What is Fortnite Error Code 91: Main Causes & How to Fix

If you’ve landed on this page because Fortnite kicked you with Error Code 91, you’re not alone. It’s a relatively common connectivity/party-join problem that pops up on PC and consoles. Below, we will explain what Fortnite Error Code 91 actually means, the typical reasons it appears, and give a thorough, step-by-step troubleshooting checklist that covers PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Through this article, we will also highlight the safest quick fixes (and sensible warnings about third-party “boosters”). Where useful, we have referenced Epic Games’ official guidance, so you can trust the steps. Here's everything you need to know about Fortnite Error Code 91.

What is Error Code 91 Fortnite?

Fortnite Error Code 91 (sometimes shown as -91) commonly appears when the game fails to connect you to a party or when party/party services are interrupted. The most typical message reads something like “Unable to join party” or “Party services are currently experiencing technical difficulties”. In short, your client is having trouble establishing a stable connection to other players or Epic’s party services. This can happen at the invite stage, when joining friends, or even during attempts to form parties across different platforms.

What Causes Error Code 91 Fortnite?

Several distinct root causes can trigger error code 91 Fortnite. Diagnosing the exact driver helps you pick the right fix. The usual culprits are:

1. Epic / Fortnite server or party-service outages. If Epic is doing maintenance or an outage is affecting party services, many players will see Error 91 until servers recover. Always check Epic’s status page first.
2. Local network problems. High packet loss, unstable Wi-Fi, or a congested connection will interrupt the handshake needed to join/host parties.
3. NAT type restrictions. A strict NAT (Type 3/Moderate) on consoles can block cross-platform parties and cause join failures.
4. Game client / corrupted files. Damaged/ missing game files can cause the client to fail party operations, especially on PC.
5. Console cache or temporary state. Consoles can sometimes hold corrupted temporary data that prevents a clean party join.
6. Interference from firewalls, antivirus, or VPNs. Overzealous security software or VPN tunnelling can block the network ports Fortnite needs.
7. Third-party interference/overlays. Some overlays, mods, or unofficial “game boosters” can break connectivity. Use caution with those.

You can check out our in-depth Fortnite Guide to learn more about several other in-game errors.

How to Fix Fortnite Error Code 91

Below is a prioritized, platform-aware checklist. Try steps in order, start with the quick server/connection checks, then move to client and system fixes.

1) Check Epic/Fortnite server status (first and fastest)

Before changing anything on your end, verify Epic’s status page: if party services are down, nothing you do locally will help until Epic restores service. Epic’s support page explicitly lists this as step one.

2) Restart Fortnite and your device (PC/console/switch)

Completely close Fortnite, reboot the platform, then relaunch. This clears transient session issues and often resolves party-join failures.

3) Verify game files (PC/Epic Games Launcher)

On PC, corrupted files are a frequent cause. In Epic Games Launcher: click the three dots next to Fortnite → Verify. Let the launcher repair or redownload any damaged files, then relaunch Fortnite. Epic recommends this step for client-side issues.

4) Clear console cache (PlayStation / Xbox / Switch)

For consoles, clear the system cache: power down fully, unplug for 30 seconds (or follow manufacturer cache clear instructions), then boot again. Epic lists clearing the console cache as a recommended fix for Error 91.

5) Confirm Cross-Platform Play settings (console)

If you’re on PlayStation or Xbox and trying to join players on other platforms, ensure Cross-Platform Play is enabled in Fortnite settings; otherwise, join requests can fail. Epic calls this out in their troubleshooting steps.

6) Check and fix NAT / Router settings

A restrictive NAT blocks party traffic. On consoles, aim for Open NAT. Steps: enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router, or set port-forwarding for Fortnite ports. If UPnP is unavailable, put the console in the router’s DMZ (use cautiously). Epic links to platform NAT troubleshooting in their guidance.

Common Fortnite ports (use with port-forwarding / UPnP):

TCP: 80, 443

UDP: 7000-9000 (varies), consult your router documentation and Epic’s support for exact port ranges.

7) Restart your router/test wired connection

Power-cycle the router (unplug for 30s) and, if possible, test using a wired Ethernet connection to rule out Wi-Fi instability. Wired tests often reveal whether the issue is simply poor Wi-Fi or router congestion.

8) Disable VPNs, proxies, and check firewall/antivirus rules

If you run a VPN or proxy, temporarily disable it; some VPN paths cause handshake failures with Epic’s party services. Also, whitelist Fortnite/Epic in your firewall and antivirus to ensure the required ports aren’t blocked.

9) Try alternate DNS (optional)

Switching to a public DNS (e.g., Google DNS 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare 1.1.1.1) sometimes reduces lookup delays that interrupt party formation. This is a low-risk test.

10) Reinstall Fortnite (last resort)

If verifying files doesn’t help and you’ve exhausted network fixes, uninstall and reinstall Fortnite. This addresses persistent client corruption.

11) Workarounds while you wait (practical tips)

Invite repeatedly: Some players report that sending repeated invites or having the host re-invite resolves transient join failures.

Create a new party: Have a friend create a new party and invite you.

Switch party leader: If the leader’s session is the issue, making someone else the leader can help. These are not guaranteed, but they’re quick to try. Community threads and guides document these as workable temporary fixes.

12) Contact Epic Support if the issue persists

If none of the above resolves error code 91 Fortnite, file a ticket with Epic Games support. Include platform, region, exact error text, and the troubleshooting steps you already attempted. Epic’s support portal has the formal Error 91 article and ways to contact them.

Fortnite Error Code 91 is usually more annoying than catastrophic; it’s often a party-service or network hiccup you can fix with a few checks. Start with Epic’s status page and the simple restarts, then move to NAT and client verification. If the problem is on Epic’s side, you’ll just have to wait for their fix; if it’s on your side, the steps above have solved it for most players.

We also recently covered a similar guide on how to change your name in Fortnite. You can check that out on our official website.