6 Ways to Fix the Fortnite “Network Connection Lost” Error on Windows PCs

Fortnite players frequently report network connection issues disconnecting them from matches. The “network connection lost” error message players see when playing Fortnite is one such issue. A player described that issue on Reddit as follows, “My Fortnite keeps disconnecting me mid-game for ‘network connection lost’ even though nothing else disconnects.” Players have also reported this issue arising when trying to join game worlds. This is how you can fix the Fortnite “network connection lost” error on Windows PCs.

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Repair Fortnite’s Files

Although seemingly a connectivity issue, the “network connection lost” can sometimes be due to corrupted Fortnite files. One of Epic’s official resolutions for this error is to verify Fortnite’s files. So, try repairing the game files for Fortnite before anything else by going through the steps on this Epic Games verification page.

The Verify option

Select Fortnite Installation Options

If you see the “network connection lost” error message when trying to play Fortnite: Save the World, try selecting additional installation options. Some payers confirm selecting Fortnite Core and Battle Royale and Save the World installation checkboxes has resolved this issue for them. This is how you can select those options.

1. Open the Epic Games launcher for Fortnite and click Library.
2. Click Fortnite’s three-dot menu button and select Options.
3. Select the Fortnite Core and Battle Royale and Save the World checkboxes.
   
   

   The Fortnite installation options

4. Click Apply to download the required files.

Set a Fortnite Command Line Argument

Players confirm setting a -limitclientticks launch parameter can fix the Fortnite “network connection lost” error. That’s a command line argument you can set for the game via Epic Games launcher as follows.

1. Start Epic Games launcher.
2. Click the user name button in Epic to select Settings on its menu.
   
   

   The user menu in Epic Games

3. Next, click the Fortnite game to expand options for it.
4. Select the checkbox for Additional Command Line Arguments.
   
   

   The Additional Command Line Arguments checkbox

5. Input -limitclientticks into the command line argument text box.

Change Your Matchmaking Region

Selecting an alternative and more reliable matchmaking regional server is a potential solution for the Fortnite “network connection lost” error worth trying. It’s usually better to select servers closer to your actual geographical region. This Epic page includes instructions for changing matchmaking region servers within the Fortnite game.

The Matchmaking Region setting

Set the Google DNS Server

Setting up an alternative DNS server on your PC may strengthen your connection. Epic recommends setting a Google DNS for troubleshooting connectivity issues such as the Fortnite “network connection lost” error. This is how you can set a Google DNS.

1. Right-click your Windows Start button and select the Search shortcut.
2. Enter ncpa.cpl into the file search box and click the matching result.
3. Double-click your internet connection and select Properties on the window that appears.
4. Next, double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 setting to bring up a properties configuration window.
5. Click Use the following DNS server addresses to activate greyed-out boxes.
6. Input the 8.8.8.8 Google address inside the Preferred DNS box.
   
   

   The Use the following DNS server addresses radio button

7. Next, type a value of 8.8.4.4 within the Alternative DNS box.
8. Press OK on the properties windows and restart your PC.

Load Into the Creative Map

Does the Fortnite “network connection lost” error occur when you try to join worlds? If so, try loading the Creative map in Fortnite. Doing this downloads HD textures, which can fix the error when it occurs for joining worlds.

The Creative map selection

To apply this potential solution, bring up the world selection menu. Select Play and click on Creative (under By Epic) to load into it. Restart Fortnite and try joining a world again.

The Fortnite “network connection lost” error can occur under slightly different circumstances. Applying the potential resolutions here can fix that error when it arises during Fortnite matches, starting Save the World, or joining worlds. If those possible solutions aren’t enough, consider submitting a support ticket about the issue by clicking Contact Us on this Epic help page for Fortnite.