Fortnite Server Downtime: When Will Matchmaking Return?
Fortnite servers are going offline on October 4 for the massive Fortnitemares update. Here is when matchmaking ends and when you can play again.
Fortnite fans, get ready to take a break from the battle bus. Epic Games is preparing to pull the plug on the game’s servers today, October 4, to deploy one of the most anticipated patches of the year: the Fortnitemares update. If you are trying to squeeze in a few matches before school or work, you will need to plan around some scheduled downtime.
This isn’t just a minor patch to fix some bugs. Epic is bringing its yearly Halloween-themed event to the island, which means a lot of heavy files need to be uploaded to the live servers. Here is exactly when matchmaking will stop, how long the servers will remain dark, and what you can expect when you finally log back in.
What time does Fortnite downtime start today?
Epic Games confirmed that the downtime for this October 4 update officially begins at 4:00 AM ET (1:00 AM PT / 9:00 AM BST). However, you won’t be able to queue up for a game right up to that exact minute.
To make sure active matches finish up cleanly before the servers turn off, Epic always disables matchmaking early. Expect matchmaking to go offline around 3:30 AM ET (12:30 AM PT / 8:30 AM BST). If you are in the middle of a tense Battle Royale run at that time, you won’t be kicked out instantly. You just won’t be able to jump into a new lobby once your match ends. The system will block you.
How long will Fortnite matchmaking be offline?
Usually, routine Fortnite maintenance takes between two to three hours. But seasonal updates like Fortnitemares tend to take a little longer. Epic has a lot of heavy lifting to do behind the scenes. They are changing map assets, adding fresh gameplay mechanics, and introducing a whole graveyard of cosmetic items to the shop.
Because of this, we expect the servers to stay offline until at least 7:00 AM ET or 8:00 AM ET (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM BST). Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Sometimes technical issues crop up during database migrations, which can push the launch back by an hour or two. If everything goes smoothly, you should be downloading the new patch by mid-morning.
What can players expect from Fortnitemares?
While Epic keeps the exact patch notes under wraps until the downtime ends, teasers have already given us a solid idea of what is coming. Fortnitemares is legendary for changing how the game plays for a couple of weeks.
- Spooky collaborations: Expect iconic horror villains and characters to join the item shop or even appear as hostile bosses on the island.
- Unvaulted items: Fan favorites like the Pumpkin Launcher and Witch Brooms are highly likely to make their return to the loot pool.
- Themed POIs: Parts of the map will get a dark, foggy makeover, complete with jump scares and creepy decorations.
- Horde Rush: The popular co-op mode where players fight off waves of Cube Monsters usually returns during this event.
Because of all this content, the patch size will be quite large. Make sure you have enough free space on your console, PC, or mobile device before the download starts. It is smart to turn on auto-updates so your system can start downloading the files the moment Epic pushes them live. It saves time.
How to check Fortnite server status
If you are staring at a loading screen and wondering if the game is back online, you don’t have to keep restarting your console. You can keep an eye on the official @FortniteStatus account on X (formerly Twitter). Epic updates this page regularly with real-time progress on the maintenance.
We will keep tracking the downtime as it happens. Grab a coffee, stretch your legs, and get ready for a spooky season on the island.
