How To Fix Fortnite Matchmaking Error #3

Are you tired of facing the dreaded Fortnite matchmaking error #3?

This common hiccup can interrupt your battle royale fun and leave you stranded on the loading screen.

In this blog, we will guide you with the necessary techniques to conquer this error, ensuring you can dive back into the game with minimal downtime.

How To Fix Fortnite Matchmaking Error #3?

To fix Fortnite matchmaking error #3, you can run a traceroute to the Fortnite server, change your matchmaking region, and update your network drivers. Additionally, you can launch Fortnite as an administrator, temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall, and verify Fortnite game files.

1. Run A Traceroute To The Fortnite Server

Running a traceroute (tracert) can help you identify where the connection to the Fortnite server is failing.

This is not a repeated solution. Here’s how you can perform a traceroute:

• Open Command Prompt on your PC.
• Type tracert [Fortnite server IP] (replace [Fortnite server IP] with the actual IP address for your region).
• Press Enter to run the traceroute.
• Examine the output for any failure points or high latency.

2. Change Your Matchmaking Region

Error #3 could be due to server issues in your current matchmaking region. You can change your matchmaking region in the game settings to see if this resolves the issue. Select a region with low ping but be aware that too high of a ping might affect gameplay.

• Launch Fortnite and open the main menu.
• Click on the ‘Settings’ gear icon.
• Navigate to the ‘Game’ tab.
• Scroll down to the ‘Matchmaking Region’ option.
• Select a new region with a lower ping from the dropdown menu.
• Apply the changes and exit the settings.

3. Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause connection issues. This is not a repeated solution. To update your drivers:

• Visit your network card manufacturer’s website or use a driver management tool to check for updates.
• Download and install any available updates.
• Restart your computer to ensure the updates are applied.

4. Launch Fortnite As An Administrator

This gives the game the necessary permissions it might need on your system and can resolve some issues. This is not a repeated solution. To run Fortnite as an administrator:

• Right-click on the Fortnite executable or shortcut.
• Select ‘Run as administrator’ from the context menu.
• If this solves the issue, you can set Fortnite to always run as an administrator by right-clicking the executable, selecting ‘Properties’, navigating to the ‘Compatibility’ tab, checking ‘Run this program as an administrator’, and clicking ‘OK’.

5. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus/Firewall

Sometimes, antivirus software or firewalls can interfere with your connection to Fortnite’s servers. This is not a repeated solution. To check if this is the issue:

To Disable Antivirus:

• Right-click the antivirus icon in the system tray.
• Select ‘Disable protection’ or a similar option.
• Choose the duration to disable if prompted.

To Add Fortnite as an Antivirus Exception:

• Open your antivirus settings.
• Navigate to ‘Exceptions’ or ‘Exclusions’.
• Add the Fortnite executable to the list.

To Disable Firewall:

• Open ‘Control Panel’.
• Click ‘System and Security’, then ‘Windows Defender Firewall’.
• Select ‘Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off’.
• Turn off the firewall for both private and public networks.

To Add Fortnite as a Firewall Exception:

• Go back to ‘Windows Defender Firewall’ in the Control Panel.
• Click ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall’.
• Click ‘Change settings’, then ‘Allow another app’.
• Browse and add the Fortnite executable.
• Check the boxes next to Fortnite and click ‘OK’.

6. Verify Fortnite Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files can cause matchmaking errors.

If you’re playing on a PC, you can verify the integrity of game files through the Epic Games Launcher.

• Open the Epic Games Launcher.
• Navigate to the ‘Library’ section.
• Locate Fortnite and click on the three dots below it.
• Select ‘Verify’ from the dropdown menu.
• Allow the launcher to scan and repair any game files.

7. Check Fortnite Server Status

Before diving into complex troubleshooting, ensure that the Fortnite servers are operational. Server downtime or maintenance can often cause matchmaking errors.

You can check the server status on the official Fortnite Status Twitter account or on Epic Games’ server status page or on Downdetector.

8. Adjust Your DNS Settings

Sometimes, changing your DNS settings to a more reliable service like Google DNS or OpenDNS can improve your connection to Fortnite servers.

• Open ‘Control Panel’ on your PC.
• Go to ‘Network and Internet’ > ‘Network and Sharing Center’ > ‘Change adapter settings’.
• Right-click your active network connection and select ‘Properties’.
• Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and click ‘Properties’.
• Choose ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’.
• Enter a preferred DNS, such as Google’s 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or OpenDNS’s 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220.
• Click ‘OK’ to save the changes and close all windows.
• Restart your computer to apply the new DNS settings.

9. Disable Your VPN

If you’re using a VPN, it could interfere with your connection to Fortnite servers. Try disabling your VPN to see if that fixes the matchmaking error.

• Exit Fortnite and close the Epic Games Launcher.
• Turn off or disconnect your VPN through the VPN application or network settings.
• Restart your computer to ensure all VPN changes take effect.
• Try reconnecting to Fortnite without the VPN active.

10. Reset Your Router

Sometimes the issue can be with your internet connection.

Power cycling your router can help by clearing any network congestion and renewing your IP address.

• Turn off the router by pressing the power button or unplugging it from the power outlet.
• Leave the router powered down for at least 30 seconds.
• Turn the router back on by pressing the power button again or plugging it back into the power outlet.
• Wait a few minutes for the router to restart and the indicator lights to stabilize, signalling a restored internet connection.
• Test your device’s internet connection to confirm it’s working before trying to play Fortnite again.

11. Check For Fortnite Updates

Make sure your game is up to date. Epic Games frequently releases patches and updates for Fortnite that can resolve bugs and glitches, including matchmaking issues.

• Open the Epic Games Launcher.
• Click on ‘Library’ in the left panel.
• Find Fortnite in your game list.
• If there’s an ‘Update’ button next to Fortnite, click it to start updating.
• Wait for the update to finish downloading and installing.
• Launch Fortnite to play with the latest updates applied.

12. Uninstall And Reinstall Fortnite

This is not a repeated solution and can sometimes resolve persistent issues by giving you a fresh start. To do this effectively:

• Open the Epic Games Launcher.
• Click on the ‘Library’ in the left panel.
• Find Fortnite and click on the three dots next to it.
• Choose ‘Uninstall’ and confirm the action.
• Restart your computer once the uninstallation is complete.
• Reopen the Epic Games Launcher.
• Go back to the ‘Library’, find Fortnite, and click ‘Install’.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the game.

13. Contact Fortnite Support

If none of the above steps work, you may need to reach out to Fortnite support for further assistance.

They can provide more in-depth troubleshooting based on your specific situation.