If you are trying to play Fortnite but keep getting a random server error just before you land in the Lobby, this article will take you through a few different steps you can use to fix the problem. Most of the time, the error will say something like “An error occurred while connecting to Epic servers. Please try again later. ESP-DIST-001.” ESP-DIST-001 doesn't mean your account is banned or that Fortnite is broken, it's typically a connection-related error.

Takeaways:

  1. What's the best way to fix Epic Games and Fornite error "Servers ESP-DIST-001"
  2. What keeps causing “An error occurred while connecting to Epic servers. Please try again later. ESP-DIST-001.” when trying to play Fortnite?

How to Fix An Error Occurred While Connecting to Epic Servers ESP-DIST-001

Before you start messing around with things on your device, check to see if the problem is on Epic's end. Every so often, there are server or maintenance issues.

  • Open the official Epic Games Public Status page.
  • Find the Fortnite section.
  • Check Login, Game Services, and Matchmaking.
  • Look for any active incident affecting Fortnite.
  • If a service is degraded, wait until Epic reports that it is operational.

If Epic’s services are working, then you need to start checking other things.

Some Basic Checks

Now that you know the problem is a local one, you need to check the following things.

  • Restart your modem and router.
  • Disable any VPN, proxy, or traffic-filtering software temporarily.
  • Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi if possible.

If the game starts working while trying some of these things, you've found the problem and can act accordingly

Clear Console Cache and Power Cycle It

On PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, bad startup or network data can cause ESP-DIST-001. So it's time to clear your cache.

  • Close Fortnite completely.
  • On PlayStation, use the cache-clear option provided in Epic’s cache instructions.
  • On Xbox Series X or Series S, shut the console down completely and unplug it.
  • On Nintendo Switch, go to System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Reset Cache.
  • If the error remains, unplug the console for about two minutes, reconnect it, and start Fortnite normally.

Fix An Error Occurred While Connecting to Epic Servers ESP-DIST-001

Note: Don't launch Fortnite through Quick Resume, rest mode, or another suspended session. It needs to be a fresh, clean launch.

Nintendo Switch: Set MTU to 1500

Nintendo Switch has an extra troubleshooting step so check the following.

  • Open System Settings.
  • Select Internet > Internet Settings.
  • Select your active network.
  • Choose Change Settings.
  • Set MTU to 1500.
  • Save the setting and launch Fortnite again.

How to Fix An Error Occurred While Connecting to Epic Servers ESP-DIST-001

Note: If the error continues, test a public DNS provider and then retry Fortnite.

On PC, Reset the Launcher Cache, DNS, and Local Data

If you're playing on PC, you have a few extra steps you need to take to get things working again.

  • Close Fortnite and exit Epic Games Launcher from the system tray.
  • Make sure the installation drive has at least 10 GB of free space.
  • Start Epic Games Launcher as administrator.
  • Open %localappdata% and delete the Epic Games Launcher Saved > webcache folders.
  • Flush Windows DNS and restart the PC.
  • If the error remains, delete the FortniteGame folder under %localappdata%.
  • In Epic Games Launcher, go to Library > Fortnite > three dots > Manage > Verify.
  • If nothing works, consider reinstalling Fortnite on the same drive as Epic Games Launcher.

Note: Do not delete the main Fortnite installation folder unless you intentionally plan to reinstall the game.

If nothing so far has worked, just uninstall everything, restart your computer and reinstall it again.