Fortnite 26.30 update patch notes: Downtime, Fortnitemares 2023, new weapons, more
Epic GamesThe Fortnite 26.30 update is here, ready to celebrate Halloween with a new in-game event. Here are the full Fortnite v26.30 patch notes, breaking down everything included in the update.
Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 4 is still going strong with its heist theme, but Epic are keeping things fresh with regular updates. While players are still trying to unlock Battle Pass skins, Super Level Styles, and additional outfits through Snapshot Quests, the 26.30 update is here to bring the Fortnitemares 2023 Halloween event.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the Fortnite 26.30 update patch notes, including the Fortnitemares 2023 event, new weapons, and more.
- Fortnite 26.30 update release date & downtime
- Fortnitemares 2023 event arrives with Fortnite 26.30 update
- Fortnite 26.30 new weapons
- Fortnite 26.30 update patch notes
Fortnite 26.30 update release date & downtime
The Fortnite v26.30 update arrives on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, with server downtime starting at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET / 8 AM BST.
Usually, downtime can last up to three hours, so keep that in mind when trying to log into Epic Games’ battle royale.
Epic GamesFortnitemares 2023 event arrives with Fortnite 26.30 update
It’s October, and in Fortnite, that means it’s time for a new edition of the Fortnitemares event. In 2023, the in-game celebrations bring back Halloween-themed weapons and items like the Pumpkin Launcher, Candy, and a new version of the Witch Broom.
What’s more, two new Reality Augments also debut in Fortnitemares 2023. Trick or Treat lets Candy give extra healing, while Witchy Warrior reduces the Witch Broom’s cooldown.
There are also plenty of themed challenges to complete and rewards to unlock.
Fortnite 26.30 new weapons
The Halloween-themed update in Fortnite fits with this season’s heist theme and its main villain, Kado Thorne. The criminal/vampire will make his debut on the map very soon, according to leakers, but before that, players are able to try his signature weapons, the Wood Stake Shotgun and the Vampire Kinetic Blade.
The Wood Stake Shotgun is Kado Thorne’s signature weapon, while the Vampire Kinetic Blade is a spooky version of the melee weapon introduced in Chapter 4 Season 2.
Fortnite 26.30 update patch notes
Here are the full Fortnite 26.30 patch notes as shared by Epic Games:
During Fortnitemares 2023, it’s time to call in a vampire hunter: you! Match the stakes of Kado Thorne’s threat with the new Wood Stake Shotgun. And don’t stop at vampire hunting — jump into the Horde Rush limited-time experience, complete Quests for in-game rewards, and more! Fortnitemares 2023 runs until November 3, 2023, at 2 AM ET.
Wood Stake Shotgun
Here’s something all stakeholders can align on: Kado Thorne must be defeated. Use the Wood Stake Shotgun — findable from the ground, regular and Rare Chests, and Holo-Chests — to help you defeat Thorne at Eclipse Estate.
Thorne’s Vampiric Blade
Thorne, if defeated, will drop a Mythic blade. Fitting for a weapon owned by a vampire, Thorne’s Vampiric Blade gives Health at the expense of others. How? Upon damaging an enemy with it, some of your Health will slowly be restored.
Pumpkin Launcher
If a vampire wasn’t Octobery enough, the Pumpkin Launcher is unvaulted! Launch explosive jack-o’-lanterns that’ll give opponents a scare. Pumpkin Launchers can be found from the ground, regular and Rare Chests, Holo-Chests, and flying drones.
Witch Broom
What’s that in the air? Is that a Rocket Ram, or the unvaulted Witch Broom? Activate a Witch Broom to quickly launch yourself in the air then glide down to the surface. (This ability especially comes in handy during skirmishes you’re not prepared for.) Find Witch Brooms from the ground and Chests.
Sanguine Sweets
Have a sweet time in battle. Candy Corn, Pepper Mints, Hop Drops, and Jelly Beans are unvaulted during Fortnitemares 2023, each offering a distinct benefit. (For example: Hop Drops give a temporary low gravity effect.) Find these Candy items by looking in Candy Buckets, ringing doorbells, defeating guards, or taking down bosses.
Fortnitemares Quests and Rewards
The Candy’s not the only treat during Fortnitemares 2023. Complete Fortnitemares Quests for in-game rewards! Completing individual Fortnitemares Quests will earn you XP while completing certain amounts will earn you new, eerie Locker items:
- Complete 5 Fortnitemares Quests to earn the Bat Royale Back Bling and a Cat Banner Icon.
- Complete 15 Fortnitemares Quests to earn the Sweet! Emote, Phantasmic Fall Contrail, and Hypno-Bat Spray.
- Complete 25 Fortnitemares Quests to earn the Revenant Rider Glider, Within the Sanctum Loading Screen, and Rise of the Revenant Lobby Track.
The Fortnitemares Quests will progressively become available over the course of Fortnitemares and will remain available to complete until Fortnitemares ends (Nov. 3, 2023, at 2 AM ET).
The Quests will challenge you to keep heisting Thorne’s properties, use the new and unvaulted Fortnitemares items, and more. Want a Battle Royale break? There are also Fortnitemares Quests that challenge you to earn XP in creator-made experiences!
Horde Rush Returns!
The Horde Rush limited-time experience is back! In a team, go to different locations and survive each one’s Cube Monster horde. Keep surviving until you beat the Final Boss!
As you’re taking down monsters, rack up your score by earning combos and collecting score multipliers. Horde Rush will be available until Fortnitemares ends (Nov. 3, 2023, at 2 AM ET) and is accessible via Discover.
Horde Rush Quests and Rewards
Horde Rush has its own set of Quests, available until the end of Fortnitemares! Complete individual Horde Rush Quests to earn XP, and complete certain amounts to earn new Locker items:
- Complete 1 Horde Rush Quest to earn The Murk Wrap.
- Complete 4 Horde Rush Quests to earn the Heart-o-Lantern Emoticon.
- Complete 7 Horde Rush Quests to earn the Batwing Bonespike Pickaxe.
Show the Cube Monsters they’re nothing but squares — the Horde Rush Quests will challenge you to land Cube Monster headshots, attack Cube Monster spawners, collect score multipliers, and more.
New and Returning Outfits
New and returning Outfits will haunt the Item Shop during Fortnitemares 2023. The new Outfits include wrapped rapscallion Seth, muckfish Bogstick, meownstrosity Phantom Meowscles, and nautilus Festival Phaedra:
More New Outfits
Disney’s Jack Skellington
The “Pumpkin King” Set items are on their way — look out for the Jack Skellington Outfit in the Item Shop later in Fortnitemares 2023! This Outfit includes the Santa Jack alt Style.
The Jack Skellington Outfit, plus more “The Pumpkin King” Set items that’ll be in the Shop.
In addition to the Zero Back Bling, Peppermint Parasol Pickaxe, and Jack’s Sled Glider, there’ll be two Emotes accompanying Jack Skellington. Scare your squad with the Jack’s Scary Face Emote built into the Outfit, and travel on clawfoot with the universal Lock, Shock, and Barrel’s Tub Emote.
The Jack’s Scary Face Emote.
Michael Myers
The Island is not far enough from Haddonfield: “The Shape” is on his way to the Shop. Watch your back for when the Michael Myers Outfit arrives later in Fortnitemares 2023.
The Michael Myers Outfit, plus more “The Shape” Set items that’ll be in the Shop.
Alan Wake
He’s already haunted by his own twisted tales, and soon he’ll be haunted by Fortnitemares. Best-selling novelist Alan Wake is being written into Fortnite with the Alan Wake Outfit — look out for when his chapter starts in the Item Shop later during Fortnitemares 2023!
More in v26.30: Returning Reality Augments
In v26.30, the Game Time, Icy Slide, and Rushing Reload Reality Augments make their return!
“Quick Weapon” Action (Beta)
The new Quick Weapon action (in beta) has been added to the Controller Options!
When enabled, Quick Weapon replaces the “Next Weapon” button. Press Quick Weapon to equip your primary item. Press one of the face buttons while pressing Quick Weapon to switch to one of the other item slots.
You can press Quick Weapon and a face button simultaneously to swap to that item instantly or hold the Quick Weapon button for as long as you like to get used to how the face buttons match up with the items in your inventory.
Additionally when Quick Weapon is enabled, “Previous Weapon” is replaced by “Place Marker” to make it easier to communicate with your squad. Or you can replace the Previous Weapon with the action of your choice by customizing your controls in the controller customization options.
Ending Support for OS9 on Android Devices
Starting with v28.00, players will be required to use OS10 or higher to continue playing Fortnite natively on Android in an officially supported manner. Android OS9 will no longer be officially supported in Fortnite, which means that we will no longer actively ensure that it is compatible with Fortnite, and that the service quality may degrade over time and eventually become unplayable.
For players unable to upgrade to OS10, note that Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Amazon Luna are available alternatives. Currently, these services actively support OS9 Android devices so you can continue playing Fortnite (via streaming).
Competitive Notes
- The Wood Stake Shotgun, Thorne’s Vampiric Blade, Pumpkin Launcher, Witch Broom, and Candy are not included in tournaments.
- The Game Time, Icy Slide, and Rushing Reload Reality Augments are not included in tournaments.
Bug Fixes
- Fixed an issue where trees were not rendering correctly.
- Exclamation marks will now clear above the Quests tab as intended.
That’s everything you need to know about the Fortnite 26.30 update. For more on the popular battle royale, make sure to check some of our other guides:
How to land at Hot Spots in Fortnite | All Fortnite Weekly Quests | Fortnite Exotic weapon locations | When does Fortnite Chapter 4, Season 5 start? | All Fortnite Reality Augments | What does Siphon mean in Fortnite? | What are account levels in Fortnite? | All Fortnite NPC locations | Best weapons in Fortnite ranked