How to fix Matchmaking Error #1 in Fortnite

It's the number one ranked error in the Fortnite world.

Meteors flying in the sky above the Fortnite island.
Image via Epic Games

Queuing for a Fortnite match is usually the first thing on your agenda when you load into the main lobby. But on rare occasions, you might face a setback when a wild Matchmaking Error #1 appears, preventing you from getting into a Fortnite match.

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Matchmaking error #1 mostly appears when Fortnite rolls out a new patch or due to more specific circumstances. Usually, whenever I encounter this error, the servers are online, meaning there’s another root cause.

What causes Matchmaking Error #1 in Fortnite?

Fortnite players dropping from the battlebus
You can’t leave the Battle Bus without fixing this error first. Image via Epic Games

Fortnite’s matchmaking error #1 mostly appears because of server maintenance and updates rolled out by Epic Games that may cause server outages.

Alternatively, Fortnite‘s matchmaking error #1 can occur when you try to play a ranked match after a custom game. While the game should be able to make the switch automatically, there seems to be a bug preventing this and causing the error.

How you can fix Matchmaking error #1 in Fortnite

There are several fixes to try for Matchmaking Error #1 in Fortnite. The first methods focus on fixing Matchmaking Error #1 when it occurs after a custom game session. If you haven’t played a custom match recently but received this error, you can check out the latter methods on the list.

1) Remove the custom game code

Fortnite characters running away from an explosion. Peely is holding a
Time to return to the normal queue. Image via Epic Games

If you get Matchmaking Error #1 after a custom game, remove its code from the Custom Games menu. Try queuing up for a game after deleting the code to see if the error is gone. I’d also recommend restarting Fortnite after removing the custom game code.

2) Coordinate with your party

This matchmaking error might also appear while you’re playing with a squad. When that’s the case, ask your party members to set their status to unready. After this, the party leader should ready up first before everyone else. Once you complete this sequence, try starting a Fortnite game again.

3) Change your region settings

Changing region settings has worked for some players to fix the Matchmaking Error #1. If you’ve previously chosen a region to play Fortnite, set it to auto. The opposite will also apply. If you selected auto for your server settings, you should choose a specific server to see if it makes a difference.

4) Change your fill setting

Ares in Fortnite holding an axe.
A change in your party structure can do the trick. Image via Epic Games

When I first encountered Matchmaking Error #1, I was playing with a friend in squads with fill enabled. Upon receiving the error, I switched fill to no fill, and it was an instant fix. Disabling fill makes the matchmaking system’s job easier for your own squad.

5) Turn on crossplay

The crossplay setting affects the matchmaking pool sizes. If you get this error and have the option disabled, try enabling it. After doing so, restart Fortnite and try finding a new match upon launching it again.

6) Join another party

The player swimming in water in Fortnite.
New friends, no errors. Screenshot by Dot Esports

There have been instances where the Matchmaking Error #1 prevented solo players from joining a match. If you encounter this error code while playing Fortnite solo, try joining a party briefly and then leave it.

7) Wait out the error

Fortnite‘s Matchmaking Error #1 can also appear when Epic releases a new patch. During large content updates, Fortnite’s servers go offline and cause players to receive various error codes. If you receive this error during a new patch release, try waiting it out, since it should disappear on its own when Epic’s servers are operational again.

Author
Image of Gökhan Çakır
Gökhan Çakır
Gökhan is a Staff Writer and Fortnite Lead at Dot Esports. Gökhan graduated as an industrial engineer in 2020 and has since been with Dot Esports. As a natural-born gamer, he honed his skills to a professional level in Dota 2. Upon giving up on the Aegis of Champions in 2019, Gökhan started his writing career, covering all things gaming, while his heart remains a lifetime defender of the Ancients.