Fortnite v40.40 Update: Showdown Act III, Overwatch, and Zero Build Changes

Fortnite’s v40.40 update is live, bringing Showdown Act III, the Overwatch crossover, and a major Zero Build gameplay experiment for the rest of Season 2.

The update adds new map locations, crossover items, Pocket Items, movement changes, loot pool updates, and a new fall damage system for Act III.

Overwatch Joins the Showdown

The Foundation has called in Overwatch heroes to help fight the Ice King. New Overwatch-themed locations are now on the Battle Royale Island, including Busan Sanctuary, Hanamura Courtyard, King’s Row Tower, and bases inspired by Watchpoint: Gibraltar.

Players can also recruit Overwatch allies like Genji and D.Va. New Overwatch loot is available too, including Tracer’s Pulse Pistols and Mercy’s Caduceus Staff.

At King’s Row Tower, a Payload can spawn after it unlocks in the Showdown. Players who escort it successfully will be rewarded with Overwatch loot.

Tracer, Mercy, Genji, and D.Va Outfits are also coming to the Item Shop with matching accessories and LEGO Styles. The Overwatch Porsche Cayenne EV bundle is included as well.

Zero Build Gets Pocket Items

Zero Build is getting a major refresh for the rest of Season 2. The old Build button has been replaced by Pocket Items, which are unlimited-use utility items with cooldowns.

Every player starts with a Pocket Item equipped and can swap it at Vending Machines around the map.

Pocket Items at launch:

• Shockwave Grenades
• Med Mist Grenades
• Shield Bubbles

Players also now start each match with a Pistol, a Small Shield Potion, and their Pocket Item.

Movement and Survival Changes

Zero Build now has several movement changes. Players can manually cut their glider while dropping from the Battle Bus, allowing them to fall closer to the ground before landing.

Glider Redeploy has also returned from elevated positions, helping players rotate across the map more easily. Holding a Pickaxe now gives unlimited Stamina, making it easier to move without burning out.

Eliminations now restore Overshield, giving players a better chance to continue fighting after winning an engagement.

No More Fall Damage Eliminations in Act III

For the third act of the Showdown, lethal fall damage is gone in Unranked matches. If a fall would normally eliminate a player, it now triggers a new “Splat” animation instead.

After the fall, the player is dropped to 1 HP and loses all shields and overshield. They are not eliminated, but they are left vulnerable while getting back up.

This change applies to both Build and Zero Build, but not competitive play.

Epic said the goal was to rethink what fall damage should look like in 2026. Instead of instantly eliminating players in casual modes, fall damage now creates a punishment that still gives them one last chance to survive.

Loot Pool Updates

Zero Build’s loot pool has been adjusted with more defensive and utility items.

Improved Smoke Grenades now give stronger coverage for revives, rotations, breaking sightlines, and resetting fights.

Brick-a-Bunkers have also been added as a Zero Build version of Port-a-Bunkers. They deploy with a full ramp and doors on both sides of the walls.

Battle Royale unvaults:

• Tracer’s Pulse Pistols
• Mercy’s Caduceus Staff

Battle Royale vaults:

• Seven Cluster Cannon
• Bouncing Boomstick
• Skyline Deployer
• FlowBerry Mist Grenade

Reload unvaults:

• Grappler
• Overdrive Pulse Rifle
• Twin Siphon Shotguns
• Leaping-Lightning Gun
• Exotic Recon Bow

Reload vaults:

• Grapple Blade

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