Punch it, Fortnite players – the galaxy from far, far away is back. The Fortnite Star Wars event launches today, and it is the biggest content offering yet from the beloved sci-fi franchise. Not only is Epic Games’ best-in-class battle royale getting plenty of Star Wars treats, but Rocket Racing, LEGO Fortnite, and Fortnite Festival all getting a share of the festivities. But, if there’s one thing you really need, it’s this The Empire Strikes Back-inspired back bling.
The item shop will be blessed by new Star Wars bundles when Fortnite’s downtime ends, including a fresh Luke Skywalker set. Inspired by his time spent on Dagobah learning the Jedi arts in The Empire Strikes Back, players who purchase it will also be able to equip the extremely awesome (and cute) Yoda back bling. Do any of the other best battle royale games out there let you do this? That’s why Fortnite is the king, if you ask me.
Like most bundles in the Fortnite store, it is likely you’ll be able to purchase each item individually, so don’t worry if you’re not entirely fussed about Luke’s updated drip. When you head into Zero Build or regular playlists in Epic’s multiplayer game, you’ll find Star Wars mythic items around the island too. E-11 Blasters and Darth Vader’s Lightsaber are fun additions, but getting hold of Chewbacca’s Wookie Bowcaster is sure to make for some explosive firefights.
Chewbacca lovers can also reap the benefits of LEGO Fortnite’s latest reward track. The Rebel Adventure pass is all about, well, helping the Rebellion and giving you some interstellar decor and buildings to use in the open world game spin-off. If you’re feeling extra flush with your V-Bucks, the Premium pass will grant you instant access to Chewbacca.
For the musicians among your squad, you’ll want to head over to Fortnite Festival, easily the best game mode available right now in Fortnite. You’ll be able to perform the iconic Cantina Band song on stage, and that alone is enough reason to boot up the update. Alan Wake, John Wick, Batman, and Billie Eilish giving us a stirring rendition of John Williams’ classic bop? We’re so there. Elsewhere, Mos Eisley is coming to the game as a Jam Stage, if you’d prefer to chill out and enjoy some bangers from afar.
While Rocket Racing needs a few oil changes before it becomes one of the best racing games on PS5 and Xbox, the update also adds ‘May The Fourth Quests’, Anakin Skywalker and Darth Maul vehicle decals, and a podracing-inspired trail. It’s perfect for bringing Jedi or Sith order to the streets. This is only a small selection of what’s to come, as Disney and Epic Games are going all out with Star Wars content in Fortnite this year. At this rate, we might have to put it on our best Star Wars games guide.
While this update is a blast for Star Wars fans, myself included, I’d love to see Disney apply the same level of care to its Marvel-related projects on the horizon. With Marvel Studios getting ready to save the MCU with Deadpool & Wolverine later this year, I’m hoping that a similar level of care will be afforded to everyone’s favorite Merc With a Mouth. Oh, and hopefully the movie doesn’t suck, either. It’ll certainly keep ex-DCEU mastermind and Fortnite addict Zack Snyder awake trying to chase those “sweet vics.”
In other gaming news, Ubisoft’s long-awaited FPS game XDefiant finally has a release date, and if you’re looking for an epic adventure, the entire modern-day Tomb Raider trilogy is now on Xbox Game Pass.