Epic Games has confirmed that Fortnite v43.00 downtime will begin on November 1, 2026, at 1 AM ET (5 AM UTC), preparing the game for the Treasure Hunters season. The update introduces the 80-player Crossbones Isle, combat abilities inspired by One Piece, new weapons, a rotating lineup of celebrity captains and a new Ranked season.
The official Fortnite Status account announced the maintenance schedule on October 30, confirming that matchmaking will be disabled shortly before downtime begins. Epic has not specified when servers will return online, although the first scheduled Captain’s Day activity begins at 9 AM ET on November 1.
The update follows the initial November 1 Treasure Hunters launch announcement and brings several previously teased features into the game’s next Battle Royale season.
Crossbones Isle replaces the current Battle Royale setting with a pirate-themed island designed for 80 players. Locations include Arlong Park and Windmill Village from One Piece, while cannons allow players to launch themselves across the environment.
The One Piece collaboration also introduces usable combat abilities based on characters from the series. Players can fight using Luffy’s Gum-Gum Fruit powers or attack opponents with Zoro’s Three Sword Style. These abilities form part of the One Piece crossover that was the subject of speculation before Epic’s official confirmation.
A$AP Rocky will appear as the island’s first boss. Players can encounter his battleship, the $.$. Rocky, which serves as a new point of interest. The encounter also introduces A$AP Rocky’s Shock Rocket, a weapon capable of launching rocket attacks from above.
Epic has confirmed that additional captains will arrive throughout the season with their own crews and points of interest. The initial lineup includes the Straw Hat Pirates and A$AP Rocky, followed by Lil Uzi Vert, Cap’n Hatsune Miku and Kasane Teto. The island will also contain hidden treasures, including a mysterious mega chest belonging to Captain X.
The Treasure Hunters Battle Pass features One Piece characters Portgas D. Ace and Nico Robin alongside anime-inspired versions of Jonesy, Cuddle Team Leader and Charlotte. Players who gift the Battle Pass to a friend will receive a bonus Dark Kawaii Team Leader Outfit style, with the recipient also receiving the reward.
New weapons, Sprites and other gameplay additions will arrive through Captain’s Days, beginning November 1 at 9 AM ET. Further events are scheduled for November 7, 12, 14 and 21. The season will also introduce Mastery Mondays and Treasure Hours Sundays, offering Captain’s weapons at the beginning of matches, boosted loot drops and additional gameplay changes.
The Captain's Days schedule will therefore play an important role in how the season develops, with weapons and other content being introduced across several November updates rather than exclusively at launch.
Epic has also confirmed the Item Shop release schedule for its crossover characters. Luffy, Nami and Usopp arrive at season launch, while A$AP Rocky becomes available November 5 at 7 PM ET. Zoro, Sanji and the Chopper Sidekick follow November 7, with Lil Uzi Vert arriving November 12 and Buggy on November 13. Kasane Teto and Cap’n Hatsune Miku are scheduled for November 14.
Competitive players will receive a new Ranked season with v43.00. Epic has also indicated that One Piece-themed competitive cups are planned, although detailed tournament information has not yet been announced.
The Treasure Hunters season will culminate in a Chapter 7 end event on December 5, 2026. Epic has confirmed the date but has not disclosed the event’s gameplay details or storyline.
For players preparing for the update, the immediate confirmed maintenance window begins at 1 AM ET on November 1. Matchmaking will close shortly beforehand, with the new island, crossover abilities and seasonal progression becoming available once the update is deployed and Fortnite services return online.
