source/dvlnet/tcp_server.cpp b/Source/dvlnet/tcp_server.cpp
index 6cdb8b1ce..7f30cf8e6 100644
--- a/Source/dvlnet/tcp_server.cpp
+++ b/Source/dvlnet/tcp_server.cpp
@@ -5,12 +5,13 @@
 #include <memory>
 #include <utility>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include "dvlnet/base.h"
 #include "player.h"
 #include "utils/log.hpp"
 
-namespace devilution {
-namespace net {
+namespace devilution::net {
 
 tcp_server::tcp_server(asio::io_context &ioc, const std::string &bindaddr,
     unsigned short port, packet_factory &pktfty)
@@ -79,12 +80,21 @@ void tcp_server::HandleReceive(const scc &con, const asio::error_code &ec,
 	try {
 		while (con->recv_queue.PacketReady()) {
 			try {
-				auto pkt = pktfty.make_packet(con->recv_queue.ReadPacket());
+				tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt = pktfty.make_packet(con->recv_queue.ReadPacket());
+				if (!pkt.has_value()) {
+					Log("make_packet: {}", pkt.error().what());
+					DropConnection(con);
+					return;
+				}
 				if (con->plr == PLR_BROADCAST) {
-					HandleReceiveNewPlayer(con, *pkt);
+					if (tl::expected<void, PacketError> result = HandleReceiveNewPlayer(con, **pkt); !result.has_value()) {
+						Log("HandleReceiveNewPlayer: {}", result.error().what());
+						DropConnection(con);
+						return;
+					}
 				} else {
 					con->timeout = timeout_active;
-					HandleReceivePacket(*pkt);
+					HandleReceivePacket(**pkt);
 				}
 			} catch (dvlnet_exception &e) {
 				Log("Network error: {}", e.what());
@@ -100,32 +110,52 @@ void tcp_server::HandleReceive(const scc &con, const asio::error_code &ec,
 	StartReceive(con);
 }
 
-void tcp_server::HandleReceiveNewPlayer(const scc &con, packet &pkt)
+tl::expected<void, PacketError> tcp_server::HandleReceiveNewPlayer(const scc &con, packet &inPkt)
 {
 	auto newplr = NextFree();
 	if (newplr == PLR_BROADCAST)
 		throw server_exception();
 
-	if (Empty())
-		game_init_info = pkt.Info();
+	if (Empty()) {
+		tl::expected<const buffer_t *, PacketError> pktInfo = inPkt.Info();
+		if (!pktInfo.has_value())
+			return tl::make_unexpected(pktInfo.error());
+		game_init_info = **pktInfo;
+	}
 
 	for (plr_t player = 0; player < Players.size(); player++) {
 		if (connections[player]) {
-			auto playerPacket = pktfty.make_packet<PT_CONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST, newplr);
-			StartSend(connections[player], *playerPacket);
+			{
+				tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+				    = pktfty.make_packet<PT_CONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST, newplr);
+				if (!pkt.has_value())
+					return tl::make_unexpected(pkt.error());
+				StartSend(connections[player], **pkt);
+			}
 
-			auto newplrPacket = pktfty.make_packet<PT_CONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST, player);
-			StartSend(con, *newplrPacket);
+			{
+				tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+				    = pktfty.make_packet<PT_CONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST, player);
+				if (!pkt.has_value())
+					return tl::make_unexpected(pkt.error());
+				StartSend(con, **pkt);
+			}
 		}
 	}
 
-	auto reply = pktfty.make_packet<PT_JOIN_ACCEPT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST,
-	    pkt.Cookie(), newplr,
-	    game_init_info);
-	StartSend(con, *reply);
+	tl::expected<cookie_t, PacketError> cookie = inPkt.Cookie();
+	if (!cookie.has_value())
+		return tl::make_unexpected(cookie.error());
+	tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+	    = pktfty.make_packet<PT_JOIN_ACCEPT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST,
+	        *cookie, newplr, game_init_info);
+	if (!pkt.has_value())
+		return tl::make_unexpected(pkt.error());
+	StartSend(con, **pkt);
 	con->plr = newplr;
 	connections[newplr] = con;
 	con->timeout = timeout_active;
+	return {};
 }
 
 void tcp_server::HandleReceivePacket(packet &pkt)
@@ -213,10 +243,15 @@ void tcp_server::HandleTimeout(const scc &con, const asio::error_code &ec)
 void tcp_server::DropConnection(const scc &con)
 {
 	if (con->plr != PLR_BROADCAST) {
-		auto pkt = pktfty.make_packet<PT_DISCONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST,
-		    con->plr, LEAVE_DROP);
+		tl::expected<std::unique_ptr<packet>, PacketError> pkt
+		    = pktfty.make_packet<PT_DISCONNECT>(PLR_MASTER, PLR_BROADCAST,
+		        con->plr, LEAVE_DROP);
 		connections[con->plr] = nullptr;
-		SendPacket(*pkt);
+		if (pkt.has_value()) {
+			SendPacket(**pkt);
+		} else {
+			LogError("make_packet<PT_DISCONNECT>: {}", pkt.error().what());
+		}
 		// TODO: investigate if it is really ok for the server to
 		//       drop a client directly.
 	}
@@ -232,5 +267,4 @@ void tcp_server::Close()
 tcp_server::~tcp_server()
     = default;
 
-} // namespace net
-} // namespace devilution
+} // namespace devilution::net
diff --git a/Source/dvlnet/tcp_server.h b/Source/dvlnet/tcp_server.h
index c397081d6..36b69c82a 100644
--- a/Source/dvlnet/tcp_server.h
+++ b/Source/dvlnet/tcp_server.h
@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@
 // the 3DS SDK.
 #include <fmt/core.h>
 
+#include <expected.hpp>
+
 #include <asio/ts/buffer.hpp>
 #include <asio/ts/internet.hpp>
 #include <asio/ts/io_context.hpp>
@@ -23,8 +25,7 @@
 #include "dvlnet/packet.h"
 #include "multi.h"
 
-namespace devilution {
-namespace net {
+namespace devilution::net {
 
 class server_exception : public dvlnet_exception {
 public:
@@ -75,7 +76,7 @@ private:
 	void HandleAccept(const scc &con, const asio::error_code &ec);
 	void StartReceive(const scc &con);
 	void HandleReceive(const scc &con, const asio::error_code &ec, size_t bytesRead);
-	void HandleReceiveNewPlayer(const scc &con, packet &pkt);
+	tl::expected<void, PacketError> HandleReceiveNewPlayer(const scc &con, packet &pkt);
 	void HandleReceivePacket(packet &pkt);
 	void SendPacket(packet &pkt);
 	void StartSend(const scc &con, packet &pkt);
@@ -85,5 +86,4 @@ private:
 	void DropConnection(const scc &con);
 };
 
-} // namespace net
-} // namespace devilution
+} // namespace devilution::net
diff --git a/Source/init.cpp b/Source/init.cpp
index 654a96991..160a59ba6 100644
--- a/Source/init.cpp
+++ b/Source/init.cpp
@@ -405,7 +405,7 @@ void MainWndProc(const SDL_Event &event)
 		diablo_focus_unpause();
 		break;
 	default:
-		LogVerbose("Unhandled SDL_WINDOWEVENT event: ", event.window.event);
+		LogVerbose("Unhandled SDL_WINDOWEVENT event: {:d}", event.window.event);
 		break;
 	}
 #else