Experiencing unexpected disconnections during Fortnite can be frustrating, especially when you're about to secure a Victory Royale. As a seasoned player, I've dealt with various issues that can cause the game to kick me out. It’s essential to understand that several factors might be contributing to this problem, ranging from internet connectivity issues to software glitches.
I've learned that network problems are often the culprit. If my internet connection is unstable or slow, it may not be able to keep up with Fortnite's real-time data requirements, leading to disconnections. Moreover, problems with the Epic Games server itself can sometimes result in me getting kicked out of the game.
On the software side, outdated graphics drivers or Fortnite itself may also cause problems. It’s important that I keep my system’s software up to date to avoid compatibility issues. Additionally, running too many applications in the background can overload my system's resources, affecting game performance and stability. Identifying and fixing these issues can help create a more stable gaming experience.
Understanding the Issue
When I'm unexpectedly kicked out of a Fortnite game, it often signals a disruption in the connectivity or server-side difficulties. To resolve the issue effectively, identifying the underlying cause is crucial.
Common Causes for Disconnections
Network Instability: My internet connection may be unstable. Common indicators include high ping, jitter, and packet loss.
- High Ping: The time it takes for my data to travel to the server and back. Above 100ms can cause problems.
- Jitter: Fluctuation in ping can lead to an unstable gaming experience.
- Packet Loss: When data fails to reach the server, it can result in being kicked out of the game.
Local Hardware and Software: Problems with my device or the software running on it could also be to blame.
- Outdated Drivers: These can cause performance issues with the game.
- Overheating: Excessive heat may cause my system to malfunction.
- Corrupt Game Files: If game files are damaged, the game might not run properly.
Third-Party Applications: Programs running in the background can interfere with Fortnite's operations.
- Firewalls/Anti-Virus: Security software might mistakenly block the game's connection to the internet.
- Background Applications: Certain applications can consume bandwidth or cause conflicts.
Account Issues: Login credentials may occasionally encounter verification problems with Fortnite servers.
- Verification Error: Can lead to automatic logoff.
- Account Restrictions: Bans or temporary suspensions will also result in being kicked out.
Game Server Issues
Scheduled Maintenance: Epic Games regularly updates servers, during which access may be limited or unavailable.
- Patch Deployment: The game may be inaccessible as new patches are rolled out.
- Server Downtime: Announced on social platforms, official forums, and in-game.
Unexpected Outages: Fortnite's servers can sometimes go down unexpectedly due to technical failures or external attacks.
- Technical Glitches: Even the best-maintained servers can experience faults.
- DDoS Attacks: Distributed denial of service attacks can overload servers, causing disconnections.
Troubleshooting Your Connection
In my experience, maintaining a stable connection is crucial to prevent Fortnite from kicking me out of the game. I will guide you through checking your internet connectivity and optimizing network settings to improve your gaming experience.
Check Internet Connectivity
First, I ensure my device is connected to the internet. I use the following steps:
- Restart My Router: I unplug the router, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
- Test My Internet Speed: Using a website like speedtest.net, I confirm whether my connection meets Fortnite's requirements.
If my connection is unstable, I move closer to my Wi-Fi router or connect directly with an Ethernet cable to try and stabilize it.
Optimize Network Settings
Next, I adjust the network settings to optimize performance:
- Update Router Firmware: I check my router manufacturer's website for any updates.
- Change Wi-Fi Channel: I switch to a less crowded channel in my router's settings.
- Quality of Service (QoS): I prioritize gaming packets in my router settings, if available.
By following these specific steps, I can often prevent Fortnite from kicking me out due to connectivity issues.
Fortnite Game Settings
Managing Fortnite game settings can help address issues with the game kicking players out. Adjustments should be made carefully, starting with in-game settings, before considering reinstallation as a secondary measure.
Adjust In-Game Settings
In my experience, tweaking specific in-game settings can improve the game's stability. Here's a step-by-step approach:
- Lower Graphics Settings: If my PC or console isn't high-end, I reduce the graphics quality to lessen the load.
- Resolution: Lower it if the screen frequently freezes.
- View Distance: Set to medium or low to improve performance.
- Shadows and Textures: Turn these off or to low settings for an FPS boost.
- Cap the Frame Rate: Setting a frame rate limit can prevent the graphics card from overworking, which might be causing crashes.
- Frame Rate Limit: Match it to the refresh rate of my monitor or set it to 60 FPS if I'm unsure.
- Streamline Matchmaking Region: I ensure that I'm connected to the nearest matchmaking region to minimize network lag.
- Matchmaking Region: Choose the one with the lowest ping.
Update or Reinstall Fortnite
If adjusting the settings doesn't help, updating or reinstalling could be the solution.
- Check for Updates: I make sure that Fortnite is up to date since patches often fix bugs that cause crashes.
- Epic Games Launcher: Click on the 'Settings' gear next to 'Launch' and check for updates.
- Reinstall Fortnite: As a last resort, I uninstall and then reinstall Fortnite. This can resolve underlying issues from a flawed installation or corrupted files.
- Uninstall: Through the Epic Games Launcher or console's application settings.
- Reinstall: Download a fresh copy from the official site or store and install it.
Operating System and Drivers
Ensuring that my operating system and drivers are up to date is crucial for running Fortnite smoothly. Outdated software can lead to game crashes and performance issues.
Update Operating System
I always check for updates to my operating system because patches and improvements are frequently released to enhance stability and security. For Windows, I navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click Check for updates. On macOS, I go to the Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Update Drivers
My game performance is also tied to the graphics drivers; they need regular updates too. For NVIDIA graphics cards, I update drivers through the NVIDIA GeForce Experience application. For AMD cards, I go through the AMD Radeon Software. And if I have an integrated Intel GPU, I use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant to ensure the latest drivers are installed.
Hardware Considerations
When Fortnite unexpectedly ejects me from a game, I consider my system's hardware capabilities and health. I pay close attention to the specifications required for optimal gameplay and check for any potential hardware malfunctions.
Inspect Hardware Components
I make sure that my PC or console's hardware components meet or exceed the minimum system requirements of Fortnite. Specifically, I check the following:
- Processor (CPU): At minimum, a Core i3 2.4 GHz for PC or an equivalent for consoles.
- Memory (RAM): At least 4GB, although 8GB is recommended for smoother performance.
- Graphics Card (GPU): At least Intel HD 4000 for PC or equivalent for consoles. DirectX compatible.
If my hardware is not up to par, I consider upgrades that can sustain the game's demands.
Overheating Issues
I inspect my device for any signs of overheating, which is a common cause of game crashes. Here's what I look out for:
- Excessive fan noise: This often indicates that my system is working harder to cool down.
- Hot surfaces: If my device feels unusually hot, it could mean the internal temperature is too high.
- Thermal shutdowns: If my device has turned off during use, it's a clear sign of overheating.
To address overheating, I clean my device's air vents, check the cooling system, and ensure my gaming setup has proper ventilation. If the problem persists, I may need to replace the thermal paste on the CPU or GPU, or invest in an additional cooling system.
Dealing with Errors and Bugs
When I encounter errors and bugs in Fortnite that cause the game to kick me out, it's important to systematically address these issues to find a solution.
Identify Error Codes
The first step I take is to note any error codes that appear when I get kicked out of the game. These codes are crucial as they provide specific information about the problem. For instance, if I see an error like AS-1041
, I look up what it stands for on Fortnite's error code page.
Common Error Codes:
AS-1041
: Connection issues.LS-0013
: Launching issues.20006
: Anti-cheat errors.
Seek Official Support
If the error codes and troubleshooting based on them don't help, I reach out to Fortnite's official support channels. I submit a detailed query through their Help Center, including:
- Error codes received
- When the issue occurs
- Any steps I've already tried
Epic Games' support staff is experienced in providing specific solutions to resolve these errors.
Preventive Measures
To minimize the chances of being kicked out of a game in Fortnite, I adhere to a consistent approach that addresses both software and hardware aspects of my gaming setup.
Regular Maintenance
I regularly perform system maintenance to ensure my hardware is running optimally. This includes:
- Updating Drivers: I keep my graphics and audio drivers up to date, as outdated drivers can cause disruptions during gameplay.
- Clearing Temporary Files: I clear my computer's temporary files to free up system resources, using tools like 'Disk Cleanup' for Windows or 'OnyX' for macOS.
- Optimizing Internet Connection: I ensure my internet connection is stable by resetting the router every few weeks and using a wired connection when possible.
Monitor Game Updates
I pay close attention to updates from Fortnite, following these practices:
- Update Game: I always update Fortnite to the latest version as soon as an update is available, which helps avoid compatibility issues that can lead to disconnections.
- Check Patch Notes: I review the patch notes for each update to familiarize myself with any changes that might affect gameplay stability.