# Game Stuck on “Preparing” When Loading from Lobby – UEFN Issue

**URL:** <https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340>\
**Category:** Issues and Bug Reporting\
**Tags:** unreal-editor-for-fortnite, fortnite\
**Created:** [February 5, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340 "2025-02-05T20:59:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [February 5, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/1 "2025-02-05T20:59:01Z")

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### Summary

Hi everyone,

I’m encountering an issue with my UEFN project after publishing. When players attempt to load into the game from the Fortnite lobby, it stays on the “Preparing” screen for an excessively long time before loading (if it even loads).

### Please select what you are reporting on:

Unreal Editor for Fortnite

### What Type of Bug are you experiencing?

Matchmaking

### Steps to Reproduce

Publish a game through UEFN.  
Load the game from the Fortnite lobby.  
Observe the “Preparing” screen, which takes far too long to load.

### Expected Result

Players should load into the game within the typical time frame (a few seconds to a minute).

### Observed Result

The “Preparing” screen persists much longer than expected, sometimes failing to load entirely for some players.

### Platform(s)

Issue observed on PC and console (please let me know if anyone has had the issue on other platforms).

### Island Code

8685-5137-7978 (UNLISTED GAME DUE TO THIS BUG. AS EXPECTED, THE BUG SHOULD MAKE IT TAKE A WHILE TO LOAD.)

### Upload an image

 ![Bug.png](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/f/a/9/fa96df10544f3cb0ab18284c18c2514690b46d75.png)

### Video

[![](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/9/4/7/947a3e18096433669cfd00c1c885241e8ebe6789.jpeg "Fortnite Preparing Bug (PC)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7oWfPztlwk)

The video uploaded showcasing the bug is cut short; however, the game sat on the preparing screen for approximately 7 minutes and 38 seconds before eventually loading. This extended loading time significantly impacts the player experience and is a major concern.

### Additional Notes

This issue seems to be account-related. It happens across all my maps, regardless of size or complexity.  
It’s challenging to reproduce consistently because it only affects a small number of players and doesn’t always occur—almost like there’s a chance factor involved.  
The issue is more common than not but still unpredictable.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Flak](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/flak/32/769441_2.png) [@Flak](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Flak)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 1:05pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/2 "2025-02-17T13:05:56Z")

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We’re getting someone to take a look. We’ll let you know how it goes.

If it is an account issue, you can put in a case with [Creator Support](https://creative.fortnite.com/s/creative-support?language=en_US) and select “Island Issues”. Fill in as much information as you can about what you are facing in the subject and description.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2025, 1:27am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/3 "2025-02-20T01:27:20Z")

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Alright, Thanks.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2025, 4:44am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/4 "2025-02-23T04:44:15Z")

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Any news?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Flak](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/flak/32/769441_2.png) [@Flak](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Flak)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2025, 11:40am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/5 "2025-02-23T11:40:09Z")

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Could I please get your logs?

> [@How to get your Fortnite logs](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/how-to-get-your-fortnite-logs/682382):
>
> At times, we will ask you to send us your logs when you’re having an issue in UEFN. Here is how to do that: Exit Fortnite. Click on Start or press the Windows Key + R. Type \AppData\Local\UnrealEditorFortnite\Saved\Logs and press Enter. Zip your Logs folder and attach the zip file to your reply. To find UEFN Logs while working in UEFN: Click “Output Log” at the bottom of the window. Click on “Setting” at the top right of the window Click “Open Source Location” Zip your Logs folder and attac…

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2025, 7:10pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/7 "2025-02-23T19:10:20Z")

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Like I mentioned earlier, the bug is unpredictable. Right now, as I’m typing this, it’s not getting stuck on the “Preparing” screen, which has happened before. The moment it stops working again, I will send my logs for UEFN and FortniteGame. Based on previous occurrences, it usually takes no more than an hour or so before the issue returns. It’s quite strange.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Flak](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/flak/32/769441_2.png) [@Flak](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Flak)\
**Post date:** [February 25, 2025, 2:34pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/8 "2025-02-25T14:34:30Z")

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Thank you so much, Quixzal. Please be sure to tag me when you have them.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [February 25, 2025, 9:18pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/9 "2025-02-25T21:18:54Z")

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Ok, the bug happened.

Here is the Fortnite log right after encountering the bug.  
[FORTNITE Logs.zip](https://forums.unrealengine.com/uploads/short-url/y6cEDukD6cBUihMn1gj01he9mxq.zip) (1.2 MB)

And here is the uefn logs.  
[UEFN Logs.zip](https://forums.unrealengine.com/uploads/short-url/9NWJ7F7LolHuHK9ntz8NFNLfd29.zip) (2.2 MB)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [February 25, 2025, 9:23pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/10 "2025-02-25T21:23:39Z")

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Also, I just realized that the file might have already been on my PC in the temp FN downloads for UEFN maps. Regardless, it still sat on the “Preparing” screen. Let me know if you want a log from when it tries to download the map.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [March 2, 2025, 5:54pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/11 "2025-03-02T17:54:20Z")

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Did you get any info?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [March 7, 2025, 8:34pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/12 "2025-03-07T20:34:05Z")

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Hi, just checking in to see if there are any updates on the logs. Please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks!

@Flak, sorry for the ping, it’s just been about 10 days without an update.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 5:41pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/13 "2025-03-21T17:41:37Z")

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Hello? Any Update?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2025, 5:54pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/14 "2025-03-25T17:54:26Z")

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Hello?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Flak](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/flak/32/769441_2.png) [@Flak](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Flak)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2025, 6:24pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/15 "2025-03-25T18:24:00Z")

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I’ll ping the team.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Flak](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/flak/32/769441_2.png) [@Flak](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Flak)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2025, 6:27pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/16 "2025-03-25T18:27:31Z")

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@Quixzal is this still happening after the patch today?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2025, 7:25pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/17 "2025-03-25T19:25:27Z")

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yes unfortunately, its been going on for many patches.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2025, 7:29pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/18 "2025-03-25T19:29:22Z")

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I just tested on one of my coming maps on ps5 and my PC, its stuck on both. I could provide a code for it if you would like.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2025, 9:19pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/19 "2025-03-26T21:19:07Z")

</div>

Anyway, do you need any more info? I just want to get this fixed so I can create.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PGGAtlus](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pggatlus/32/1083096_2.png) [@PGGAtlus](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/PGGAtlus)\
**Post date:** [March 28, 2025, 5:30pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/21 "2025-03-28T17:30:09Z")

</div>

sorry to bother, is that epic bot going to update me?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Flak](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/flak/32/769441_2.png) [@Flak](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Flak)\
**Post date:** [March 28, 2025, 6:36pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340/22 "2025-03-28T18:36:44Z")

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It will when the status is updated. 🙂

[Next page](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/game-stuck-on-preparing-when-loading-from-lobby-uefn-issue/2319340.md?page=2)
