Fortnite 20.40 Update: Release Time, Early Patch Notes, and Everything We Know

Fortnite has received yet another large patch, adding in quite a few new features, game modes, and even some additional story content. Chapter Three has brought a lot of long-requested features, such as the Zero Build Mode, many new live events, and more to help bring players back into the game, and new players to the fray.

What did Epic Games bring to the table in their newest update? Let’s get into the finer details, and figure out what players can expect to see in the Fortnite V20.40 update!

When Does Fortnite 20.40 Release

The v20.40 update has already been completed, so if you’re looking to get into the game with some friends, make sure that everybody has downloaded the newest update for the game! Normally, these updates are pushed out around 1:00 AM PST/4:00 AM ET, and take the game offline for a few hours, before coming back online.

Fortnite 20.40 Patch Notes

You’ll always be able to see what the developers are planning by taking a look at their official Fortnite Trello board, which allows you to see what they’re currently working on, as well as fixes that will come along in the future. It’s a great feature and helps players know that their concerns are being addressed appropriately.

Fortnite General Top Issues

• Players do not receive toast notifications while in a match in a party with another player
  • Players will not receive social toast notifications when they’re in a match in a party with other players
• Traps may sometimes not place immediately
  • Players may find it difficult to place Traps when pressing the “place” button or key in rapid succession

Fortnite: Battle Royale Issues

• Anvil Rocket Launcher UI missing
  • The Anvil Rocket Launcher does not show that it is locking onto vehicles as expected. It does still lock on when firing but does not display this

Creative Issues

• Trackers disappear after a Player leaves the game
  • We’re aware of an issue causing the trackers to disappear after a player leaves the game
• Joining a Creative game in progress may lock the new player out until the round ends
  • Players may find that joining a creative game that is already in progress can cause a complete loss of functionality.

Fortnite: Save The World Issues

• Legendary perks cannot be changed using perk recombobulator
  • Since the 20.30 update, players have been unable to update to change their legendary perks on their schematics.

Fortnite Competitive Notes

• Arean Fill has been enabled
• The Sideways Showdown unvaults are not included in competitive playlists
• The winner of the Shield Bubbles vs. Balloons vote will not be unvaulted in competitive playlists

New Additions in 20.40 Update

Sideways Showdown Week

You’ll be able to use a few unvaulted weapons, such as the Sidways Rifle and Sideways Minigun. You’ll find these powerful weapons spread around the map, in chests, and on the bodies of those that you’ve taken down in the Battle Royale game. This event runs until May 24th at 8:59 AM ET.

Shield Bubbles vs. Balloons

You’ll be able to vote on if you prefer the Shield Bubble or Balloons to stay in the Battle Royale portion of the game. You’ll need to save up and spend your Gold Bars quickly, as the first item that reaches 100% Global Funding will stay in the rotation, while the other option goes out to pasture. Choose wisely!

Continued Item Spawn Rates

Last week, Epic Games increased the amount of Shockwave Grenades, Rift-To-Gos, and Cow Catchers that players could find on the map. Players were so happy about this change, that they’re keeping the increased rates going from now until the future. A great option!

They have also unlocked the feature of using your Playstation V-Bucks on all platforms, which has been heavily requested for quite some time. Having your wallet follow you onto any platform is a great thing to have, so you no longer need to make sure which system supports which.

And there we have it, the updates that you’ll see in the newest 20.40 Update for Fortnite! Since this patch has already rolled out, you’ll be able to get right into the action, as long as your system has pre-downloaded everything it needs.

Fortnite is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.