The arrival of Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1, dubbed “Pacific Break,” is set to revolutionize the gaming experience with a fresh new map and significant gameplay changes. But here’s where it gets controversial—while most players are eagerly awaiting the update, the way preloading works varies widely across platforms, which could spark some frustration. If you’re someone struggling with slow internet speeds, preloading lets you download the hefty update in advance so you can jump right into the action the moment the maintenance wraps up. This update’s file size is massive, often ranging between 30 to 40 GB, so make sure your device has enough storage before starting the download.
Here’s a detailed walkthrough on preloading Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1 across different devices, including some tips if the automatic download doesn’t kick in.
For PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users: Your console should begin downloading the update automatically as long as it’s turned on or in Rest Mode and connected to the internet. This only works if your system has automatic updates enabled. If nothing happens, simply find Fortnite in your game library, press the Options button on your controller, and select “Check for Update.” The download should then start immediately. Once the “Zero Hour” event finishes and the servers go down for maintenance, the new content will be ready to enjoy after the break.
On Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One: Similar to PlayStation, Xbox consoles generally handle updates automatically. If the update does not start by itself, go to “My Games & Apps,” highlight Fortnite, press the Menu button (three horizontal lines), and choose “Manage game and add-ons.” From there, you can check if the update is available and trigger it manually. Keep in mind, the update size here is just as hefty, so patience (and ample storage) is key.
For PC players, here’s the twist: Epic Games has deliberately disabled preloading for the Chapter 7 update on PC, to prevent early data mining and leaks that could spoil the surprises the update promises. This decision will frustrate some gamers who prefer to have everything ready beforehand, but it’s aimed at preserving the element of surprise for all. On PC, you’ll only be able to download the update once the servers enter maintenance mode. At that point, open the Epic Games Launcher and manually start the update to get ready for the new season.
So, the question is—should Epic Games apply the same preloading restrictions across all platforms for consistency, or is this PC-specific rule justified to protect the game’s secrets? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, especially if you’ve encountered any hiccups with preloading your update or disagree with the restrictions placed on PC players.