Fortnite server maintenance & downtime on April 16, 2026

(Courtesy : Epic Games)
A new Fortnite festival season kicks off!
The fans and players are pretty hyped for the new update today! However, many of them are wondering about the Fortnite server maintenance & downtime for the new update for Chapter 7 Season 2.
A few game modes will be removed permanently today, while we will also have the start of the Fortnite Festival season. Let’s check out more details in this article.
Server maintenance & downtime timings for Fortnite v40.20 update
Epic Games has officially announced through their Fortnite Status account that the server downtime and maintenance will begin on April 16, 2026, at 4 AM ET/ 8 AM UTC/ 9 AM BST.
The online matchmaking will be disabled 30 minutes earlier for the players. Although they have not provided any information about when the servers will be online, this update follows a familiar pattern.
Mid-season patches usually have a shorter downtime compared to the full season.
Fortnite servers are now online!
When will Fortnite servers be back?
Based on the previous updates, fans can expect the Fortnite server to be back within 2-3 hours after the downtime begins. This is when players can expect the server to be back up:
- 7 AM – 8 AM ET
- 12 PM – 1 PM BST
However, do remember that delays could happen. Make sure to bookmark this page, as we will keep you guys updated once the servers are back online.
What to expect in Fortnite v40.20?
This is what players can expect in the new update:
- A new Fortnite Festival season begins, with new music content.
- The Festival Battle Stage and Fortnite Ballistic modes are no longer available.
- Rocket Racing, which was also supposed to be withdrawn, is still available for now.
- Battle Royale gets Showdown Act 2, which introduces new content such as the powerful Infinity Blade.
There will also be a headline performance by Laufey, for which many players and gamers are pretty hyped for it.
FAQs
Why are Fortnite servers down on April 16, 2026?
Fortnite servers are down due to a scheduled update introducing new content, bug fixes, and gameplay changes for Chapter 7 Season 2.
How long does Fortnite downtime usually last?
Mid-season updates typically last around 2 to 4 hours, though it can vary depending on the update size.
What time will Fortnite servers be back online?
Servers are expected to return between 7 AM and 8 AM ET, but exact timing depends on Epic Games.
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Mahaksh Chauhan is a passionate gaming journalist who loves for old-school RPGs and turn-based games. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of game mechanics, Mahaksh brings an unique perspective to the world of gaming. Inspired by classics like Persona, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Skyrim, Mahaksh is dedicated in sharing the magic of games with readers. When not writing or gaming, Mahaksh can be found cheering on WWE superstars or watching his favourite Anime.