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Fortnite Battle Royale update v31.40 brought Fortnitemares 2024 to the island on October 12, with new and returning items, Horde Rush, and quests offering sequential cosmetic rewards. Epic said the event ran until the end of Chapter 5 Season 4; on October 15, it separately announced a loot-pool change involving War Machine’s Hover Jets and Shuri’s Black Panther Claws.
This retrospective summarizes what Epic announced for the October update, distinguishing items players could find or earn from cosmetics offered in the Item Shop. Epic’s official Fortnitemares 2024 announcement is the source for the details below.
What was new in Fortnite update v31.40?
Epic’s October 12 announcement introduced Boom Billy and a rideable Chainsaw, brought back several Halloween-themed items, and returned Horde Rush as a limited-time mode. The update also included Fortnitemares XP Quests with sequential cosmetic rewards.
New and returning Battle Royale items
| Item | What Epic announced | How players could get it |
|---|---|---|
| Boom Billy | A throwable mini-Billy the Puppet that locks onto a nearby opponent and explodes on impact. | Found on the ground or in Chests, or obtained by defeating Billy at Freaky Fields. It could also be among the loot from Jigsaw’s Challenge. |
| Chainsaw | A weapon that could be used to attack or propel the player forward. | Found on the ground or in Chests. |
| Witch Broom | A returning item. | Found on the ground, in Chests, and at Loot Island; it could also be among the loot from Jigsaw’s Challenge. |
| Wood Stake Shotgun | A returning weapon. | Available by defeating Ultima Carver at Brawler’s Patch. |
| Pumpkin Launcher | A returning weapon. | Available by defeating Ultima Carver at Brawler’s Patch. |
Jigsaw’s Challenge
Players could accept a duel from monitors around the Island. Epic said successful participants could earn loot that included Boom Billy and the unvaulted Witch Broom.
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Horde Rush and Fortnitemares quests
Horde Rush returned as a limited-time mode. Teams traveled across the map and tried to survive waves of Cube Monsters. Epic noted that this year’s mode included Mod Benches and its own sequential quests.
Fortnitemares XP Quests also unlocked a sequence of cosmetic rewards. Epic listed these rewards:
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- The Fangler Bass
- Carver’s Helm Emoticon
- Horde’s War Wheel Back Bling
- Thrills & Chills Loading Screen
- Nightmare’s Choice Jam Track
- Knight of the Patch Banner Icon
- Jack-o’-Drifter Contrail
- Fiendish Wand Pickaxe
- Cauldron Chill Emote
- Night of the Nitemares Loading Screen
- The Great Scarecrow Glider
Shop outfits and the Symbiote Cup
Epic previewed themed Item Shop outfits and collaborations, including Sally and the Pumpkin King, Mephisto, Edward Scissorhands, Disney villains, She-Venom and Agony, Leatherface, and Ravemello. These were Shop offerings, not rewards from the Fortnitemares XP quest track.
Epic also announced the Symbiote Cup, a Battle Royale Duos tournament scheduled for October 22. The top-point-earning teams in each region could unlock She-Venom and Agony before their planned Item Shop release on October 24 at 8 PM ET. Players could compete in up to ten matches during their region’s three-hour window; Epic directed players to the in-game Compete tab for local timing. Eligibility requirements included Two-Factor Authentication, a verified Epic account, Account Level 50 or above, and an account that was not Cabined.
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What changed on October 15?
In a dated follow-up, Epic said War Machine’s Hover Jets had been vaulted and Shuri’s Black Panther Claws had returned to the loot pool. This was a separate October 15 update note, not part of the October 12 launch-day item summary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When did Fortnitemares 2024 run?
Epic published its Fortnitemares announcement on October 12, 2024, and said: “Fortnitemares 2024 runs now until the end of Chapter 5 Season 4!” This is a historical event schedule, not a claim that the event or its rewards are currently available.
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FAQ
What was new in Fortnite Fortnitemares update v31.40?
The October 12 announcement highlighted Boom Billy, a rideable Chainsaw, returning Witch Broom, Wood Stake Shotgun, and Pumpkin Launcher items, plus the return of Horde Rush and Fortnitemares XP Quests.
How could players get the Wood Stake Shotgun and Pumpkin Launcher?
Epic said players could obtain both by defeating Ultima Carver at Brawler’s Patch.
Were Fortnitemares cosmetics quest rewards or Item Shop items?
The XP quest track offered its own sequential cosmetic rewards. The themed outfits Epic previewed, including the collaborations, were Item Shop offerings rather than quest-track rewards.
What changed in the October 15 Fortnite update note?
Epic said War Machine’s Hover Jets were vaulted and Shuri’s Black Panther Claws returned to the loot pool.
Quick Recap
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