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5 best VPNs for Fortnite

If you are a fan of the multiplayer battle royale game Fortnite – but it is currently blocked for you – then you need a Fortnite VPN. In this article, we list the best VPNs for Fortnite gaming and give you some top tips on how to unblock Fortnite from anywhere.

What are the best VPNs to unblock Fortnite?

These are the VPNs we recommend using to unblock Fortnite:

  1. ExpressVPN - the best VPN for Fortnite. It's consistently one of the fastest VPNs we test, unblocks almost everything, and great extra features.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - packs impressive OpenVPN encryption that'll keep your gaming sessions secure.
  4. Private Internet Access - a secure VPN that unblocks Fortnite. It has excellent security features, which allow you to bypass Fortnite blocks easily.
  5. PrivateVPN - lives up to its name, preventing third-party snooping with strong OpenVPN encryption and a no-logs policy.
  6. Surfshark - the cheapest Fortnite VPN. It's packed with features, has lots of servers, and love by it's users because of the quality of service.

If you're wondering how it works, it's simple. VPNs change your IP address and encrypt your internet connection; a powerful combination that allows players to unblock Fortnite from anywhere. 

If you've experienced an IP ban, slow connectivity, or you've been suspected of cheating, then a VPN for Fortnite can help to solve all these problems.

We get into how it all works further into this guide. But first, to ensure that you can unblock Fortnite from anywhere, you must make sure that your chosen VPN is armed with the following features:

Only services that can offer all of these things are eligible for our recommended VPNs for Fortnite list. Now, let's take a look at who made the cut.

The best Fortnite VPNs

Here's a full list of our recommended Fortnite VPNs to unblock & beat an IP ban:

1. ExpressVPN
Editor's Choice | December 2024

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Fortnite. It's one of the fastest VPNs you can buy, has extra features such as a Smart DNS which is great for games consoles, and strong security features.

  • Pricing

    • 12 months + 3 months FREE + Backblaze backup: $6.67/mth
      49% OFF
    • 6 months: $9.99/mth
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Superb speeds for online gaming
    • A broad network of servers, including locations in Hong Kong
    • Stylish apps for all platforms
  • Cons

    • On the pricey side
    • Only supports 5 simultaneous connections
    • Lacks port-forwarding, an issue for torrenters
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

ExpressVPN Demo

ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN Demo


ExpressVPN is one of the most well-known and well-respected services in the industry – and a provider that consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs in the world. You'll have no trouble unblocking Fortnite servers with ExpressVPN, no matter where you happen to live, with access to a wide network of VPN servers in 94 countries. This means you'll be able to easily fine-tune your Fortnite experience by “dialing it in” to the servers that perform best for you.


Global coverage


With ExpressVPN, you'll be able to take your pick of servers in 94 countries across the world – making it easy to unblock Fortnite servers in just a few clicks. In addition to plenty of servers in the United States, ExpressVPN also comes with a network of "stealth" servers in Hong Kong, specifically deployed in order to bypass the Great Firewall, meaning you'll be able to play Fortnite wherever you are in the world without any government-imposed restrictions getting in the way.



And, of course, all of ExpressVPN's servers are seriously speedy! The provider consistently tops our VPN speed test charts and boasts an outstanding average download speed. As a result, ExpressVPN can more than handle data-intensive tasks like online gaming, torrenting, and VoIP calls. If you're looking for an even faster connection, however, you might want to try out the provider's proprietary encryption protocol, Lightway. Lightway is secure, lightweight, and can even improve connection speeds by up to a whopping 2.5 times!


Gold-standard security


Speed isn't all ExpressVPN has to offer, however. The service is an exemplary example of what a VPN should offer when it comes to privacy, and robust AES 256-bit encryption will ensure that all your game sessions and web browsing will remain private. Users can take their pick of VPN protocols, though I'd recommend sticking with OpenVPN if security is your main concern, and I'm glad to see that ExpressVPN also provides DNS leak protection. That, plus an automatically enabled firewall-based kill-switch makes it the perfect provider for bypassing government censorship and accessing services that are blocked in your country (or in school or at work) – such as Fortnite.


To top things off, ExpressVPN is one of a handful of services to have invited an independent auditing firm to validate its no-logs claim. This claim, and the fact that the service has no interest in logging any IP addresses or metadata, is a huge part of the reason why I find myself using ExpressVPN time and again, particularly when I'm looking to unblock content.


A premium feel


ExpressVPN is incredibly easy to use, too, and I'm certain that VPN newbies and tech veterans alike will have no problem navigating through the stylish apps – available for just about every device, which is handy, seeing as you'll be able to play Fortnite wherever you go! Currently, ExpressVPN only supports a modest five simultaneous connections, but that should still be enough to secure your most important gadgets.


I particularly like that ExpressVPN's customer service team is around 24/7 via live support to troubleshoot any issues, and that users get a 30-day money-back guarantee to put the service to the test in their own time (and check out all the streaming services and social media sites that it can unblock in a flash!). Personally, I think that ExpressVPN represents great value money, despite being slightly pricier than some of the other options – because it has everything you need to get the most out of your subscription.

NordVPN comes with servers in all the right places, making it easy to hop into Fortnite games wherever you are.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $3.69/mth
      70% OFF
    • 12 months: $4.99/mth
      59% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • Unblocks in-demand streaming services (like Netflix!)
    • Easy-to-use apps for all platforms
    • Strong OpenVPN encryption keeps gaming sessions secure
  • Cons

    • Lacks port forwarding
    • Connection times can be a little slow
    • NordLynx has yet to be audited
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

PrivateVPN Demo

PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN Demo


NordVPN easily scoops a top spot in our top five, thanks to a huge network of servers, impressive speeds ideal for online gaming, and an impressive array of security tools – not to mention, it's all available for a price that won't break the bank!


Speedy service


I'm always impressed by the breadth of NordVPN's server pool, which boasts more than 5,200 servers in 60 countries – so you'll never have trouble unblocking regional content like Fortnite! You can select a server yourself, or let the VPN choose for you, with a handy Quick Connect feature that uses an algorithm to detect your perfect match. In addition, NordVPN comes with obfuscated servers that'll hide your VPN traffic, which is ideal for folks in China looking to play Fortnite with friends. It should be noted, however, that whilst NordVPN currently has no servers in China, it does have one in Hong Kong.


In happier news, NordVPN is an incredibly quick service that performs reliably – barring the occasional hiccup that can make connecting to a server a little slow. The service's average speeds are outstanding, perfect for hopping into Fortnite games or voice chats, and there are no pesky bandwidth limits to worry about, either!


The total package



Right off the bat, I'm glad to see that NordVPN comes fully featured with a robust set of security features. No matter which device you play on, you can count on OpenVPN encryption to keep your connection secure – though folks prioritizing speed may wish to try out the super lightweight, super secure, NordLynx protocol, designed around WireGuard. DNS leak protection and obfuscation (stealth) technology make the service ideal for anyone trying to access the game from somewhere with oppressive internet censorship laws, and I also like that NordVPN's automatic kill-switch can be customized to disable internet access entirely, or simply block specific, nominated applications.


NordVPN is based in Panama, far from the invasive EU and US jurisdictions, which is great news for privacy. Even better, however, is the audited no-logs policy that the provider abides by. As such, you can rest assured that NordVPN isn't squirreling away your IP addresses, traffic data, or other identifiable information.


Try before you buy


As you'd expect from any premium VPN provider, NordVPN is compatible with pretty much any device you can think of – and six simultaneous connections are currently supported. Like ExpressVPN, this isn't an overly staggering amount, but it is the industry standard.


If any questions or concerns pop up, reach out to the NordVPN customer service team, available 24/7 via email and live chat, and take the service for a test drive with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In that month, you'll have plenty of time to see just how well the service works to unblock not only Fortnite, but a long list of in-demand streaming services, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime.

Private Internet Access is a secure VPN that unblocks Fortnite. It has excellent security features and a no-logs policy, both of which are great for bypassing government blocks.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.19/mth
      82% OFF
    • 6 months: $7.5/mth
      38% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Plenty of servers in the United States
    • Strong OpenVPN encryption
    • An inexpensive option, ideal for those on a budget
  • Cons

    • Quite techy and advanced
    • Based in the United States
    • Free trial is only for mobile users
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

PIA Demo

PIA Demo PIA Demo


Private Internet Access (PIA) has been the internet's sweetheart for over ten years, now, and is particularly popular on Reddit. It's a superb service that's proven its commitment to privacy time and again in court, and can unblock virtually anything you point it at – Fortnite servers included!


Top marks for top speeds


PIA has, frankly, a staggering number of servers dotted across the globe in 78 countries – which means you should never have a problem geo-hopping to a location where you can play Fortnite without worrying about restrictions. The provider's "domestic focus" in the United States comes in handy for Fortnite players who want to stay close to the game's servers, too. It's also great to see that PIA's servers have been optimized for 10 GBPS speeds, and can easily handle any online gaming, HD streaming, or video conferencing that you plan to do.


It's hard to overstate just how quick PIA is, in fact. The provider consistently does well in our speed tests, and it's not unusual to see PIA surpass even ExpressVPN when it comes to max download speeds!


Proven privacy


PIA doesn't disappoint when it comes to security, either! The service's AES 256-bit encryption is more than tough enough to prevent your ISP and government from snooping on your game sessions, and I like seeing that the service also allows users to pick from a number of tried-and-tested protocols. OpenVPN is my top recommendation, although WireGuard has consistently impressed gamers and streamers alike with just how speedy it is. PIA sweetens its security deal with DNS leak protection and a reliable kill-switch, and a SOCKS5 Proxy that users in China can rely on to beat government censorship.



Whilst I'm thrilled to see that PIA has taken the time to prove its no-logs claim in court on more than one occasion, the fact that the service is based in the United States is less encouraging. The US is home to the NSA and CIA, and doles out gag orders and warrants that can force a VPN provider to hand over user logs. Fortunately, that no-logs policy ensures that PIA has nothing to hand over in the first place, even if any authorities come calling.


App versatility


I think that folks familiar with VPN tech will enjoy PIA's advanced features, which can be tailored and customized to suit your needs. Newbies can simply install the VPN app (on virtually any device) in a few clicks and be ready to hop into a Fortnite game! PIA supports up to ten simultaneous connections, which is great if you have a lot of devices you'd like to secure, and has a 24/7 customer service team ready to field any concerns that might crop up.


With PIA, you can trial the service before purchasing a subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee. A 7-day free trial is also available for iOS and Android users, which is ideal if you're a mobile Fortnite player who doesn't want to part with a penny!

PrivateVPN makes it easy to negate IP bans or internet restrictions, with easy-to-use apps ideal for those on a budget.

  • Pricing

    • 36 months: $2/mth
      84% OFF
    • 3 months: $6/mth
      50% OFF
    • 1 month: $9.99/mth
      17% OFF
  • Pros

    • Great value for money
    • Impressive speeds ideal for data-intensive tasks
    • Unblocks international Netflix libraries
  • Cons

    • A smaller pool of servers
    • Lacks obfuscation measures
    • Based in Sweden
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

PrivateVPN Demo

PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN Demo


This VPN might not be a quasi household name like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, but it can still go toe-to-toe with those providers when it comes to speed and security – and all for a modest price. PrivateVPN makes it incredibly easy to connect to Fortnite servers, no matter where you are in the world, and does a superb job of unblocking streaming services, too!


Not to be underestimated


Admittedly, PrivateVPN doesn't have the huge server pool that other providers have – but that's because it's still a young service, and still growing! With that said, I've always been impressed by PrivateVPN's 200 servers, located in key locations across 63 countries, which is ideal if you need to do some geo-hopping to bypass a Fortnite IP ban.



I've found myself using PrivateVPN more and more when I need a reliable connection with superb speeds. The service compares favorably to other premium providers at the top of their game, and performs extremely well when you consider how much cheaper a PrivateVPN subscription is! All in all, you'll have no trouble dropping into Fortnite games, streaming Netflix, or chatting with friends on Discord – especially considering PrivateVPN's HQN (High Quality Network) servers.


Private by name


As you'd expect from a provider called PrivateVPN, the service comes jam-packed with features designed to protect your traffic from the prying eyes of any government, ISP, or opportunistic network admin. PrivateVPN's OpenVPN encryption is top notch and industry standard, and I like that the service pairs its kill-switch with an auto-connect feature. This feature ensures that your VPN connection gets back up and running in short order in the event that the kill-switch had to step in and cut the internet. Similarly, it's great to see that PrivateVPN also comes with a Stealth VPN mode, which users in China can take advantage of to circumvent oppressive internet restrictions that might otherwise prevent them from playing Fortnite.


PrivateVPN is a no-logs service, and that's fantastic, although I would like to see the VPN invest in an independent audit in the near future. Being based in Sweden isn't a huge win for privacy, either, seeing as the country has some nasty data retention laws. However, I've never felt at risk or uneasy when using PrivateVPN to join online games or stream geo-restricted content, and that's largely thanks to that no-logs policy, as well as IPv6 and DNS leak protection.


Simple and effective


PrivateVPN ticks all the right boxes when it comes to extras; the service supports P2P downloading, can unblock a huge number of international Netflix libraries (thanks to its free dynamic dedicated IP addresses), and even comes with port forwarding. Plus, you'll be able to download PrivateVPN apps for any Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux device, and play with up to six simultaneous connections. So, if you play Fortnite on your mobile as well as your console or PC, you're covered!


I especially like how easy PrivateVPN is to use. There's no complicated setup and users don't have to get their hands dirty in the VPN settings if they don't want to. As a result, I often recommend this service to VPN newcomers, who can also rely on the customer service team (available 24/7 via email and live chat) if they run into trouble. You can take PrivateVPN for a spin with a 30-day money-back guarantee, or try the service for free for 7 days.

Surfshark is the cheapest Fortnite VPN. Loved by users, not only for it's price. It's packed with features including a Smart DNS so you can unblock Fortnite on xbox and PS4 with ease.

  • Pricing

    • 24 Month Black Friday Special: VPN & Ad Blocker: $1.99/mth
      87% OFF
    • 24 Month Black Friday Special: One, Alert & Antivirus: $2.49/mth
      83% OFF
    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $2.19/mth
      86% OFF
    • 12 months + 3 months FREE: $2.79/mth
      82% OFF
    • 1 month: $15.45/mth
  • Pros

    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
    • Unblocks all major streaming services
    • More than 3,200 servers to choose from
  • Cons

    • Best to commit for a longer period of time
    • No port-forwarding – not the best for torrenting
    • No free trial for Windows
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

Surfshark Demo

Surfshark Demo Surfshark Demo


Surfshark is another young provider that's taken a big bite out of the VPN industry, and has already amassed plenty of loyal customers. It's a no-logs service with sleek apps for all platforms, and best of all, allows its users to install the VPN on an unlimited number of devices! This makes Surfshark an excellent value-for-money pick for folks who play Fortnite on multiple devices.


Servers galore


You'll certainly be spoiled for choice with Surfshark, a provider with more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries. Whether you're trying to connect to a server nearer to the Fortnite server itself, play with friends in different countries, or work around an IP ban, you'll be able to do so – connecting to a Surfshark server is as easy as selecting your desired location from a handy list.



Plus, all of Surfshark's servers are incredibly quick. So you won't need to worry about lagging at a critical moment in a game! Surfshark is one of the quickest VPNs out there in terms of average speeds, which is ideal for data-intensive tasks like gaming and HD streaming, and part of the reason why Surfshark has become so popular!


Surf secure


Another reason why Surfshark has become a staple of the VPN biz is its superb security toolset – which includes strong OpenVPN encryption, so you can unblock Fortnite (or anything else) without ever being monitored. Surfshark users will also enjoy DNS leak protection and a Camouflage mode, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, and comes in especially handy for folks living in China who'd prefer not to be under the thumb of the Great Firewall. The provider also gets extra marks for including a kill-switch in its security package, although you'll need to remember to head into your settings to switch it on, first!


Surfshark is a no-logs provider that won't keep any record of your online activity or whereabouts, which is just what we like to see in our top VPN recommendations. The provider has even had its no-logs claimed audited by an independent third-party – that's great news, and not something that all VPNs bother to do. Surfshark is also based in the British Virgin Islands, just like ExpressVPN, and likewise, isn't beholden to any invasive data retention laws.


No limits


Fortnite players will appreciate that Surfshark is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices – so even if you game across multiple platforms, you won't have to sacrifice your security. Those unlimited simultaneous connections I mentioned earlier certainly make things easier, too! Users will be able to secure all the devices in their home and even share their subscription with friends and family, and that's why I consider Surfshark to be a superb value for money service.


If you'd like to try it out for yourself, you can do so by taking advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee, or keep hold of your cash and make use of the 7-day free trial available on Android, iOS, and Mac.

Speed testing Fortnite VPNs

Our recommended VPNs for Fortnite are all fast enough to support fast-paced online gaming. Check out our speed test results below:

ExpressVPN NordVPN Private Internet Access
ProPrivacy.com SpeedTest (average) 100 85.9 62.2
Performance 10 9 8
Reliability 9 8 8
Speed 100 568.0 254.93

For information about how we test VPN speeds, check out our speed methodology page.

Will a VPN help with lag in Fortnite?

Fortnite players need to be aware that VPNs are not always a solution for decreasing latency and lag. A VPN makes your traffic travel further: which causes your net to slow down a small percentage (even when you use the best VPNs in the world).

Also, the slower your internet speed is to begin with, the more a VPN can affect your connection speeds. That is why it's so vital for you to choose a fast VPN in the first place.

When a VPN can help with lag

Sometimes, ISPs engage in traffic shaping when people are doing data-intensive tasks like watching HD videos or gaming. Under these specific circumstances, a VPN can improve your internet speeds. A VPN's encryption conceals what you are doing online from your ISP, which prevents them from throttling your bandwidth when you play Fortnite. 

Remember: a VPN will only improve your speed in these specific circumstances. Thus, you will need to test a VPN on a case-by-case basis to see if it can help you. We recommend trying a few different VPN server locations to see if you can find one that helps.

Why do I need a VPN for Fortnite?

One of the most cited reasons for connectivity problems in Fortnite is an error message that pops up stating:

You were removed from the match due to your IP, VPN, machine, or cheating. We recommend not utilizing VPN or proxy services while attempting to play Fortnite.

Having experienced this personally, it is not a very enjoyable experience.

5 Best Vpns For Fortnite01 E1520344864337

Fortnite's publisher suggests that this error appears under several conditions. The most common is having your IP address blacklisted because of cheating or other prohibited activities, or having an unacceptably high network lag. A VPN can help to solve both situations.

Does Fortnite IP ban?

Yes. Although it is unclear what mechanisms Epic Games uses to determine if someone is violating their terms of service, what is clear is the method by which players are reprimanded. The IP address of the offending player is blacklisted or banned, either for a specific period of time (several hours or days) or in some cases indefinitely.

This means that any attempt at connecting from a banned IP address will result in an error message. In such cases, a VPN can act as a middle-man between you and Fortnite's servers, which will conceal your IP address even if it is banned.

How to unblock Fortnite (remove IP ban) with a VPN

If you have been banned by Fortnite for some reason, follow the steps below to bypass:

  1. Choose a VPN from this guide and follow the link provided to subscribe.
  2. Download and Install the VPN, then log in using your credentials.
  3. Select a VPN server location from the list and click connect. For better speeds, when playing Fortnite we recommend that you pick a server that is situated closer to you geographically.
  4. Launch Fortnite and play the game using your new VPN-provided IP address.

Please note: If you are logged into a banned Fortnite account, this may also result in an inability to play. Thus, if you have been banned, you may want to create a new account in order to play the game with your fresh IP address.

Installing a VPN for console gaming

VPN software cannot be installed directly on game consoles like the PS4 or Xbox. However, you can create a virtual router on your computer to unblock Fortnite on your console. Check out our how to set up a VPN on Xbox or how to set up a VPN on PS4 guides for more details about how to do this.

Alternatively, if you aren't able to install a VPN directly onto your device, you can use a Smart DNS. |ExpressVPN offers a great Smart DNS service called Media Streamer which will allow you to spoof your location easily to unblock Fortnite if it's blocked in your region.

How does a VPN unblock Fortnite?

A VPN allows you to connect to the Internet via an intermediary VPN server. All your traffic is directed through this server before it travels into cyberspace, which allows you to pretend to be in a different location.

In addition, a VPN can potentially decrease the network lag you experience that causes you to be kicked from matches. And, it can help with your connection speeds if your ISP is engaging in bandwidth throttling.

Can I use a free VPN with Fortnite?

Unfortunately not. Playing Fortnite, or any other online gaming for that matter, requires a huge amount of data throughput, and a free VPN service will simply not be able to keep up. 

Performance aside, the vast majority of free services are cowboy services that put your data at risk. Most free plans come with the following restrictions:

  • Invasive privacy policies that let them harvest your data and sell it to third parties.
  • Weak encryption and sometimes even no encryption whatsoever!
  • Critical leaks of your IP, WebRTC and DNS.
  • Unreliable apps that offer little functionality.
  • Malware such as spyware and adware to help them turn you into a cash cow.

The good news is that there are some reliable free services that will not put you at risk. Those free plans are there to let subscribers get a trial of how the VPN works. However, they are extremely restrictive – which will generally make them unsuitable for playing Fortnite.

Safe free plans have the following restrictions to make people graduate onto their paid plans:

  • Fewer server locations to choose from.
  • Speed restrictions to make people subscribe to a premium account.
  • Monthly usage limits to ensure you can only use the free plan a little each month.

If you are still interested in exploring what free services have to offer, check out our best free VPN list for 2024, to learn more. However, if you want to trial a full unrestricted VPN for free, we recommend that you use one of the VPNs in this article – because they all have a money-back guarantee as well as offering VPN free trials. There are also plenty of cheap VPN services that offer great security features and will allow you to unblock games – just be sure that it works with Fortnite first.

Will I get banned for using a VPN with Fortnite?

Technically no. There are some reports of players being banned for using a VPN on Fortnite. However, these kinds of bans are usually the result of using a VPN IP address that has been previously blocked by Epic (due to the fact that it was previously used by a cheat or another player that was banned). 

Likewise, if you connect to Fortnite through a VPN and then violate Fortnite's terms of service, you could also cause that VPN IP to become banned. 

The listed VPN services in this article have all confirmed that their services can be used to connect to Fortnite servers, which indicates that their services offer IPs that are allowed IPs on the game's network infrastructure. What's more, they have hundreds if not thousands of IPs to choose from – so if you run into an issue, just connect to a new IP.

Thus, using one of the VPNs in this guide should not result in a ban. Even if you do happen to be blocked while using a VPN server – you should be able to connect to a different server in order to regain access. 

It is worth remembering that, while VPNs have reportedly caused some people to be banned by Fortnite, a VPN is still the best way to regain access if you do happen to get banned.

Is using a Fortnite VPN allowed in the game?

According to Epic Games' Terms of Service,

Any use of its services, including playing Fortnite, in a way or for "purposes that are illegal or beyond the scope of the Services' intended use" is prohibited.

Epic Games, ToS
 

This means Epic has mechanisms in place that can detect so-called prohibited purposes. This is believed to include VPN use (though it isn't explicitly mentioned); which is technically in breach of the ToS because of licensing agreements.

Epic also has the right to terminate your access to all or part of the Services for any or no reason, including, without limitation, any violation of these Terms.

Epic Games, ToS
 

Which means, if for whatever reason you are blocked from playing Fortnite, there is no obligatory need for transparency on Epic's part. This has led to more than one occasion where users have been banned for seemingly unknown reasons, including VPN use. 

What makes a VPN good to use with Fortnite?

All the services in the list above have been chosen because they have the ability to unblock Fortnite. However, we have also taken the following things into account to ensure that you can unblock Fortnite and get the most out of your gaming experience. 

Server Speeds

When playing games like Fortnite where innumerable players around the world connect and battle it out, milliseconds could be the difference between winning and losing, this is why you need a fast VPN.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that although raw speed is significant; it is not as crucial as low latency. If a VPN service provides fast upload and download speeds, that's awesome, but it should also offer low network lag as well.

Raw speed depends on the VPN provider (and the speed of your connection to the ISP of course), however, latency is greatly influenced by how you configure your VPN connection.

Server Locations

Your choice of VPN server is vital. You should select a VPN server that is geographically close to the Fortnite server that you connect to. Fortnite has a website called Fortnite Server Status, which displays the status of the available servers. Before connecting to your VPN, it is always a good idea to consult this site to find the best server to use.

5 Best Vpns For Fortnite02 E1520345010921

As shown in the image above, depending on where in the world you are, different servers will appear as the best choice.

Now Fortnite does not disclose the specific location of its servers, as many users have asked on the forum without getting an answer. Nonetheless, they are hosted by Amazon Web Services in North America, supposedly on the east coast of the United States according to rumors (possibly Virginia).

In each case, you may experiment with various VPN server locations and reopen the Fortnite Server Status page to see what kind of results you get. With a bit of experimentation, you can optimize your connectivity speed to get the best playing experience possible.

Security and Encryption

For most players, security and encryption over the VPN connection when playing games like Fortnite are not so much of a concern. However, some VPN encryption protocols will provide better speeds for playing Fortnite, which means that they are still worth considering.

What protocol should you choose?

In order to get the best possible speeds for playing Fortnite, we recommend that you stick to either OpenVPN UDP or IKEv2. These fast VPN protocols are available with all the VPNs recommended in this article. If your VPN also provides WireGuard or PPTP connections, it is also worth trying these protocols (though please bear in mind that they will not guarantee the privacy you get with OpenVPN or IKEv2).

For more information about VPN encryption protocols and how they affect connection speeds, take a look at our Complete Guide to VPN Encryption.

What to do if your Fortnite VPN isn't working

If you are currently subscribed to a VPN that isn't recommended in this article, you may need to get a new subscription with a better VPN service. However, you can try the tips below to try to get your current VPN up and running first:

  1. Restart your machine and relaunch the VPN software.
  2. Connect to a different VPN server (check with your VPN's customer support to check whether they recommend a specific server for Fortnite).
  3. Delete Fortnite and reinstall it. 
  4. If you believe you were previously banned From Fortnite for some reason, create a new account while connected to the VPN.
  5. Subscribe to a different VPN that is known to work with Fortnite.

Unblocking Fortnite in China

Shutting down

Unfortunately, as of November 15 2021, Fortnite China (also known as Fortress Night) will be shut down completely.

 

Neither Epic Games nor Tencent have commented on why exactly Fortnite China is going offline. However, players suspect that the increasingly stringent restrictions that the Chinese government has placed on video games are to blame, and that things have already gotten a lot more severe since the game's release in 2018.

And that's not all that Chinese citizens have to deal with. The Great Firewall of China is the government's primary censorship tool, and prevents citizens from accessing all sorts of services on the web. The government has even been known to block IP addresses known to belong to VPN companies.

The best VPNs, and the ones that work in China, offer obfuscation technology and stealth servers, however, which can bypass the IP blocks and the Great Firewall, and even disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic! As a result, if you're in China and don't want to miss out on your Fortnite fix, you'll want to be sure you pick a VPN with these all-important obfuscation features. Check out our VPN for China page for more details about staying safe when using a VPN service in the country.

VPN for Fortnite: Conclusion

Fortnite is a fast-paced Battle Royale game. If you're experiencing connectivity problems due to your IP address being banned or due to problematic latency issues, a VPN is the best solution.

To maintain an optimum gameplay experience, the proper VPN servers should be chosen, and the appropriate encryption configuration and server locations should be selected.

Ultimately, Fortnite is about gameplay, excitement, awesome online experiences and just having fun. Using our recommended VPNs, and our detailed analysis of how VPNs can benefit you, you will be able to continue playing and enjoying the game to the fullest!

  1. ExpressVPN - the best VPN for Fortnite. It's consistently one of the fastest VPNs we test, unblocks almost everything, and great extra features.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - packs impressive OpenVPN encryption that'll keep your gaming sessions secure.
  4. Private Internet Access - a secure VPN that unblocks Fortnite. It has excellent security features, which allow you to bypass Fortnite blocks easily.
  5. PrivateVPN - lives up to its name, preventing third-party snooping with strong OpenVPN encryption and a no-logs policy.
  6. Surfshark - the cheapest Fortnite VPN. It's packed with features, has lots of servers, and love by it's users because of the quality of service.

FAQs

Still got questions? Check out this quick FAQ section before using our search bar to find out more.

Written by: Ray Walsh

Digital privacy expert with 5 years experience testing and reviewing VPNs. He's been quoted in The Express, The Times, The Washington Post, The Register, CNET & many more. 

4 Comments

copyitright
on June 12, 2018
I don't think using a VPN is a good solution against a ban. Epic knows that cheaters often circumvent bans by changing their IP address. What if Epic decides to ban someone by HWID? That would mean you would have to fake your HWID using software (if possible). You could even lose your account for bypassing bans. Long story short: changing your IP using VPN doesn't come without risk/consequences. You may very well lose your Epic/Fortnite account and all hard earned/purchased contents.
Lazaros replied to copyitright
on June 13, 2018
Hello copyitright! Thanks for your comments and for keeping the conversation alive. You're absolutely right that using a VPN to overcome an IP ban by Epic does not come without risk. The risk is there and should be evaluated in order to determine if this is a solution that is right for you. However, it is indeed a solution that can provide the desired results in the event that an IP ban is put into place. In the article I do mention that Epic's terms of service do not explicitly ban the use of VPNs to connect to their services, so the use of a VPN does not violate their terms. I also mention that many users have complained that their IPs have been banned without cause and they have been unable to find solutions to this problem, even after addressing them with Epic. So the use of a VPN can overcome an unjustly banned IP, but again, not without risk. Of course the best thing to do is to avoid getting your IP banned in the first place by abiding by Epic's terms of service.
Dustin
on March 17, 2018
Hey there lazaros i have downloaded trust vpn and payed for their products prior to reading this article and i only get into one game maximum before it detects, im located in canada ontario, any tips, helps, or guarentees that these vpn's will work?
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2024/01/douglas-crawfordpng-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Douglas Crawford replied to Dustin
on March 19, 2018
Hi Dustin, The first thing you should do is check that you are not suffering any IP leaks. Once you have checked this, please consult our How to Bypass VPN Blocks guide. For Fortnite, probably the best solution is to use a VPN that offers dedicated IP addresses. We also always recommend taking full advantage of VPNs' free trials and money back guarantees in order to check that there are no problems before you pay for the service.

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