The clock ticked down, each second amplifying the fear that you’d miss out. Friends whispered about exclusive Valentine’s skins, hinting at secrets hidden within the latest Fortnite update. What if everyone else discovered the new content before you? Chapter 7 Season 1’s Golden Coast might be about to get a whole lot more romantic.
Epic Games is gearing up to release the 39.40 update. Here’s what early patch notes suggest is coming to Fortnite, from the end of the South Park collab to the arrival of Valentine’s Day festivities.
Fortnite Update 39.40: When Does the Downtime Start?
It’s happened to all of us: You’re in the middle of a crucial match, and suddenly the screen goes dark. The 39.40 update is scheduled to roll out after a downtime of approximately 1-2 hours on February 5, 2026, starting at 4 AM ET. During this period, matchmaking will be disabled as the servers undergo maintenance.
Fortnite Update 39.40: What’s in the Early Patch Notes?
Think of update 39.40 as less of a tune-up and more of a complete engine overhaul. Unlike the previous 39.30 update, which focused on maintenance and cosmetics, this one promises a richer experience. Here’s a taste of what to expect:
Fortnite Valentine’s Day Event
Mark your calendars: The Valentine’s Day event is headlining the 39.40 update. Epic dropped a teaser with the tagline, “In February, Fortnite wears pink.” Expect a fresh set of themed challenges and cosmetics up for grabs. While there are no confirmed free skins tied to the event as of yet, the return of Cupid’s Crossbow is almost guaranteed. Sure, it’s not the most practical weapon, but it’s a Valentine’s tradition.
Fortnite x Honkai Star Rail Collab
Imagine the thrill of seeing characters from different universes clash. Epic’s collaborations often feel this way, uniting fanbases and creating memorable moments.
Honkai Star Rail’s Trailblazers are heading to Fortnite Island. Teasers point to Kafka and Blade joining the fray. Leaks suggest Kafka’s katana could appear as a pickaxe, alongside an emote inspired by her “Spirit Whisper” ability. Blade might wield his Fragmented Sword as a pickaxe, possibly with a reactive style.
There’s also speculation that their swords might become Mythic weapons, potentially limited to the Blitz Royale mode, similar to the Fortnite Bleach collaboration.
Marvel Rivals Wave 2
Sometimes, the best surprises come in pairs. The arrival of two new heroes is about to shake up your strategies.
Leaks suggest the 39.40 update might include another wave of the Fortnite Marvel Rivals collaboration, introducing Luna Snow and Magik. Expect them to mirror their appearances from the hero shooter. Luna Snow could get a Jam Track of one of her songs, while Magik’s Soulsword could be a back bling, pickaxe, or both.
K-Pop Demon Hunters Wave 2: Jinu and the Saja Boys
Sometimes, forgotten alliances rise again when you least expect them.
The 39.40 update may revisit the Fortnite K-Pop Demon Hunters collab, bringing Jinu and the Saja Boys from the Netflix movie to Fortnite Island. Leaks also point to Derpy joining as a Fortnite Sidekick.
What’s more, the K-Pop Demon Hunters Mythics might be unvaulted, adding them to Chapter 7 Season 1’s loot pool.
New Fortnite Festival Artist: Chappell Roan
Every stage needs a headliner, someone who can electrify the crowd and set the tone for the entire event.
Chappell Roan is expected to arrive with the Fortnite 39.40 update, headlining the next Fortnite Festival season, taking over from Lisa. Roan may receive two outfits, one inspired by her Medieval Knight Armor from the 2024 VMAs and another “Pink Pony” look with a cowboy hat.
There could also be a Pink Pony Club Sidekick and Chappell Roan-themed instruments in the Fortnite Festival Season 13 Music Pass.
Weapon Balance Changes
The meta is always shifting. Staying ahead of the curve requires awareness of even small adjustments to damage, range, and handling.
A recent hotfix prepared players for the 39.40 update, buffing several weapons to balance the loot pool. Here’s a quick rundown of the weapon balance changes:
| Item | Buffs |
|---|---|
| Tactical Assault Rifle | Increased damage |
| Enforcer AR | Increased damage |
| Holo Rush SMG | Increased damage per shot, larger magazine, and faster handling time |
| Flex SMG | Increased damage, larger magazine, and faster handling time |
| Dual Micro SMGs | Increased damage, larger magazine, and faster handling time |
| Tactical Pistol | Increased damage, improved range, and faster ADS time. |
| Soveriegn Shotgun | Faster fire rate when aiming down sights. |
| Stealth Splash | Increased effect time and able to carry a bigger stack. |
| All-Terrain-Kart | Increased health |
Vaulted & Unvaulted Items
Gear comes and goes, but timing is everything. Knowing when to adapt to changes in the available items can make all the difference.
The Shockwave Grenades are making a comeback, while Crash Pad Jrs. are being vaulted once again. The K-Pop Demon Hunters Mythics are also slated to return. Here’s the full list:
Vaulted
- Kenny’s Respawn Token
- Cheesy Poofs
- Stick of Truth
- Crash Pad Jrs.
Unvaulted
- Shockwave Grenades
- Self-Revive Item
What Happened to The Seven in Fortnite?
Every saga has its mysteries. The disappearance of key players sparks questions and speculation.
The Return of the Seven
Leaks suggest the Seven are making a comeback with the 39.40 update. The Foundation’s MK7 Assault Rifle has an unvault tag, and The Foundation himself is returning as an NPC. With The Order captured by the Dark Voyager, it appears each member will be reintroduced gradually.
End of the Fortnite South Park Mini Pass
All good things must come to an end. But sometimes, the memories—and the loot—linger on.
The 39.40 update marks the end of the Fortnite South Park Mini Pass, “Born in Chaos.” The Imaginationland Airship Glider and Terrance and Phillip Pickaxe will no longer be available. The South Park skins will also leave the Item Shop. It’s unclear if Cartmanland POI will be removed.
New Weekly Quests
The 39.40 update introduces new weekly quests for Chapter 7 Season 1, helping you progress through the Pacific Break Battle Pass faster. These quests are expected to tie into Jonesy and the ongoing storyline with the Dark Voyager.
The Fortnite 39.40 update is set to be a tidal wave of fresh content, a maelstrom of collaborations, and some potentially game-changing tweaks—but will it be enough to truly change how you play?