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Fortnite Downtime: what to expect?

October 22, 2024

October 22, 2024

3 minutes

Especially for avid Fortnite players, Fortnite downtime occurs regularly, whether during a new season launch or major updates. While it can be frustrating to be locked out of the game, this is necessary for Epic Games to maintain and improve the game experience. 

So, in this article, we’ll explore what Fortnite downtime is, why it happens, and how players can track the status of Fortnite server issues when they arise.

What is Fortnite downtime?

In summary, Fortnite downtime refers to the scheduled periods when Epic Games temporarily takes Fortnite offline to perform maintenance, deploy updates, or fix bugs. These downtimes typically happen with the release of new content, significant patches, or server maintenance. 

Fortnite server issues can sometimes require emergency downtime, but most of the time, Epic Games schedules it in advance and informs players of what to expect.

Downtimes are periods when Fortnite’s servers are taken offline, and temporarily unavailable. These outages allow developers to implement changes and ensure the game runs smoothly for players worldwide. Though it may interrupt gameplay, Fortnite maintenance is critical for keeping the game fresh, balanced, and functional.

What are the common reasons for Fortnite downtime?

There are several reasons why Fortnite downtime sometimes. Some of the most frequent causes include:

  1. New season launches: every few months, Fortnite introduces a new season, bringing in fresh content like skins, maps, and mechanics. These major updates require significant Fortnite maintenance and server downtime to integrate new features.
  2. Content updates: smaller patches throughout the season add new items, balance changes, or fix bugs. While these usually require less downtime than a season launch, they still take Fortnite offline temporarily.
  3. Bug fixes and emergency repairs: Sometimes, unexpected Fortnite server issues arise, like glitches or performance problems that require urgent attention. Epic Games may initiate unscheduled downtime to fix these issues, ensuring the game remains stable.
  4. Server upgrades and maintenance: routine server maintenance is essential for preventing larger issues down the road. These upgrades may cause short-term downtime but are necessary to keep the servers running smoothly and prevent issues in the future.

How to track Fortnite server status?

During periods of Fortnite downtime, players are naturally eager to know when the game will be back online. Fortunately, Epic Games provides several tools and methods for players to track the current server status and be informed about any upcoming maintenance periods.

Here’s how you can stay updated on Fortnite’s server status:

  • Official Fortnite status on X: Epic Games regularly posts updates about Fortnite maintenance and downtime on their official X account. This is the best place for real-time information about when servers are expected to go back online.
  • Epic Games website: the page offers a status page that provides live updates about Fortnite server issues and downtime.
  • In-game notifications: sometimes, players receive in-game alerts notifying them of upcoming downtime. These notifications are often displayed in the lobby before a major patch or update, giving players ample warning about when they can expect downtime.
  • Community forums: Fortnite’s community is highly active, so checking forums like Reddit or official Epic Games threads can provide additional information and player discussions about downtime.

By staying connected to these resources, players can minimize their Fortnite downtime frustrations and plan their next gaming session more effectively.

About The Author

Leandro Sandmann, graduated in Computer Science from FEI, is the co-founder of ExitLag, a company created to improve stability and internet connections for online games. He has been sharing his knowledge about games and technology through various channels, contributing to the Blog's articles.

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