Fortnite’s v42.20 Update Adds a Subregion Preference Feature
The newest Fortnite update, v42.20, introduces a Subregion Preference option that allows players to choose a specific matchmaking node rather than a broad regional zone. By selecting a closer server, you can expect reduced latency and a lower risk of matchmaking errors.
How the Subregion List Is Structured
Players can customize their selection within the following subregions:
- NA‑East: Virginia, Ohio
- NA‑Central: Iowa, Texas, Mexico
- NA‑West: Northern California, Oregon
- Europe: Germany, UK, France
- Oceania: Sydney
- Brazil: São Paulo
- Asia: Tokyo
- Middle East: Bahrain, Mumbai
The setting can be found in Settings → Game → Language and Region. It provides players the flexibility to align matchmaking closer to their actual geographic location.
Benefits and Trade‑offs for Competitive Players
Choosing a subregion does not guarantee a perfect match. While latency generally drops, queue times may increase and the placement balance could shift, potentially affecting fairness. In cases where Fortnite is offline, the feature remains inapplicable because matchmaking is disabled. Competitive players accustomed to high ping during Chapter 7 Season 4 can experiment with this new tool to fine‑tune their experience.
Deciding between the automatic selection and the new Subregion Preference will shape how you navigate the latest season.
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