Getting the “Start Search Fail. Unable to contact matchmaking server” error on Rocket League? Don’t panic. Here is the complete 7-step guide to fix it immediately and get back to matches.
If you are currently trying to use Rocket League to join online matches and suddenly encounter a roadblock, you are certainly not alone.
Many users report seeing the specific, frustrating message below:
“Start Search Fail. Unable to contact matchmaking server” (Error 68)
This specific Rocket League error often strikes without warning. It can appear even when your internet looks normal and other games load perfectly.
While it disrupts your matches, the good news is that this issue is usually temporary. Furthermore, it rarely results from a permanent user error, so you haven’t broken anything on your device.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through exactly what this error means, why your PC, Xbox, or PlayStation might fail to respond, and the specific steps you must take to fix it quickly.
What Does Error 68 Mean in Rocket League?
To better understand the problem, we must first define what the error actually signals.
This message means Rocket League was unable to establish communication with its online matchmaking servers at that exact moment. It does not automatically indicate a permanent account ban, a broken console, or that the game servers have crashed completely.
Think of it like trying to call someone when the network is unstable; you dial the number, but the connection never completes. In most cases, the error points to one of the following specific triggers:
- A temporary service interruption: The matchmaking servers are down or momentarily overwhelmed by high traffic.
- A penalty or ban problem: Your account has received a temporary leaver penalty for exiting a match early.
- A delayed or blocked request: Your network timeout or a Strict NAT type blocked the connection.
- A corrupted file or platform issue: Your game data or platform network (Steam, Xbox Live, PSN) is failing to sync.
Users commonly experience this connection error in different ways.
You might see it before a match loads, right after clicking “Search,” or repeatedly even after restarting the game. Although this inconsistency can be confusing, it effectively helps us narrow down the cause.
Why This Error Happens
Based on real usage patterns and technical analysis, this error usually stems from one or more of the specific reasons below.
1. Matchmaking Server Down or Capacity Issues
Sometimes, Psyonix’s servers experience backend congestion or partial service degradation. When the Rocket League server status shows downtime or instability, players across the world may experience the same error simultaneously. For example, during maintenance periods, game updates, or sudden spikes in player activity, the matchmaking server simply isn’t responding.
These spikes in player activity frequently occur during peak evening hours across major server regions like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, or immediately after a new season drops.
2. Temporary Ban or Leaver Penalty
If you’ve exited a match mid-game—even unintentionally—you might be temporarily restricted from matchmaking. This is part of the game’s system to ensure fair play. This restriction often triggers Error 68 and typically lasts between 5 to 15 minutes. Repeated behavior can increase the duration. Keep in mind that the game sometimes fails to display the official ‘Banned’ notification on your screen. Instead of telling you about the 15-minute warning ban, it simply throws Error 68.
3. Internet or NAT Type Issues
A weak or unstable connection can easily cause a network timeout, preventing your game from reaching the server. Another key factor here is your NAT type. If your NAT type is set to Moderate or Strict, it can block proper communication with matchmaking servers, whereas an Open NAT type provides the best connectivity.
4. Corrupted or Missing Game Files
A corrupted game file can cause the error to repeat instantly. In these cases, your game struggles to connect properly, often happening after updates or interrupted installations. Unexpected PC crashes or power surges can actually corrupt your localized TAGame/SaveData folder. When this happens, the launcher keeps sending “confused” data to the server, which is consistently rejected.
5. Platform Server Issues
Sometimes the issue isn’t with Rocket League itself but with the platform you’re playing on. Services like Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Steam, or Epic Games can experience outages that mimic a server error and affect matchmaking.
Quick Checks Before You Try Fixes
Before you dive deep into troubleshooting settings, you should quickly run through this diagnostic checklist to save time:
- Did you recently leave a match early and trigger a leaver penalty?
- Does the error still appear when you connect to a mobile hotspot?
- Does the same issue occur for other players online right now?
- Did the problem start suddenly right after a new game update?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, the issue is likely temporary or server-related rather than a deep technical failure on your device.
How to Fix Rocket League Error 68: 7 Step Guide
To resolve this efficiently, follow these steps in order. We strongly recommend that you do not skip ahead, as the simpler fixes often work best.
Step 1: Check Rocket League Server Status First
In many cases, the error resolves on its own if the servers are down. You should check the official @RL_Status account on X (Twitter), the Epic Games Public Status page, or Downdetector. If matchmaking server downtime is confirmed, there is nothing wrong on your end—you just need to wait.
Step 2: Wait if You’re Temporarily Banned
If your issue is tied to Rocket League’s temporary ban system, the only real solution is patience. These bans are automatic and cannot be bypassed. This step alone fixes cases involving a 5 to 15-minute matchmaking restriction for leaving early. Once the timer expires, the error is fixed automatically.
Step 3: Restart Router & Fix Internet Issues
If the error appears immediately every time you queue, restarting your router can refresh your network and resolve unstable connections. You can also connect to a mobile hotspot. This is a great way to diagnose network issues and bypass the error.
If the hotspot works, it confirms an issue with your home network. Switching from a wireless Wi-Fi connection to a direct wired Ethernet cable is one of the most reliable permanent fixes for this. Alternatively, some players use specialized routing tools like the LagoFast game booster to manually switch server nodes and bypass ISP throttling.
Step 4: Restart Your Device
Switching your device off and on helps you rule out temporary system glitches. Whether you’re on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, completely restarting clears conflicts that may be interfering with your connection.
For PC players, before restarting your computer, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Ensure you completely end the “Rocket League” task, as well as the “Steam Client Bootstrapper” or “Epic Games Launcher” background processes to force a clean boot.
Step 5: Verify Game Files
Corrupted files can block requests. Verifying your game files checks for missing or corrupted data and repairs it automatically. This is especially helpful for Steam and Epic Games users. Use the “Verify Files” option in the properties menu of your launcher.
If you are using the Epic Games Launcher, find Rocket League in your library, click the three dots (Manage), and select ‘Verify’. On Steam, right-click the game, go to Properties, select Local Files, and click ‘Verify integrity of game files’.
Step 6: Change DNS Settings (Advanced Fix)
Switching to a public DNS like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) can improve your connection stability and reduce latency. This is a useful solution for persistent error 68 cases needing a DNS fix to resolve routing issues.
Step 7: Check NAT Type & Network Settings
Your NAT type plays a critical role. Adjusting your router’s NAT settings to “Open” can significantly improve your overall experience. If it is set to Moderate or Strict, you will experience occasional issues or frequent matchmaking failures.
Is Rocket League Down Right Now? How to Tell
Rocket League can experience partial service issues where some features fail while others remain accessible. This means you might still load the main menu, but new matchmaking searches won’t process.
You should check the official status pages first. Additionally, third-party services like Downdetector can provide real-time user reports to confirm if others are facing the same outage.
However, strong signs of a wider issue include:
- The error appears for every match you attempt to join.
- None of the fixes work across PC, Xbox, or PlayStation.
- The issue starts suddenly and persists without change for more than 15 minutes.
When this happens, waiting is often the only effective solution, as the engineering team at Psyonix works to restore the service.
Why the Status Page May Still Look Normal
Status indicators typically track core systems, not every individual feature. They may not reflect:
- Platform-specific outages affecting only Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Steam, or Epic Games.
- Regional access issues specific to your location’s ISP.
- Localized high traffic or delayed matchmaking queues.
- Temporary bans tied to your specific account.
That is why you can see an error even when everything appears “operational” on the official dashboard.
Can This Error Affect All Platforms?
Yes, absolutely. Matchmaking or connection issues can affect users across the board.
You may successfully launch the game but still encounter failures when queuing up on PC (Steam & Epic Games), Xbox One, or PS4/PS5. In these cases, the same platform-specific fixes—restarting the console, rebuilding the PS database, checking Xbox Live status, or updating launchers—apply to your gaming environment.
How to Prevent This Error in the Future
While you cannot prevent all service-side issues, you can significantly reduce the chances of seeing this error again by maintaining a stable setup and good in-game behavior.
To keep your connection stable and avoid error 68:
- Avoid actions that trigger a leaver penalty, such as exiting matches mid-game.
- Keep your game and platform launchers fully updated to avoid file corruption.
- Use a wired ethernet connection instead of an unstable Wi-Fi network.
- Ensure your NAT type remains Open to avoid blocking matchmaking servers.
These steps help maintain a clean, stable connection and prevent the “start search fail” errors from interrupting your matches.
FAQs
What does Rocket League error 68 mean?
It means your game cannot connect to matchmaking servers due to network, server, or ban-related issues.
How do I fix Rocket League error 68?
You can fix it by checking server status, restarting your router, verifying game files, and ensuring a stable internet connection.
Can error 68 mean I’m banned from Rocket League?
Yes, but not always. It can also be caused by server or connection issues. If it is a ban, it is usually a temporary 5 to 15-minute matchmaking restriction.
Is Rocket League server down causing error 68?
Yes, server downtime or high traffic is one of the most common causes.
How do I verify game files to fix error 68?
Use the “Verify Files” option in the properties menu of your Steam or Epic Games launcher.
Will changing DNS fix Rocket League error 68?
Yes, it can improve connection stability and resolve routing issues in some cases.
What to Do If Nothing Works
If you have tried every fix listed above and the error still appears, the best option is to stop retrying and wait.
Repeated attempts during a temporary issue won’t speed things up and may actually increase frustration if the servers are simply down or if you are waiting out a hidden ban.
We recommend you come back later and try again once conditions stabilize. In the majority of cases, the error resolves without any action required on your end, allowing you to get back into matches seamlessly.
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