Game Error Fortnite

Fortnite Matchmaking Error Code 1 - Team Game Fix Guide

📅 Published: 2026-02-05 🔄 Updated: 2026-02-05 👥 Reports: 7 ⚡ Severity: 🟢 Low

🎯 Quick Answer

The primary fix for Error Code 1 is to verify the Epic Games server status and, if operational, perform a full power cycle of your console and network hardware.

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

Error Code 1 in Fortnite is a matchmaking failure that prevents the formation or joining of a party and subsequent entry into team-based game modes. The error manifests specifically when attempting to queue for Duos, Trios, or Squads in both regular and OG playlists, while Solo modes typically remain functional. This issue is platform-agnostic but has been documented on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 systems. The error correlates with specific game client versions following major updates, such as those deployed around November 18th. This is a common occurrence post-update but typically resolves within a short service window. The severity is game-breaking for cooperative play, as it completely blocks access to the intended matchmaking service. The exact error message presented is "Error Code 1."

SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS

The application initiates normally and allows navigation of menus. The failure occurs during the matchmaking sequence after selecting a team-based playlist (Duos, Trios, Squads) and confirming the "Ready" state. The system displays a "Matchmaking Error" notification dialog box containing the text "Error Code 1." This dialog interrupts the matchmaking process and returns the user to the lobby. The error is 100% reproducible for team queues while Solo matchmaking completes without error. No application crash or termination occurs; the failure is contained within the network service layer.

SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES

Category: Network Problem Specific technical explanation: Local Network Address Translation (NAT) table corruption or port conflict on the user's router. Fortnite requires consistent UDP communication on a range of ports; stale NAT bindings from previous sessions can block new connections. Why this causes the problem: The router fails to correctly forward matchmaking handshake packets to the console, causing the Epic backend services to reject the party formation request. Category: Game Bug Specific technical explanation: Corrupted or mismatched party data cached locally on the console. This includes invalidated session tokens or stale playlist information from a previous game update. Why this causes the problem: The game client sends contradictory or outdated state information to the matchmaking service, triggering a validation error (Code 1) on the server side. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Incorrect or overly restrictive network settings on the console itself, such as a misconfigured DNS or a static IP conflicting with the router's DHCP range. Why this causes the problem: The console cannot establish a stable, low-latency connection to the specific Epic party servers responsible for team matchmaking, while core solo services remain accessible. Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Outdated or corrupted system software on the PlayStation console. An OS-level network stack bug can interfere with the game's persistent party connections. Why this causes the problem: The system's network APIs return erroneous statuses to the Fortnite application, leading it to abort the matchmaking process. Category: Network Problem Specific technical explanation: Internet Service Provider (ISP) routing issues or temporary blockage of specific content delivery networks (CDNs) used by Epic Games for party services. Why this causes the problem: Network packets are dropped or routed through high-latency paths only when connecting to the distinct server clusters used for team games. Category: Game Bug Specific technical explanation: A service outage or degraded performance specifically affecting Epic's party and matchmaking backend services, as indicated on the official status page. Why this causes the problem: The game client is attempting to connect to an unhealthy or offline service endpoint, resulting in a defined failure code.

SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS

Solution 1: Verify Epic Games Server Status & Basic Power Cycle

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: None Steps:

Open a web browser on a separate device and navigate to the official Epic Games Server Status page (status.epicgames.com).
Check the status of "Fortnite" and specifically "Party & Matchmaking" services. If the status is "Degraded Performance" or "Outage," no local action will resolve the error. Wait for Epic to restore service.
If services are operational, proceed with a full power cycle. On your PS5, close the Fortnite application completely.
Perform a full shutdown of the PS5 (not Rest Mode). Unplug the power cable from the back of the console for 60 seconds.
Simultaneously, unplug the power cable from your modem and router for 60 seconds.
Reconnect the modem, wait for all lights to stabilize. Reconnect the router, wait for network lights to stabilize. Reconnect and power on the PS5.
Launch Fortnite and attempt to queue for a team-based playlist.

Technical Explanation: This clears volatile memory (RAM) on all devices, flushes corrupted NAT tables from the router, and forces the console to re-establish fresh connections to all Epic services, obtaining new session tokens. Verification: Successful matchmaking into a team game lobby without the "Error Code 1" dialog. The party interface remains stable and the countdown timer initiates.

Solution 2: Clear Fortnite Cache and Rebuild PS5 Database

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: None Steps:

Ensure the PS5 is fully powered off (not in Rest Mode).
Press and hold the physical power button on the front of the console. Release after the second beep (about 7 seconds) to boot into Safe Mode.
Connect a DualSense controller via USB cable and press the PS button.
Select option 5: Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
Select 1: Clear System Software Cache. Confirm the operation.
After completion, return to the Safe Mode menu and select 2: Rebuild Database. This process scans the drive and creates a new database of all content.
Once complete, select "Restart PS5." Launch Fortnite and test team matchmaking.

Technical Explanation: Corrupted game data cached by the system software is purged. Rebuilding the database repairs corrupted file system structures that may be preventing the game from reading critical network configuration files correctly. Verification: The PS5 will re-optimize data upon first boot. In Fortnite, the error no longer occurs during the party formation sequence.

Solution 3: Configure Console Network Settings for Optimal NAT

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 7 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Access to router admin interface (optional for manual setup). Steps:

On the PS5, navigate to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
Highlight your current connection method (Wi-Fi or LAN), press the Options button, and select "Advanced Settings."
Set "IP Address Settings" to Automatic. Set "DHCP Host Name" to Do Not Specify.
Set "DNS Settings" to Manual. For Primary DNS, enter 8.8.8.8. For Secondary DNS, enter 8.8.4.4 (Google's public DNS).
Set "MTU Settings" to Manual. Change the value from 1500 to 1473.
Set "Proxy Server" to Do Not Use.
Save settings and test the internet connection. Once confirmed, launch Fortnite.
(Advanced) For a permanent fix, enable UPnP in your router's admin interface or set a static IP/port forwarding for the PS5's IP address, forwarding UDP ports 6672, 61455-61458.

Technical Explanation: Using a reliable public DNS bypasses potential ISP DNS failures. Reducing MTU can prevent packet fragmentation that disrupts the matchmaking handshake. UPnP or port forwarding ensures the router correctly maps the necessary ports for P2P party communication. Verification: The PS5 network test shows NAT Type 1 or 2. Within Fortnite, the "Network Debug Stats" overlay (enabled in settings) shows stable packet send/receive with 0% packet loss when in the lobby.

Solution 4: Reinstall the Fortnite Application

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 20-40 minutes (depending on internet speed) Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Sufficient storage space; PlayStation Network account. Steps:

On the PS5 home screen, highlight the Fortnite game tile.
Press the Options button on the controller and select Delete.
Confirm deletion to uninstall the application. Game data and saved settings linked to your Epic account are preserved in the cloud.
Navigate to your Game Library. Find Fortnite in your purchased list or via search.
Select Fortnite and choose Download.
After the download and installation complete, launch the game. You will need to log in with your Epic Games account again.
Re-test matchmaking in a team playlist.

Technical Explanation: This replaces all local game binaries and configuration files, eliminating any corrupted or incorrectly patched files that are causing a version mismatch with the matchmaking service. Verification: A fresh installation log-in and successful queue into a team match confirms the local client was the source of the error.

Solution 5: Create a New PlayStation Network User for Testing

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: Low (Diagnostic) Prerequisites: Willingness to create a temporary local user. Steps:

On the PS5, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Users > Add User.
Select "Get Started" and create a new local user profile. Do not link a PSN account initially.
Switch to this new user profile on the console.
Download and launch Fortnite from this new profile. The game will prompt for an Epic Games account; use a different account or create a temporary one.
Attempt to party and queue for a team game mode.

Technical Explanation: This test isolates the problem to either the system-wide environment (if the error persists) or the original user's corrupted profile data (if the error is absent on the new profile). User-specific corruption can include saved network settings and game preferences. Verification: If matchmaking works on the new profile, the issue is isolated to the original user's data. The solution is to back up saves and rebuild the original PSN profile.

SECTION 5: PREVENTION

Maintain console system software updates, which often contain critical network stack fixes. Enable automatic updates for both the PS5 system and the Fortnite application. Periodically, once per month, perform a full power cycle of your network hardware and console to clear memory caches. Avoid suspending the Fortnite application in Rest Mode for extended periods during active online seasons; fully close the application after each gaming session. Monitor the Epic Games Server Status page prior to extended play sessions, especially following announced maintenance or content updates.

SECTION 6: WHEN TO CONTACT SUPPORT

Contact Epic Games Player Support only after confirming server status is operational and executing all relevant solutions in this guide. Escalation is required if the error persists exclusively on your account across multiple consoles and networks. Provide support with your Epic Games account ID, the exact time of the error, and a video capture of the issue occurring. Include your PS5 model number and system software version. Official support channels are accessible via the Epic Games Help page. Do not provide personal account details on public forums.