Why Does My Fortnite Keep Crashing (New Season)? Troubleshooting Guide

Is your Fortnite experience marred by constant crashes since the new season dropped? You’re not alone. Many players encounter this frustrating issue. Several factors can cause these crashes, ranging from hardware limitations to software glitches. Let’s dive into the common causes and, more importantly, how to fix them.

Common Causes of Fortnite Crashes in the New Season

Before we start troubleshooting, it’s important to understand what might be causing the problem. Here are some common culprits:

  • Outdated Graphics Drivers: This is a frequent cause. The new season likely has updated graphical demands that older drivers struggle to handle.
  • Insufficient Hardware: Your PC or console might not meet the minimum or recommended specifications for the new season.
  • Corrupted Game Files: Game files can become corrupted during updates or due to other software conflicts.
  • Overheating: If your system is overheating, it can lead to instability and crashes.
  • Software Conflicts: Other applications running in the background can sometimes interfere with Fortnite.
  • Network Issues: While less common, unstable internet connections can trigger crashes, especially during loading screens or intense gameplay.
  • Bugs in the New Season: New seasons often introduce bugs that the developers need to patch.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Fortnite Crashes

Now, let’s get to the solutions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and (hopefully) eliminate those pesky crashes.

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

This is the first and often most effective step. Outdated drivers are a common cause of game crashes.

  • NVIDIA: Go to the NVIDIA website or use the NVIDIA GeForce Experience application to download and install the latest drivers.
  • AMD: Go to the AMD website or use the AMD Radeon Software to download and install the latest drivers.
  • Intel: If you’re using integrated graphics, visit the Intel website to find the latest drivers for your processor.

After updating, restart your computer before launching Fortnite.

2. Verify Game File Integrity

Corrupted game files can cause all sorts of problems. Fortunately, most game launchers have a built-in tool to verify and repair 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 process may take some time. Once completed, the launcher will automatically download and replace any corrupted files.

3. Check System Requirements

Ensure your PC or console meets the minimum and recommended specifications for the new season. Epic Games usually publishes these requirements on their website.

  • Minimum Requirements: This is the bare minimum to run the game. Expect low settings and potentially unstable performance.
  • Recommended Requirements: This is what you need for a smooth and enjoyable experience with higher settings.

If your system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, you might need to upgrade your hardware.

4. Close Background Applications

Other applications running in the background can consume system resources and conflict with Fortnite. Close any unnecessary programs, especially:

  • Web browsers (especially with multiple tabs open)
  • Streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs)
  • Discord or other voice chat applications
  • Any resource-intensive programs

Use the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) on Windows to see which applications are using the most resources and close them.

5. Adjust Graphics Settings

If your system is struggling, try lowering the graphics settings in Fortnite.

  • Resolution: Reduce the resolution to lower the strain on your GPU.
  • Graphics Quality: Set the graphics quality to “Low” or “Medium.”
  • Disable Effects: Turn off or lower settings like shadows, anti-aliasing, and post-processing.
  • Frame Rate Limit: Cap your frame rate to a stable number (e.g., 60 FPS). This can prevent your system from trying to push more frames than it can handle, leading to overheating and crashes.

6. Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause instability and crashes. Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures using monitoring software like:

  • MSI Afterburner: A popular tool for monitoring GPU temperatures and performance.
  • HWMonitor: A comprehensive hardware monitoring tool.

If your temperatures are consistently high (above 80-90°C for CPU or GPU), consider:

  • Cleaning the dust from your system’s fans and heatsinks.
  • Improving airflow in your case.
  • Reapplying thermal paste to your CPU and GPU.

7. Reinstall Fortnite

If none of the above solutions work, try reinstalling Fortnite. This ensures you have a clean installation of the game, free from corrupted files or conflicting settings.

  1. Uninstall Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher or your operating system’s control panel.
  2. Delete any remaining Fortnite folders.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Reinstall Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher.

8. Check Your Internet Connection

While less likely, a poor internet connection can contribute to crashes. Make sure you have a stable and reliable connection.

  • Run a speed test to check your internet speed.
  • Try restarting your router and modem.
  • If you’re using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection.

9. Contact Epic Games Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing crashes, it’s time to contact Epic Games Support. They may be aware of specific issues in the new season and can provide more personalized assistance.

Conclusion

Fortnite crashes can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting the common causes, you can often resolve the issue. Remember to update your drivers, verify game files, check system requirements, and monitor your system’s temperature. Good luck, and may your future Fortnite matches be crash-free!