Network Issue Fortnite

Fortnite Post-Match Disconnection - Network Connection Error Fix Guide

📅 Published: 2026-02-05 🔄 Updated: 2026-02-05 👥 Reports: 2 ⚡ Severity: 🟢 Low

🎯 Quick Answer

The primary fix for post-match disconnections is to configure your router's NAT to Open and forward the required UDP ports 5222, 5795, 7777, and 8700-8999.

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

The "Network Connection Lost" error following match completion is a client-server synchronization failure. This error terminates the connection to the Epic Games backend services when transitioning between match states, specifically after selecting "Play Again" or "Return to Lobby." The issue affects all platforms running Fortnite, including Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Android. It occurs across multiple game client versions. This is a common network-related error with a high severity impact, as it prevents continuous gameplay and requires manual reconnection. The exact error message presented is "Network Connection Lost. You have been disconnected from the match. Please check your network connection and try again." The disconnection typically results in a temporary matchmaking ban of approximately two minutes.

SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS

The application functions normally during gameplay. The failure sequence initiates upon match conclusion when the client attempts to return to the lobby or queue for a new match. The user interface becomes unresponsive to the "Play Again" or "Return to Lobby" commands. The system then displays the "Network Connection Lost" error message and forces the client to the main login screen. A subsequent attempt to enter matchmaking triggers a queue penalty notification stating, "You have been excluded from matchmaking for 2:00." Network diagnostics on the client machine or console indicate a functional internet connection during this event.

SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES

Category: Network Problem Specific Technical Explanation: Strict or Moderate NAT configuration on the user's router. This firewall setting restricts the necessary bidirectional UDP traffic on ports 5222, 5795, 7777, and 8700-8999, preventing proper session handoff after a match. Why this causes the problem: The game client cannot establish a new connection to the matchmaking service, as the router blocks the inbound packets required to maintain the session state. Category: Network Problem Specific Technical Explanation: DNS resolver caching incorrect or outdated records for Epic Games servers. Internet Service Provider DNS servers often propagate stale IP addresses. Why this causes the problem: The client attempts to reconnect to an obsolete server IP address after match completion, resulting in a timeout. Category: Software Conflict Specific Technical Explanation: Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers. This includes drivers for Ethernet and Wi-Fi controllers that contain bugs in their TCP/IP stack implementation. Why this causes the problem: The driver fails to properly manage the socket closure and re-establishment process required between matches, causing packet loss. Category: Configuration Error Specific Technical Explanation: Incorrect Windows network configuration, specifically an improperly set MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) size. A non-standard MTU can cause packet fragmentation. Why this causes the problem: Large packets containing session data are fragmented and dropped during the post-match transition, breaking the connection. Category: Game Bug Specific Technical Explanation: Corrupted local game cache or installation files. The FortniteGame directory in the Epic Games Launcher library contains invalid or partial data. Why this causes the problem: The client fails to load the correct assets or scripts needed to transition game states, forcing a disconnection. Category: Software Conflict Specific Technical Explanation: Overly aggressive firewall or antivirus software. Real-time scanning of the game's network traffic introduces latency and can reset connections. Why this causes the problem: The security software interprets the rapid socket reuse between matches as suspicious activity and terminates the connection. Category: Hardware Issue Specific Technical Explanation: Faulty or underperforming networking hardware, such as a router with a defective stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall or a network card with failing components. Why this causes the problem: The hardware cannot maintain the throughput and connection table state required for the rapid reconnection, leading to a timeout.

SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS

Solution 1: Configure Router NAT and Port Forwarding

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 15 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Router admin credentials Steps:

Access your router's admin panel by entering its default gateway IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1) into a web browser.
Locate the NAT or Firewall settings. Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) if available.
If UPnP is not available or ineffective, configure Port Forwarding rules. Forward the following UDP ports to the local IP address of the device running Fortnite: 5222, 5795, 7777, and the range 8700-8999.
Apply the settings and restart the router.
On the device, launch Fortnite. Navigate to Settings > Account and Network. Verify the "Network Connection Type" displays as "Open."

Technical Explanation: This ensures the game traffic has an unobstructed path. Open NAT and proper port forwarding allow the Epic Games servers to communicate directly with the client during the critical session transition after a match ends. Verification: The "Network Connection Type" within Fortnite's settings will change from "Moderate" or "Strict" to "Open." The disconnection error will not occur after consecutive matches.

Solution 2: Flush DNS and Configure Public DNS Servers

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Administrative command prompt access Steps:

Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to launch Command Prompt as Administrator.
Execute the command: ipconfig /flushdns
Execute the command: netsh int ip reset
Execute the command: netsh winsock reset
Restart the computer.
Configure your network adapter to use public DNS servers. Open Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your active connection > Properties. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" > Properties. Select "Use the following DNS server addresses." Enter 8.8.8.8 (Google) and 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare). Click OK.
Launch Fortnite and test.

Technical Explanation: This clears corrupted local DNS cache and resets the Windows network stack. Using reliable public DNS servers provides faster, more accurate resolution of Epic Games server hostnames, preventing connection to invalid IPs. Verification: Post-match transitions complete without error. You can verify the DNS change by running nslookup prod.ol.epicgames.com in Command Prompt and confirming the returned IP is valid.

Solution 3: Verify Fortnite Game Files via Epic Games Launcher

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 10-20 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Epic Games Launcher installed Steps:

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Click on your profile icon in the top right and select "Settings."
Scroll down to the "Manage Games" section.
Locate Fortnite and enable the "Verify on Next Launch" option.
Alternatively, click the three dots (...) next to Fortnite and select "Verify."
The launcher will scan and repair any missing or corrupted files. Do not interrupt this process.
Once complete, launch the game.

Technical Explanation: The verification process compares the local game file checksums against the master server. It replaces corrupted configuration files, scripts, and assets that are essential for maintaining network session continuity. Verification: The Epic Games Launcher will display "Verification complete." The game will launch, and the post-match disconnection error will be resolved.

Solution 4: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Device Manager access, internet connection Steps:

Press Windows Key + X and select "Device Manager."
Expand the "Network adapters" section.
Right-click your primary network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select "Update driver."
Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." Allow Windows to install the latest driver.
If no update is found, visit the manufacturer's website (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Killer Networking) to download the latest driver package directly. Install it.
After updating, return to Device Manager, right-click the adapter again, and select "Properties." Navigate to the "Power Management" tab and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
Restart the computer.

Technical Explanation: This installs the latest TCP/IP stack and power management fixes from the hardware vendor. Preventing the adapter from sleeping eliminates a potential point of failure during the brief network idle period between matches. Verification: The driver version in Device Manager will reflect the update. Network latency and stability can be tested using the ping -t 8.8.8.8 command to observe consistent response times without timeouts.

Solution 5: Adjust Windows Firewall and Antivirus Exceptions

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: Low Prerequisites: Administrative access Steps:

Press Windows Key, type "Allow an app through Windows Firewall," and select the Control Panel result.
Click "Change settings." Scroll to locate "Fortnite" and "Epic Games Launcher."
Ensure both entries are checked for both "Private" and "Public" networks. If they are missing, click "Allow another app," browse to C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe and add it.
For third-party antivirus software, open its interface and locate the firewall or application control settings. Add the same Fortnite executable path to the allowed/trusted applications list.
As a diagnostic step, temporarily disable the third-party firewall/antivirus and test. If the error stops, the security software is the cause.

Technical Explanation: This creates explicit permit rules for Fortnite's network traffic, preventing the firewall from terminating sockets that it misidentifies as anomalous during rapid reconnection attempts. Verification: The game connects and maintains sessions without intervention. Check the Windows Security log (Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Security) for no blocked entries from Fortnite.

Solution 6: Perform a Clean Network Stack Reinstall

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 15 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Administrative command prompt, Windows installation media may be required Steps:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Execute: netsh winsock reset catalog
Execute: netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
Execute: netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log
Restart the computer.
If the problem persists, reinstall the network adapter. In Device Manager, right-click the adapter and select "Uninstall device." Check the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device." Restart. Windows will reinstall the default driver upon reboot. Then install the latest manufacturer driver as per Solution 4.

Technical Explanation: This nuclear option completely resets the Windows network subsystem to its default state, removing all third-party Layered Service Providers (LSPs) and corrupted protocol entries that can interfere with game traffic. Verification: All network settings return to defaults. A successful fix is confirmed by the absence of the post-match disconnection error.

SECTION 5: PREVENTION

Maintain router firmware updates from the manufacturer's website quarterly. Configure static IP addresses for gaming devices to ensure port forwarding rules remain valid. Schedule a monthly verification of Fortnite game files through the Epic Games Launcher. Set network adapter drivers to update automatically via Windows Update or the manufacturer's utility. Conduct bi-annual testing of NAT type within Fortnite's settings to confirm it remains "Open." Monitor the Windows Event Viewer's System and Application logs for recurring network-related warnings (Event ID 4231, 1014).

SECTION 6: WHEN TO CONTACT SUPPORT

Contact Epic Games Player Support if all solutions fail and the error persists across multiple network infrastructures. Prepare diagnostic information including the network.log and launcher.log files located in C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\FortniteGame\Saved\Logs. Provide a detailed description of the error timing and the results of the in-game Network Debug Stats (enabled in Settings > Game UI). Official support channels are accessible via the "Contact Us" page on the Epic Games website. Include a DXDIAG report and a traceroute to prod.ol.epicgames.com.