Fortnite matchmaking error - how to fix matchmaking in Fortnite

The Fortnite matchmaking error has been cropping up and preventing players from getting stuck into their favourite battle royale game.

Much like the Fortnite unexpected error, there's not much worse a Fortnite player can see when attempting to get into a new game. At least you'll avoid having any Fortnite lag.

But rather than allowing you to sadly walk away, as the rain starts falling and violin music starts mysteriously playing, we've put together this article, full of answers. We'll tell you how to fix the Fortnite matchmaking error, and we'll suggest some of the reasons that the error might be appearing in the first place.

What Causes The Fortnite Matchmaking Error?

There doesn't appear a singular, specific cause for this issue. But there are a couple of potential explanations. Firstly, there seems to be a spike in the matchmaking error after Fortnite has delivered an update.

But there is also the possibility that the sheer weight of traffic on the servers can trigger this error as well. If too many people are trying to access the game (which would also often coincide with a season update) it can cause issues with the servers.

There is also the possibility that there is an issue with the player's internet connection, preventing the game from communicating properly with the servers.

The error itself means people are unable to join matches. In some cases, it even prevents players from booting the game to start with. And while we can't definitively explain the reason for the issues, we are confident that these tips will work for the majority of players.

How To Fix Matchmaking Error In Fortnite

There are a number of general troubleshooting tips that are worth trying, should you encounter the matchmaking error:

• Start by checking the server status of the game. A matchmaking error could be caused if a server is down. If this is the case, wait until normal service has been resumed, before trying again.
• Try restarting the game. A simple, but effective technique.
• A solution that seems to have worked for a number of players is to change your matchmaking region. This works if your local server is experiencing issues. To do this:
  • Click on the Menu and select Settings
  • Select the gear icon and change your matchmaking region
• On the flip side, if you are using a VPN, try disabling it, and see if connecting to a more local server improves your situation.
• Make sure your date and time settings are accurate. If for some reason you've manually changed these, it can cause a problem communicating with the game server.
• If you are using an Android device, make sure your device hasn't been rooted.
• Additionally, Epic won't allow Fortnite to run on phones that have Developer Options turned on. So make sure these are off:
  • Navigate to Settings.
  • Scroll to Developer Options.
  • Toggle Developer Options OFF.
• Finally, you can verify the integrity of the game files by using the Epic Launcher. This will take a few minutes, but it will identify any faulty game files and repair them for you.

If, after trying all of these steps, you are still experiencing issues, then it's probably wise to contact Epic Games for further support and advice. But what do we know of the reasons behind the problem?

Why Can't I Join Custom Matchmaking?

If you're trying to join a private match, there are a few steps you need to follow, as per the instructions provided by Epic Games:

• Start by making sure you are in the same server region as the game host. If you're in the wrong server region, you'll receive an error message, and won't be able to join the game.
• Next, click Change to bring up the game menu, and select the appropriate game mode.
• At this point, you need to select Custom Matchmaking Key and enter the key your host gave you. If your host hasn't given you the key (it will be between 4 and 16 characters long) then you won't be able to join the match. Keys are case-sensitive, so make sure you enter them carefully.
• Click Accept. If you are trying to join after the match has already started, you'll see an error message. And if you manage to join but then get kicked out, this is usually because the match has already reached its 100-player maximum capacity.
• Finally, click Play, and wait for the match to begin.

In conclusion, experiencing matchmaking errors in Fortnite can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to try and fix the issue.

From ensuring that your game and system are up to date to checking your network connection and verifying game files, there are several troubleshooting techniques that can help resolve the issue.

Additionally, communicating with Epic Games support and seeking advice from the community can also be helpful in identifying and resolving any persistent issues.

With patience and persistence, you can get back to enjoying Fortnite's matchmaking system and all the fun it has to offer.