Epic Games is set to launch the first major Fortnite update of 2026, a significant patch headlined by a vibrant crossover with the iconic animated series South Park. The v39.20 update will also introduce a highly anticipated new five-player squad mode for Battle Royale, marking a substantial start to the new year for players across the UK and beyond.
Fortnite 39.20 Release Schedule and Server Downtime
Gamers should prepare for a period of server maintenance as the update rolls out. Epic Games has confirmed a January 9 release date for the patch. Server downtime is scheduled to commence at 9:00 AM GMT on that date.
For players in other regions, this translates to 1:00 AM PDT, 4:00 AM EDT, and 10:00 AM CET. Matchmaking will be disabled 30 minutes prior, at 8:30 AM GMT, so players have until then for one final pre-update match. According to the official server status page, downtime is expected to last for approximately two hours, with services anticipated to resume around 11:00 AM GMT.
South Park Takes Over The Island
The centrepiece of this update is the influx of content from the town of South Park. A bundle featuring five beloved characters—Stan, Kyle, Cartman, Kenny, and Butters—will be available for purchase in the Item Shop following the downtime.
Furthermore, Epic is offering a free mini Battle Pass packed with South Park-themed rewards. Players can unlock items like the Backpack of CRED Back Bling, the Terrance and Phillip Pickaxe, and the Cheesy Poofs Rocketship Emote. Completing this pass by February 5 grants the Imaginationland Airship Glider.
New gameplay items will also shake up matches. The Stick of Truth is a powerful, one-time use item that allows a player to control the storm, forcing it to shrink immediately to the final circle around them. The Cheesy Poofs item can be consumed for quick health restoration while sprinting or thrown to heal allies and damage opponents. Additionally, Kenny’s Respawn Token will grant an automatic respawn upon elimination.
Players can also explore Cartmanland, a new points of interest described as Cartman's personal theme park, complete with custom rides.
Additional Features and Early Patch Notes
Beyond the crossover, the update will introduce a new Limited Time Mode (LTM) supporting five-player squads, which is reported to be available until early February. Battle Pass Super Styles and potential end-of-season content are also on the agenda.
The early patch notes address several known issues being fixed or investigated. These include a problem where the Magnetic Steps Glider appears with a default texture, a bug preventing some players from rebooting squad mates, and an issue where the Self-Revive Device might not activate if a player performs a roll at the exact moment they are knocked down. Other fixes target minor map inconsistencies like misplaced shrubbery and missing Vending Machines.
This substantial update, playable on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PC, and mobile, signifies Epic Games' commitment to keeping the Fortnite experience fresh and culturally relevant as it moves into another year of live service.
