FORTNITE players are bracing for a bout of downtime today, which will bring along the first major update of the new season.

The fan-favourite battle-royale game went back to its roots towards the end of last year, with the arrival of Chapter five Season one.

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Now the winter break is over, and gamers have largely downed the controllers in the march back to work and school, Epic Games has picked today for some so-called downtime.

Fortnite downtime: When will Fortnite go down for the v28.10 update?

Epic has confirmed via a Twitter post that Fortnite server downtime for update v28.10 will start today at 9am GMT / 4am EST / 1am PST.

Downtime is when the creators of a game take it offline to conduct background maintenance.

Epic added that matchmaking will be disabled "shortly beforehand" - or roughly 30 prior.

So, if you're struggling to get into a game or have suddenly been booted out of a match, this will be why.

Fortnite downtime: When will Fortnite be back online?

Epic hasn't specified how long Fortnite will be out of action.

However, onlookers anticipate Fortnite to be down until 1pm GMT / 8am EST / 5am PST.

Fortnite typically goes down for four hours each update.

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Though hardcore gamers have found that Fortnite comes back online earlier than when Epic Games finally announces it on Twitter.

The v28.10 update is expected to bring a host of item unvaults and new cosmetics.

There's even rumours of a possible return to Augments.

What is expected in Fortnite's v28.10 update?

High-profile Fortnite leaker ShiinaBR revealed on Twitter more features that players can expect to see today's update:

• New cosmetics
• Battle Pass Super Styles
• Solid Snake Battle Pass set
• Item unvaults
• Added shop tabs
• Possible new collabs
• Possible return of Augments
• February Fortnite Crew Pack