Fortnite players across the UK are set to face a temporary disruption today after Epic Games confirmed scheduled server downtime for the release of Fortnite Update 39.40.
The planned maintenance will take Fortnite offline globally, including for UK users, as Epic rolls out fresh in-game content and a February Valentine-themed event.
The downtime begins on Thursday, 5 February 2026, with UK players expected to see matchmaking disabled shortly before the servers go offline at around 9:00 AM GMT.
Epic says the maintenance should last roughly 90 minutes, meaning players may be able to return by around 10:30 AM GMT, unless the update runs longer than expected.
This matters because millions of Fortnite fans will be unable to access the game during the maintenance period, including those trying to complete daily quests, join ranked matches, or take part in the upcoming limited-time content.
What is the current Fortnite server status in the UK?
As of the scheduled update window, Epic Games has confirmed that the Fortnite server status will switch to maintenance mode during the rollout of Update 39.40. Players in the UK should expect matchmaking to stop working shortly before the servers fully go offline.
Epic Games made the announcement through its official Fortnite communications channels, confirming that the update requires downtime and that access to Fortnite services will pause temporarily.
“Matchmaking will be disabled shortly before downtime begins,” Epic Games said in its official statement.
When does Fortnite downtime start for UK players?
Epic has confirmed downtime begins at 4:00 AM ET, which converts to 9:00 AM GMT in the UK. Matchmaking will be disabled shortly before this time, meaning players may find they cannot queue into matches even before the servers fully shut down.
💞 Love and Legends come together in February!
⏰ Downtime for v39.40 begins at 4 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand:https://t.co/LDnBg5u7R2 https://t.co/xIE4ogAr6O
— Fortnite Status (@FortniteStatus) February 4, 2026
For most UK players, the key takeaway is simple: Fortnite will be unplayable for part of the morning, particularly for anyone logging in during school or work hours.
When will Fortnite servers come back online?
According to Epic’s own server status information, the downtime is expected to last around 90 minutes. If everything runs as planned, UK players should see Fortnite return at approximately 10:30 AM GMT.
Here is the expected downtime schedule across key time zones:
| Time Zone | Expected Offline Time | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| UK (GMT) | 9:00 AM | 10:30 AM |
| CET | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM |
| EDT | 5:00 AM | 6:30 AM |
| PDT | 2:00 AM | 3:30 AM |
While Epic has suggested a 90-minute window, it is worth noting that Fortnite updates sometimes run longer, especially when major content launches trigger heavy demand from players trying to log in at once.
Why are Fortnite servers down today?
Epic Games is taking Fortnite offline to push Update 39.40, which introduces new content and event updates for February.
The headline feature is a Chappell Roan crossover, which is expected to include new cosmetic items such as skins and themed accessories.
Epic is also adding new tracks and content for the Fortnite Festival mode, which has become a growing part of the game’s entertainment offering.
On top of that, Epic is launching the February event called “Love and Legends”, which will run through the Valentine’s season and is expected to bring limited-time items and themed gameplay changes.
In short, Epic needs downtime to safely apply major game files and server-side changes without breaking matchmaking or live player sessions.
How can UK players check the Fortnite server status live?
The most reliable way to track the Fortnite server status is through Epic’s official channels. The Epic Games Status page will normally show whether Fortnite services are online, degraded, or under maintenance.
Players can also follow the verified Fortnite Status account on X, which usually posts real-time updates when downtime starts, when issues occur, and when the servers come back online.
Will Fortnite downtime affect ranked mode and quests?
Yes. During maintenance, Fortnite’s online systems will not work properly, meaning players cannot access ranked matches, daily missions, or most event-related content until the servers return.
UK players who were hoping to jump in early this morning may need to wait until the update finishes downloading and the servers reopen. Even once Fortnite comes back online, some players may face login queues due to heavy demand.
A similar situation occurred during previous major patches, when players in the UK reported short delays even after the “servers online” message appeared.
What should players expect after Update 39.40?
Once Fortnite comes back online, players should expect the new Valentine-themed event content to appear almost immediately.
Cosmetic items linked to the crossover and Festival content will likely become available through the Item Shop, event tabs, or challenge rewards.
Epic Games has also been increasing its focus on music-based content in Fortnite, and this update appears to continue that trend by expanding the Fortnite Festival experience.
For many UK players, this update is likely to feel less like a normal patch and more like a seasonal refresh, particularly with February’s themed event running for weeks.
