Fortnite Update 42.00 Pre-Load & Downtime: Override Prep Guide

Update 42.00 Overview

Fortnite Update 42.00 is the Chapter 7 Season 4 Override update, and it's one of the largest updates in Fortnite history. The pre-load is available now on all platforms, allowing players to download the update before the servers go down.

The update is estimated at 15-25 GB on PC, 12-20 GB on PlayStation and Xbox, 8-12 GB on Nintendo Switch, and 6-10 GB on mobile devices. These sizes may vary by platform and region.

Estimated File Size by Platform

On PC (Epic Games Store), the update should auto-download. If not, open the Epic Games Launcher, go to your Library, click on Fortnite, and check for updates.

Downtime Schedule & Launch Time

On PlayStation 4/5, enable auto-downloads in Settings > System > Automatic Downloads. On Xbox, updates are automatic for Game Pass and installed games. On Nintendo Switch, press + on Fortnite in the Home menu and select Software Update.

Pre-Launch Checklist

Downtime is expected to begin around 2:00 AM ET on August 20, 2026. Servers are expected to come back online approximately 2-4 hours later, between 4:00-6:00 AM ET.

What to Do While Waiting

Before the update, clear at least 30 GB of free space on your primary drive. Update your graphics drivers for optimal performance. Close background applications to speed up the download.