It can be really frustrating when Fortnite freezes as soon as you join a party. Thankfully, there are some easy things you can try to get your game running smoothly again.
Many Fortnite players have reported that their game freezes or crashes specifically when joining a party ā even if the game runs smoothly otherwise.
This issue can be caused by:
- Network sync problems
- Corrupt cache or temporary files
- Outdated drivers or game files
- Voice chat and overlay conflicts
- Server or cross-platform bugs
Below are 10 proven fixes to resolve the problem on PC, console, and mobile.
š§© 1. Restart Fortnite and Epic Games Launcher
Before diving deeper:
- Close Fortnite completely.
- OpenĀ Task ManagerĀ (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end anyĀ Epic Games LauncherĀ orĀ FortniteĀ processes.
- Relaunch the Epic Games Launcher and start Fortnite again.
ā Quick fix: This clears temporary memory conflicts that often cause freezing during matchmaking or party joining.
š 2. Verify Game Files
Corrupted or missing files can cause Fortnite to hang when loading party data.
Steps:
- OpenĀ Epic Games Launcher.
- Go toĀ Library ā Fortnite ā Gear Icon ā Manage ā Verify.
- Wait for the verification to complete and restart the launcher.
This will replace any damaged files automatically.
š 3. Check Network Connection
Party joining relies heavily on real-time communication with Fortnite servers.
Try:
- Restarting your router or modem.
- Switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet (wired).
- Flushing DNS cache (on Windows, open Command Prompt and type:
ipconfig /flushdns - Using a VPN temporarily to test regional connection issues.
If the freeze happens only when joining specific friends, it may be a server sync issue ā try inviting them instead.
š£ļø 4. Disable Voice Chat Temporarily
Voice chat initialization sometimes causes the game to freeze when joining a party.
Steps:
- Go toĀ Settings ā AudioĀ in Fortnite.
- TurnĀ Voice ChatĀ āĀ Off.
- Try joining a party.
If it works fine, re-enable voice chat later or switch to Push-to-Talk mode.
š§° 5. Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or buggy GPU drivers are a frequent cause of system freezes.
For NVIDIA:
- UseĀ GeForce Experience ā Drivers ā Check for Updates.
For AMD:
- OpenĀ AMD Adrenalin ā Settings ā Updates.
For Intel Arc / iGPU:
- UseĀ Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
After updating, restart your PC and test Fortnite again.
(Source: WindowsForum)
š§¹ 6. Clear Fortnite Cache
Old cache data can conflict with new updates or party information.
Steps (Windows):
- PressĀ Windows + R, type:
%localappdata%\FortniteGame\Saved - Delete theĀ Config,Ā Logs, andĀ WebCacheĀ folders.
- Restart Fortnite ā it will rebuild fresh cache files.
š§± 7. Disable Overlays (Discord, Xbox Game Bar, etc.)
Overlays can interfere with Fortniteās network or rendering engine.
Try disabling:
- Discord Overlay:
ā Discord ā Settings ā Game Overlay ā Turn Off. - NVIDIA Overlay:
ā GeForce Experience ā Settings ā In-Game Overlay ā Off. - Xbox Game Bar:
ā Windows Settings ā Gaming ā Xbox Game Bar ā Off.
Then relaunch Fortnite and test again.
š§© 8. Reinstall Fortnite (Last Resort)
If none of the above works:
- Backup your settings if needed.
- Uninstall Fortnite completely.
- Reinstall it via theĀ Epic Games Launcher.
This ensures no corrupted files or outdated dependencies remain.
š¹ļø 9. Console Fixes (PS5, Xbox)
If youāre on console:
- Clear cache:
- Power off the console completely.
- Unplug for 2ā3 minutes.
- Restart and relaunch Fortnite.
- Rebuild Database (PS5):
- Boot into Safe Mode ā SelectĀ Rebuild Database.
Also ensure your console firmware and Fortnite are fully updated.
āļø 10. Check Fortnite Server Status
Sometimes the issue isnāt on your end.
Visit Fortnite Status Page or the official @FortniteStatus Twitter account to see if party services are degraded or under maintenance.
š” Bonus Tips
- DisableĀ background appsĀ like MSI Afterburner or Razer Synapse while playing.
- Set Fortnite toĀ High PerformanceĀ mode in Windows Graphics Settings.
- KeepĀ Windows and Epic Games LauncherĀ updated.
š§ Summary Table
| Fix | Works On | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Restart Game & Launcher | All | Clears temp conflicts |
| Verify Files | PC | Repairs corrupted data |
| Disable Voice Chat | All | Fixes audio sync freeze |
| Update Drivers | PC | Improves stability |
| Clear Cache | PC | Removes outdated files |
| Disable Overlays | PC | Prevents rendering conflicts |
| Reinstall Fortnite | All | Full reset |
| Check Servers | All | Confirms Epic outage |
ā Final Thoughts
Fortnite freezing when joining a party is usually caused by cache corruption, voice chat bugs, or driver issues.
Start with quick fixes like disabling voice chat or verifying game files, and only move to reinstalling as a last resort.
If the issue persists after these steps, contact Epic Games Support at help.epicgames.com.
Troubleshooting Fortnite Freezes
Check Your Internet Connection
A weak or inconsistent internet connection is often the reason for games to freeze. Here’s what you can do:
- Restart your router: Sometimes, a simple restart is all it takes!
- Use a wired connection: If you’re on Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired Ethernet connection for more stability.
- Check for outages: Visit your internet service provider’s website to see if there are any known outages.
Verify Fortnite Game Files
If some of your Fortnite game files are corrupt, it can cause all sorts of problems. Here’s how to fix it:
- Open the Epic Games Launcher.
- Find Fortnite in your Library.
- Click on the three dots next to the game’s title.
- Select “Verify.”
Epic Games will check your files and repair anything it finds wrong.
Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can wreak havoc on games. Here’s how to update them depending on your graphics card:
NVIDIA
- Go to the NVIDIA website (https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx)
- Download and install the latest drivers for your card.
AMD
- Go to the AMD website (https://www.amd.com/en/support)
- Download and install the latest drivers for your card.
Close Background Programs
Fortnite takes a fair amount of resources. Here’s how to minimize resource competition:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Go to the “Processes” tab.
- Look for any programs using lots of RAM or CPU, and close them.
Other Potential Solutions and Info
| Issue & Resolutions |
|---|
| Performance Mode issues: Fortnite recently acknowledged Performance Mode can cause RAM issues. Switch to DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 and see if it helps. |
| Overclocking: If you’ve overclocked your CPU or GPU, try reverting back to default settings. Overclocking can sometimes cause instability. |
| Reinstall Fortnite: If all else fails, a clean install might help |
If you’ve tried everything and things still aren’t working, it’s a good idea to check the Fortnite help pages or contact their support team for more assistance.
Understanding Fortnite Freezing Issues
When playing Fortnite, some players face freezing issues that disrupt their gaming sessions, especially when joining parties. Understanding what causes these interruptions can help in finding a solution more efficiently.
Common Causes of Freezing
Several factors can cause Fortnite to freeze. Here’s a list of common culprits:
- Outdated game or app versions: Running outdated versions can lead to compatibility problems and crashes.
- Inadequate system resources: PCs with limited processing power or memory might struggle to run the game smoothly.
- Overheating: PCs under heavy load can overheat, causing the game to freeze.
- Software conflicts: Other apps or background processes can interfere with Fortnite.
- Network issues: Poor internet connections might result in delays or freezing.
By keeping the game updated and checking the PC for any conflicting programs, players can reduce the risk of freezing.
The Role of System Requirements
The ability of a PC to run Fortnite without freezing is heavily dependent on whether it meets the game’s system requirements. These requirements are listed as follows:
| Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Core i3-3225 3.3 GHz | Core i5-7300U 3.5 GHz |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics Card | Intel HD 4000 | Nvidia GTX 960, AMD R9 280 |
| Video Memory | – | 2 GB VRAM |
If a player’s system doesn’t meet these requirements, especially in terms of the processor, memory, and graphics card, Fortnite may often freeze, especially during resource-heavy moments like joining a party.
Ensuring that a system meets or exceeds these recommended specifications can greatly improve the gaming experience by minimizing the chance of freezing issues.
Troubleshooting and Fixes
Experiencing crashing issues in Fortnite can dampen the gaming experience. This section will guide you through practical steps to resolve these freezing problems and get back to smooth gameplay.
Verifying and Repairing Game Files
In some cases, Fortnite may crash due to corrupted game files. To address this:
- Open the Epic Games Launcher.
- Navigate to your game library and find Fortnite.
- Click on the three dots and select Verify.
- Allow the launcher to check for and repair any broken files.
Updating Graphics Card Driver
Out-of-date drivers often lead to games crashing. Ensuring you have the latest graphics card driver can prevent this:
- Visit your graphics cardās manufacturer’s website.
- Locate the driver download section.
- Select the appropriate driver for your graphics card model.
- Download and install the latest driver version.
Running Epic Games Launcher as Administrator
Running the launcher with administrator privileges can eliminate permission issues:
- Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher icon.
- Choose Run as administrator.
- Launch Fortnite from within the launcher and check for improvements.
By methodically following these steps, players can often resolve parties’ joining issues in Fortnite. These targeted methods focus on repairing potentially corrupted game files, updating essential software, and making sure the game runs with the necessary permissions.
Optimal Settings and Updates
To ensure a smooth Fortnite experience when joining parties, players should pay close attention to adjusting their in-game settings and keeping their game up to date.
Adjusting In-Game Settings
Players can experience improved performance by tweaking a few settings within the game. It’s vital to check the following:
- Graphics Settings: Lowering the resolution and visual effects can lessen the load on the system, potentially preventing crashes.
- Background Applications: Close any unnecessary apps to free up resources.
Fortnite thrives when it has enough system memory and processing power, so make adjustments accordingly.
Ensuring Updates Are Applied
Regular updates from Epic Games can address bugs and glitches, including those related to crashes when joining a party. Players should:
- Check for Game Updates: Always run the latest version of Fortnite.
- Update Windows 10: Keep your operating system current to avoid compatibility issues.
By staying updated, gamers avoid missing critical patches that can resolve crashing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experiencing freezes and crashes in Fortnite can be frustrating, especially when trying to join a party with friends. This section provides solutions catered to specific platforms to ensure a smoother gaming experience.
How can I resolve the freezing issue on Fortnite when joining a party on Nintendo Switch?
For Nintendo Switch, ensure your system’s software and the game are both updated to the latest version. Sometimes, a simple restart of the device can clear temporary glitches causing the game to freeze.
What are common fixes for Fortnite crashing on Xbox when trying to join a party?
On Xbox consoles, a hard reset often solves the crash problem. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to perform a power cycle. Also, check for any game updates and install them.
Why is Fortnite on my PS4 freezing every few seconds, especially when I join a party?
Periodic freezing on PS4 can be due to overloaded system cache or outdated game files. To fix this, restart your PS4 and update Fortnite. Free up system storage and rebuild the database in Safe Mode if needed.
What steps can I take to prevent Fortnite from kicking me out of matches unexpectedly?
To prevent being kicked out, maintain a stable internet connection, keep the game updated, and avoid running unnecessary applications in the background that may affect the game’s performance.
Are there known solutions to stop Fortnite from crashing on a PC in 2023?
For PC users, updating your video card drivers can significantly reduce crashing issues. Also, running Fortnite as an administrator can improve stability and prevent crashes.
How do I fix persistent freezing issues in Fortnite on various platforms?
Across all platforms, keep your device and game up to date. Clearing system cache and ensuring adequate storage space can also help. In persistent cases, reach out to Epic Games support for further assistance.
