Understanding Waiting in Queue in Fortnite: Causes and Solutions

Frustrated with the annoying “Waiting in Queue” message in Fortnite? You’re not alone. This issue has been affecting many players trying to enjoy Chapter 5 Season 4.

The ‘Waiting in Queue’ error can be a major setback for you and your friends trying to have fun in Fortnite. This error manifests as a lengthy loading screen, preventing players from joining matches and disrupting the adventure.

You might be curious about the causes of this error and whether it can be resolved from your end. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know, so let’s get started.

What does Waiting in Queue mean in Fortnite?

This server-related issue can stem from either your device or Epic Games’ servers.

Causes of Waiting in Queue error in Fortnite

One primary cause of the ‘Waiting in Queue’ error in Fortnite is when the servers are under maintenance. This typically occurs when the servers are taken offline for updates, server issues, or network stress tests.

If you notice this around September 10, 2024, you’re likely not the only one. Following significant queues, Fortnite Status on X announced that Epic was conducting networking stress tests, which could be the reason for your queue status.

Hi! We are performing weekly networking stress tests to improve our services and that may cause the queue or matchmaking errors for a few minutes during our tests. 👀 Thank you! 🙌

— Fortnite Status (@FortniteStatus) September 10, 2024

In addition to these weekly tests, a similar situation occurred during the launch of Chapter 5 Season 2, where Epic Games announced an unexpected delay in scheduled downtime by at least 8 hours, leading to widespread frustration among players.

Another potential cause of this error is an unstable internet connection between your device and the game servers. Slow internet speeds and packet loss can lead to timeouts and contribute to this problem.

Can you fix the Waiting in Queue error in Fortnite?

Since this issue is primarily related to the servers, a direct “fix” may not be possible. However, there are a few precautions you can take to minimize the likelihood of encountering the error while playing Fortnite:

Avoid peak playing hours
Ensure your internet connection is stable

Peak hours can cause server congestion due to limited capacity, so try queuing for matches during less busy times. Additionally, verify that your internet connection is stable and check for any announcements regarding Fortnite updates before you queue.

If Fortnite servers do go down for maintenance, keeping an eye on the official channels can provide timely updates.

Once you finally gain access to Fortnite, you can look forward to new weekly challenges and rare Mythic weapons.