Fortnite Chapter 5 release time, date, downtime, Peter Griffin Battle Pass, more

UPDATE: Fortnite server maintenance is in full swing, as Epic takes the game offline for the release of Chapter 5. The game will be offline until around 9am GMT UK time, and you’ll need to download an update in order to start playing. The launch of the new season is joined by an animated short featuring Peter Griffin from Family Guy. You can watch the Family Guy x Fortnite trailer below, and keep an eye out for his glider. Fortnite insider Shiina has also given fans a rundown of the new Battle Pass, as well as a look at the new map.

ORIGINAL: Fortnite developer Epic Games is about to release a brand new Chapter in Battle Royale. Fortnite Chapter 5, Season 1 has a December 3 release date on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and Android. While the Chapter 5 update (version 28.00) will go live alongside server downtime at 4.30am GMT, the season itself isn’t likely to begin in full until around 9am GMT UK time. It’s worth pointing out that the update will be larger than usual, so you might need to free up some space on your hard drive.

As with any new season, fans will be able to purchase a new Battle Pass, complete with around 100 items.

The Chapter 5, Season 1 Battle Pass looks particularly impressive, especially with the news that the long-awaited Family Guy crossover is finally happening. 

Indeed, as you can see from the trailer below, Peter Griffin will headline the Chapter 5, Season 1 Battle Pass.

The Family Guy character will be joined by Oscar, Vengeance Jones, Nisha, Montague and Valeria.

Appearing briefly in the trailer, Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid franchise is expected to join the Battle Pass as the secret skin.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are also tipped to join Fortnite later this season, most likely in the item shop.

New gameplay features, meanwhile, include weapon mods. Players will be able to equip new optics, barrel suppression, grips, mags and more.

Epic will also introduce a revamped movement system, which includes the ability to climb walls and perform parkour.

The Grapple Blade looks like an interesting addition, giving players new traversal options, as well as new combat opportunities.

While the full map is yet to be revealed, the trailer shows that a train will run through the environment. Players can seemingly capture the train to unlock superior items. The Yacht will also make a return.

In addition to a new Chapter, Epic is gearing up to release three new in-game experiences later this month.

It all starts with the release of LEGO Fortnite, which launches on December 7. 

Described as “the ultimate survival crafting LEGO adventure”, the new experiences is said to introduce “vast, open worlds where the magic of LEGO building and Fortnite collide”.

LEGO Fortnite will be followed by the launch of Rocket Racing, which will be available from December 8.

Created by Rocket League developer Psyonix, Rocket Racing adds an arcade racing experience to Fortnite.

The week continues with yet another new in-game experience on December 9, this time from the creators of Rock Band.

“Fortnite Festival is a new music game where players can play in a band with friends or perform solo on stage with hit music by their favorite artists. Built by Harmonix, the studio behind the iconic music game Rock Band, Festival marks the beginning of music gaming in Fortnite.”