Fortnite 14.50 Update patch notes: Jetpacks return & next-gen upgrades

Epic Games have released the latest update for Fortnite, with November 3’s v14.50 patch for PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch marking the return of Jetpacks while finishing preparations for the game’s release on next-gen consoles.

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This week we’re getting treated to another Fortnite update; one focused on preparing the super-popular battle royale for the arrival of the next-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

That doesn’t mean Epic haven’t spared a thought for gameplay too, with Tony Stark making some tweaks to Jetpacks that see them return to the battle royale mode for the first time since June 2018.

When is the Fortnite v14.50 patch coming?

Epic Games has officially locked in the v14.50 update for Tuesday, November 3. Downtime is expected to begin at 4am ET (9am UTC, 9am BST, 6pm AEST).

The patch is surprisingly early, considering v14.40 only came out two weeks ago, but with the next-gen consoles on the horizon, it looks like Epic Games want to get their popular battle royale ready as soon as possible for the switch.

• Read more: Joe Biden built a Fortnite island for the gamer vote

Expect a lengthy downtime for the v14.50 patch. Fortnite matchmaking will be disabled 20-25 minutes before the new Chapter 2 Season 4 update.

Fortnite v14.50 early patch notes

Jetpacks, courtesy of Tony Stark

It’s been a good while since Jetpacks have appeared in Fortnite. Thankfully, Marvel’s very own Tony Stark is bringing them back in a big way. The latest update will let you soar through the skies with a “new and improved” Jetpack straight from Stark Industries.

There’s currently no telling how this item has been changed, but expect it to be more efficient than its previous form. It once came in Rare, Epic, and Legendary variants, so a similar approach might follow for their Season 4 overhaul.

You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled when you boot up Fortnite. From helicopters to jetpacks, players have lots of ways to get around the map in style.

Next-gen preparations

One of the most important aspects of the v14.50 update is in regards to next-gen hardware. With the new patch, Fortnite will be fully prepared for the launch of the Xbox Series X/S along with the PlayStation 5.

“Faster loading times, dynamic visuals and physics, and 4K resolution at 60 FPS” are the features coming exclusively to the new hardware. This means you’ll be dropping into games faster than ever before and each round of action will be smoother than usual. For a full rundown on next-gen improvements, you can catch up on the biggest announcements, and find out how to unlock a free Throwback OG pickaxe.

New “Lachlan” Icon Series skin released

One of the biggest skin releases coming in Fortnite patch v14.50 will be the battle royale’s next Icon Series set, themed around Aussie YouTube star Lachlan Power.

Lachlan has been one of the most consistent creators in Fortnite ever since it launched in 2017, so it’s no surprise that he has been graced with a skin of his very own likeness in the game.

• Read more: How to get new Fortnite Lachlan skin early

The cosmetic set, which will include an outfit, pickaxe, back bling, and emote, will be added to the Item Shop during 14.50. The exact date of its release is expected to be Thursday, Nov. 12, with Lachlan giving away some skins early on Nov. 8.

XP Xtravaganza

With Season 3 coming to a swift end, Epic Games are giving players another chance to earn some XP to finish your Battle Pass, with new bonus challenges arriving this week.

Fortnite v14.50 bug fixes

As per usual, the Fortnite team has also added a number of bugs and issues to their official Trello board. This week’s patch will likely include fixes for many of these recurring problems, including issues with Gas Cans, and plenty more.

Epic Games has also flagged v14.50 will disable party matchmaking in Creative Mode. It is not expected to be re-engaged on live servers until “at least v14.60,” the Fortnite devs warned after announcing update v14.40 was on its way.

Here is the full list of bug changes potentially set for v14.50:

General

• Burn Basher animation issue.

Battle Royale

• Gas Cans temporarily disabled
• Cozy Chomps and Ravage Outfits appearing as Ramirez.
• THWIP! Legacy not being awarded.

Creative Mode

• Baller Movement is unnatural after exiting.
• There is no “Back to Hub” Option in Creative Play server.
• Team Size setting does not properly function when Join In Progress is set to Join Next Round.

Mobile

• Nintendo Switch audio may be delayed or dropped out.

So, there you have it! That’s our early patch notes with expected changes and fixes coming in Fortnite’s v14.50 update patch. Once the official details are released and added to the game, we’ll be the first to let you know.