Game Error Fortnite

Matchmaking Error #1 - Fortnite Fix Guide

📅 Published: 2026-02-06 🔄 Updated: 2026-02-06 👥 Reports: 2 ⚡ Severity: 🟢 Low

🎯 Quick Answer

Disable or uninstall the GoodbyeDPI network tool, as it interferes with Fortnite's ranked matchmaking servers, then verify the game files.

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

Matchmaking Error #1 is a network connectivity failure that prevents players from joining Fortnite sessions. The error specifically interrupts the handshake between the client and Epic Games' matchmaking servers. This issue affects the Windows PC platform exclusively, as it is tied to specific software conflicts on that operating system. The error occurs across all current game versions following the transition to the Unreal Engine 5.1 runtime. This is a common error under specific technical conditions. The severity is game-breaking for cooperative or ranked modes, as it completely blocks entry into a match. The exact error message presented is "Matchmaking Error #1." The problem manifests with higher frequency when attempting to join Ranked, Duos, or Squads playlists, while Solo modes often remain functional.

SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS

The application displays a modal dialog box with the text "Matchmaking Error #1" during the party formation or queueing process. The network connection to the matchmaking service times out after approximately 30 seconds of attempted negotiation. The error occurs specifically when the party leader initiates the "Ready Up" sequence or when the matchmaking queue timer reaches its conclusion. The user interface returns to the lobby screen upon dismissing the error. In a party, one or more members may fail to connect while others succeed, leading to a partial party entry. The game client remains otherwise fully operational, with no crash to desktop or performance degradation.

SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES

Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Third-party network latency or packet-shaping tools like GoodbyeDPI actively modify TCP/IP stack behavior. These modifications conflict with Epic Online Services' (EOS) strict packet validation and anti-cheat network drivers. Why this causes the problem: The game's secure connection to ranked servers requires unaltered TCP headers and specific QoS markings that these tools strip or modify, causing packet rejection. Category: Network Problem Specific technical explanation: Router or Windows Firewall rules incorrectly block or throttle the UDP ports 5222, 5795-5847, and TCP port 443, which are required for EOS matchmaking and party communication. Why this causes the problem: The matchmaking service cannot establish a full-duplex communication channel, resulting in a timeout. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Corrupted or outdated local network configuration in the %localappdata%\FortniteGame\Saved\Config\WindowsClient directory. Why this causes the problem: The game loads erroneous server endpoints or quality-of-service settings that point to invalid matchmaking hosts. Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Outdated or incompatible network adapter driver, particularly for Wi-Fi adapters, that mishandles the high packet frequency during matchmaking session establishment. Why this causes the problem: The driver fails to maintain the required packet order and timing, triggering the game's network integrity checks. Category: Game Bug Specific technical explanation: A stale or corrupted installation of the Epic Online Services overlay component, located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Extras\Overlay. Why this causes the problem: The overlay facilitates party communication and matchmaking invites; a fault in this component disrupts the handoff to the game server. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Incorrect DNS server configuration that introduces high latency or fails to resolve the dynamic matchmaking service domains (e.g., .epicgames.com, .eos.com). Why this causes the problem: The client cannot resolve the current IP address of the optimal matchmaking coordinator, leading to connection attempts to outdated or invalid IPs.

SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS

Solution 1: Disable GoodbyeDPI and Reset Network Stack

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Administrator access required. Steps:

Open the Windows Services application by pressing Win + R, typing services.msc, and pressing Enter.
Locate the "GoodbyeDPI Service" or similar service name. Right-click it and select Stop. Then, set its Startup type to Disabled.
If using a batch file, locate the batch file (e.g., goodbyedpi.bat). Right-click it and select Edit. Add the command exit on the first line, save the file, and restart your PC.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Execute the following commands in order:

netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /flushdns

Restart the computer. Launch Fortnite and attempt to join a Ranked match.

Technical Explanation: This removes the network layer modifications that interfere with Epic's anti-cheat and matchmaking protocols, then rebuilds the Windows network catalog and clears DNS cache to ensure clean connections. Verification: The Matchmaking Error #1 dialog no longer appears, and the party successfully transitions from the lobby into the matchmaking queue and loading screen.

Solution 2: Verify Fortnite Game Files via Epic Launcher

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 15-20 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: None. Steps:

Completely exit the Fortnite game client.
Open the Epic Games Launcher. Navigate to your Library.
Locate Fortnite and click the three dots (...) below the game title.
Select Manage from the dropdown menu.
Click the Verify button. The launcher will scan and repair any corrupted or missing game files.
After the process completes, restart the Epic Games Launcher and launch Fortnite.

Technical Explanation: This process compares local game files against the official manifest and replaces any that are mismatched or corrupt, including critical network configuration files within the game's packed assets. Verification: The verification log shows zero files requiring repair, and the matchmaking error ceases.

Solution 3: Configure Windows Firewall for Fortnite

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 7 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Administrator access. Steps:

Press Win + R, type wf.msc, and press Enter to open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
In the left pane, click Outbound Rules. In the right pane, click New Rule....
Select Program and click Next. Click Browse and navigate to C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe. Select it and click Next.
Select Allow the connection. Click Next. Ensure all profiles (Domain, Private, Public) are checked. Click Next.
Name the rule "Fortnite Matchmaking TCP/UDP". Click Finish.
Repeat steps 2-5, but in step 3, browse to C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win32\EpicGamesLauncher.exe to create a rule for the launcher.

Technical Explanation: This creates explicit allow rules for both the game and launcher executables, preventing any Windows Firewall profile from blocking the necessary outbound connections to matchmaking services on non-standard ports. Verification: Matchmaking succeeds. You can monitor the firewall log (wf.msc > Monitoring) to confirm the Fortnite client connections are allowed.

Solution 4: Reset Local Game Configuration Files

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: None. Steps:

Close the Epic Games Launcher completely (right-click its system tray icon and select Exit).
Open File Explorer and navigate to %localappdata%\FortniteGame\Saved.
Rename the entire Config folder to Config_OLD.
Rename the entire SaveCloud folder (if present) to SaveCloud_OLD.
Restart the Epic Games Launcher and launch Fortnite. The game will generate fresh configuration files.

Technical Explanation: This eliminates corrupted or manually altered settings in GameUserSettings.ini and Engine.ini that may contain invalid matchmaking region codes or deprecated server addresses. Verification: The game launches with default settings. Reconfigure your audio/video settings, then test matchmaking. The error is resolved.

Solution 5: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Administrator access, internet connection. Steps:

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters section.
Right-click your primary network adapter (e.g., Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Killer E3100G) and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers. Allow Windows to install the latest driver.
If no update is found, visit the manufacturer's website (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Killer) to download and install the latest driver package directly.
After installation, restart your computer.

Technical Explanation: An updated driver includes improved handling of UDP packet bursts and proper support for modern network protocols (like QoS tagging) that Fortnite's matchmaking relies upon for stable connections. Verification: The Device Manager shows the latest driver date and version. Network latency during matchmaking initiation is reduced.

Solution 6: Perform a Clean Reinstall of Epic Online Services

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Administrator access. Steps:

Close all Epic Games processes via Task Manager.
Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Extras\Overlay.
Run the installer files EOSOverlayRenderer-Win32-Shipping.exe and EOSOverlayRenderer-Win64-Shipping.exe as Administrator. If prompted to repair or uninstall, choose repair.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Navigate to the directory: cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win32"
Execute the command: EpicGamesLauncher.exe /reinstall
After the launcher reinstalls, log in and launch Fortnite.

Technical Explanation: This ensures the Epic Online Services overlay, which manages party chat and matchmaking invitations, is correctly installed and registered with the operating system, fixing broken inter-process communication. Verification: The in-game overlay (Shift+F3) functions correctly, and matchmaking for parties proceeds without error.

SECTION 5: PREVENTION

Maintain a standard network configuration without packet-modifying tools like GoodbyeDPI when playing Fortnite. Schedule a monthly verification of game files through the Epic Games Launcher. Configure static outbound firewall rules for Fortnite executables as detailed in Solution 3 to prevent rule corruption after updates. Establish a quarterly schedule to update network adapter drivers directly from the hardware manufacturer's website, not relying on Windows Update. Monitor the integrity of the %localappdata%\FortniteGame\Saved\Config directory; avoid manual edits to network-related .ini files. Ensure your router firmware is updated to the latest stable version provided by your ISP or manufacturer.

SECTION 6: WHEN TO CONTACT SUPPORT

Contact Epic Games Player Support if all solutions fail and the error persists exclusively in Ranked modes. Provide the diagnostic information from the game logs located in %localappdata%\FortniteGame\Saved\Logs. Include a direct link to your Fortnite Tracker network statistics page. Submit a detailed report including your public IP address, ISP name, and the exact time stamps of failed matchmaking attempts. Official support channels are accessible via the "Contact Us" section at the bottom of the Epic Games Support website. Do not submit reports regarding modified network stacks or third-party tool conflicts, as these are unsupported configurations.