UPDATE: Fortnitemares and its accompanying update has been delayed by Epic Games. The game will now be taken offline for update 31.40 on Saturday, October 12 at 7am BST UK time.
The news was announced by Epic Games on X: “While we continue final preparations for v31.40, we are delaying the start of downtime by a few hours. We’ll provide another update when we plan to take Fortnite servers offline.
“In order to ensure a properly frightful Fortnitemares, v31.40 will go into downtime on Saturday at 2 AM ET.
“We apologize for the confusion and delay, and will let you know once the update is live.”
ORIGINAL: Fortnite fans are looking forward to the release of update 31.40, which will usher in the start of the Fortnitemares Halloween event. Available on PS5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Android and PC, update 31.40 will be available to download and install on the morning of October 11. As a numbered update, the download will be accompanied by an extended period of server downtime, which means you won’t be able to play Fortnite, LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing and Fortnite Festival for at least a couple of hours. If you want to know when you can log back into Fortnite, check out the 31.40 server maintenance schedule below.
According to Epic Games, Fortnite Battle Royale and all of its companion game modes will be taken offline in full at 9am BST.
However, as Epic points out in a tweet announcing the downtime, matchmaking will be disabled at around 8.30am UK time.
“Prepare for a frightening time!” reads an Epic tweet. “Downtime for v31.40 begins at 4 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand.”
Epic hasn’t revealed exactly when downtime will come to an end, but maintenance typically lasts for at least a couple of hours.
This means Fortnite and all of its game modes should be back online by 11am BST UK time at the latest.
In terms of what fans can expect from the new update, Epic has officially confirmed plans to bring the annual Fortnitemares event to the game.
The Fortnitemares event will introduce countless new skins and collaborations, including Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Sally and Pumpkin King from Nightmare Before Christmas, and Mephisto from the MCU.
It’s likely Epic will release an event pass to celebrate Fortnitemares, as well as a host of challenges and rewards.
The map will also be updated with a selection of new landmarks and points of interest, including changes to Grand Glacier, Brawler’s Battleground and Restored Reels
According to Fortnite insiders such as Hypex, new items will include a SAW Mythic, the returning Witch Broom, Pumpkin Launcher, Wood Stake Shotgun, Candy and more.