Fortnite DOWN: Here's when Playground LTM will be released for Battle Royale

Fortnite Battle Royale is down for offline server maintenance.

The latest bout of Battle Royale downtime is in preparation for update 4.5.

The new patch is notable because it ushers in the release of the Playground LTM.

Fortnite Battle Royale is offline from 9am UK time. There's no word on when it will be back online, but it's likely to return at around 11am BST.

"Play in the v4.5 update tomorrow, June 27. Be the first to get your boots on the Ground! Downtime begins at 4am Eastern Time (0800 GMT)."

Once the game returns, players will be able to check out the Playground LTM, which is being billed as a practice mode for Battle Royale fans.

As Epic explains, Playground v1 will launch with some adjusted settings for players looking to practice.

"Battle and build to your heart's content with an extended period of time to roam around the map as well as increased resource generation," reads an Epic blog post.

"All treasure chests and ammo crates will be spawned, try droppin’ in different spots and scope out the loot.

It's particularly useful for players wishing to improve their building skills, and anybody yet to try out rare gadgets and weapons.

You'll even be able to drop in with a squad and practice your shooting skills.

"Friendly fire is on so you can scrimmage with your squad (up to 4 friends per match), but fear not you’ll respawn immediately," Epic confirms.

Update 4.5 could also usher in some of the building changes coming to Battle Royale.

In a bid to evolve Battle Royale and change the late game, Epic is looking at ways it can support a wider range of strategies.

"We are going to continue to make changes to evolve the game to give players multiple ways to counter each other in combat, and create more strategies to win the game," reads an Epic blog post.

"Fortnite is constantly evolving. Our goal with any changes is to keep the game fun and interesting, keeping it feeling fresh and new."

As Epic points out, players are currently too reliant on shotguns, rockets and building in the latter stages of the game.

This build-to-win mentality is so dominant that other strategies are being "drowned out".

Epic plans to make weapon balance changes in future updates, and is even thinking about capping resources.