What Does “Waiting In Queue” Mean in Fortnite and How to Fix It

What Does “Waiting In Queue” Mean in Fortnite and How to Fix It

If you’re a Fortnite player, then you may have encountered the frustrating “Waiting in Queue” error at some point. We’ve outlined causes and solutions to this problem to get you playing ASAP.

Released back in 2017, Fortnite is constantly receiving new patches and seasonal updates to implement quality-of-life improvements and bring new content to the table. This keeps things fresh and exciting for the player base, keeping them busy with new quests, cosmetics, battle passes, and more. That said, seasonal drops come with a lot of traffic, which can spell trouble for servers. This often leads to the “Waiting in Queue” error, as there’s a high demand to play the game and join matches. In this guide, we’ll discuss the causes of this error and offer several solutions.

What is the “Waiting in Queue” Error in Fortnite?

The Waiting in Queue error is a common issue that Fortnite players encounter when attempting to join a match. This error occurs when the capacity of the Fortnite servers is exceeded, which can happen during peak playing hours. When too many players attempt to join a match at the same time, the servers can become overloaded, and players may have to wait in a queue before they can join.

“Waiting in Queue” Error Causes

The Waiting in Queue error can occur for a variety of reasons. One common cause is server overload, which happens when too many players attempt to join a match at the same time. However, network connectivity issues can also contribute to the error, as poor internet connections can cause delays in connecting to the game servers.

How to Fix the “Waiting in Queue” Error in Fortnite

Fortunately, there are several potential solutions for fixing the Waiting in Queue error in Fortnite. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

  • Wait it out
  • Restart the console
  • Check for updates
  • Reset your internet connection
  • Verify game files
    • Note: This final method will only work for PC users.

Wait It Out

One simple solution is to wait for the queue to clear. This may take some time, but it’s often the easiest and most effective way to fix the error. If the servers are overloaded, waiting a few minutes may allow some players to drop out of the queue, allowing you to join a match.

Restart the console

Sometimes, restarting the console can fix the Waiting in Queue error. Close the game entirely and get your console or PC to restart. Wait a few moments before trying to launch it again. This can refresh the game and clear any issues causing the error.

Checking for Updates

It’s always a good idea to make sure that you have the latest version of Fortnite installed. Check for any available updates, and install them if necessary. This can fix any bugs or glitches that may be causing the Waiting in Queue error.

Reset Your Internet Connection

If you’re experiencing network connectivity issues, resetting your internet connection may help. Try unplugging your modem or router for a few minutes, and then plug it back in. This can clear any issues with your internet connection and allow you to connect to the game servers.

Verify Game Files (PC only)

If the above steps don’t work and you’re on PC, you can try verifying the integrity of the game files. This can fix any corrupted files that may be causing the error. To do this:

  1. Open the Epic Games Launcher
  2. Click the Library tab
  3. Click the gear icon next to Fortnite
  4. Click Verify

If none of these steps work, contacting Fortnite support for further assistance may be worthwhile. With these solutions, you can get back to playing the game without the frustration of the infamous “Waiting in Queue” error. For more tips and help with Fortnite, check out some of our other guides: