How to Fix Fortnite Lag in 2024

With 3 million players active at any given moment, Fortnite is one of the biggest titles in the ever-growing battle royale genre. But as big as it is, this game is vulnerable to common issues - the most annoying being Fortnite lagging. In most cases, a laggy connection could decide if you will have a big win or be crushed by other players. 

The reason behind your Fortnite lag could range from being on a bad server to throttled bandwidth. Fortunately, these issues are something that could be fixed by using a Fortnite VPN. A VPN can help you out with server congestion issues while improving your overall speeds, keeping your ping and latency in check.

Apart from that, there could be issues with your settings or setup. A few simple steps, like updating your game to its latest version and tuning down its display settings, can fix most of that too.  

We get how frustrating it might be if your Fortnite is always lagging. That is why, in this quick guide, we will explain how you can fix Fortnite lag problems using a VPN, along with answering some relevant questions. 

So, while your gameplay is waiting for a smooth makeover, let’s get on with everything you might need to know about how to fix Fortnite lagging.

How to Fix Fortnite Lag with a VPN?

To fix any kind of Fortnite lag, you need to sign up for a VPN, download its software, and connect to a gaming-ready server. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Subscribe to a Fortnite-friendly VPN (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your router or PC.
3. Launch the VPN app and when prompted, log in using your credentials.
4. Select a VPN server close to your nearby Fortnite server.
5. You can now play Fortnite without lagging. That’s it!

How Can a VPN Help Fix Fortnite Lag?

A VPN helps fix Fortnite lag by rerouting your traffic, using a more efficient method than what your ISP uses, keeping your ping and latency under control. 

A reliable gaming VPN gives access to thousands of servers to its users. So, you can get a fast connection regardless of your location. Additionally, the cross-platform availability of VPNs ensures you can access the low-ping servers across all your devices whenever you want. 

Another way a VPN service can help is by hiding your online activities from your ISP. Doing this blocks your ISP from knowing you are using a lot of bandwidth. This takes any fear related to throttling and speed adjustment from your ISP out of the picture.

For in-depth recommendations, refer to our best Fortnite VPN guide. As we mentioned there, NordVPN is our top choice for Fortnite. Thanks to its 5,800 servers in 60 countries and military-grade security features right out of the box - it is fast, stable, and has everything that you might expect from a top gaming VPN.

Why Is Fortnite So Laggy?

Fortnite could lag for a variety of reasons, ranging from slow Web connections to congested servers. There is no litmus test to point out what exactly might be causing the lag you’re experiencing. So, here are all the possible reasons your Fortnite session is lagging:  

• Slow Internet Connection: A fast Web connection is the most vital component for low-ping gameplay. If you often find yourself being killed during your battles, the issue could simply be your slow Internet speed.
• ISP Throttling: Gamers who are making headway in new battles on their consoles or PCs often find out that their ISPs are throttling their connections, which could be the reason behind the Fortnite lag. Using a Fortnite VPN can quickly fix this. 
• Old Drivers: Your outdated network drivers or graphic drivers can lead to unnecessary Fortnite lags. It’s a good idea to double-check all your essential drivers for their latest versions. And if you find one behind the line, update it.
• Insufficient Hardware Specs: It’s a no-brainer that Fortnite runs smoother on powerful hardware. Make sure your system meets the recommended hardware requirements for Fortnite to run at its optimum level.
• Outdated Game Version: Since Fortnite is known for regular updates, it would be smart to check if you have the latest version installed. In our experience, updating both the drivers and the game could fix major bugs and lead to a smoother gameplay overall.

How to Stop Lagging in Fortnite?

While most Fortnite lag issues can be fixed using a VPN, there are many components that might go unaddressed by an average player. Let’s discuss a few more fixes that you could try with or without a VPN service:

• Install the Latest Game Patch: Fortnite is known for consistently releasing updates to fix bugs and overall game performance. The best way to download the latest patch is by heading either straight to Fortnite’s website or Steam launcher. Once the pending update is downloaded, install it to check if it fixes the lag issues.
• Adjust Game Settings: A game like Fortnite works smoothly only when the display settings are adjusted as per the hardware’s specs. Go to Video Settings and adjust the following variables: display resolution, quality, view distance, shadows, textures, and effects - based on your hardware’s specs.
• Update Graphics Card Driver and Network Driver: Corrupted and outdated drivers could be the other reason your Fortnite gameplay is lagging. The simple solution is to open your “Device Manager” and check for any pending updates for graphic and network drivers. 
• Change Performance Options in System Properties: Most gaming devices have the option to change their performance level to a mode that works best with gaming. The default mode is usually designed for casual tasks and to manage lower GPU and CPU temperatures. Switching the performance level to “Max” can have a significant positive effect on your Fortnite lag.

Why is Fortnite Lagging on Different Devices?

Fortnite is a popular game that’s available across many platforms. The consistent gameplay across devices makes it accessible to all, but the lags could be a turnoff for many. Here we are sharing a few ways to determine and fix the key issues on different platforms.

Why is Fortnite Laggy on Windows PC or Mac?

Lags are pretty common while gaming on desktops or laptops, especially if your hardware has a low-end configuration. That said, here are some of the most likely issues that cause Fortnite lags on your Windows PC and Mac: 

• High in-game ping;
• Overcrowded Fortnite server;
• Throttled bandwidth by ISP;
• Your doesn’t meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Apart from the hardware mismatch, which can only be fixed by a suitable upgrade, the first three issues are fixable using a VPN service. A VPN can do that by accessing hundreds of servers worldwide while also encrypting your online data. This could easily save you from overcrowded servers and throttled bandwidth. 

Why is Fortnite Laggy on Xbox or PlayStation?

Fortnite is as widely played on Xbox and PS4/PS5 consoles as it is on desktops. Thanks to its consistent experience, the gameplay doesn’t stutter on consoles as long as the following issues are resolved: 

• Slow connection speed;
• Pending updates;
• Congested servers;
• Bandwidth throttling by ISP.

Similar to desktops, the first two steps are: checking for any pending updates and using a VPN service while playing Fortnite. Since gaming consoles do not natively support VPNs, you can use one by installing a VPN on a router. Doing so could cover all your connected devices and provide an extra layer of security alongside solving the listed issues.

Why is Fortnite Laggy on Android or iOS Phone/Tablet?

Android and iOS aren’t safe from Fortnite lags either. The game was originally designed for desktops and consoles, but Fortnite has done a fairly decent job adapting it for mobile devices. Again, the lags are due to the same issues that PC gamers face: 

• Hardware limitations;
• Outdated game version;
• Slow internet connections;
• Overcrowded servers;
• Bandwidth throttling.

As long as you have a sufficiently powerful device, you can use a VPN service to resolve connection-related issues. Of course, prior to installing a VPN, check for pending updates and try connecting to a different Fortnite server. 

Final Thoughts

Fortnite lag issues could be a result of many variables. In this guide, we shared some recommendations that you can use to resolve the lags when and if you encounter them. That said, a reliable VPN service is the most effective way you can fix Fortnite lags. It may not be an end-to-all solution for all that goes wrong with Fortnite, but it definitely is a good place to start. 

Undoubtedly, NordVPN is our #1 pick for Fortnite. With lightning-fast servers across 60 countries and privacy-focused essentials, this one is hard to beat. Most importantly, that’s one of the fastest VPN available today, as per our team’s tests, which is crucial for gaming.

That’s all for our guide on how to fix Fortnite lagging issues. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thank you for reading!