Fortnite can be pretty nerve-wracking without letting your connection betray you. High ping, lags or an error message with a suspected cheat? Yes, that’s part of reality too. Even though Epic Games tries to maintain a fair environment, occasionally a stone will fall and a player will end up with access blocked without doing anything.
That’s where a VPN comes in – a virtual private network that can save not only your account, but your nerves. With a quality VPN, you can bypass regional blocks, protect yourself against DDoS attacks, and even reduce the response time between you and the game server. Most importantly, if you go with a verified service, the risk of getting banned is almost zero.
How does a VPN work in Fortnite?
The basic principle is simple – a VPN masks your IP address and replaces it with another. This allows you to virtually “move” to the USA or Japan, for example, and bypass regional or ISP restrictions (throttling).
In addition, a VPN encrypts data traffic to protect you from DDoS attacks. Some services go even further and can optimize the connection to be as short as possible, which greatly helps with reducing ping and lag.
Can a VPN cause a Fortnite ban?
That’s a question a lot of people are asking – and rightly so. Officially, VPNs aren’t banned in Fortnite. Rather, Epic Games is looking into whether you’re circumventing a previously banned or cheating via a VPN.
But if you’re using a VPN purely for privacy, lower ping, or a more stable connection, you’re not at risk of getting banned. It’s important to avoid suspicious VPN servers or reconnecting from IP addresses that have been abused in the past.
Tip: Turn off the game and launcher before turning on the VPN and connect afterwards. This will minimize the risk of the game disconnecting you when you change your IP address.
1. ExpressVPN – Best for bypassing bans and geo-blocks
ExpressVPN is among the top when it comes to speed, stability and compatibility. It works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, and it offers router support, which comes in handy for consoles like the PS5 and Xbox.
In addition, it has a DDoS protection feature and, if set up correctly, can reduce the response time between you and the game server. With over 3000+ servers in 108 countries, it’s easy to connect wherever you need to go.
✅ Benefits of ExpressVPN
- Extremely fast servers
- Works on all platforms
- Excellent 24/7 technical support
- Secure protocols (OpenVPN, Lightway, now Ligtway Turbo)
❌ Disadvantages of ExpressVPN
- It is one of the more expensive options
But if you’re looking for a VPN that can handle everything from connecting to US servers to seamlessly bypassing geo-blocks, ExpressVPN is easily one of the best options.
2. NordVPN – Best for Advanced Security and Double VPN
NordVPN has been a well-known player in the cybersecurity field for years. Its advantage is not only stability and speed, but also a number of advanced features. It offers a so-called Double VPN (two layers of encryption), protection against DNS and IP address leaks, and access to SmartDNS, which is ideal for console gaming without installing a VPN on your router.
✅ Advantages of NordVPN
- Over 7450+ servers
- Support P2P, streaming and gaming
- Clear applications
- Zero-logs policy
❌ Disadvantages of NordVPN
- Higher price for monthly subscription
NordVPN is the ideal choice for gamers who want not only a lower ping, but also maximum protection for their identity.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Best choice for kill switch and stable performance
Private Internet Access relies on stability, low ping and a wide range of customization options. It offers over 18,651+ servers worldwide, has a clean interface and a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects the internet in the event of a VPN outage. This protects you from inadvertently revealing your IP address while playing.
Another bonus? Support for up to 10 devices simultaneously. So you can protect your entire household with one account.
✅ Benefits of Private Internet Access
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Great for streaming and gaming
- Block ads and malware
- Very favourable price
❌ Disadvantages of Private Internet Access
- Speed sometimes fluctuates on remote servers
4. CyberGhost VPN – Best for Simplicity and No-Spy Servers
CyberGhost scores especially with those who don’t want to deal with technicalities. It offers a user-friendly interface, over 12,000+ servers, and dedicated gaming servers that are optimized for performance. Another significant plus is the so-called NoSpy infrastructure – dedicated servers managed directly by the company without the involvement of third parties.
✅ Benefits of CyberGhost
- Optimised servers for gaming
- Automatic Wi-Fi protection
- DNS and IPv6 leak protection
- 45-day money back guarantee
❌ Disadvantages of CyberGhost
- Less advanced features for power users
5. Surfshark VPN – Great value for money
Surfshark may not be one of the oldest VPNs on the market, but it’s quickly risen to become one of the top choices for gamers. It offers superior protection, a NoBorders mode for bypassing geo-restrictions, and a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
Biggest trump card? Unlimited devices per account. So you can protect your gaming PC, console, phone and smart TV all at once.
✅ Benefits of Surfshark
- Strong encryption and advanced features (camouflage mode)
- 3200+ servers in 100+ countries
- Excellent performance at a low price
- Split tunneling function
❌ Disadvantages of Surfshark
- Occasionally slower connections on remote servers
6. IPVanish VPN – Best for hiding IP addresses
The last player in our ranking is IPVanish – a VPN with over 40,000+ IP addresses and excellent P2P support. It has a simple interface, no data transfer limits and 256-bit encryption.
It also supports an unlimited number of devices and works on a wide range of systems – from Windows and Mac to Android and iOS to Linux and Chromebook. A great choice for those who want simplicity, reliability, and identity protection while playing.
✅ Benefits of IPVanish VPN
- Unlimited number of devices
- Works on routers too
- Does not store logs
- Strong security
❌ Disadvantages of IPVanish VPN
- Some servers may be overloaded
Which servers work best with Fortnite?
When choosing a VPN server for Fortnite, the closer you are to the game server, the lower the ping. But if you’re worried about a ban or region block, changing your region might be just the thing to get you back in the game.
Below are the servers that have proven to be reliable and stable in my testing:
- USA – Ohio, Virginia, California, Oregon
- United Kingdom – London
- Ireland
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan – Tokyo, Osaka
- South Korea
- India – Mumbai
- Singapore
- Germany – Frankfurt
- France – Paris
- Brazil – São Paulo
Simply connect to one of these servers before launching the Epic Games Launcher and logging into Fortnite. This will bypass any blocking or “VPN detected” errors.
How to use a VPN properly when playing Fortnite
To avoid problems, follow these steps:
- Close Fortnite and Epic Games Launcher.
- Connect to the VPN server using the list above.
- Then launch Epic Games and log in.
- Play without unnecessary lag, disconnects or bans.
The VPN should be running the whole time you’re playing – don’t connect to the network while you’re actively playing or you’ll risk error messages or automatic disconnection.
Summary: Which VPN should you choose based on your priorities?
Every player has different needs. Here’s a quick overview of which VPN is right for you:
| VPN service | Most suitable for | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Versatile use, bypassing bans | Speed, stability, support for all platforms | Higher price |
| PIA | Stability, privacy | Kill switch, ad blocker, 10 devices | Fluctuating speed |
| NordVPN | Advanced security | Double VPN, SmartDNS | Higher monthly price |
| Surfshark | Families, more facilities | Unlimited devices, CleanWeb | Occasionally lower performance |
| CyberGhost | Simplicity, NoSpy | Easy to use, 12 000+ servers | Fewer features |
| IPVanish | Flexibility, routers | Unlimited devices, strong encryption | Overloaded servers |
In conclusion
Using a VPN in Fortnite isn’t about circumventing or “fooling” the system. On the contrary, a good VPN will allow you to play stable, securely and without the frustration of unnecessary downtime or incomprehensible bans. And if you choose the right one, you’ll also get the added benefit of lower response times and smoother gameplay.
From my own experience, I recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN for the hardcore gamer, and Surfshark or PIA for those looking for value for money.
Before you go into another Victory Royale battle, try VPN for yourself. You might be surprised how much it can change your gaming experience.
