Fortnite double XP weekend release time, dates and FREE Crescent Shroom item

Fortnite fans are counting down to the start of the Power Levelling Weekend.

An apology for recent downtime issues, the Power Levelling Weekend will give players the chance to quickly move through the Battle Pass.

Epic Games is yet to reveal the full details of the Power Levelling Weekend, but you can expect to earn double XP throughout.

If you want to speed up the levelling process, then you can take part in the Power Weekend from midnight UK time on January 8 until 12pm GMT on January 10.

Better yet, you’ll also be gifted with the new Crescent Shroom Pickaxe – but only if you logged in during the Winterfest event.

Epic Games explains more on Twitter: “As thanks for everyone’s patience during the December login issues, we’ll be kicking off a Power Leveling Weekend from 1/7 @ 7 PM to 1/10 @ 7 AM ET and granting everyone who logged in during Winterfest the new Crescent Shroom Pickaxe before it arrives in the Shop later!”

The Power Levelling Weekend kicks off just a few days before the new Fortnite update.

Fortnite update 19.10 will be available to download on the morning of January 11.

The new Fortnite update will launch alongside a period of server downtime on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Android and Nintendo Switch.

Speaking of updates, the recent Fortnite Hotfix download added the Shield Keg health item.

According to Epic Games, the Shield Keg can be thrown down to restore your squad’s shields.

“You can spray a Med-Mist — introduced in v19.00 — to restore you or your allies’ Health,” Epic explains.

“With the new Shield Keg, throw it down to restore your whole squad’s Shields! This Shield fountain spouts more than long enough to restore a player’s Shield from 0 to 100. But be careful where you throw one down, as it can restore enemies’ Shields too.”

Epic Games continued by confirming where the Shield Keg items can be found.

“Find Shield Kegs in Chests, on the ground, and from Supply Drops. Also exchange Bars for them from Lt. John Llama and The Scientist!”

The release of the item launches just moments after the end of the Winterfest event, which gave fans the chance to unlock gift items.

“Unwrap 14 gift items — two Outfits included, complete Sgt. Winter’s Quests for XP and more, and unlock items by playing Creator-made Winterfest games!

“Also, as one of the Epic Games Store Epic Deals, get another gift Outfit by logging into Fortnite from the Epic Games Launcher then redeeming it from the Item Shop.”