With Fortnite requiring players to have a constant connection to the servers, it's likely that the occasional error will occur. Sometimes, these are an issue with the servers, while other times it can be a result of a player's setup at home. For the most part, Fortnite is a stable online experience, with few issues seemingly cropping up for players around the world; however, when these do happen, it can be very frustrating trying to figure out what's causing it.

fortnite darth vader esp-dist-001 error
How to Fix Esp-Dist-001 Error in Fortnite

For the players who are getting the Esp-Dist-001 error code in Fortnite, this guide serves as a fix to get straight back into the action.

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One of the more common issues that plagues players is Fortnite m atchmaking error #1, and while some advice is given in-game, it's not very extensive and can leave players lost with what to do next. This article gives players helpful tips on how to deal with this matter.

What Causes Matchmaking Error #1 in Fortnite?

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When receiving the matchmaking error #1 in Fortnite, the following message is displayed and also shared on the official help page from Epic Games: "Matchmaking error (#1): Weird. We couldn't connect to the match. You can try again, but if the problem continues, check out https://status.epicgames.com."

The message doesn't explain what's causing the error, but to put it simply, this error message is caused by server maintenance or a network connection issue. To diagnose the problem and resolve the issue, follow the suggested steps below.

How to Fix Matchmaking Error #1 in Fortnite

Go through the following steps in the order they're laid out to diagnose and resolve matchmaking error #1 in Fortnite:

Check the Fortnite Server Status

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The Fortnite public server status page

As the error message suggests, visit the Epic Games Server Status page first. If Fortnite is undergoing any server maintenance or downtime, which regularly happens as the game's new content updates are added to the server files, it will be indicated on this page. Server maintenance is one of the most common causes of matchmaking error #1.

If next to Fortnite it says 'Operational,' then it's likely that the issue resides on the player's side. Players can also check the official Fortnite Status X account, as this also details when scheduled downtime is taking place and if there are any unexpected server-side issues. In general, this is a good first step to follow if players encounter other matchmaking error codes in Fortnite.

Change Matchmaking Region

The next step is to change the matchmaking region. Servers in certain regions may go down or have issues at times, and others will continue to work without a problem. The downside to this is that changing matchmaking regions can increase ping and latency in-game, causing other unwanted connection issues.

To change the matchmaking region in Fortnite:

  • Go to Settings, and then select the 'Game' tab.
  • At the top of this screen, change the 'Matchmaking Region' option to another server that isn't the default option.
  • Apply the settings and try searching for a game again.

Restart Wi-Fi Router, Fortnite, and Epic Games Launcher

Connection issues can occur due to the software or hardware on the player's side, and a quick restart can fix the issue. Here's how to do it:

  1. Switch the router off at the wall and wait 30 seconds before turning it back on. At the same time, close the Fortnite application entirely.
  2. On PlayStation and Xbox consoles, this requires selecting the game's tile on the home screen, pressing the Options/ Menu button, and selecting 'Close Application.' On PC, close the Epic Games Launcher entirely and restart it.

Once all of these restarts have been completed, gamers can try restarting Fortnite and searching for a match.

Clear Your Cache and Restart System

Matchmaking errors in Fortnite can sometimes be caused by corrupted update files, and clearing the system's cache can get rid of them. However, the process for doing this varies by system. At the same time, it's worth restarting their PC or console to make sure that there isn't something funky going on at a hardware level instead.

Switch to a Public DNS

If the problem still persists, then players will want to change to a public DNS. This is done on each platform in the following ways:

PlayStation

  1. Go to the 'Set Up Internet Connection' option in 'Network' within 'Settings.'
  2. Select Wi-Fi or LAN. The one you choose depends on whether you're using a wireless or wired connection.
  3. Go to 'Custom' and, if you're using Wi-Fi, enter the Network ID and password.
  4. Select the following setting options:
    • IP Address Settings: Automatic
    • DHCP Host Name: Do Not Use
    • DNS Settings: Manual

  5. Enter the following IP addresses:
    • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

  6. Select Next, and then make sure the following settings use these options:
    • MTU Settings: Automatic
    • Proxy Server: Do Not Use

Xbox

  • Go to 'Settings'
  • Select 'Network Settings' from the 'General' tab.
  • Go to 'Advanced Settings'
  • Select 'DNS Settings'
  • Change to Manual and fill out the following:
    • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

Windows 11 PC

  1. Go to 'Settings,' 'Network and Internet,' and 'Ethernet.'
  2. Click the 'Edit' button on the DNS Server Assignment option.
  3. Select 'Manual' and choose IPv4 (or IPv6).
  4. Replace the IP addresses with:
    • IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
    • IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844

Windows 10 PC

  1. Go to 'Settings,' 'Network and Internet,' 'Network and Sharing Center,' and click 'Change adapter settings' in the left-hand sidebar.
  2. Right-click on your network and select 'Properties.'
  3. Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4' (or Version 6).
  4. Go into 'Properties'
  5. Choose 'Use the Following DNS Server Addresses' option and enter the following:
    • IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
    • IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844

Sync Your System's Clock to the Right Time

One final option available to players is to make sure that their console's time is set correctly. This can be done by going to the system's settings, choosing the time and date option, and ensuring that the 'Automatic' option is enabled for the timezone they're in.

If all else fails, players can submit a bug report to Epic Games. This should include as much detail as possible about the attempted fixes and your setup to help the development team find a solution.

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Fortnite
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Released
September 26, 2017
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SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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ESRB
T for Teen - Diverse Content: Discretion Advised, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
Developer(s)
Epic Games
Publisher(s)
Epic Games
Engine
Unreal Engine 5
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play
All platforms (except iOS/Mac)
Cross Save
Via Epic Account
Number of Players
1-4 players (online)
PC Release Date
September 26, 2017
Xbox Series X|S Release Date
November 10, 2020
PS5 Release Date
November 12, 2020
Nintendo Switch Release Date
June 12, 2018
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
June 5, 2025
Genre(s)
Survival, Battle Royale, Shooter, Action, Adventure
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
Local Co-Op Support
1-4 players (certain modes)
X|S Optimized
YES
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