Fortnite update: v40.00 Showdown & V‑Buck hike

Fortnite update v40.00 is confirmed for March 19, 2026, ushering in Chapter 7 Season 2, titled “Showdown.” The short teaser teases The Foundation and the Ice King returning to the island.

The Fortnite update matters because Epic is also changing V‑Buck packs and Battle Pass rewards the same day — a move many are calling shrinkflation. Expect crossovers, new POIs, and seasonal cosmetics.

When will the Fortnite update arrive?

The Fortnite update (v40.00) goes live on March 19, 2026. Patch rollout timing follows Epic’s usual maintenance window; players should check local launch times if you want to jump in as soon as Showdown drops.

How the V‑Bucks changes tie into the update

Epic confirmed V‑Buck packs will deliver fewer V‑Bucks for the same price starting March 19. Examples: the $8.99 pack drops from 1,000 to 800 V‑Bucks and larger bundles shrink similarly. The Battle Pass cost changes to 800 V‑Bucks and the bonus 500 V‑Buck Reward is removed.

What to expect in v40.00 Showdown

Expect the usual seasonal mix: new skins (leaks suggest Overwatch and Looney Tunes collabs), refreshed loot, map POIs with an icy theme tied to the Ice King, and Save the World progression updates before it goes free-to-play.

Fortnite update v40.00 changes both content and economy at once. Will players accept higher effective prices if the season brings the promised spectacle? Time — and March 19 — will tell.