BREAKING: Fortnite server status hits a wall, widespread timeouts and logins failing
Fortnite is stumbling right now. Logins and matchmaking are failing across regions, and our live tests are hitting hard timeouts. Many players are seeing a network timeout labeled art00004. That error is blocking queues and shutting down sessions mid flow. Holiday squads are stuck on the loading screen instead of the Battle Bus.
What’s happening right now
The outage began rolling in waves earlier today and is still ongoing as we publish. We are seeing failures on console, PC, and cloud. Some players reach the lobby, but matchmaking freezes at the ready check. Others cannot pass the initial login handshake. Queues that do start often die before the bus countdown.
A parallel outage is also hitting ARC Raiders, with the same art00004 timeout popping up. That points to a shared network pain point, even if the games are separate. For many, it feels like the lights flicker on, then cut out again.
This is prime break time for gamers. New gifts, fresh shop rotations, and family squads. The downtime lands at the worst moment for casual players and grinders alike.
The error everyone is seeing
Here is what we are confirming from our testing and player reports. The art00004 code appears during the network handshake. It is a timeout, not a normal authentication failure. That means your internet may be fine. The session is simply not completing on the server side.
Squads are getting split, with one or two loading while the rest time out. Creative hubs are empty. Ranked placement is on pause. Streamers planning customs are pivoting to VODs and watch parties. It is a vibe killer for end of year play.
art00004 is a network timeout that blocks login or matchmaking. It does not point to a ban or account issue.
Expect intermittent success as capacity changes. You might get in once, then hit the wall again. That pattern is normal during a live service recovery.
Official word so far
We are monitoring the official status pages and social feeds for updates. As of now, there is no posted final all clear. Expect staged recovery. Backend teams usually lift services region by region, then re enable features like parties and ranked.
If you see the lobby load, do not assume the servers are stable yet. Matchmaking and inventories often come back a bit later. Progress should sync when services stabilize, but expect delays with quests and purchases.
Do not spam logins or unlink and relink your account. That can trigger cooldowns and make things worse.
We have reached out for comment on timelines. We will update as soon as a restoration window is posted.
What you can do right now
If you need to test your setup, follow this quick sequence. It reduces false alarms and protects your account.
- Fully close the game, then reboot your console or PC.
- Power cycle your router for 30 seconds and reconnect with a cable if possible.
- Check the official server status page and the game’s social feed for live notes.
- If you reach the lobby, run Solo first. Avoid parties and mode swaps until stable.
If you get in, finish a quick match, then stop. Bank progress and let the servers breathe. 🔧
Avoid purchasing cosmetics until the store is confirmed stable. If a purchase is stuck, leave it alone. It should resolve once services sync.
Why the timing hurts
Live service games run hot during the holidays. New hardware is unboxed. Gift cards get redeemed. Friends have time for long sessions. That surge stresses matchmaking, inventory, and social services. When anything slips, everything feels broken.
Fortnite has danced through many peaks. New seasons, Big Bang moments, and crossover drops push capacity to the edge. Outages like today show the tight link between cloud capacity and player joy. ARC Raiders seeing the same timeout suggests a broader network snag, not a single bug.
What we know right now:
- Logins and matchmaking are failing in waves.
- art00004 network timeout is the most common blocker.
- Partial recovery is possible before a full all clear.
- We are tracking official channels and testing in real time.
The bottom line
Fortnite is not fully online. If you are staring at art00004, you are not alone. This is a live outage, and work is underway to restore stability. Save your energy, protect your account, and keep an eye on the status page. We will update the moment servers are steady and the Battle Bus is back to full speed. Stay sharp, drop later, and enjoy the break when the lights come back. 🎮
