October has arrived, bringing the highly anticipated Fortnitemares event back to Fortnite. Epic Games is kicking off the Halloween season early with a massive update packed with terrifying crossovers, themed quests, and plenty of spooky loot.
This year's crossover lineup is bursting with iconic horror and pop-culture franchises. Following earlier teasers that confirmed the arrival of Nightmare on Elm Street, Beetlejuice, Five Nights at Freddy's, and Obsession, the official gameplay trailer revealed even more surprises. Players can look forward to characters from Hollow Knight, Hazbin Hotel, and the Predator universe dropping onto the island later this month.
For players who prefer to earn their cosmetics through gameplay, Epic is offering a brand-new original skin for free. By completing 26 specific Fortnitemares quests, players will permanently unlock the Jack-A-Nape monkey outfit.
The seasonal arsenal is also getting a major overhaul. The beloved Pumpkin Launcher returns, but it won't be found in standard chests this time around. Instead, players must use Sprite Dust to access it via the new Loot Hacks menu. The update introduces several other Loot Hacks as well, including the Infantry Rifle, LMG, Last Call, Slap Candy Corn, and a Loot Hacker sprite variant.
For close-quarters combat, fans can equip "Freddy's Nightmare," a new slashing melee weapon inspired by the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. To maximize damage, this slasher weapon can be paired with the melee-boosting Deer sprite from 99 Nights in the Forest. Additional collectible sprites in this update include the Vampire, Spooky Dash, and Dumpster Dive.
Finally, the update revitalizes limited-time modes. Blitz Royale is back for players craving high-octane chaos, featuring a mix of new arsenal additions and returning seasonal favorites like the Witch Broom. Additionally, the fan-favorite Horde Rush makes its annual October return. Embracing mechanics similar to Demon Rush, players can now level up during Horde Rush matches to unlock powerful perks and stat boosts, helping them survive the relentless waves of monsters.