This guide covers the Matchmaking Error #1, #2 or #3 messages that prevent you from joining a Fortnite match on PC. According to Epic Games, these errors most often come from server maintenance or a network problem, and each number has a specific meaning. Most cases therefore don't come from your PC: the first thing to do is identify the number displayed.
If the match starts but the game lags or the ping is high, follow High ping and lag in Fortnite on PC (French guide) instead. If Fortnite doesn't launch at all, see Fortnite won't launch or crashes at startup (French guide).
Problem
- Matchmaking Error #1, #2 or #3 message when clicking Play.
- The game returns to the lobby without starting the match.
- The problem sometimes affects a single mode (tournament, ranked match) or all modes.
Before you start
- Write down the exact number of the error and any text in brackets (for example [1.1.14]).
- Write down the game mode concerned: normal match, tournament, Creative or ranked match.
- Test whether the error affects all modes or only one.
| Observation | What to check |
|---|---|
| Error appeared for many players at the same time | Step 1 |
| Error #1 [1.1.14] or error #2 during a tournament | Step 2 |
| Error #3 (buses full) | Step 3 |
| Error in all modes, servers online | Step 4 |
| Error persists despite everything | Step 5 |
Step 1: check the status of Epic Games servers
When to use it: always first, since Epic Games cites server maintenance as the main cause.
Suggested solution
- Open the Epic Games Public Status page.
- Check the status of Fortnite and its services (matchmaking, login, game sessions).
- If maintenance or an incident is reported, wait for it to be resolved: no setting on your PC can work around a server outage.
Expected result: you know whether the problem comes from the servers. If everything is operational, go to the step that matches your error number.
Step 2: check the tournament conditions (errors #1 and #2)
When to use it: if the error appears when trying to join a tournament. Epic Games states that error #1 [1.1.14] means that the tournament bus has already left, and that error #2 can mean that you don't have permission to participate (tournament requirements not met), or a problem with the game's content service.
Suggested solution
- In the Compete tab, open the tournament concerned and check its schedule in your time zone.
- Check the eligibility requirements shown in the tournament details.
- For error #1 [1.1.14], wait for the tournament's next session window and join the queue earlier.
- See Epic's help page Why can't I join a Fortnite tournament? for the current list of requirements.
Expected result: you join the tournament during an open window, or you know which requirement is missing.
Step 3: retry the search or change mode (error #3)
When to use it: if error #3 appears. According to Epic Games, it means that the buses are full.
Suggested solution
- Wait a few minutes, then start the match search again.
- If the error comes back, try another game mode to check that matchmaking works elsewhere.
- Check the matchmaking region: Settings > Game > Language and Region > Matchmaking Region. Epic recommends the Auto setting, which picks the region best suited to your connection.
Expected result: the search succeeds after a new attempt, or in another mode.
Step 4: fix a connection problem
When to use it: if the servers are online and the error affects all modes. Epic Games then refers to its connection troubleshooting procedure.
Suggested solution
- Restart your modem or router (off for 30 seconds), then the PC.
- If possible, test with an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi.
- If you use a VPN or a proxy, test without it.
- Flush the Windows DNS cache, as described by Epic Games, from a Command Prompt (administrator):
ipconfig /flushdns
- Restart the Epic Games launcher, then Fortnite.
Expected result: matchmaking succeeds. If not, test another connection (phone hotspot): if the error disappears, the block comes from the original network.
Step 5: check the PC settings cited by Epic
When to use it: if the error persists while the servers are working and the connection is healthy.
Suggested solution
- Close applications running in the background (downloads, capture software, overlays) before launching the game.
- On a laptop with two graphics cards, check that Fortnite uses the dedicated graphics card: Settings > System > Display > Graphics, select Fortnite then High performance.
- If the error continues, send a bug report from within the game: Epic Games uses it to analyse matchmaking errors.
Expected result: the error disappears, or Epic Games has the information needed to analyse it.
Special cases
- Modified hosts file: if software or a tutorial modified the
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hostsfile, Epic Games advises restoring it to default. Only do this if you know it was modified.
- School, workplace or hotel network: some networks block online games. Test on another connection before changing your PC.
Final check
- ☐ The Epic Games status page shows no ongoing incident.
- ☐ The tournament requirements and schedule are met (errors #1 and #2).
- ☐ The matchmaking region is set to Auto.
- ☐ A match starts without error in at least two game modes.
Sources
- Epic Games: Why am I getting matchmaking error #1, #2 or #3 in Fortnite?
- Epic Games: Why can't I join a Fortnite tournament?
- Epic Games: Fortnite help on the matchmaking region
- Epic Games: How to troubleshoot connection issues
- Epic Games: How do I flush my DNS on Windows?
- Epic Games: Epic Games Public Status
Matchmaking error still there?
Reply to this topic with:
- The exact error number and the code in brackets, if any.
- The game mode concerned (normal, tournament, ranked, Creative).
- Your connection type (Wi-Fi, cable, VPN, shared network).
- Whether the error disappears with another connection.
- The status shown on the Epic Games status page at the time of the error.