Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3: Release Date, Downtime, and New Features Revealed

Fortnite's next major update, Chapter 5 Season 3, is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly anticipating the new content. With a post-apocalyptic theme and Fortnite's first collaboration with Fallout, this season promises to be eventful with new vehicles, villains, and more.

What to Expect from Chapter 5 Season 3

Leaks have already teased some exciting features, including a new shark ship POI and intriguing upcoming collaborations. As fans await the release, here's everything they need to know about the start of Chapter 5 Season 3.

When Does Chapter 5 Season 3 Start?

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 begins on May 24, 2024. Once the downtime starts, players can expect the game to be inaccessible for 8 to 10 hours. Although this might seem long, it is typical for major Fortnite updates. In some instances, the downtime has extended to 15 or 16 hours if the update encounters issues.

While the standard downtime is 8 to 10 hours, server stability can vary, sometimes taking additional hours even after the update is released. Players should anticipate the game being available around 10 AM Eastern Time if everything goes smoothly.

When Is Matchmaking Disabled?

Matchmaking is usually disabled right before the update drops, around 1:30 AM Eastern Time on May 24, 2024. Once matchmaking is disabled, players will not be able to participate in online play. Those looking to grind the Battle Pass or experience the Chapter 5 Season 2 map one last time should wrap up before this time.

When Does Downtime Start?

About 30 minutes after matchmaking is disabled, downtime should begin, likely around 2 AM Eastern Time on May 24, 2024. At this point, Fortnite servers will be shut down completely, making the game inaccessible. This is also when the current Battle Pass ends, typically coinciding with the start of the downtime.

Prepare for an exciting new season with Fortnite's Chapter 5 Season 3, and stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches.