How to Fix Fortnite Lag in 2025

With 650 million registered players, 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 lag. In most cases, a laggy connection could decide whether 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 having a throttled bandwidth. Fortunately, these issues can be fixed by using a VPN. A VPN can help you with server congestion issues while improving your overall speeds and 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 why is Fortnite so laggy and how you can fix it using a VPN. We will further provide resolutions for technical issues on specific platforms, and answer some FAQs in the end.

Why Is Fortnite So Laggy?

Fortnite could lag for various reasons, ranging from slow Web connections to congested servers. There is no litmus test to pinpoint what 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 connection is vital for low-ping gameplay. If you often find yourself being killed during battles, the issue could simply be a slow Internet speed.
• ISP Throttling: Gamers 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 VPN can quickly fix this. 
• Old Drivers: Your outdated network or graphics drivers can lead to unnecessary Fortnite lag. Double-check all your essential drivers for their latest versions.
• 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.
• Outdated Game Version: Since Fortnite is known for regular updates, it would be smart to check if you have the latest version installed.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 the drivers and the game could fix major bugs and lead to smoother gameplay overall.

Common Reasons Fortnite Lags Across 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.

1. 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 device 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. 

2. 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.

3. 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.

Say Goodbye to Fortnite Lag – Proven Fixes That Work

While most Fortnite lag issues can be fixed using a good VPN, there are many components that might go unaddressed by the average player. A reliable VPN can reduce ping by connecting you to faster or less congested servers, bypass ISP throttling that may be slowing down your connection, and even route your traffic more efficiently to Fortnite’s game servers. It’s also a useful tool for avoiding region-based restrictions or matchmaking delays. Let’s discuss a few more fixes that you could try:

1. Install the Latest Game Patch

Fortnite is known for consistently releasing updates to fix bugs and improve overall game performance. The best way to download the latest patch is to head straight to Fortnite’s website or Steam launcher. Once the pending update is downloaded, install it to check if it fixes the lag issues.

2. Adjust Game Settings

A game like Fortnite works smoothly only when the display settings are adjusted according to the hardware’s specs. Go to Video Settings and adjust the following variables based on your hardware's specs: display resolution, quality, view distance, shadows, textures, and effects.

3. Disable Background Processes

You'll want to squeeze every bit of performance out of your PC, which means there's no room for unneeded processes. You can press CTRL+ALT+DEL, pick 'Task Manager,' and then review the items that affect your CPU.

4. Verify Game Files

Verifying Fortnite's game files helps resolve performance issues when files become corrupted. To do that, open Fortnite via the Epic Games Launcher, click the three dots icon, and navigate to Manage > Verify.

5. Update Graphics Card Driver and Network Driver

Corrupted and outdated drivers could be another reason your Fortnite gameplay is lagging. The simple solution is to open your “Device Manager” and check for any pending updates for graphics and network drivers. 

6. Change Performance Options in System Properties

Most gaming devices can 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.

Can a VPN Fix Fortnite Lag? Here's How It Helps

Tired of lag ruining your Fortnite matches? Whether you're facing high ping, sudden lag spikes, or connection drops, a VPN might be the secret weapon you need. By optimizing your connection route and shielding you from throttling, a VPN can dramatically improve your gameplay. Here's how it works:

• Reroutes Your Traffic Efficiently: A VPN can connect you to a faster, less congested server path than your Internet Service Provider (ISP), helping reduce ping and maintain low latency during gameplay.
• Access to Thousands of Servers Worldwide: Top gaming VPNs, like NordVPN, offer a vast network of servers globally. This gives you the flexibility to connect to the closest or fastest server based on your current location, ensuring minimal lag.
• Bypasses ISP Throttling: ISPs often throttle your bandwidth when they detect high data usage from activities like gaming. A VPN encrypts your traffic, preventing your ISP from monitoring your usage and stopping any deliberate slowdowns.
• Cross-Platform Availability: VPNs work across all major platforms—Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and gaming consoles (with router setup). So you can enjoy low-lag Fortnite sessions whether you're playing on a phone, PC, or console.
• Secure and Stable Gaming Experience: VPNs not only reduce lag but also protect you from DDoS attacks and connection drops, common issues in competitive multiplayer games.

For in-depth recommendations, refer to our best Fortnite VPN guide. As we mentioned there, NordVPN is our top choice. Thanks to its 7,400+ servers in 118 countries and military-grade security features, it has everything you might expect from a top gaming VPN.

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 gaming device.
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!

Final Thoughts

Fortnite lag issues can stem from a wide range of factors—unstable Internet connections, server congestion, outdated drivers, background applications, or even system misconfigurations. In this guide, we’ve outlined several actionable tips to help you troubleshoot and minimize lag during gameplay.

Among all the solutions, using a VPN stands out as one of the most effective, especially if your lag is caused by ISP throttling, poor routing to Fortnite servers, or region-based restrictions. While it won’t fix every issue, a high-quality VPN can significantly stabilize your connection and reduce ping.

Undoubtedly, NordVPN is our #1 pick for Fortnite. With lightning-fast servers across 110+ countries and privacy-focused essentials, this one is hard to beat. Most importantly, it’s one of the fastest VPNs available today, as per our team’s tests, which is crucial for gaming.

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