- The Fortnite 40.40 update was released on May 14, 2026, at 4 AM ET.
- The update added the Fortnite Overwatch collab, along with Showdown Rivalries Act 3, to the game.
- The 40.40 update will adds new weapons, map changes, and gameplay changes to Zero Build.
Epic Games has finally released the Fortnite 40.40 update, bringing the final major patch of Chapter 7 Season 2 to the game. The update is packed with new content, including new Overwatch skins and the next phase of the Rivalries event. Check out our thorough breakdown of the Fortnite patch notes for the brand new update.
Fortnite Update 40.40 Downtime Details
Downtime for the Fortnite 40.40 update began on May 14, 2026, at 4 AM ET. Just like any other update, this took Fortnite into a scheduled downtime of 2 hours. In addition to this, Fortnite matchmaking and other services were disabled 30 minutes before downtime began. However, Fortnite servers are now back up, and players can hop into matches.
Fortnite Update Today Full Patch Notes for 40.40
Overwatch Collab
After a grueling wait and a bunch of leaks, the Fortnite Overwatch collaboration has finally arrived with the 40.40 update. The collab is part of Act 3 of the Showdown Rivalries event, not only bringing skins but also gameplay items to the loot pool, new POIs, and Rivalry Milestones. Here are the skins that players are a part of the Overwatch collab:
- Tracer
- D.Va
- Genji
- Mercy
All of the skins in the Overwatch collab are a part of a single mega bundle, which also features alternate styles for the skins and other cosmetics like back blings and pickaxes.
Showdown Rivalries Act 3
With Act 2 of the Fortnite Showdown Rivalries coming to an end, the war between Team Foundation and Team Ice King is entering Act 3 with the 40.40 update. For this phase, the Overwatch heroes have arrived to help Team Foundation, and they bring multiple Overwatch-themed milestones for both teams:
Team Ice King
- Overwatch Payload Rift Anomaly
- Overwatch Caches Containing Loot
- Overwatch Spray
Team Foundation
- Overwatch Dropship
- Overwatch Caches Containing Loot
- Overwatch Spray
Fortnite Overwatch Map Changes
The Overwatch collab has also brought multiple iconic maps and locations from Blizzard’s hero shooter to the Chapter 7 Season 2 map. The new locations include:
- Hanamura
- Busan Drum Pavilion
- King’s Row (Changes at Sandy Strip)
- Watchpoints
Fortnite Update 40.40 Zero Build Changes
The Fortnite 40.40 update has also brought massive changes to the Zero Build mode, and the new additions have the potential to completely transform the mode. Here is a full list of all of the Zero Build changes in this update:
- Pocket Items: Replacing the old Build button, Pocket Items are unlimited-use utility items with cooldowns. All players will start with Shockwave Grenades, Med Mist Grenades, or Shield Bubbles. These items can be swapped at Vending Machines around the map.
- Starting Loadouts: All players now start matches with a Pistol, a Small Shield Potion, and their Pocket Item.
- Faster Ground Descent: Players can now rush to the ground faster by manually cutting their glider and free-falling the final stretch of the descent.
- Glider Redeploy: Players can deploy gliders from elevated positions for cleaner rotations.
- Infinite Stamina: Players now have infinite stamina while holding their Pickaxe.
- Overshield Siphon: Eliminations restore players’ Overshield.
- Reduced Structure Damage: Environmental structures like boulders, trees, etc., will take less damage from weapons.
- Reduced Reboot Van Timers: Players can bring their downed teammates back more quickly.
According to the developers, these changes are an experiment for Zero Build in Chapter 7 Season 2. How players react to these changes will dictate where the Zero Build mode will go in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 3.
No Lethal Fall Damage
In an extremely surprising move, Epic Games has essentially removed fall damage deaths from both Battle Royale and Zero Build. Players who do fall from a fatal distance will experience the following effects:
- “Splat!” animation
- Health drops to 1 HP
- Shields & Overshield drop to 0
- Short delay before standing back up
New Weapons: Caduceus Staff and Pulse Pistols
The iconic Overwatch weapons have found their way to the Chapter 7 Season 2 loot pool, bringing Mercy’s Caduceus Staff and Tracer’s Pulse Pistols to the game. The Pulse Pistols are the first-ever first-person weapon added to the game, and feature fast-firing twin pistols, along with a dash ability.
The Caduceus Staff, on the other hand, comes packed with Mercy’s beloved healing abilities. Players can not only heal teammates with this staff but also themselves, maintaining Mercy’s status as one of the best healers in Overwatch.
Fortnite Overwatch Daily Drops
Epic is going all out for the Fortnite Overwatch collab, as the developers have also added new daily drops as part of the collaboration. To claim these drops, players will have to log in on 7 different days before May 28, 2026. The rewards for the Fortnite Overwatch Daily Drops include:
- 300 Rival Credits
- 4x Loot Llamas for STW
- 4x Golden Fireworks
- 2x Gold Loot Llamas
- Answer the Call Loading Screen
- 8x Golden Fireworks
- MV-261 Orca Glider
New Exotic Weapons
The list of Exotics in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2 continues to expand. Epic Games has added two new Exotics for players to acquire. The Exotic Recon Bow acts like the IO Recon Scanner, allowing players to shoot an arrow and scan the area for enemies. Meanwhile, the Overdrive Pulse Rifle gives players the Overdrive effect while they have it equipped. Finally, the Exotic Leaping-Lightning Gun grants players the Hop Rocks effect while equipped.
EsDeeKid Collab
The next Icon series skin has been confirmed by Epic Games, with a Fortnite EsDeeKid collaboration also being set for release after the 40.40 update goes live. The news of the crossover came as a surprise to me, with the official X accounts for both Fortnite and EsDeeKid hinting at the new skin through interactions. Players can expect to see the British rapper with his own bundle in the Fortnite Item Shop on May 15, 2026, featuring themed cosmetics like back blings and pickaxes.
Ratatouille Collab
The next step in the ongoing Fortnite Disney partnership, the Ratatouille collab, has also been added to the game files with the 40.40 update. As of now, the cosmetics related to the crossover are encrypted. However, we do know that the collab cosmetics include vehicle cosmetics that players will be able to use in both Fortnite and Rocket League.
LEGO Batman Collab
According to leaks, Epic Games has also introduced elements of a LEGO Batman x Fortnite collab to the game with the 40.40 update. So far, the only LEGO Batman item revealed is a pickaxe, which seems to be a LEGO-inspired Batarang pickaxe. It is currently unknown whether this is the extent of the collab or if Epic Games will be adding more items related to LEGO Batman.
Rivalry Mastery Umbrellas
Fortnite 40.40 update also finally brings the Rivalry Mastery umbrellas to the game. These exclusive glider cosmetics will allow players to flaunt their Showdown Rivalry titles. Based on the number of wins you have secured in Rivalries, you will be granted one of three titles: Rivalry Master, Rivalry Grandmaster, and Rivalry GOAT.
Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2 Live Event Build Up
With the release of the 40.40 update, Epic Games has added new hints towards the next Fortnite live event. According to leaks, players will soon see a new live event countdown in the game. However, unlike previous events, the countdown timer will be in different locations based on the team you are a part of. For Team Ice King, players will see the countdown at the Frozen Shard near the Frigid Fortress POI. Meanwhile, for Team Foundation, the countdown will be visible near the Battlewood sign.
New Reload Weapons: Morphite Sentinel Pump Shotgun and Morphite Thunder Shotgun
Epic has also made some changes to the Fortnite Reload mode, introducing Morphite variants of the Sentinel Pump Shotgun and Thunder Shotgun. These weapons being Morphite-based means that the more players damage enemies using these weapons, the more they grow in rarity and power.
New Weekly Quests
Much like any other update, the 40.40 patch adds a new set of Fortnite weekly quests for players to complete. These quests, apart from tying into the ongoing storyline, will also help players finish their Chapter 7 Season 2 Battle Pass more quickly.
How do you feel about everything added with the last major update for Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2? Tell us in the comments below!
