Fortnite April 16 Update 40.20 Patch Notes: Showdown Act 2, Save the World Features, and More

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Epic Games is poised to launch the highly anticipated Fortnite 40.20 update this week. This substantial patch not only marks the continuation of the Showdown theme but also introduces the free-to-play version of Fortnite Save the World. Curious about what the Fortnite 40.20 update will entail? Here is a comprehensive overview of the key features expected in this update.

Downtime Schedule for the Fortnite v40.20 Update

The Fortnite 40.20 update is scheduled to commence downtime on April 16, 2026, starting at 4 AM ET. Players can expect a maintenance period lasting approximately 2-3 hours.

Matchmaking services will be offline 30 minutes prior to the update, with the servers anticipated to resume operations around 7 AM ET.

Initial Patch Notes for the April 16 Update – v40.20

This update promises to be significantly content-rich compared to its predecessor, the Fortnite 40.10 update, which primarily revolved around the OG mode and theApril Fools content.

Commencement of Showdown Act 2

Fortnite Update 40.20 Showdown Act 2 — Image Credit: Epic Games

With the conclusion of Act 1 of the Fortnite Showdown Rivalries, Team Ice King has triumphed over Team Foundation, unlocking exclusive rewards such as the Ice King vault card and the Foundation’s Rift Rifle.

Act 2 is set to begin, bringing the return of Daigo and the Elites along with new milestones for both teams to achieve. Epic Games has unveiled the exclusive items and weapons available through the Fortnite Showdown Rivalry event:

Team Ice King Rewards

New Revolver
Recon Scanner
Reforged Infinity Blade
Slipstreams

Team Foundation Rewards

Super Shredder Shotgun
New Building Mechanic
New Projectile Launcher
New Sanctuary POI Update

Introduction of the Reload Elite Stronghold Map

Fortnite Reload Elite Stronghold Update — Image Credit: Epic Games

Beyond the main Battle Royale mode, the Fortnite 40.20 update will unveil the Reload Elite Stronghold map. This new arena will provide players a chance to seize the Elites’ stronghold, with competitive players getting early access on April 18, 2026, and general availability commencing on April 20, 2026.

New WWE Skins: Stone Cold Steve Austin and Liv Morgan

AND THAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE… 4.16.26.pic.twitter.com/KlPPcXPTA0

— Fortnite (@Fortnite) April 13, 2026

Although not officially confirmed, Epic Games teased a skin featuring the legendary Stone Cold Steve Austin, complete with his recognizable Austin 3:16 branding and a unique beer chug emote featuring Slurp Juice.

Retirement of Ballistic & Festival Battle Stages

Fortnite Update 40.20 Ballistic and Battle Stage — Image Credit: Epic Games

Along with new features, the 40.20 patch will also phase out existing content. The Ballistic and Festival Battle stages will be retired, a decision stemming from Epic Games’ acknowledgment that these modes struggled to attract a significant player base. Additionally, Rocket Racing will be removed from the game ecosystem, though this will not occur until October 2026.

Removal of Fortnite Endgame LTM

Fortnite Endgame Quests and Rewards — Image Credit: Epic Games

The brief revival of the Fortnite Endgame LTM was a nostalgic experience for players. However, the 40.20 update will see the return of this 16v16 confrontation between the Avengers and Thanos’ Chitauri, thereby putting an end to the quests associated with the Endgame mode and any potential XP rewards that players have yet to claim.

Launch of New Fortnite Icon Skins: Reddysh, Moxie, and Sommerset

Image Credit: Epic Games

The upcoming patch will showcase new Icon skins for popular streamers Reddysh, Moxie, and Sommerset, adding a fresh look for players in the Fortnite universe.

New Weekly Quests Introduction

Furthermore, players can anticipate an array of new weekly quests as part of Chapter 7 Season 2. These challenges are designed to provide XP boosts for the Showdown Battle Pass and may hint at upcoming live events in Fortnite.

Transition of Fortnite Save the World to Free-to-Play

Fortnite Update 40.20 Save the World — Image Credit: Epic Games

After a prolonged wait, the Fortnite 40.20 update will make Save the World accessible to all players at no cost. Originally the primary focus of Fortnite before the emergence of the Battle Royale trend, this mode spent years in early access before becoming a paid experience in 2020.

Players can band together to face off against Husks, construct bases, and fulfill various objectives to advance their characters and explore the overarching narrative of Save the World. Moreover, in recognition of reaching community milestones, all players will receive the Snowstrike Hero upon their initial login post-update.

Exciting Updates in Fortnite Festival Season 14

Fortnite Laufey Skin — Image Credit: Beebom

With the departure of Chappell Roan from Fortnite Festival, emerging pop-jazz artist Laufey will take center stage in Season 14 of the rhythm-based mode. This change will not only transform the visual aesthetics of the Festival mode but also introduce the Season 14 Music Pass.

In addition to new skins, players can look forward to several of Laufey’s tracks being adapted into Jam Tracks for performances on the main stage, alongside themed instruments like microphones that resonate with Laufey’s artistic style.

LEGO Fortnite NINJAGO: Embers of Chaos Update

Fortnite 40.20 Update LEGO Fortnite NINJAGO Embers of Chaos — Image Credit: Epic Games

The collaboration with LEGO Fortnite continues to evolve with the 40.20 update, introducing the next phase titled “Embers of Chaos.”This expansion will enhance the previous “Rise of the Ninja”phase through new weapons, ally dragons, and structures available via the LEGO Ninjago Pass.

Players will have the opportunity to master fire elements, learn new Spin-Jitsu stances, and confront increasingly challenging bosses beyond the Fire Dragon.

What aspect of the upcoming Fortnite update excites you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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