Fix Epic Games Launcher Error AS-3 (No Connection)

Updated: 11/29/2025

You open the Epic Games Launcher to play Fortnite, but it is stuck in 'Offline Mode'. The error message reads: 'Connection Error. We are unable to connect to the server. Error Code: AS-3'. This basically means 'Authentication Server 3' failed to respond. It is almost always caused by a Firewall blocking the launcher or a corrupted network config file inside the app.

Table of Contents

Method 1: Edit the 'Engine.ini' File (Advanced Fix)

This is a community-discovered fix that forces the launcher to increase its connection timeout threshold.

Step 1: Navigate to Config

Press Win + R, type %localappdata%, and hit Enter. Go to EpicGamesLauncher > Saved > Config > Windows.

Step 2: Edit File

Open Engine.ini with Notepad.

Step 3: Add Code

Paste the following lines at the bottom of the file and save it:

[HTTP]
HttpTimeout=10
HttpConnectionTimeout=10
HttpReceiveTimeout=10
HttpSendTimeout=10

Restart the launcher. This gives your PC more time to connect before giving up.

Method 2: Whitelist in Windows Defender

The Epic Launcher behaves like a web browser, which Windows Firewall sometimes finds suspicious.

  • Type 'Allow an app through Windows Firewall' in the Start Menu.
  • Click Change Settings.
  • Find EpicGamesLauncher.
  • Ensure Private and Public are BOTH checked.

Method 3: The 'Target' Line Edit

We can force the launcher to use a different SSL protocol.

Step 1: Shortcut Properties

Right-click your Epic Games desktop shortcut > Properties.

Step 2: Edit Target

In the 'Target' box, add this to the very end (after the quote marks):

-SkipBuildPatchPrereq

Click Apply. This skips a specific update check that often causes the AS-3 handshake failure.