Key Takeaways
- Fortnite v35.10 update introduces major content from Star Wars and The Walking Dead, available from May 16 across all platforms.
- Matchmaking and servers went offline for scheduled maintenance, with downtime beginning at 8:30am BST on May 16.
- New creative tools like the 2v2 Gunfight template empower creators to build first-person shooter maps.
- The update adds fresh content including Grand Glacier Hotel and Spooky Holiday galleries.
- Twitch account linking is now available for creators, alongside improvements and bug fixes.
Introduction
Fans of Fortnite woke up to a familiar sight on May 16: servers were down, matching was banned, and ideas were flying on social media. But this time, the wait comes with serious payoff. Epic Games officially rolled out the Fortnite v35.10 update, introducing a powerful double crossover event: Star Wars meets The Walking Dead.
Whether you’re a fan of galactic lightsaber battles or zombie-infested worlds, there’s something for everyone in this action-packed update. Let’s break down what’s new, when servers are coming back online, and how this content boost could change your Fortnite experience.
Why Are Fortnite Servers Down Again?
Scheduled Maintenance for Update v35.10
Epic Games announced on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle that Fortnite servers went offline at 9am BST (4 AM ET) on May 16. Matchmaking was disabled slightly earlier at 8:30am BST to prep for the update rollout.
Although Epic didn’t give an exact time for when the servers would return, past updates suggest the downtime should last around 2–3 hours. That means Fortnite is likely to be back online by 11am BST, assuming no unexpected hiccups.
The cheeky tweet from Epic Games stated that downtime for v35.10 would begin at 4 AM ET, playfully adding a Wookiee growl to keep fans entertained even during the server blackout.
What’s New in the Fortnite v35.10 Update?
1. Star Wars Content Tied to the Galactic Battle Event
New Star Wars material has arrived in time for the Galactic Battle event. Players can expect themed items, limited-time quests, and skins that bring the Star Wars universe right onto the Fortnite island.
The event is expected to follow a similar format to previous crossovers, allowing players to engage in themed missions, use exclusive weapons, and unlock cosmetic items by completing challenges.
2. The Walking Dead Universe Joins Creative Mode
Starting May 16 at 12 PM ET, creators can now use The Walking Dead Universe (TWDU) assets to design their own custom islands. These can be submitted via the Creator Portal and may even be featured in Fortnite’s Discover section, giving map designers major visibility.
Skybound, the franchise holder for The Walking Dead, will also be curating and promoting their favorite player-made islands, offering a unique chance for creators to gain recognition.
3. New 2v2 Gunfight Template in UEFN
For Fortnite creators using the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), this update delivers a game-changing tool: the 2v2 Gunfight template.
This new feature allows designers to build first-person shooter (FPS) arenas by assigning weapons, managing teams, and creating diverse battle zones—all within a single map. Want to try it? The playable demo is live now using island code 5043-2939-1074.
This template not only supports game innovation but gives aspiring developers a taste of FPS mechanics within Fortnite’s creative ecosystem.
4. Expanded Prefabs and Galleries
Epic has added several new galleries and prefabs to support creators’ visions:
- Grand Glacier Hotel
- Snowy Mountain Theme
- Spooky Holiday Theme
These assets offer increased variety and detail for immersive island building. In a cleanup move, Epic also removed mistakenly included licensed content from the Japanese Forest Nature Gallery, maintaining compliance and creative standards.
5. Twitch Account Integration for Creators
In a move to streamline cross-platform promotion, creators can now link their Twitch accounts to their Creator Profiles. Previously, only TikTok and Instagram were supported.
This feature allows for better visibility and monetization opportunities, especially for creators who livestream their Fortnite content.
6. Gameplay and Performance Fixes
In addition to all the new features, the v35.10 update addresses several bugs and performance issues:
- Walker enemies from The Walking Dead Universe have been improved, with smoother animation and better structure interaction.
- Matchmaking portals, accolades, and other creative devices received optimizations for more consistent gameplay.
These adjustments aim to ensure a smoother player experience, particularly for those exploring custom maps or competing in high-stakes matches.
What This Means for Players and Creators
The v35.10 update represents a bold evolution in Fortnite’s hybrid role as both a battle royale game and a content creation platform. For regular players, the new events offer fresh challenges and rewards. For creators, the enhanced tools and franchise partnerships open doors to build, promote, and profit within Fortnite’s vast ecosystem.
Conclusion
With the launch of Fortnite v35.10, Epic Games continues to prove that its game is more than just a shooter—it’s a canvas for culture, storytelling, and innovation. In a way that only Fortnite can, this update combines beloved franchises, from Walkers to Wookiees. Whether you’re hopping into the Galactic Battle or designing your dream FPS map, now is the perfect time to explore what Fortnite 2.0 has to offer.
