Fortnite players are eager to jump back online after Epic Games took the game servers offline for scheduled maintenance early on March 11, 2025, at 4:00 AM ET. The downtime was necessary for implementing the much-anticipated patch 34.10 as part of Chapter 6 Season 2, which will bring new weapons, gameplay adjustments, and exciting collaborations.
Initially, the maintenance was slated to last until 5:30 AM ET, but updates later confirmed the servers would not be back up until about 6:35 AM ET. Players across platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, and even mobile devices, experienced login issues and matchmaking errors, fueling impatience among the fan base.
Epic Games confirmed the need for the maintenance work to roll out the latest content, stating: “Downtime for v34.10 begins at 4 AM ET, with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand.” During this period, players couldn’t access game modes, prompting frustration as many were eager to kick off the new season’s features.
The upcoming update is set to introduce numerous exciting additions. Among the warmly welcomed features is the introduction of the Pump & Dump—a hybrid shotgun-SMG weapon—which promises to shake up the current meta and provide fresh gameplay dynamics for players. Alongside this, the return of the Rocket Drill allows players to soar and destroy obstacles, reminiscent of past seasons’ iconic items.
Also included are cosmetics inspired by the Invincible series, which players can find eagerly anticipated among the leaks. The Getaway limited-time mode has made its comeback, offering gameplay reminiscent of the earlier chapters, where players collaborate to retrieve Crystal Llamas and earn rewards. This mode is available until April 1, 2025, allowing players to team up and compete for extraction points.
Forking their way through challenges, players can access the new quests, including dealing 54 damage with the Kneecapper, eliminating three opponents from over 50 meters, and finishing within the top 17 of three matches. These activities encourage engagement with the updates and maximize the excitement surrounding the new season.
On March 15, players can also look forward to the new MLB-themed Shohei Ohtani skins, coinciding with the Shohei Ohtani Cup, providing even more motivation to log back in. Following on from this, new Week 4 Battle Royale quests will drop on March 18, continuing until the season concludes.
Ahead of the scheduled downtimes and issues faced by players during maintenance, Epic Games provided numerous updates across their social media platforms and status page, keeping the community informed about recovery efforts. They advised players to restart their games and check for updates to mitigate any connectivity issues after the maintenance period.
Gamers were also encouraged to follow the Fortnite Status account on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates on server availability. Suggestions to improve connectivity included updating their Domain Name System (DNS), demonstrating Epic's commitment to ensuring players enjoy seamless gameplay.
Despite the initial hiccups, Fortnite fans are expected to flood back to the game as soon as servers re-opened, eager to test out the new features and enjoy the high-paced, competitive atmosphere the game is known for. With every update, players hope for improvements and new content, making the downtime bearable as they await fresh experiences.
This update's significance lies not only in the content but also how it reflects Epic Games' dedication to maintaining community engagement and satisfaction through regular, thrilling upgrades. The excitement for the future of Fortnite continues unabated as players anticipate what tomorrow will bring.