For an avid gamer, has your Fortnite experience gotten sluggish? Here, you can read how to Fix Fortnite Lag in 2023 with a premium VPN perfect for gaming.
Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite has dominated the online multiplayer third-person shooter game realm since its inception in 2017. Fortnite is popular for its simple and straight-forward interface, making it fairly easy for newbies to join in the online fun.
However, after over five years, players still experience a common problem which is gameplay lag and poor performance. Some of the most common causes are ISP throttling, outdated GPU drivers and game versions, and improper graphics settings.
A reliable VPN like ExpressVPN will help mitigate most lag problems, so whether you play for fun, or are a hardcore Fortnite gamer, continue reading this guide to learn how to fix Fortnite lag in 2023.
How to Fix Fortnite Lag in 2023 with a VPN [5 Easy Steps]
You can fix Fortnite lag in 2023 using a reliable VPN with 5 easy steps below:
- Choose and sign up with a reliable VPN provider (ExpressVPN is a top recommendation because of its great security features).
- Download and follow the installation prompts to get the VPN app on your gaming device.
- Open the app, login and connect to one of the servers (there are plenty of servers to choose from).
- Visit the official Fortnite website, and login to your account.
- Now start playing Fortnite lag-free!
ExpressVPN: The Best and Fastest VPN to fix Fortnite lag in 2023
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What can cause Fortnite lags?
Before discussing how to fix Fortnite lags, let’s explore some likely causes for lags and interrupted gameplay. Here are some common causes:
Low system hardware specs
Low system hardware specs refers to inadequate graphics card, processor, RAM memory and OS version.
It’s a good practice to check the minimum requirements before downloading and installing any game on your system.
Outdated graphic card drivers
Outdated software and graphic card drivers are another cause of Fortnite lag.
Updating graphics card and network adapter drivers will promptly fix Fortnite lag.
Slow internet connection
If you’re experiencing lag while playing Fortnite, check your internet connection.
Frequent slow and unstable internet connection can hinder smooth Fortnite gameplay.
Background programs running
Too many heavy applications running in the background can also affect smooth gameplay.
Fortnite takes up considerable RAM memory and processor usage, so having other applications running in the background will cause lag during gameplay.
Poor graphics settings
There are plenty of in-game graphics settings that if not tweaked according to your hardware specs, can cause continual lag and interrupted Fortnite gameplay.
Optimizing your graphics settings will improve your Fortnite gaming experience.
Overheated system or device
When your system operates for too long without a proper cooling system in place, it will not provide optimal performance during Fortnite gameplay.
Extended gameplay can heat up your computer system, causing noticeable lag.
Try 5 easy hacks to fix Fortnite lag in 2023
You can fix Fortnite lag in 2023 by following the 6 easy hacks compiled below:
1. Check the system requirements for Fortnite
One of the key solutions you can try to fix Fortnite lag is to check the minimum system requirements for the game:
| Minimum System Requirements |
|---|
| Graphic Card: Intel HD 4000 on PC; AMD Radeon Vega 8 |
| Processor: Core i3-3225 3.3 GHz |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| OS: Windows 7/8/10/11 64-bit or Mac OS Mojave 10.14.6 |
However, the recommended system requirements for Fortnite are:
| Recommended System Requirements |
|---|
| Graphic Card: Nvidia GTX 960, AMD R9 280, or equivalent DX11 GPU |
| Video Memory: 2 GB VRAM |
| Processor: Core i5-7300U 3.5 GHz, AMD Ryzen 3 3300U, or equivalent |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM or higher |
| OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit |
Check your system’s hardware specs by typing ‘About’ in the Windows search bar. It might be time to upgrade your system if your current specs aren’t up to the mark.
2. Update graphic card drivers
In most instances, if your system hardware specs are up to date, then you need to check your system for the latest graphic card driver updates.
Outdated graphic card driver software can result in lags interrupting your Fortnite gameplay.
3. Check your internet connection
After confirming your system software and hardware are in optimal performance, you can move on to making sure you have a stable internet connection.
Unstable or slow internet connections will definitely cause hindrances while playing games like Fortnite that require huge bandwidths.
Sometimes, your local ISP (Internet Service Provider) could be throttling your internet speed to prevent you from using up excessive network bandwidth.
A reliable VPN like ExpressVPN will help by changing your IP address frequently.
4. Disable background programs
Disabling applications running in the background is another essential troubleshooting tip that can effectively relieve your computer system from utilizing computing resources for non-essential applications.
Navigate to ‘Background apps’ settings by typing it into your Windows search bar. Under ‘Let apps run in the background’, make sure it is disabled, or ‘Off’.
Leaving the option on will allow unnecessary applications to hog your PC’s processing power, causing significant FPS lag while playing Fortnite.
5. Optimize Fortnite graphics settings
Fortnite gamers can also try adjusting in-game graphics settings to go well with your hardwares’ specs, giving you the maximum output performance.
Some Fortnite graphics settings you can tweak to fix Fortnite lag include turning off V-sync. Disabling V-sync can reduce game lag caused by frame rate and monitor refresh rate synchronization.
Another useful setting to consider tweaking is the FPS (frames per second) settings.
Ideally, higher FPS results in a smoother gameplay but also means a significant load on your processor’s overall performance. Reducing the FPS will improve your Fortnite gameplay.
Why Fortnite lags on different devices
Fortnite can be played on a range of devices, and every gamer has their own respective preference when it comes to choosing the best platform.
The downside? None of these devices are free from experiencing lag. Let’s explore some probable causes for lagging on different devices, and some quick fixes for them.
Fortnite lag on Xbox or PS4 games console
Fortnite is quite popular among console gamers, but that doesn’t mean your PlayStation or Xbox is free from being affected by lag.
In such a case, weak internet, outdated versions, and ISP-throttling are the most common reasons for lag.
Restart your device router, update your Fortnite game, or use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to cloak your online activity and browse anonymously.
It’s worth mentioning here that you cannot install a VPN directly on a gaming console. You will need to set up the VPN on your router before proceeding to play Fortnite.
Fortnite lag on Android or iOS smartphone or tablet
Handheld device gamers can experience lag while playing Fortnite on their Android or iOS devices.
To avoid this, you must make sure that you have the latest version of the game installed, a stable internet connection, close all apps running in the background, and switch to Game Mode if you have the option available.
Register to a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to bypass your ISP and resolve internet connection issues which will ultimately fix Fortnite lag.
Other Ways to Fix Fortnite Lag in 2023
To fix Fortnite lag, it is recommended to use a reliable VPN. Additionally, you can try these following fixes:
- Connect via ethernet cable instead of your Wi-Fi router.
- Disconnect other devices if any are connected to the same internet connection.
- Reboot your modem and router by keeping them unplugged for 30 minutes.
- Close background applications like antivirus upgrades and scans, and torrent downloading clients.
All the above-mentioned pointers can help you fix Fortnite lag in 2023, and significantly improve online gaming experience with your team.
FAQs – Fix Fortnite Lag in 2023
Why is Fortnite lagging?
Fortnite can result in lags due to low system hardware specs, outdated graphic card drivers, slow internet connection, programs running in the background, poor graphics settings, and overheated systems or devices.
How do I stop Fortnite from lagging FPS?
To stop Fortnite lag, use a reliable VPN to combat ISP throttling or try disabling background programs, updating graphics drivers, checking system requirements, or verifying game file integrity.
Is it legal to use a VPN with Fortnite?
Yes, using a VPN with Fortnite is definitely legal, but it is against Fortnite’s policy and may result in a block if your IP is detected using a VPN.
Can I play Fortnite with a VPN?
Yes, a reliable VPN improves the overall Fortnite experience and is recommended for a stable internet connection.
Can a free VPN fix Fortnite lagging issues?
No, a free VPN might improve your online gaming experience to some extent, but it may not offer the same level of security as a premium VPN.
Why is my ping so high in Fortnite but my internet is good?
If your Fortnite ping is high despite a good internet connection, updating your Network adapter driver in the device manager could help.
Wrapping up
Now, you don’t need to worry about petty lag issues when your squad is taking heavy fire from the opposition team.
Your Black Knight skin’s health could be critical, but you can reach for that Med Kit you just spotted, knowing your game won’t lag, because you subscribed to the reliable ExpressVPN and were able to successfully fix Fortnite lag in 2023 before starting your gaming session!
