Fortnite Servers Down as Epic Prepares Fortnitemares 2026
Fortnite matchmaking is disabled and servers are offline as Epic Games rolls out the v37.10 update for the Fortnitemares 2026 event.
The island has gone quiet. If you tried queuing up for a match over the last hour, you likely noticed that the matchmaking button was grayed out. Epic Games officially disabled matchmaking queues early this morning as they prepare to deploy the highly anticipated v37.10 update. This patch brings one of the biggest events of the year: Fortnitemares 2026.
Downtime Details and Schedule
The scheduled server maintenance began at 4:00 AM Eastern Time (8:00 AM UTC). However, following their usual routine, Epic disabled matchmaking thirty minutes prior to the shutdown. This prevents players from getting kicked out in the middle of a tense battle royale match. Anyone still in a game at 4:00 AM was disconnected as the servers went completely offline.
We do not have an exact time for when the servers will come back online. Typically, major seasonal updates like this take between two and three hours to fully deploy. If everything runs smoothly, you can expect the game to be playable again around 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM ET. However, because Fortnitemares updates are packed with new assets, maps, and mechanics, the database migration could take a bit longer. Do not be surprised if the downtime stretches slightly past that window.
What to Expect from Fortnitemares 2026
Fortnitemares is always a massive hit with the community, and this year looks to be no different. The developers are leaning heavily into the spooky season with a mix of fresh content and returning favorites. While Epic has kept the specific details under wraps, several leaks and official teasers give us a clear picture of what is coming.
First, expect a major map overhaul. A thick, eerie fog is likely to blanket parts of the island, and several POIs will get haunted makeovers. Players will also see the return of themed weapons. The Pumpkin Launcher and Witch Brooms are expected to make a comeback, alongside some entirely new supernatural items designed to shake up the current combat meta.
Here is a quick look at what players can expect once the update goes live:
- Spooky Cosmetics: A brand-new lineup of Halloween-themed skins, including highly anticipated collaborations with iconic horror franchises.
- Horde Rush Mode: The fan-favorite PvE mode is rumored to return, letting squads fight off waves of cube monsters for exclusive rewards.
- Haunted Map Changes: Ghostly decorations, foggy weather effects, and spooky environmental hazards scattered across the island.
- In-Game Quests: A fresh set of challenges offering free XP and creepy cosmetics, such as back blings, gliders, and weapon wraps.
How to Prepare Your Game for the Patch
Because of the sheer amount of content in the v37.10 update, the download size is going to be hefty. Players on all platforms—PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Android—should make sure they have plenty of storage space cleared out before the update begins. A safe bet is to have at least 15 to 20 GB of free space available to ensure a smooth installation.
If you want to jump in as soon as the game is back online, double-check that your platform’s auto-update feature is enabled. This allows your system to download the files the moment Epic pushes them to the servers, saving you from waiting around when the maintenance ends.
Once the servers are back up, expect a brief log-in queue. Millions of players will be rushing to experience the new update at the same time, which often puts a strain on the login servers. If you see a waiting screen, just stay patient and let the timer run down.
