Game Error Fortnite

Crown Jam Matchmaking Error - Fortnite Fix Guide

📅 Published: 2026-02-05 🔄 Updated: 2026-02-05 👥 Reports: 6 ⚡ Severity: 🟢 Low

🎯 Quick Answer

Clear the local matchmaking cache by playing a different game mode, such as Battle Royale, before reattempting to queue for Crown Jam.

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

The Crown Jam matchmaking error is a network session initialization failure that prevents entry into the limited-time event. The error manifests as a connection timeout during the lobby-to-server handshake. This issue affects all platforms running Fortnite, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows PC. The problem occurs in specific game client builds during Chapter 5, Season 3. Analysis classifies this as a common intermittent error. The severity is high, as it constitutes a game-breaking block preventing access to the designated mode. The exact error message presented is "There was an error starting the match. Please try again." This indicates a failure in the matchmaking service to establish a game instance for the player's session.

SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS

The application initiates the matchmaking queue for the Crown Jam limited-time mode. The system displays a loading screen, then terminates the connection attempt and returns the user to the Fortnite lobby. The UI presents a modal dialog with the exact error text: "There was an error starting the match. Please try again." No crash dump is generated, and the main game client remains stable and responsive. The error occurs consistently when selecting the Crown Jam playlist but does not affect other core modes like Battle Royale or Zero Build in most reported instances. The network timeout occurs during the phase where the client attempts to join a dedicated game server instance.

SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES

Category: Game Bug / State Corruption Specific technical explanation: Corrupted local matchmaking cache or stale session data from a previous game instance. The client retains invalid state information that conflicts with the Crown Jam server requirements. Why this causes the problem: The game server rejects the connection attempt due to mismatched or invalid session tokens passed from the corrupted client cache. Category: Network Problem Specific technical explanation: Strict NAT (Type 3) or router firewall rules blocking the specific UDP ports required for the Crown Jam event servers, which may differ from standard Battle Royale ports. Why this causes the problem: The initial handshake packets fail to reach Epic Games matchmaking services, resulting in a connection timeout error. Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Outdated or corrupted game client files, specifically those related to the newly added Crown Jam event content. Why this causes the problem: The client fails to validate or load necessary assets for the event, causing the matchmaking service to abort the connection. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Incorrect DNS server configuration causing resolution failures for the specific domain records used by Crown Jam event servers. Why this causes the problem: The client cannot resolve the IP address of the assigned game server, leading to a failed connection. Category: Game Bug Specific technical explanation: Server-side matchmaking logic error where the service incorrectly handles high player volume or specific account states for the limited-time mode. Why this causes the problem: The matchmaking coordinator fails to allocate a server slot, returning a generic error to the client. Category: Network Problem Specific technical explanation: Packet loss or high latency exceeding the threshold for the Crown Jam mode's connection requirements during the initial join phase. Why this causes the problem: The connection attempt times out before the session can be established on the game server.

SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS

Solution 1: Clear Matchmaking Cache via Alternate Mode

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: None Steps:

From the Fortnite lobby, do not select the Crown Jam playlist.
Select a standard core mode, such as Battle Royale or Zero Build.
Start matchmaking and enter a match. Complete the match or exit after the game session is fully established (post-island loading).
Return to the lobby after the match concludes.
Now select the Crown Jam limited-time mode and attempt matchmaking.

Technical Explanation: This process forces the client to establish a fresh game session with valid state tokens and clears any stale data in the local matchmaking cache. The successful connection to a standard server resets the session handshake parameters. Verification: The Crown Jam matchmaking queue proceeds past the initial loading screen and successfully loads the player into the event island.

Solution 2: Verify Game File Integrity

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 10-20 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Epic Games Launcher installed on PC. Steps:

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings.
Scroll down to the MANAGE GAMES section.
Find Fortnite in the list and click the three dots (...) under it.
Select Verify.
Wait for the process to complete. The launcher will download and replace any missing or corrupted files.
Restart the Epic Games Launcher and launch Fortnite.

Technical Explanation: This operation compares the local game file checksums against the master server manifest. It replaces corrupted or outdated event-specific files that may be preventing proper Crown Jam initialization. Verification: After verification, launch the game and attempt to queue for Crown Jam. The error should no longer occur if file corruption was the root cause.

Solution 3: Flush DNS and Renew Network Configuration

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Administrative command prompt access (Windows) or system settings access (Console). Steps for Windows PC:

Press Windows Key + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Execute the command: ipconfig /flushdns
Execute the command: ipconfig /release
Execute the command: ipconfig /renew
Execute the command: netsh int ip reset
Restart the computer.

Steps for Nintendo Switch/Console:

Navigate to System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings.
Select your connected network and choose Change Settings.
Select DNS Settings and change from Automatic to Manual.
Set Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4 (Google Public DNS).
Save settings and restart the console.

Technical Explanation: This clears local DNS caches that may contain incorrect records for Fortnite's event servers and renews the IP address lease. Manual DNS configuration bypasses potential ISP resolver issues. Verification: Network connectivity is re-established. Test by launching Fortnite and queuing for Crown Jam. Successful connection indicates a resolved DNS or local network configuration issue.

Solution 4: Configure Router Port Forwarding

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 15 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Access to router admin interface. Steps:

Access your router's admin page (typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser).
Log in with administrator credentials.
Locate the Port Forwarding or Virtual Server section.
Create a new rule with the following parameters:

- Service Name: Fortnite - Protocol: UDP - External Start Port: 7777 - External End Port: 7787 - Internal IP Address: [Your device's local IP address] - Internal Port: 7777-7787

Apply and save the rule.
Restart your router and gaming device.

Technical Explanation: Crown Jam may utilize specific UDP ports for communication. Forwarding these ports ensures the router does not block incoming traffic from the game servers, resolving strict NAT (Type 3) issues. Verification: Check the network connection status within Fortnite's settings menu. The NAT type should display as Open or Type 1/2. Crown Jam matchmaking should proceed without error.

Solution 5: Perform a Full Client Restart (Console Specific)

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 3 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: None. Steps for Nintendo Switch:

From the Switch HOME Menu, highlight the Fortnite game icon.
Press the X button to close the software. Confirm if prompted.
Press the Home button, then navigate to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Save Data/Screenshots > Delete Save Data.
Select Fortnite and choose Delete All Save Data for This Software. This only deletes local cache, not account progress.
Restart the Nintendo Switch console by holding the power button for 3 seconds and selecting Restart.
Relaunch Fortnite and log in.

Technical Explanation: This procedure clears the game's temporary cache and session data stored on the console's internal memory, which is more comprehensive than a standard software close. It eliminates corrupted local data that a simple reboot may not address. Verification: Upon relaunch, the game will re-download necessary configuration files. Attempt to access Crown Jam after the lobby fully loads.

Solution 6: Disable Background VPN/Proxy Services

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: System configuration access. Steps:

On Windows, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
Ensure the option Use a proxy server is set to Off.
Check for any active VPN software in the system tray (bottom-right of taskbar) and disconnect or exit the application.
On router level, access admin interface and disable any VPN, proxy, or "gaming accelerator" features.
Restart your networking equipment and PC/console.

Technical Explanation: VPNs and proxies can reroute game traffic through servers that are blocked or have high latency to Epic's matchmaking services, causing timeouts during the Crown Jam connection phase. Verification: Direct connection to the internet is restored. Test matchmaking in Crown Jam to confirm the error is resolved.

SECTION 5: PREVENTION

Maintain regular verification of game file integrity through the Epic Games Launcher after major updates. Configure your router to use stable, public DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). Establish a schedule to clear the local game cache on consoles by fully closing the software weekly. Ensure your network equipment firmware is updated to the latest stable version provided by the manufacturer. Monitor your NAT type within Fortnite's settings menu, ensuring it remains Type 1 or 2 (Open or Moderate). Avoid modifying game files or using unsupported plugins that can corrupt event-specific data.

SECTION 6: WHEN TO CONTACT SUPPORT

Contact Epic Games Support if all solutions fail and the error persists for over 48 hours while other game modes function normally. Provide the diagnostic information from Fortnite's settings under the Feedback section, including your Epic Account ID. Submit a detailed report including the exact time of the error, your platform, ISP, and any relevant network topology. Official support channels are accessible via the Epic Games Help portal at epicgames.com/help. Escalation is necessary for confirmed server-side matchmaking bugs affecting a specific account.