The wait is almost over. If you’ve been running around the current map wondering when Epic is going to drop the next batch of chaos, you aren’t alone. Fortnite has a rhythm, but lately, that rhythm has felt a little different.
Basically, we just came off the massive South Park collaboration. That brought us the "Stick of Truth" and the Cartmanland POI, which honestly, was as weird and fun as everyone hoped. But now the community is staring at the calendar.
The short answer: The next Fortnite update, v39.30, is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Fortnite When Is the Next Update: The January 22nd Breakdown
You've probably noticed that Epic Games has been surprisingly transparent this year. They actually posted a roadmap on the Fortnite Creator Trello board. It’s rare for them to be this upfront, but it makes planning your rank grind a lot easier.
The v39.30 patch is the big one. Usually, updates hit on Tuesdays, but the schedule for early 2026 has shifted things slightly. You can expect the servers to go down for maintenance around 4 AM ET (1:00 AM PT / 9:00 AM GMT). Usually, the game is back up and running within two to three hours, provided nothing breaks.
Why does this one matter? Because it's more than just bug fixes.
The Warner Bros Mystery and "Pimlico"
There is a massive rumor floating around the datamining community—people like ShiinaBR and Hypex—about a partnership with Warner Bros. The codename is "Pimlico."
We don't know exactly what it is yet. Some think it’s a new permanent game mode. Others think it’s a massive Multiversus-style crossover. Whatever it is, gameplay leaks are expected to surface on January 21, just one day before the update drops.
Chainsaw Man and Solo Leveling
Then there’s the anime crowd. If you’ve been saving V-Bucks for Denji, v39.30 is the most likely candidate for the Chainsaw Man collab. It’s been sitting in the files for a minute.
As for Solo Leveling, don't hold your breath for January 22. Most insiders are pointing toward mid-February for Sung Jin-Woo. It’ll likely be the "mid-season boost" to keep people playing before Chapter 7 Season 2 kicks off in March.
The Rest of the 2026 Schedule
If you like to plan ahead, the roadmap gives us a pretty clear look at the next few months. Epic is sticking to a fortnightly schedule (pun intended, sorry).
- v39.40: February 5, 2026
- v39.50: February 19, 2026 (The final "big" update of the season)
- v40.00 (Chapter 7 Season 2): March 5, 2026
It’s worth noting that the South Park event—and the free "Born in Chaos" pass—officially ends on February 5. If you haven't finished those quests to get the "Backpack of CRED," you’ve got about three weeks left.
What to Expect When the Servers Go Down
When the v39.30 update hits, the game will be unplayable for a bit. This is standard. Matchmaking usually gets disabled about 30 minutes before the actual downtime starts. Don't try to start a 20-minute match at 3:45 AM ET. You'll just get kicked.
We also know that the "Quints" mode—that five-player squad feature—is being tested heavily right now. There's a high chance this update will determine if it stays as a permanent fixture in Battle Royale and Zero Build or if it remains a Limited Time Mode (LTM).
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Honestly, five-player squads change the meta significantly. It makes team fights much more chaotic. Healing items like the new Stealth Splash become way more valuable when you're trying to keep four other people alive instead of three.
Common Misconceptions About the Next Patch
One thing people keep getting wrong is the end of the season. No, the season doesn't end in January. We are still firmly in Chapter 7 Season 1.
You also might see "leaks" about a GTA collaboration. While Chapter 6 Season 2 (which happened back in 2025) had a "Lawless" theme that felt very GTA-esque, there isn't a direct Rockstar Games crossover confirmed for this January. Stick to the Warner Bros and Chainsaw Man leads for now.
Actions You Should Take Before January 22
Don't just wait around for the download bar. If you want to be ready the second the servers are back, do these three things:
- Clear your storage: These updates have been getting larger. Make sure you have at least 10-15GB of free space, especially on console.
- Finish the South Park Quests: The "Stick of Truth" mythic is fun, but the rewards are what matter. Get them before the v39.40 patch in February.
- Check your settings: Every major update has a weird habit of resetting certain "Toggle Sprint" or "Auto-Confirm Edit" settings. Take a screenshot of your sensitivity now just in case.
Watch the official @FortniteStatus Twitter account on the morning of the 22nd. They are the first to post when the "all clear" is given and the servers are live. Once you're in, check the Item Shop immediately—that's usually where the first signs of the "Pimlico" mode or new anime skins will show up.