As the holiday season wraps up, Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1 is ready for its next major content drop. Epic Games is set to release the v39.20 update, which will officially conclude the Winterfest 2025 celebrations and introduce fresh content to the island.
While players have been enjoying the snow-covered map and festive loot, this patch aims to shift the focus back to the core “Pacific Break” storyline. Here is a breakdown of the expected release date, server downtime, and the new features likely to arrive.
When is the Fortnite v39.20 Update?
According to the latest reports and typical update schedules, the Fortnite v39.20 update is expected to arrive during the week of January 6, 2026.
- Likely Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Alternative Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Historically, Epic Games favors Tuesdays for major patches, making January 6 the strongest candidate. However, some community leaks have pointed toward a release later in the week, potentially around January 8 or 9. Players should keep an eye on the official Fortnite Status Twitter account for the confirmed timing.
Server Downtime Schedule
As with every major patch, players can expect a period of server downtime. Matchmaking typically is disabled 30 minutes prior to the update.
- Downtime Begins: ~4:00 AM ET / 9:00 AM UTC
- Duration: Servers are usually offline for 2 to 4 hours.
During this time, the game will be inaccessible while the developers implement the new patch files and remove the Winterfest assets.
What to Expect in v39.20
The v39.20 update is more than just a maintenance patch. It serves as a bridge between the holiday event and the mid-season content.
1. The End of Winterfest 2025
The most immediate change will be the removal of Winterfest content.
- Vaulted Items: Holiday-themed items like the Snowball Launcher and Holiday Presents will likely return to the vault.
- Map Changes: The snow covering parts of the “Pacific Break” map will begin to melt, restoring the tropical aesthetic of the Chapter 7 island.
- Sgt. Winter: The holiday NPC boss will depart the island until next year.
2. New “OG Pass” Rumors
Prominent data miners suggest that v39.20 could introduce a new OG Pass. This mini-pass would reportedly feature classic skins and vintage cosmetics, catering to long-time fans who miss the Chapter 1 aesthetic. If confirmed, this would run alongside the current main Battle Pass.
3. Upcoming Collaborations
Leaks indicate that two major collaborations could be added to the files with this update:
- Silent Hill: Rumors of a Pyramid Head or James Sunderland skin have been circulating, potentially bringing a horror vibe to the game.
- Wicked: Following the film’s success, skins based on Elphaba and Glinda are expected to arrive in the Item Shop soon.
4. Bug Fixes and Balance Changes
As always, the update will address lingering issues from the start of the season. Players can expect adjustments to weapon bloom, spawn rates for movement items (like the Wingsuit), and fixes for vehicle glitches that have plagued the new map.
Get ready to finish your Winterfest quests before the servers go down, and prepare for a fresh look at Chapter 7 Season 1 when v39.20 goes live!