Fortnite down: Server Status update as Epic Games confirm login issues and shut down

UPDATE: Epic Games has announced that it is monitoring a problem with Fortnite servers going down tonight in the UK and in other locations globally. 

All major Fortnite Battle core services have been affected, meaning that gamers may have a hard time logging into their accounts and completing matchmaking.

A message from Epic Games explains: "We're currently investigating issues with logins, matchmaking, the Item Shop, parties/friends/messaging, and game services. We'll provide an update when these are resolved."

It's unclear what has caused tonight's unscheduled outage or how long it might last on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and Mobile.

ORIGINAL: Epic Games has confirmed that they will be shutting down Fortnite servers today to make way for a new update. Patch 12.20 was announced earlier this week and details remain pretty thin on the ground on what it might contain. There are reports that Epic Games are preparing to release a new vehicle into the game. Nothing has been officially confirmed by the dev team yet but there are rumours that today's content update will be important.

Fortnite servers are going offline for maintenance (Image: EPIC GAMES)

This could mean the debut of Helicopters as part of Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 2 on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and Mobile.

It should be noted that this remains a rumour at this point and something different could be planned for today's Fortnite patch. While we don't know what will be included in today's' Fortnite update, we do know when it will be released.

WHEN IS FORTNITE DOWNTIME STARTING ON MARCH 17?

According to Epic Games, Fortnite servers are going down on all platforms later today, March 17. This will be happening at 8am GMT, or 4am ET if you're a Fortnite Battle Royale gamer in the US.

A message from Epic Games explains: "Hey everyone! Get ready, v12.20 arrives tomorrow. Downtime will begin at 4 AM ET (0800 UTC)."

And according to the Epic Games server status page, downtime could last several hours and may not end until 11am, GMT.

The Epic Games site also lists another period of maintenance coming up this week but this isn't scheduled to kick off until March 17.

This will reportedly happen tomorrow at 3pm GMT and only last for around 1-hour on all platforms. According to the early 12.10 patch notes, the new Fortnite update will make some essential changes.

Epic Games will fix an issue with markers appearing too far away, as well as another problem with unresponsive buttons on controllers.

There's even a fix for a bug involving players getting stuck in a Porta-Potty. You can check out the remaining update 12.20 patch notes below.

FORTNITE EARLY PATCH NOTES

End of match: unable to return to Lobby, go to Item Shop, or report player.

At the end of a match, the "Return to Lobby," "Item Shop," and "Report Player" buttons may be unresponsive on controller.

Player markers placed too far away - Player markers are placed on the terrain behind buildings/structures players could be aiming at.

Stuck inside Porta Potty - Players may get stuck inside the Porta Potty they end up in after using a Secret Passage.

Buildings and structures may appear low detail - We've seen an increase in reports of buildings and structures appearing low detail or loading in late in v12.10.

Fortnite Save the World is also getting updated today at the same time as the Battle Royale spin off.

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