It's been a busy few weeks for Fortnite. We've had the big Juice WRLD concert, the launch of a new Chapter, the return to the old-school with Fortnite OG, the release of the Doom 2099 skin, and now a big new update.

Fortnite update 33.10 has a December 10 release date on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Android and Nintendo Switch.

The update will be accompanied by a period of server downtime, which begins at 9am GMT UK time.

Considering the size of the update and amount of new content on offer, expect the downtime to run until around midday.

The news was announced by Epic Games on X, alongside a preview about what to expect.

"Sharpen your blades!" reads an Epic tweet. "Downtime for v33.10 begins at 4 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand."

As you can see from the tweet above, matchmaking will be disabled at around 8.30am UK time, so make sure you're already in a game beforehand.

In terms of what fans can expect, update 33.10 is shaping up to be one of the biggest updates ever.

First up is the release of a brand new first-person shooter mode featuring 5v5 battles with ranked and unranked modes.

Titled Fortnite Ballistic, the new mode is described as a tactical game mode where teamwork is key, it will launch with the Skyline 10 map.

Epic explains more: "Ballistic is launching with the Skyline 10 map, a starting set of weapons, and a limited number of items. Adjustments will be made beyond launch based on player feedback, in addition to major updates such as new maps, weapons, and features."

The game is a no-build mode where all presets from your Locker will carry over. It supports existing skins and items, except for Pickaxes, Contrails, Instruments, Vehicles and Jam Tracks.

With Christmas coming soon, fans can also expect to find out more about this year's Winterfest event, which will include new rewards and festive decorations.

Elsewhere, Fortnite is getting a new Text Chat update, which will expand its availability to all islands.

We'll also get a look at the next wave of Fortnite crossovers, including a closer look at the Hatsune Miku skins and items.

LEGO Fortnite is also getting a big update. Now known as LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, version 33.10 will introduce the Storm Chasers update, which tasks players with finding the Storm Chaser Village.

That's on top of the release of LEGO Fortnite Brick Life, which is a new social role-playing experience which takes place in an ever-evolving city.

Epic explains more: "Gather your friends (and make new ones!) as you explore vibrant locales, like sunset-drenched beaches and the mysterious Mourndale Academy, alongside 31 other players.

"Become the ultimate socialite and hang out in restaurants, house parties, and rooftop clubs."

Daily Express will be back with the full list of new items and features when the update launches on December 10.

Fortnite update 33.10 early patch notes...

NEW CONTENT

• Fortnite Ballistic mode - 5v5 Tactical shooter played in first-person perspective

• LEGO Fortnite Brick Life - New Social role-play experience

• LEGO Fortnite Odyssey - New name for LEGO Fortnite. Campaign kicks off with pursuit of Storm Chaser Village

• Fortnite new Text Chat Experience - Creators can choose to include text chat in their islands so players can socialise and strategise.

BUG FIXES

• Low-resolution textures on Nintendo Switch

- We’re looking into a fix for low-resolution textures on Nintendo Switch.

• If used on a slope, Sprites may slide down and not heal the players.

- Sprites may slide down or float if placed on a hill/slope, leaving their effect behind.

• Missing rewards in LEGO Pass (LEGO FORTNITE)

- For some players who have completed the LEGO Pass, it is displayed that they still need to obtain certain rewards in the pass. The missing rewards will be granted in the next update.

• Vehicles may remain idle at the start of the race. (ROCKET RACING)

- When in Ranked races, players' vehicles might remain idle at the start line while they can still navigate through the menus and interact with camera controls.

• Painted styles' icons do not display the corresponding Ranked reward style (ROCKET RACING)

- The icons for the painted styles of the I-Mod and Wellsian Wheels, Futurist Trail and Boost only display the default style for each item.

• Player 2, 3 or 4 unable to take control as Player 1 (FORTNITE FESTIVAL)

- When players try to take control in the Lobby by holding the “Take Control” button, screen may turn fully black, and the button may not respond. This will cause the inability to change any Settings or Locker items.

• Jam Track preview continues to play outside the Music Library (FORTNITE FESTIVAL)

- While in Backstage, players who select a Jam Track and then quickly close the Music Library may hear the preview load in late and continue playing.