Fortnite Chapter 7 Pacific Break Launches Tonight With Groundbreaking Changes

Fortnite Chapter 7 begins tonight. Epic Games is launching its Pacific Break season on November 29. This follows the explosive Zero Hour live event that concluded Chapter 6.

The new chapter introduces the most dramatic gameplay shift in years. It completely overhauls how players start each match. The iconic Battle Bus is gone for good.

Zero Hour Event Sets Stage for New Era

The Zero Hour event was a spectacle. It featured heroes Hope and Jones using a Rift Device to escape. The Visitor launched a massive rocket that tore the sky.

The event culminated in the defeat of a powerful demon. A shard of the Zero Point was revealed. It created a warp that pulled every player into Chapter 7.

According to IGN, the chaos was intentional. It served as a narrative bridge to the new Hollywood-inspired map. The transition marks a major reset for the game’s storyline.

Battle Bus Eliminated, Tsunami Drop Arrives

The biggest change is the removal of the Battle Bus. Epic Games is replacing it with a tsunami wave mechanic. Players will now start matches by riding a massive wave onto the shore.

This shift redefines the battle royale opening. It aligns with the new Pacific Break coastal theme. The move surprised the entire community.

Forbes Gaming reports the change is permanent for Chapter 7. The tsunami drop is part of a new “Golden Coast” map. It features Hollywood landmarks and beachfront locations.

Hollywood Glamour Meets Battle Royale

The new map is called the Golden Coast. It is directly inspired by West Coast cinema and surf culture. Locations resemble famous Hollywood backdrops and scenic beaches.

New gameplay mechanics include surfing and sword rifts. The “Sacred Vow” sword, a nod to the Kill Bill collaboration, can be found in these rifts. Environmental anomalies will also challenge players.

New weapons like the Enforcer AR will debut. Modular weapon systems and exotic items sold by NPCs add depth. Driveable Reboot Vans offer new tactical options on the map.

Star-Studded Battle Pass Features Major Collaborations

The Chapter 7 Season 1 Battle Pass is packed with icons. It features the Bride from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. It also includes Marty McFly from Back to the Future.

Epic Games held a real premiere at Tarantino’s Vista Theatre. This highlighted the season’s cinematic ambitions. Four original Fortnite characters and a lion-man skin round out the roster.

The season will run until March 4, 2026. This gives players an extended period to unlock all content. The Battle Pass focuses heavily on action movie aesthetics.

Server Launch Timeline and What to Expect

Servers went offline after the Zero Hour event. Downtime began around 7:15 PM ET for the v39.00 update. Maintenance is expected to last several hours.

Forbes Gaming states Chapter 7 should go live a little before 10 PM ET tonight. Players should prepare for possible queue times. Millions are expected to log in simultaneously.

The new experience will be instantly different. The familiar Battle Bus horn will be absent. Players will instead hear ocean waves as they surf into their first match of the new chapter.

Fortnite Chapter 7 represents a bold reinvention for the global phenomenon. Its success hinges on players embracing the wave-based dawn of the Pacific Break era.

Info at your fingertips

What time does Fortnite Chapter 7 start?

Servers are scheduled to come back online around 10 PM Eastern Time on November 29. This follows several hours of downtime for the major update. Exact times may vary based on deployment progress.

Is the Battle Bus really gone?

Yes. Epic Games has confirmed the Battle Bus is removed in Chapter 7. It is permanently replaced by the new tsunami wave drop-in mechanic. This is a core change for the new season.

What is the new map like?

The new map is called the Golden Coast. It features a Hollywood-inspired setting with beaches and coastal landmarks. It completely replaces the Chapter 6 island.

Who is in the new Battle Pass?

The Battle Pass includes the Bride from Kill Bill and Marty McFly. It also has several original Fortnite character skins. The pass is available until early March 2026.

Are there new weapons?

Yes. New weapons include the Enforcer AR and modular weapon systems. Players can also buy exotic items from non-player characters scattered across the new map.

How long will server downtime last?

Estimated downtime is between 5 to 7 hours. It began at approximately 7:15 PM ET on November 29. Always check official Fortnite status channels for updates.