Fortnite update 36.20 downtime extended - patch notes for Fortress of Solitude update

UPDATE: Despite server downtime typically only lasting for a couple of hours, Fortnite has been offline ever since 9am BST this morning.

According to Epic Games, server maintenance was extended after the studio discovered an issue when the game was offline.

"Hey everyone, we're extending downtime while we work to resolve an issue discovered during offline checks.

"We'll do our best to get Fortnite servers online ASAP. Keep an eye on this thread for any future updates."

You can read all about the server downtime at this link.

ORIGINAL: Fortnite fans are counting down to the release of the first major update since Epic Games took its summer break.

Fortnite update 36.20 has been given a July 15 release date for PS5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 and Android.

Unfortunately, however, the new Fortnite update will be accompanied by a period of server downtime, which begins at 9am BST UK time. Matchmaking will be disabled shortly beforehand, so you probably won't be able to login to a game from around 8.30am BST.

The news was announced by Epic Games on X, alongside a preview about what to expect.

"Built for battle. Driven by justice," reads an Epic tweet. "Downtime for v36.20 begins at 4 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand."

As you can see from the tweet, the new update will revolve around Superman, specifically the launch of the Fortress of Solitude point of interest.

"Starting July 15, look no further than Superman's Fortress of Solitude for a superhero homebase, an icy castle straight out of the Arctic tundra!" Epic explains. "The protector of Metropolis will be here offering services in exchange for Bars."

As pointed out by insiders such as Shiina, the new update is expected to add a new vehicle to the game, which is rumoured to be either the Batmobile or the Fantasticar from the new Fantastic Four movie.

Epic Games could add a new skin based on DJ deadmau5, as well as a free Pickaxe and possible live event files.

Needless to say, update 36.20 will also make various bug fixes, some of which you can read about in the early patch notes below.

Fortnite update 36.20 early patch notes...

GENERAL FIXES

• Nanite Buzzsaw may appear incorrectly to others.

- When a player equips the Nanite Buzzsaw Pickaxe for the first time in a match, it may briefly appear distorted or misplaced to other players.

BATTLE ROYALE

• Styles for Ranked Backbling and Ranked Umbrella do not unlock when players rank up

- We are aware of an issue where players are not being granted specific styles of a backbling or a glider when climbing the rank. Once this is fixed, we will provide an update.

• Some Outfits may change their rarity when scrolling in the Locker.

- When scrolling up or down in the Locker, a number of Outfits may change their rarity background (e.g. from Gaming Legends to Marvel Series).

• Changing to another item right after using the Fishing Rod breaks the animation.

- If the player uses the Fishing Rod and changes the equipped item immediately after that, they may notice unexpected animation for a short time (i.e. bigger Shield Potion, weapons turned the other way etc.).

LEGO FORTNITE

• The "Claim your Daily Stipend" Task doesn't complete.

- Accepting City Stipend via an ATM will grant the Creds, but the Task remains uncompleted.

• Leaving Shadow Form may make certain actions unresponsive.

- Entering Shadow Form as Shadow Caller and leaving it (whether by waiting for it to end or canceling it) may cause Dodge, Shadow Form or Jump Attack to become unresponsive.

FORTNITE MOBILE

• Cannot use the microphone in-game on iOS.

- We are investigating an issue where some players may not be able to use their microphone after another app on their phone uses it.