Fortnite Servers Down for Major v37.10 Fortnitemares Update

Epic Games Prepares for Halloween Spooks with Scheduled Maintenance

Gamers trying to log into Fortnite early this morning were greeted by a familiar sight: offline servers. Epic Games has officially pulled the plug on matchmaking. It’s all part of the scheduled downtime for the highly anticipated v37.10 update. This massive patch lays the groundwork for Fortnitemares 2026, the battle royale’s signature Halloween event.

Epic confirmed that the downtime began at 4:00 AM Eastern Time. Matchmaking lobbies were disabled roughly half an hour before the servers went completely dark. This is standard practice for major updates. It prevents players from getting booted mid-match when the physical servers go offline. But how long will the game remain unavailable? Typically, these maintenance windows last between two and four hours. Because the v37.10 update introduces heavy seasonal assets and map changes, players should prepare for a slightly longer wait today.

The Island Gets a Creepy Makeover

Halloween has always been a massive deal in the Fortnite universe. This year is no exception. While Epic has kept the finest details under wraps, dataminers have already uncovered plenty of clues about what is coming to the island. The map is getting a drastic, eerie makeover.

Several key Points of Interest will see sudden shifts. Expect thick fog, creepy lighting, and plenty of haunted decorations scattered across the island. Rumors suggest that a brand-new, temporarily haunted location will appear near the center of the map. This spot will likely serve as the main hub for event-specific quests and boss fights. Players should also keep an eye out for zombie spawns. These AI monsters usually crawl out of the ground to disrupt late-game firefights, adding a chaotic layer to standard matches.

Spooky Weapons and Returning Fan-Favorites

What’s Fortnitemares without some wacky weapons? The classic Pumpkin Launcher is almost guaranteed to make its annual return. It fires explosive jack-o’-lanterns that deal massive structural damage. But that’s not all. Epic has teased a few new supernatural tools to shake up the sandbox.

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Insiders point to a new kinetic item that may allow players to phase through solid walls for a brief moment. Witch Brooms, a fan-favorite mobility item, are also expected to drop back into the loot pool. These brooms allow players to launch into the air and glide away from danger, making them highly sought-after during intense battles. Wood Stake Shotguns might also make a return to help players fend off the undead hordes.

Horde Rush Mode and New Collabs

For those who prefer cooperative play over competitive matches, the beloved Horde Rush mode is slated to return. In this mode, teams of four team up to fight off waves of monsters, complete challenges, and defeat a final boss. It offers a great break from the standard battle royale grind and awards unique cosmetic rewards.

Epic Games relies heavily on pop culture crossovers, especially during October. While the developers are keeping their cards close to their chest, leaks point to several major horror franchise collaborations. Rumors are swirling about a fresh crossover with classic slasher films and modern horror hits. In previous years, we saw collaborations with characters like Michael Myers and Alan Wake. This year, fans are hoping for even bigger names. Epic has a track record of pulling off massive surprises, so expect the Item Shop to be packed with spooky options.

What to Do Next

Once the servers are back online, you’ll need to download a hefty update file. The size will vary depending on your platform. PC and console players usually face larger file sizes, while mobile and Nintendo Switch downloads are slightly more compressed. Make sure you have enough storage space cleared out before you start the download. To stay updated on when the servers go back live, you can monitor the official @FortniteStatus account on social media.