Fortnite 20.40 - Release Date and Server Downtime Confirmed, Patch Notes, and More

Image of three new Fortnite skins.

Image of three new Fortnite skins.

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The Fortnite 20.40 update is just an hours away from dropping! This new patch to the ever-popular battle royale game is set to add new features while also removing some of the Star Wars-themed things that came with the last update. Luckily, we're here to break down everything you need to know about this new update.

In this Fortnite hub we'll collate all the rumours and leaks around the new 20.40 update, so you know what to expect once it drops. On top of that, we'll also look at the release date for this new update, on top of a brief overview of when the server downtime will commence, with matchmaking temporarily paused.

In the meantime, check out how to complete the Fortnite May 4th quests before they imminently disappear from the objective rotation. We've also got a look at how to find the new Doctor Strange NPC, as well as how to play Fortnite on iPhone using Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Latest News & Leaks

16 May 2022 -

With just a few hours to wait until we can just into the 20.40 event, we now have a good idea of what to expect from the update.

@ShiinaBR detailed what we know will arrive and what may arrive in tomorrow's update in his tweet below:

We'll confirm the additions tomorrow, once the leaks begin to come as downtime begins.

10 May 2022 -

The first leaks around the Fortnite 20.40 update are here - though they do little other than confirming its existence. As per the renowned Fortnite leaker ShiinaBR, the 20.40 update files are now present within the game, but have yet to go live.

However, that doesn't give us much insight into what this small update will introduce. The most recent 20.30 update was rather substantial, bringing back all previous Star Wars skins, alongside the Stormtrooper NPC and some special Star Wars-themed quests.

Current rumours suggest 20.40 will add the Event Files for new quests to complete, and likely some loot alongside that too.

Some players on Twitter seem to think that Stranger Things cosmetic items could return to the Item Shop in conjunction with the new season arriving, but we'll have to wait and see.

Image of a shotgun in Fortnite.
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When Is The Fortnite 20.40 Update Release Date?

There's only a week to wait until the Fortnite 20.40 update. It'll arrive on May 17 at 1am PT/9am BST, with some server downtime to allow the patch to take effect.

There's usually a small download file you'll need to install as well, though it won't be too intrusive and shouldn't take long.

The fortnightly Fortnite updates since Chapter 3 Season 2 have taken place every other Tuesday, and we expect 20.40 to be no different. As such, you'll be able to see the new changes within a week.

Fortnite 20.40 Update Downtime

Yes, there will be some very brief downtime to the Fortnite servers in order for the 20.40 update to take shape.

Epic Games takes the servers down an hour before the update time, so 12am PT/8am BST. Following that, matchmaking will be closed temporarily.

Keep your eyes glued on the Fortnite Status Twitter, which will tweet out once the servers are live once more.

That it for our Fortnite 20.40 update hub! Check back soon, because we'll update this guide once we know more about what to expect from the update. In the meantime, check out how to get the rare Omega Knight skin, which is currently back in the Item Shop.

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