Fortnite is very dynamic and is always changing with new updates, which regularly introduce new features, quality of life changes, map alterations, and seasonal content. The player base is now wondering what will be next on the update roadmap as the current Chapter 7, Season 1, progresses. Here we have all the information about the next Fortnite updates, including the dates, features, and schedule that have been confirmed officially.
Next Major Update: Patch v39.20
Image via Epic Games
Release Timing & Context
- Update Version: v39.20
- Release Date: January 6, 2026
- The patch will feature a winter event that fits in with the seasonal content of Chapter 7 Season 1.
According to Epic Games, the forthcoming Fortnite update will be patch v39.20, with a release date of January 6, 2026.
Confirmed Feature Highlights
Currently, a single prominent feature has been formally acknowledged for v39.20:
- Fortnite OG Sky Lighting Comes Back: With this update, the authentic lighting way of the very first Fortnite has been reintroduced in the Fortnite OG mode.
- No other v39.20 content has been confirmed by the official source yet; however, Epic usually reveals more features at the time of the patch notes release.
Fortnite Chapter 7 Update Roadmap
Epic Games is planning a series of major patches for the current Chapter 7 Season 1 update cycle that will be released over the next few months. Generally, these updates roll out every fortnight and feature content changes, events, and tweaks to the season.
Below is the updated timetable that has been confirmed for Chapter 7 Season 1:
| Update Version | Scheduled Release |
| 39.00 | November 29, 2025 |
| 39.10 | December 11, 2025 |
| 39.11 | December 18, 2025 |
| 39.20 | January 6, 2026 |
| 39.30 | January 20, 2026 |
| 39.40 | February 3, 2026 |
| 39.50 | February 17, 2026 |
What Happens After v39.20
Image via Epic Games
Latter Updates in Season 1
Versions 39.30, 39.40, and 39.50 are anticipated to come after version 39.20, and each patch will carry on with seasonal content changes.
It has been established that v39.50 will be the final significant update of Chapter 7 Season 1 before the subsequent seasonal change.
Next Major Seasonal Shift
Chapter 7 Season 2 will be initiated by Patch v40.00, which is planned for March 4, 2026. With this patch, you can expect a fresh season’s content, which is generally a lot of new Battle Pass content, changes to the map, and probably some new gameplay features related to the next theme.
The end of Season 1 with the v40.00 will be the final point of Winterfest 2025 and the seasonal rewards tracking as well.
Conclusion
The following update for Fortnite has been officially confirmed to take place on January 6, 2026, and it includes at least one gameplay change that has been verified: the comeback of the classic sky lighting in the Fortnite OG mode. This launch paves the way for the 2026 part of Chapter 7’s roadmap, which will finally lead to v40.00 and Season 2 in early March.
