Fortnite DOWN: Preparing for Chapter 4, Season 1

Fortnite was taken offline through the night, as Epic Games prepares for the launch of Chapter 4, Season 1.

The Fortnite end of season event kicked off at 9pm GMT UK time on the evening of December 3. The game was taken offline when the event came to an end at around 9.40pm GMT.

Epic Games will announce official timings once the Fracture event ends and maintenance begins.

With maintenance taking place throughout the night, Fortnite Chapter 4, Season 1 is expected to begin between 7-9am on the morning of December 4.

According to Fortnite insiders such as Hypex and Shiina, the new map is codenamed Asteria.

Players are encouraged to login 30 minutes prior to the Fracture event, although unlike previous seasons, fans can drop into the action while the event is in progress.

The extended period of server downtime will give Epic Games enough time to introduce a brand new map to Battle Royale.

According to Fortnite insiders such as Hypex and Shiina, the new map is codenamed Asteria.

Epic Games is also expected to add motorbikes to Battle Royale, as well as rideable flying animals.

There's even talk that Chapter 4 will usher in a first-person mode, as well as an advanced editing tool as part of Creative 2.0.

With the new Avatar movie releasing later this month, there's a chance we'll get a brand new movie crossover to coincide with the launch of the film.