Why Does Fortnite Keep Crashing Today? Troubleshooting Guide

Fortnite crashing is a frustrating experience, especially when you’re in the middle of a crucial match. Several factors can contribute to these crashes, ranging from hardware limitations to software glitches. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of potential causes and solutions to get you back into the game.

Common Causes of Fortnite Crashes

Understanding why Fortnite crashes is the first step to fixing the problem. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

  • Insufficient System Resources: Fortnite requires a certain level of processing power, RAM, and graphics capabilities. If your computer or console doesn’t meet these minimum requirements, crashes are more likely.
  • Outdated Drivers: Graphics card drivers are crucial for optimal game performance. Outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues and instability.
  • Corrupted Game Files: Game files can become corrupted due to various reasons, such as interrupted downloads or disk errors. Corrupted files can trigger crashes and other unexpected behavior.
  • Software Conflicts: Other programs running in the background may conflict with Fortnite, leading to crashes. This is especially common with antivirus software and overlay programs.
  • Overheating: If your computer or console is overheating, it can cause performance issues and eventually lead to crashes.
  • Network Issues: While less frequent for a full crash, unstable or slow internet connections can sometimes contribute to game instability and disconnects that might appear as crashes.
  • Bug in New Updates: Sometimes, a new game update will contain a bug that causes crashes.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Fortnite Crashes

Here’s a detailed breakdown of troubleshooting steps you can take to address Fortnite crashes:

1. Check System Requirements

Ensure your system meets the minimum and recommended requirements for Fortnite. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Minimum Requirements:
    • GPU: Intel HD 4000 on PC; Intel Iris Pro 5200
    • Processor: Core i3-3225 3.3 GHz
    • Memory: 4GB RAM
    • OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit or Mac OS X 10.13+
  • Recommended Requirements:
    • GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960, AMD Radeon R7 370, or equivalent
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-7300U 3.5 GHz, AMD Ryzen 3 3300U, or equivalent
    • Memory: 8GB RAM or higher
    • OS: Windows 10 64-bit or Mac OS X 10.13+

If your system barely meets the minimum requirements, consider upgrading components or lowering the game’s graphics settings.

2. Update Graphics Card Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are a common cause of crashes. Here’s how to update them:

  • Nvidia: Download the latest drivers from the Nvidia website or through the GeForce Experience application.
  • AMD: Download the latest drivers from the AMD website or through the AMD Radeon Software.
  • Intel: Download the latest drivers from the Intel website or through the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.

After downloading and installing the latest drivers, restart your computer and try running Fortnite again.

3. Verify Game Files

Corrupted game files can lead to crashes. Here’s how to verify the integrity of Fortnite’s game files:

  • Epic Games Launcher:
    1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
    2. Go to your Library.
    3. Find Fortnite.
    4. Click the three dots next to Fortnite.
    5. Select “Verify.”

The verification process will scan the game files and replace any corrupted or missing files. This process can take some time, so be patient.

4. Close Background Applications

Background applications can conflict with Fortnite and cause crashes. Close unnecessary applications before launching the game.

  • Windows:
    1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
    2. Go to the “Processes” tab.
    3. Identify resource-intensive or potentially conflicting applications.
    4. Select each application and click “End Task.”
  • Mac:
    1. Open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities).
    2. Identify resource-intensive or potentially conflicting applications.
    3. Select each application and click “Quit Process.”

Pay close attention to antivirus software, overlay programs (Discord, OBS), and other gaming-related applications.

5. Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause performance issues and crashes. Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures using monitoring software.

  • Windows: Use tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner.
  • Mac: Use tools like iStat Menus.

If your temperatures are consistently high (above 80°C for CPU and GPU), consider improving your cooling solution (e.g., cleaning fans, reapplying thermal paste, or upgrading your cooler).

6. Reinstall Fortnite

If none of the above solutions work, consider reinstalling Fortnite. This will ensure a fresh installation of the game files and can resolve persistent issues.

  • Epic Games Launcher:
    1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
    2. Go to your Library.
    3. Find Fortnite.
    4. Click the three dots next to Fortnite.
    5. Select “Uninstall.”
    6. After uninstalling, download and install Fortnite again.

7. Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure that your internet connection is stable and meets the minimum requirements for online gaming. Try restarting your router or contacting your internet service provider if you experience frequent disconnects or high ping.

8. Check for game updates

Sometimes there is a bug in the newest update which causes crashes. Keep an eye on Fornite community and see if others are reporting the same issue. Often, Epic Games will release a hotfix patch.

Conclusion

Fortnite crashes can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting potential causes, you can often resolve the issue. Start by checking your system requirements, updating drivers, and verifying game files. If the problem persists, try closing background applications, monitoring temperatures, and reinstalling the game. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the root cause of the crashes and get back to enjoying Fortnite.