Fortnite is one of the most played battle royale games in the world. However, any online game is bound to have technical glitches and Fortnite also has multiple of them. One of the bugs that players often encounter is the ‘Matchmaking Error #3’. This error can get into your gaming session and might frustrate you for no reason. Some players also report that they started receiving this error after updating the game. Well, whatever the reason is, this guide will walk you through all possible solutions to fix the ‘Matchmaking error #3’ in Fortnite.
How to Fix Matchmaking Error #3 in Fortnite
Due to the ‘Matchmaking error #3’ in Fortnite, players are unable to join any game. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to resolve this error.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
To play massive-sized online games like Fortnite smoothly on your device, it is crucial to have a fast and stable internet connection. So, the very first step to fix this error is to simply fix your internet connection. You can try using a mobile hotspot instead of WiFi for a better and more reliable connection. Furthermore, you can also try hard resetting your router or modem to establish a fresh connection.
2. Disable VPN or Change VPN Settings
If you are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), turn it off because a VPN connection can sometimes interfere with the smoother function of the game. If you are unable to disable the VPN, then try switching it to a server closer to your location. Switching to a different region in Fortnite settings (e.g., NA to EU) helped some users reconnect so it might work for you too. To do it:
- Open the main menu and go to ‘Settings’
- Then, go to the ‘Game’ tab, find the ‘Matchmaking Region’ setting
- Change it to ‘Auto’ or select a region closest to your location
- Once done, save the Settings and relaunch the game.
3. Repair Game Files
This is one of the classic and effective solutions which can help to resolve several issues and errors with the game including matchmaking error #3 in Fortnite. Here is how you can verify the integrity of game files on Steam and Epics Games Launcher.
– On Steam: Go to Steam Library >> Right-click on the game >> Properties >> Local Files >> Verify integrity of game files.
– On Epic Games Launcher: Open the Epic Games Launcher >> Library >> Right-click on the game >> Manage >> Verify.
Once the scanning process is done, relaunch the game and the error should be fixed now.
4. Update the Game
Ensure that you are playing an updated version of the game to minimize any errors while playing online games including Fortnite. Follow these steps to update the game on your gaming device.
On PC:
If you are playing Fortnite on your PC, then you do not need to update it manually, if the game has any new updates, you will see an ‘Update’ button upon clicking on it on your launcher. Simply, you will need to click on it and the game will start updating.
On PlayStation 5 (PS5):
- Open your Library
- Select Fortnite
- Tap the Options button
- Choose Check for Update
On Xbox:
- Select Fortnite on the home screen
- Tap the Start button
- Choose Manage Games and Add-ons
- Scroll down to the Updates section and look for updates
On Nintendo Switch:
- Select Fortnite
- Tap the + button
- Choose Software Update and select your update source.
5. Checking for a Ban
For any reason, if Epic Games has imposed restrictions on your account, it will prevent you from joining matches. So, make sure to check if they have not banned your account. To check, visit the official website of Epic Games, sign in using your account details, and check for any notifications. You can also check the email associated with your account. If a ban or any restrictions have been applied, you might receive an email.
6. Using a Different Account or Device
At times, the error can be linked to account-specific or device-specific issues. If that is the case, try using a different Epic Games account or try switching devices and check if this trick worked to fix matchmaking error #3 in Fortnite.
7. Switching Game Mode
Some players have managed to resolve this error imply by switching game mode. Just select an alternative mode and check if the error is fixed. If resolved, then you can return to your preferred game mode and enjoy the game without any errors.
8. Turn Off DX12 Shaders
If you are receiving this error on your PC, then some users suggest trying disabling DirectX 12 (DX12) shaders in the Epic Games settings which can be an effective solution to resolve the error. DX12 offers enhanced graphics and performance but it can also cause compatibility issues and cause this error. By turning it off, you will be able to resolve the error.
9. Changing DNS Settings
If the error is still coming, then try changing the DNS settings. This simple trick has been suggested by many players so give this workaround a try and let us know in the comments below if that worked for you to fix matchmaking error #3 in Fortnite.
10. Flushing DNS Cache
The next solution suggested by some players is to flush the DNS cache. This method will help to fix any network-related issues by removing outdated or corrupted DNS entries that might be causing this error. Here is how you can do this:
- Open up the Run dialog box by pressing the Win + R keys on your keyboard
- Then, try cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter and open up the Command prompt as an administrator
- Type the following command and press Enter
- ipconfig /flushdns
- Once done, restart your PC and then relaunch the game.
11. Reinstall the Game
As a last resort, uninstall the game completely from your device and then reinstall it. This will also ensure to fix any corrupted game files that cause error #3.
That’s it for this guide. We hope, one of the above solutions will help you fix matchmaking error #3 in Fortnite.
