Fortnite has officially launched its highly anticipated update v33.11 on December 18, 2024, marking the beginning of the festive season with the Winterfest 2024 event. This update introduces players to exciting new content and collaborations featuring iconic figures from music and entertainment.
Just before the update went live, the Fortnite servers underwent scheduled downtime starting at 12 PM GMT (7 AM ET). According to Epic Games, the downtime was necessary to implement the new features and was announced via their official Twitter account, stating, "Downtime for v33.11 begins at 7 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand." This rollout is significant as it culminates the year for Fortnite, setting the stage for Winterfest.
Fans were encouraged to prepare for the update, as matchmaking was disabled 30 minutes prior, requiring players to log off if they wanted one last game before the servers went offline. Epic Games typically expects such maintenance to last between two to four hours, hinting at the potential return of services by around 4 PM GMT.
This year’s Winterfest event runs from December 20 until January 7, inviting players to engage with fresh, holiday-themed content. The event features special skins, festive challenges, and rewards unlocked throughout the season. One of the highlights of this update is the return of the Cozy Lodge, which was missed last year. A Fortnite leaker excitedly remarked, "The highlight of the update is Winterfest 2024, and this year, the cabin is making a comeback!"
The new content includes collaborations with major names such as Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Shaquille O'Neal, bringing festive spirit to the game with skins based on these personalities. Fans can look forward to the release of skins such as the "Snoop on the Stoop" skin and others like the festive Shaq skin, making the holiday offerings even more engaging.
The game will also see the introduction of unique items, such as Ice Skates for snowy settings and returning weapons and items from previous Winterfest celebrations. Previous assets from the game, including festive weapons and other holiday-themed items, will also make their appearances again during the event.
Epic Games has also teased additional content, such as new quests themed around Winterfest and potential collaborations with brands like Pixar and Cyberpunk 2077, which are fueling excitement among players eager to see what presents the island will hold this winter. With all these updates, the Fortnite community is buzzing with speculation and anticipation.
While the server downtime came as slightly unexpected, players quickly accepted this necessary step for the update, as indicated by DownDetector, which noted reports of connection issues shortly after downtime commenced. They noted, "Users have reported problems with its server connection as of Wednesday afternoon (December 18) after the servers went down for scheduled maintenance."
Overall, this update sets the stage for what many players are calling the most festive and engaging Winterfest yet. With developers promising to provide updates during the downtime, the hopes are high for everything to launch smoothly and for players to enjoy their holiday gaming later this week. If all goes according to plan, players can expect Fortnite servers back online around 4 PM GMT. One player commented, "If it all goes smoothly, players should expect Fortnite servers to come back online around 4 PM UK time," reflecting the optimism within the gaming community.
With the countdown to Winterfest officially on, players around the globe are ready to log back on and experience all the enthusiasm this year's celebrations promise. From new skins to the much-loved Cozy Lodge, Fortnite's Winterfest event is shaping up to be not just significant but also emotional and festive, inviting all players to join the fun during this festive season.
