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ESP Errors in Fortnite

ESP errors (for example "ESP-DIST" or "ESP-DIST-001") are usually connection-related. Attempt the steps in the order they are listed, as the initial ones are the most likely to resolve the issue.

If you play on a console, also refer to Why do I get the error "ESP-DIST" launching Fortnite on my console?

Check the Epic Games server status

A server outage can cause ESP errors. Confirm Epic Games is online before you troubleshoot.
Refer to When the Epic Games servers are down, how can I find out when they'll be back up?

Check your internet connection

  1. Restart your modem, router, and computer.
  2. Turn off nearby Bluetooth devices, as they can interfere with wireless signals.
  3. Disable any VPN or proxy.
  4. Test a different connection, such as a mobile hotspot. If the error stops, the issue is with your network, so contact your internet service provider.

Note: A wired connection is more stable than Wi-Fi for large downloads.
For more help, consult the following articles How to troubleshoot connection issues and How do I fix the "Network Connection Lost" error message?

Reset the Epic Games Launcher (PC)

  1. Run the launcher as an administrator. Refer to How do I run the Epic Games Launcher as an Administrator?

  2. Clear the launcher cache. Refer to How do I clear the Launcher cache on PC?
  3. Flush your DNS. Refer to How do I flush my DNS on Windows to improve my connection to Epic Games servers?

Allow Epic Games through your firewall (PC)

Antivirus, firewall, or security software can block the connection.

You can refer to How to unblock ports to connect to the Epic Games Launcher and Fortnite.

If you have Bitdefender installed and you cannot launch Fortnite because of the ESP-DIST-001 error, try their official troubleshooting to fix the issue: How to Fix Fortnite Error ESP-DIST-001 When Bitdefender is Installed (Opens in a new tab).

Note: After a recent update, some Bitdefender settings may lead to ESP-DIST-001 in Fortnite. Try the following steps in addition to the above: 

  1. Open Bitdefender.
  2. Click on Protection (On the left hand-side column).
  3. Find Blue Settings under Firewall and click Settings again.
  4. Find Default application behaviour' and click Edit default rules and set Set Hamachi and Wi-Fi's 'Automatic' boxes to 'Allow.'
  5. Attempt to launch Fortnite.

Check available space (PC)

Make sure you have at least 10 GB of free space on the drive where Fortnite is installed.

Remove the FortniteGame folder and verify your files (PC)

  1. Close Fortnite and the Epic Games Launcher.
  2. Press and hold the Windows key, then tap R.
  3. Type %localappdata% and press Enter.
  4. Right-click the FortniteGame folder and select Delete. If you cannot delete it, restart your PC and try again.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Open the Epic Games Launcher as an administrator.
  7. Select Library.
  8. Find the Fortnite tile and click the three dots, then select Manage.
  9. Click Verify.
  10. When it finishes, attempt to launch Fortnite.

Install Fortnite to the same drive as the launcher (PC)

Some players discover that when Fortnite is on the same drive as the launcher, ESP errors disappear.
If Fortnite is on a different drive, uninstall it and reinstall it on the drive where the Epic Games Launcher is installed.

Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher (PC)

If the error continues, reinstall the launcher.
Refer to How do I reinstall the Epic Games Launcher?

Change the MTU settings for Nintendo Switch

  1. Go to System Settings.
  2. Select Internet, then Internet Settings.
  3. Select the network that is currently active.
  4. Select Change Settings and highlight the MTU option.
  5. Change the number to 1500.
  6. Attempt to launch Fortnite.