Fortnite servers are currently down for scheduled maintenance ahead of the launch of Season 7 Chapter 2, with downtime starting on March 19 at 6 AM GMT (2 AM ET / 11 PM PT on March 18). Players can expect the servers to come back online around 11 AM GMT (7 AM ET / 4 AM PT).
The downtime is expected to last approximately three hours, during which players will be unable to access the game. Matchmaking ended shortly before the official maintenance window, as confirmed by Fortnite Status, who stated, “Downtime for v40.00 begins at 2 AM ET (6 AM UTC) with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand.”
This update introduces the new Battle Royale Season titled Fortnite Showdown, featuring a narrative conflict between The Foundation and the Ice King. The Showdown Battle Pass will include The Foundation skin as a primary tier reward, enticing players to dive into the new season.
Additionally, players on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One can pre-download the update to ensure a smooth transition once the servers are back online. However, it’s important to note that V-Bucks pricing adjustments will affect most purchase tiers, which may impact players’ in-game purchases.
Historically, extended downtime during major releases has reached up to six hours, so players are advised to remain patient as server stability checks are conducted in staged rollouts across different regions.
Epic Games confirmed the downtime through their official channels, ensuring that players are kept in the loop regarding the maintenance schedule. As the community eagerly awaits the new season, the excitement builds around the fresh content and challenges that await.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential delays or additional features that may be introduced during this maintenance period. Players are encouraged to stay tuned for updates from Epic Games as the return of the servers approaches.
