How long is Fortnite usually down for?

"Is Fortnite down?" you feverishly bash into your keyboard as your TV continues taunting you with "Fortnite servers not responding." You hope Google has the answer, but in the end it's good ol' GamesRadar+ that has your back.

To answer your question succinctly, yes, Fortnite is down temporarily at the time of writing. Epic has provided a few details about why the servers are down ahead of tomorrow's update, but we'll get into that a little bit further down the page.

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?

Fortnite is down as of October 3 at 3pm PST / 6pm EST. The official Fortnite Twitter account has confirmed that downtime in preparation for Update 22.10 began early. While the update is still scheduled to go live tomorrow, October 4, Fortnite servers will be offline for an unspecified period of time.

Due to an issue, we are entering downtime early. Update 22.10 will still release tomorrow October 4th.We’ll let you all know when downtime has ended! pic.twitter.com/2wFY2Rcrt6October 3, 2022

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When there are issues, the main place to check for information is the @FortniteStatus (opens in new tab) 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 BST 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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.

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 475 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.