Fortnite fans, the next big update is just around the corner. But before you jump back into the action, get ready for some scheduled downtime.

Epic Games will take the servers offline for maintenance on May 2, 2025, starting at:

• 2 AM EDT
• 6 AM UTC
• 7 AM GMT
• 8 AM CET

This downtime is for the launch of the new season, and since it’s a major one, expect the servers to be down for 3 to 5 hours. In rare cases, it could take longer if there are issues during the rollout.

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Why Is the Server Going Offline?

This is the usual process for launching a new Fortnite season. Epic Games needs to update everything behind the scenes before players can experience the new content.

This also means you won’t be able to log in during the maintenance. So don’t panic—it’s not your internet.

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You can follow @FortniteStatus on X (formerly Twitter) for live updates on when the servers are back.

What’s Coming After the Fortnite Update?

This is the exciting part. The new season is expected to be themed “Season 3: Galactic Battle.”

While full details are still under wraps until the official launch, here’s what leaks and early teasers have hinted at:

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• New Battle Pass with fresh cosmetics
• Blaster rifles and lightsabers in the loot pool
• Melee weapons might shake up competitive play
• Map changes and new Points of Interest (POIs)
• Possible return of vehicles like X-Wings

That’s right—this could be one of Fortnite’s most Star Wars-inspired seasons yet.

Will There Be Big Gameplay Changes?

Yes, that’s very likely.

The new weapons suggest that we might see more close-combat action, and the addition of vehicles could change how players move around the island.

For competitive players, the meta could shift quickly. For casual players, there will be plenty of new challenges and unlockables to explore.

What Should You Do Before the Downtime Starts?

If you’re planning to log in right after the update, here are a few smart steps:

• Update the game early to avoid download delays
• Be ready for possible server queues due to high traffic
• Read up on patch notes or watch creator breakdowns
• Plan your first drop and explore the new POIs fast

Even if the wait feels long, it’ll be worth it when the new season kicks in.

When Can You Expect Servers to Be Back?

If everything goes smoothly, servers should be back by mid-morning EDT, or early afternoon in Europe.

However, if Epic runs into unexpected issues (which sometimes happens with big updates), it might take a little longer. So be patient—and maybe grab a snack while you wait.