Is Fortnite down? And if so then how long is the Fortnite downtime?

Is Fortnite down?
(Image credit: Epic Games)

If you're trying to find out if Fortnite is down, then it's likely that you've experienced the fun of the Remix: The Prelude event and are all set to travel through time for the Chapter 2: Remix season. However, instead of a flashback you've hit a wall before the lobby area, where an endless loading screen shows the unwelcome message that the Fortnite servers not responding is the current issue. At the time of writing Fortnite is due to go down for scheduled maintenance, and as this is a change of season involving old maps coming back into play it will take longer than a regular planned update to resolve, so you could be waiting a little while before you can drop on the island once again.

Whether you're unable to connect, are getting specific Fortnite error codes, or have run into Fortnite scheduled downtime, we've got all of the details you need to know. Generally Epic's magnum opus is pretty stable when it comes to servers, but connection problems can still be an issue when it comes to Fortnite. That's why we've got the latest on the Fortnite servers laid out for you below.

Is Fortnite down?

When is the next Fortnite live event, Remix: The Prelude

(Image credit: Epic Games)

At the time of writing the game services, login, matchmaking, and more are expected to be under maintenance soon, so the Fortnite servers will be going down. This is scheduled downtime to roll out the update to Chapter 2: Remix following the latest Fortnite live event Remix: The Prelude, so this will be a longer disruption than usual and could last more than a few hours, although once that is all finished you'll be able to log on again and play as normal.

When there are issues, the main place to check for information is the @FortniteStatus Twitter feed, which details any current issues with gameplay or connectivity. It also confirms when scheduled downtime for maintenance is due to happen in advance, as well as when the Fortnite servers will be back up. Scheduled downtime normally takes place at 1am PST / 4am EST / 9am GMT and lasts for 2-3 hours on average, with timing aimed to minimise disruption.

Obviously, if you're trying to play the game and can't connect, then that's a good indication of the Fortnite servers not responding. Often you'll receive a message from the game's menu screen, confirming that a known issue is taking place, and this may even indicate a rough time when the Fortnite servers are coming back up. You can also visit the Epic Games Public Status site to see what Fortnite services are currently reporting as Operational and which have issues.

Finally, if you're still having issues with the game but there is nothing being reported by Epic, you can visit the Downdetector status page for Fortnite to see if other players are experiencing similar problems. If you see a sudden spike in reports coming in then you'll know you're not alone, and it's likely only a matter of time before official word is posted on the matter.

Most importantly, if you find out that Fortnite is down then don't panic! Server downtime in infrequent and usually lasts a couple of hours at most, so you shouldn't have to spend long asking when are the Fortnite servers coming back up and you'll be back to the battle royale in no time.

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Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 600 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.

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