Fortnite fans are counting down to the release of the Fortnitemares Halloween event, which launches as part of update 31.40. Fortnite update 31.40 has an October 11 release date on PS5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and Android. The update launches alongside a period of server downtime, which begins at 9am BST UK time. According to Epic Games, matchmaking will be disabled at around 8.30am, so make sure you're in a game beforehand if you want to play right up until maintenance begins. The news was announced by Epic Games on X, alongside confirmation that Fortnitemares will launch as part of the update.

"Prepare for a frightening time!" reads an Epic tweet. "Downtime for v31.40 begins at 4 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand."

Epic has warned players that this week's Reload Platform Cups and Trios Cash Cups will be delayed to make room for the update.

"As part of this release, we will be shifting this week's Reload Platform Cups and Trios Cash Cups to run on Saturday. Players can check the Compete tab for final timings in their region."

In terms of what fans can expect, the Fortnitemares event will introduce countless new skins and collaborations, including Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Sally and Pumpkin King from Nightmare Before Christmas, and Mephisto from the MCU.

It's likely Epic will release an event pass to celebrate Fortnitemares, as well as a host of challenges and rewards.

The map will also be updated with a selection of new landmarks and points of interest, including changes to Grand Glacier, Brawler’s Battleground and Restored Reels

According to Fortnite insiders such as Hypex, new items will include a SAW Mythic, the returning Witch Broom, Pumpkin Launcher, Wood Stake Shotgun, Candy and more.

LEGO Fortnite, on the other hand, will receive a split-screen mode, as well as the Brick or Treat LEGO Pass, complete with fresh rewards.

Epic will also make a host of bug fixes and gameplay tweaks. You can see the early 31.40 patch notes below.

Fortnite 31.40 update patch notes...

GENERAL

• Built-In Emotes do not play in Creative / UEFN Experiences

- We’re investigating an issue where built-in emotes, emotes attached to certain Outfits only, do not play when in a Creative or UEFN experience.

BATTLE ROYALE

• The setting ‘Lock Input Method as Mouse’ is not working correctly

- The Lock Mouse Input setting may not function as intended

• Back Bling Beacon Glass displaying incorrectly in the Locker

- When players are choosing the Back Bling Beacon Glass from their Locker, the shards of the Back Bling are falling off.

LEGO FORTNITE

• Player 2 cannot upgrade the LEGO Fortnite Pass reward track in split-screen mode.

- When trying to upgrade the LEGO Fortnite Pass reward track in split-screen mode, the “UPGRADE” button may not function as intended for Player 2.

• Bottom of HUD can disappear after using macrobinoculars

- After using macrobinoculars, the bottom portion of HUD may sometimes disappear.

ROCKET RACING

• BALL-R wheel is displaying incorrect edit styles

- BALL-R wheel is displaying incorrect edit styles

• Error when equipping the Beast Mode Boost.

- A “Profile does not own variant” error may appear when players try to equip the Beast Mode Boost.

FORTNITE FESTIVAL

• Band members may be lacking animations.

- At times, character or band member models might have stilted and inert animations on Main Stage.

• Degraded audio quality when using Jam Tracks as Lobby Tracks.

- We’re investigating reports of noticeably lower audio quality when using certain Jam Tracks as Lobby Tracks and will provide an update as soon as we have a confirmed fix.

FORTNITE MOBILE

• Players may be unable to move after exiting Changing Booth

- Upon exiting a Changing Booth Device in Creative, players' character may not move.