Fortnite v16.40 Update Breakdown: New Weapons, Downtime, and Hidden Easter Eggs
Update Schedule and Downtime
Epic Games has confirmed the v16.40 update will launch on Tuesday, May 11, with servers going offline at 4AM ET (9AM BST). Matchmaking will be disabled approximately 30 minutes prior to the scheduled downtime.
Players should expect approximately one hour of server downtime while the update is deployed. This follows Epic’s standard update procedure for major patches.
The v16.40 game update is scheduled for release on May 11. Downtime will begin at approx. 4 AM ET (08:00 UTC). pic.twitter.com/26rvdzbnME
— Fortnite Status (@FortniteStatus) May 10, 2021
New Content and Features
Weapons
The v16.40 update introduces the Marksman Shooter, an exotic weapon available from NPC Deadfire that deals bonus critical damage on headshots. Strategic players will want to prioritize acquiring this weapon as its precision damage can be game-changing in late-game scenarios.
Meanwhile, The Dub shotgun is being vaulted, removing its unique knockback effect from the current loot pool.
Skins
The highly anticipated Lara Croft (Gold Anniversary) skin is now unlockable by completing challenges with new NPC Orelia on Isla Nublada. This marks Fortnite’s second major Tomb Raider collaboration.
Leakers also discovered a Catwoman Zero skin coming to the Item Shop, continuing Fortnite’s DC Comics collaborations.
Map Changes
South of Flush Factory, the previously empty island now features ancient ruins and has been named Isla Nublada. This new POI houses NPC Orelia and contains environmental storytelling elements Tomb Raider fans will appreciate.
Bug Fixes and Improvements
Epic addressed numerous player-reported issues in this update:
- Quest Tracking: Fixed the “Hunt Wildlife” quest that wasn’t properly recording progress
- Visual Glitches: Resolved texture issues affecting Toon Meowscles and other skins
- Platform Compatibility: Solved PS5-PS4 party creation problems
- Creative Mode: Multiple fixes for building, memory display, and Prop-O-Matic functionality
These changes should significantly improve gameplay stability as Season 6 enters its final weeks.
Pro Tips and Strategies
Maximizing the New Update
Weapon Priority: The Marksman Shooter excels in medium-range engagements. Pair it with a close-range SMG for optimal loadout balance.
Skin Unlocking: Complete Orelia’s challenges early to secure the exclusive Lara Croft style before potential changes in future updates.
Wild Week Prep: With fishing likely featured in the upcoming event, stock up on fishing rods and identify optimal fishing spots near Slurpy Swamp or Steamy Stacks.
Avoid These Mistakes:
- Don’t waste materials trying to craft vaulted weapons
- Verify quest completion as some tracking issues may persist
- Check your platform’s specific visual settings after the update
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