If you’ve logged into Fortnite today only to find the server status as down, don’t panic, you’re not alone. It’s all part of a planned update as Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3, titled Galactic Battle, gets ready to blast off. And yes, it’s all about Star Wars.
This season marks Fortnite’s biggest Star Wars collaboration to date, launching a full-on Battle Royale crossover with Disney+’s upcoming series Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld. Here’s everything you need to know about the Fortnite server status, when the game will be back online, and what this season has in store.
Why Are Fortnite Servers Down?
Fortnite servers went offline early Friday morning, May 2, around 1 a.m. CT, as Epic Games began rolling out updates for the new season.
Server downtime is typical during major updates, especially at the start of a new season. These maintenance windows usually last anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the size of the patch.
Expected return? The servers should be back later Friday morning, with full access to Chapter 6 Season 3: Galactic Battle.
To check live Fortnite server status, you can visit: https://status.epicgames.com
What’s New in Fortnite: Galactic Battle?
This isn’t just another cosmetic collab. Galactic Battle is Fortnite’s first fully Star Wars-themed Battle Royale season, and it’s packed with:
- Playable Star Wars characters, including Darth Jar Jar and Emperor Palpatine
- Ships like X-wings and TIE Fighters, available in Battle Royale
- Stormtrooper battles with blasters and lightsabers
- An interactive in-game premiere of Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld
When Can You Watch ‘Tales of the Underworld’ in Fortnite?
At 9 a.m. CT on May 2, Fortnite players can join the in-game Watch Party Island to view two episodes of Tales of the Underworld before they air on Disney+.
It’s a first-of-its-kind crossover, Disney is premiering a show inside Fortnite before it hits its own streaming platform.
“We’re building the next era of digital entertainment,” said Sean Shoptaw, EVP at Disney Games & Digital Entertainment. “This is just the beginning.”
How to Get Star Wars Skins and Rewards
Link your Epic Games and MyDisney accounts to unlock the First Order Stormtrooper outfit now. Additional skins and content will be released throughout the season, including:
- Episode I – The Imperial Takeover (May 2)
- Episode II – The Pull of the Force (May 8)
- Episode III – Mandalorian Rising (May 22)
- Episode IV – Star Destroyer Bombardment (May 29)
- Episode V – Death Star Sabotage (June 7)
TL;DR: Is Fortnite Down Right Now?
Yes, Fortnite servers are temporarily down due to the launch of Galactic Battle.
They’re expected to return later in the morning on May 2, with new Star Wars content waiting for players worldwide.
So if you’re refreshing your screen or checking social, hang tight. Once the update is live, you’ll be able to watch, battle, and collect in a galaxy far, far away.
