Do you love playing Fortnite, the popular and addictive game with millions of fans worldwide? If so, you might have experienced Fortnite downtime, when the game goes offline for maintenance or updates. This can be annoying, especially if you want to play your favorite game mode or complete a challenge.
But don’t worry, we have got you covered. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Fortnite downtime, such as:
- What it is and why it happens
- How long it lasts and when it starts
- How to check the game status and get updates
- What are the latest news and trends related to it
- What are some common errors and how to fix them
What is Fortnite Downtime and Why Does it Happen?
Fortnite downtime is a period when the game servers are offline and you cannot access the game. This happens because Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, needs to do some work on the game, such as:
- Performing scheduled maintenance
- Applying patches or fixes
- Adding new features or content
Downtime is necessary to make sure that the game runs smoothly and securely, and that you can enjoy the best gaming experience possible. For example, every season of Fortnite brings a new theme, map changes, weapons, skins, challenges, and events. These require a major update that can only be done during downtime.
How Long Does Fortnite Downtime Last and When Does it Start?
The duration and frequency of Fortnite downtime depend on the type and size of the work that Epic Games needs to do. Usually, scheduled downtime takes place at 1 am PDT / 4 am EDT / 9 am BST and lasts for 2-3 hours on average. However, sometimes downtime can be longer or shorter than expected.
The start time of Fortnite downtime is usually announced by Epic Games a day or a few hours before it happens. They post a tweet on their official Twitter account @FortniteStatus, where they also share updates on the progress and completion of the downtime. They also post a message on the game’s lobby screen, informing you about the upcoming downtime and its estimated duration.
How to Check the Game Status and Get Updates on Downtime?
If you want to check the game status and get updates on downtime, there are several ways you can do that. Here are some of them:
- Visit the Epic Games Public Status page, where you can see the current status of all Epic Games services, including Fortnite. You can also see the past incidents and scheduled maintenance for each service.
- Follow @FortniteStatus on Twitter, where Epic Games posts regular updates on the game’s status. You can also turn on notifications for this account to get instant updates on your phone or device.
- Visit GamesRadar+, Fortnite Tracker, [VideoGamer], or other gaming news websites that cover Fortnite news and updates. They usually report on the latest information about Fortnite downtime, such as its start time, duration, reason, patch notes summary, etc.
What are the Latest News and Trends Related to Fortnite Downtime?
Fortnite is constantly evolving and adding new features and content to keep you engaged and entertained. This means that there are always new things to look forward to during or after each downtime. Here are some of the latest news and trends related to Fortnite downtime:
| News/Trend | Description |
|---|---|
| v26.10 Update | The latest major update for Fortnite was v26.10, which was released on September 12, 2023. It introduced a new season called Chapter 3 Season 1: The Return, which brought back some of the classic locations from Chapter 1 such as Tilted Towers, Retail Row, Pleasant Park, etc. It also added new weapons such as the Flint-Knock Pistol, the Boom Bow, and the Chug Cannon. |
| v26.20 Update | The next major update for Fortnite is expected to be v26.20, which is scheduled for September 26, 2023. It will likely bring more changes and additions to the game’s map, weapons, skins, challenges, and events. Some of the rumored features include a Halloween-themed event called Fortnite Mares, a collaboration with Marvel’s Venom: Let There Be Carnage movie, and a new vehicle called the Hoverboard. |
| 2FA Problem | One of the most common issues that players face during Fortnite downtime is the two-factor authentication (2FA) problem, which prevents them from logging in to their Epic Games account or accessing the game. This happened on September 7, 2023, when Epic Games reported that 2FA emails were not being sent out properly. They advised players to use SMS or Authenticator options instead and resolved the issue later that day. |
What are Some Common Errors and How to Fix Them?
Sometimes, you may encounter some errors or messages that prevent you from playing Fortnite or cause some problems with the game. These errors can be caused by various reasons, such as server issues, network problems, game bugs, etc. Here are some of the most common errors and how to fix them:
| Error Code | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Error 91 | This error means that an object variable or a block variable is not set. It usually happens when the game is unable to connect to the server or load some data. | Try restarting the game or your device, checking your internet connection, or waiting for the server to be back online. |
| Error 93 | This error means that the game is unable to join a party or a match. It usually happens when the server is overloaded or undergoing maintenance. | Try joining a different party or match, restarting the game or your device, or waiting for the server to be back online. |
| Error 8 | This error means that the game is unable to check for updates or download them. It usually happens when the server is down or busy. | Try restarting the game or your device, checking your internet connection, or waiting for the server to be back online. |
Conclusion
Fortnite downtime is an inevitable part of the game’s development and improvement, and it can be a source of excitement or annoyance for you. However, by knowing what it is, how long it lasts, when it starts, how to check its status, what to expect from it, and what to do if you encounter any errors, you can make the best of your time during downtime and enjoy the game even more when it comes back online.
Happy gaming!
