Image via Epic Games

How long is downtime for Fortnite servers during updates?

Be patient.

Fortnite‘s servers go down for maintenance at least once every two weeks. That’s when Epic Games deploys updates that make adjustments to the game. 

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These adjustments frequently include new content, weapon balance, bug fixes, and more. When it’s time for a new season, though, any number of new features could be introduced to the island.

How long will Fortnite be down?

Fortnite generally goes down for two or four hours before it comes back online with a new update. Depending on the rollout process, the servers can remain offline for longer periods, six-to-eight hours, but that only happens rarely, usually, when there’s a game-breaking bug the Epic developers really need to fix.

Aside from large updates, Fortnite can also go down due to rare anomalies, and the servers generally remain up as Epic Games releases a hotfix.

What can I do during server downtimes?

You can’t play Fortnite during downtimes, since there are no active servers to connect to. A sensible idea is to leave your game client open, ready to install updates ahead of downtime. This way, you’ll be able to download the new patch as quickly as possible and get back in action when the servers are back up.

Where can I check Fortnite’s server status?

You can check the Epic Games Public Status page for more information on server downtime or you can keep an eye on social media to keep up to date. The developers sometimes take a while to confirm downtime, so to be patient.

If there’s a delay, the Fortnite Status account will inform you.


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Bhernardo Viana
Guides writer and strategist working in the gaming industry for over 9 years, with works published on Destructoid, Prima Games, ESPN, and more. A fan of Pokémon since I was 6 and an avid Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch player. Now hooked by Balatro and working on AFK Journey.
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Jerome Heath
Jerome Heath is a senior editor at Dot Esports.
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Gökhan Çakır
Gökhan is a Staff Writer and Fortnite Lead at Dot Esports. Gökhan graduated as an industrial engineer in 2020 and has since been with Dot Esports. As a natural-born gamer, he honed his skills to a professional level in Dota 2. Upon giving up on the Aegis of Champions in 2019, Gökhan started his writing career, covering all things gaming, while his heart remains a lifetime defender of the Ancients.