How Long Will Fortnite Be Down July 26, 2023? Everything You Need to Know
The burning question on every Fortnite player’s mind on July 26, 2023, was: how long will the servers be down? The answer, based on information available at the time, was that the downtime was expected to last until approximately 6 am Eastern Time (ET). This estimation came with a caveat, given that this was the first major update in a month, implying that the maintenance might extend beyond the usual period. Let’s dive into the details of the update and what it means for players, alongside some frequently asked questions to provide a complete picture.
Fortnite Downtime Details: July 26, 2023
The downtime on July 26th was significant because it accompanied a substantial game update. Unlike smaller patch deployments, this was a major update that brought considerable changes and additions. This inevitably led to a longer maintenance period, as the servers needed to be thoroughly updated and tested before being relaunched.
Typically, Fortnite downtime can last anywhere between 5 to 7 hours. However, in the past, we’ve seen season updates extend this window, sometimes ranging from 7 AM to 8 PM ET. On this particular occasion, the anticipated downtime was projected to end around 6 AM ET, a timeline that suggested a potentially shorter maintenance compared to some past major updates, but it is important to remember that unexpected issues can arise that could extend the maintenance window further.
The main reason for the extended period was the introduction of new content, which included a crossover event with the beloved animated show, Futurama. This required significant adjustments to the game. The Futurama update was a highly anticipated event.
The Futurama Crossover
One of the main draws of this update was the introduction of the Futurama crossover. This brought beloved characters like Bender, Leela, and Fry into the Fortnite universe as purchasable outfits. Players were eager to jump in and customize their characters with these iconic looks. Alongside these skins, the update also included the brand-new Shiny Metal Raygun, which was part of the v25 update. This weapon was a coveted addition, adding to the arsenal and changing the dynamic of gameplay.
Fortnitemares 2023: Unvaulted Candies
Another interesting element to this update that occurred later in the year during the Fortnitemares 2023 event was the unvaulting of various candy items. These included Candy Corn, Pepper Mints, Hop Drops, and Jelly Beans, each providing a unique in-game benefit. For example, Hop Drops granted players a temporary low gravity effect, altering the way they navigated the map and engaged in combat. These candies could be found by searching in Candy Buckets, ringing doorbells, defeating guards, or taking down bosses, adding a new layer of fun and unpredictability to matches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fortnite
To give you a broader understanding of Fortnite, here are 15 FAQs addressing various aspects of the game:
1. Is Fortnite down today?
While there was scheduled downtime on July 26th for the update, no major unexpected outages were reported on that day. Any past incidents were marked as resolved. Checking the Epic Games Server Status page remains the best practice for real-time updates on any potential issues.
2. How old do you have to be to play Fortnite?
The minimum age to play Fortnite is 13 years old. This is in line with the game’s rating by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, which designates it as “T” for Teen (13+).
3. Why is Fortnite not working?
If you are experiencing issues connecting to Fortnite, it’s recommended to first check the Epic Games Server Status page. If the problem stems from a general outage or system-wide problem, you’ll need to wait until it’s resolved. If the server status looks good, you may need to examine other possibilities like your internet connection, or local hardware.
4. Will Fortnite bring back the old map?
While some locations from older maps like Tilted Towers have returned at various points, the developers have never re-introduced the entire old map. Many other games do rotate older maps in, and the popularity of the concept is not lost on Fortnite players.
5. Why is Fortnite so easy now?
Fortnite now uses a skill-based matchmaking system. This can mean that players at lower levels may encounter more bots during their matches.
6. How many people still play Fortnite in 2023?
Despite being launched 6 years ago, Fortnite boasts a massive player base, with approximately 230 million monthly active players in 2023 and over 500 million registered players.
7. Is Fortnite free on Switch?
Yes, Fortnite is free to download on Nintendo Switch. To play, you will need to create an Epic Games account or link an existing account.
8. How many people are playing Fortnite right now?
As of November 2023, there were approximately 1,161,498 concurrent players playing Fortnite across all platforms. During the month of November 2023, approximately 231,081,822 people had played Fortnite.
9. How long does it take to play Fortnite?
If you only focus on the main objectives, completing Fortnite will take roughly 62.5 hours. However, the game’s ongoing content updates and open nature mean that players can easily spend hundreds or thousands of hours.
10. Is Fortnite ok for 10 years old?
Common Sense Media suggests Fortnite is best for teens aged 13 and up due to the open chat features and action violence. However, it is important for parents to evaluate their own child’s maturity level and understanding of game content.
11. Why is Fortnite rated 12+ by PEGI?
The PEGI rating of 12+ for Fortnite is due to the mild violence present in the game. While the violence is cartoonish, it can still be unsuitable for younger players.
12. Is Fortnite addicting?
Yes, Fortnite, like many other online games, is designed to be engaging and immersive, using elements of behavioral psychology to keep players hooked and potentially spending money.
13. What map is Fortnite OG?
The Fortnite OG map is inspired by the Chapter 1 Season 5 map. Featured locations on the map for the first week included Tilted Towers, Greasy Grove, and Risky Reels.
14. Is Kado Thorne a vampire?
Yes, Kado Thorne is a time-traveling heist vampire in Fortnite, with a narrative that has been unfolding over several seasons.
15. Why is my Fortnite WIFI so bad?
Poor internet connection can be caused by a number of things. The first thing to try is to restart your modem and router. If that doesn’t help, try using an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. Wireless connections can often be interrupted or have signal degradation.
Conclusion
The Fortnite downtime on July 26, 2023, was necessary to introduce the Futurama crossover and other significant updates. While the downtime was expected to end around 6 am ET, the exact duration was uncertain given the size of the update. Players were thrilled to see the addition of new skins and items, coupled with the unvaulted candies from the Fortnitemares event later in the year. Remember to always consult the Epic Games Server Status page for the most accurate information during any scheduled downtime or unexpected server problems. Happy Gaming!