On January 9th, 2025, the Fortnite island got a whole lot more… Canadian. The long-rumored Fortnite v39.20 update has officially dropped, and it’s a full-blown love letter to Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s legendary animated series, South Park. This isn’t just a skin drop; it’s a full-scale invasion of the battle royale by some of the most iconic—and controversial—characters in television history .
From the moment the servers came back online, players have been flooding into the game to get their hands on the new mech-suited skins of Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, and to see if the infamous talking towel, Towelie, is really hanging out in their locker as a sidekick. With a special mini-pass offering exclusive rewards and whispers of a revolutionary new game mode, this update is set to be one of the biggest of the year.
Table of Contents
- Fortnite v39.20 Release Times for All Regions
- The South Park Crossover: Everything You Get
- New Gameplay Features and the Five-Player Squad Rumor
- How to Get the South Park Skins and Mini-Pass
- Community Reaction: Is Towelie Too Much?
- Conclusion: A Chaotic, But Fun Update
- Sources
Fortnite v39.20 Release Times for All Regions
The maintenance downtime for the Fortnite v39.20 update began at different times across the globe, but the servers are now live everywhere. Here’s when the update went live in your local time zone:
- India (IST): 1:30 PM, January 9, 2025
- North America (EST): 4:00 AM, January 9, 2025
- Europe (GMT): 9:00 AM, January 9, 2025
- Australia (AEDT): 8:00 PM, January 9, 2025
If you’re still seeing the old version, try restarting your game client or checking the official Epic Games News page for any last-minute server status updates.
The South Park Crossover: Everything You Get
This collaboration is packed with content that fans have been dreaming of. The centerpiece is the collection of four Outfits, each featuring a main character in a unique, battle-ready mech suit inspired by the show’s “Coon and Friends” superhero alter-egos.
Key Items in the South Park Pack:
- Stan Marsh / Toolshed: Comes with his signature blue hat and a high-tech utility belt.
- Kyle Broflovski / Human Kite: Features his iconic orange parka reimagined as a sleek flight suit.
- Eric Cartman / The Coon: A menacing, raccoon-themed mech suit that’s sure to be a fan favorite.
- Kenny McCormick / Mysterion: His hood is up, and his powers are ready for action.
- Towelie Sidekick: Yes, he’s real. This AI companion will follow you around, offering his famously unhelpful advice.
Completing challenges in the new mini-pass will also unlock emotes, back blings, and the legendary ‘Stick of Truth’ as a mythic melee weapon, which is rumored to have unique abilities.
New Gameplay Features and the Five-Player Squad Rumor
Beyond the cosmetics, the v39.20 update is also testing significant gameplay changes. Data miners have found files pointing to a new “Squad Plus” mode, which would allow teams of five players instead of the standard four . This could be a limited-time mode tied to the South Park event, given the show’s core group of four friends plus the often-included Butters or Tweek.
While Epic hasn’t officially confirmed this mode yet, its presence in the files has sent the competitive community into a frenzy, debating the potential balance implications of a fifth teammate on the battlefield.
How to Get the South Park Skins and Mini-Pass
All the South Park content is available through a special, limited-time mini-battle pass in the Item Shop. This pass is separate from the main Season 7 Battle Pass and can be purchased with V-Bucks. It’s expected to cost around 1,500 V-Bucks and will grant immediate access to the first skin, with the others unlocked through a short series of event-specific challenges.
For a detailed guide on maximizing your V-Bucks and completing these challenges quickly, check out our strategy post on [INTERNAL_LINK:fortnite-mini-pass-guide].
Community Reaction: Is Towelie Too Much?
The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the attention to detail in the character designs. However, the inclusion of Towelie as a sidekick has sparked some debate. Known for his drug-related humor, some players question whether his presence is appropriate for Fortnite’s broad audience. Epic has likely leaned into his more harmless, comedic traits, but the controversy is a reminder of South Park’s edgy legacy.
Conclusion: A Chaotic, But Fun Update
The Fortnite v39.20 update is a masterclass in cross-media collaboration. By bringing the irreverent spirit of South Park to its massive player base, Epic Games has delivered an experience that is both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re teaming up with your best friends as the new Coon and Friends or just laughing at Towelie’s random quips, there’s no denying that the island just got a lot more interesting. Jump in, grab your Stick of Truth, and enjoy the chaos!
Sources
- Times of India: Original Article
- Epic Games Official News: Fortnite Patch Notes & Announcements
- South Park Studios: Official Show Information
