When does Fortnite downtime end and Chapter 5 Season 2 start?

Fortnite’s new season, Myths & Mortals, is bringing some Greek mythology to the island. Fortnite Myths & Mortals arrives on March 8, 2024, bringing Zeus, Cerberus, Ares, and other Greek gods (and other mythic beings). Though as of this writing, Fortnite is in the throes of some downtime.

In this Fortnite guide, we’ll break down the planned release times for Chapter 5 Season 2 (based on your timezone) and explain when Fortnite downtime is supposed to end. You’ll also get a summary of what to expect from the new Fortnite season.

Update 2 (March 8, 2024): Following the initial delay of Chapter 5 Season 2, Epic said that downtime would last until approximately 9 p.m. EST, at which point “[p]layers will be able to pre-download an updated version of v29.00 in approximately 5 hours.”

Update (March 8, 2024): Epic has announced that the downtime before Chapter 5 Season 2 is going to be a bit longer than expected. “We’re still working through some updates during downtime and will provide more information once our v29.00 downtime has ended.” According to a subsequent announcement, it looks like the servers will be down until around 5 p.m. EST.

Original story follows.

With a launch date of Friday, March 8 announced, we can make some educated guesses about launch times based on history. Server downtime usually starts around 2 or 3 a.m. EST and typically last about four hours (give or take). That means we can reasonably expect Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 2 to go live around:

Update (March 7): A new NPC has arrived at Ruined Reels. Odyssey has a set of quests all about rebuilding and cataloguing a mysterious mosaic, with tiles found all around the island. When completed, you’ll get a new loading screen of the Cerberus mosaic.

Toward the end of C5S1, an enormous hand erupted from the island not far from Ruined Reels. The Titan’s hand dangled a box from chains that players immediately set to destroying. With Pandora’s box opened, a fiery column (full of screaming souls) shot into the sky, setting up this Greek mythology-themed season.

Based on leaks and official hints, a new way to traverse the island is also expected to arrive with C5S2.

Several Greek gods are expected to have skins in the new chapter, including Zeus and Hades — both of whom have been teased already — and six other Greek gods. Presumably, they’ll all also get mythic weapons to go along with them.

We also expect to see new weapons including a tactical shotgun and a DMR sniper rifle.

As if Bending wasn’t enough, the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender will be able to arm up in Fortnite.