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Fortnitemares 2024 launched with Fortnite Battle Royale update v31.40 on October 12, 2024, after Epic delayed the planned October 11 rollout. Fortnite Status said downtime would begin at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time on October 12. The event added new and returning items, Horde Rush, quests, and time-limited Item Shop cosmetics.
When did Fortnitemares 2024 release?
Epic’s original schedule had v31.40 downtime starting October 11 at 4:00 a.m. ET. On October 11, Fortnite Status announced a delay and said downtime would instead begin at 2:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 12. Epic’s Fortnitemares article, dated October 12, confirms the update was Battle Royale v31.40 and that event content was live.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The distinction matters: October 11 was the planned date, not the final release date. Fortnitemares was a completed 2024 limited-time event, not current content.
What did Fortnite v31.40 add?
The update brought Fortnitemares content to Battle Royale, including a new explosive item, returning weapons, a rideable Chainsaw, and the return of Horde Rush.
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- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
| Feature | Confirmed details |
|---|---|
| Boom Billy | A throwable mini Billy the Puppet that locks onto the nearest opponent, rides toward them on a tricycle, and explodes on impact. It could appear as ground loot and in Chests; defeating the Billy boss at Freaky Fields also provided access to it. |
| Returning items | The Witch Broom, Pumpkin Launcher, and Wood Stake Shotgun returned. The Pumpkin Launcher and Wood Stake Shotgun could be obtained by defeating Ultima Carver at Brawler’s Patch. The Witch Broom could be found on the ground, in Chests, and at Loot Island. |
| Chainsaw | A rideable Chainsaw was among the event’s featured additions. |
| Horde Rush | The mode returned through Discover and remained available until Fortnitemares ended. |
Shuri’s Black Panther Claws were initially vaulted to make room for returning and new items. Epic later noted that War Machine’s Hover Jets were vaulted and the Black Panther Claws returned to the loot pool on October 15.
Quests, rewards, and Item Shop outfits
Fortnitemares XP quests unlocked over the event and offered cosmetic rewards, including the Jack-o’-Drifter Contrail and Great Scarecrow Glider. Horde Rush quests went live sequentially and awarded XP that contributed to Fortnitemares quest progress.
Rank #2
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
The Item Shop featured Halloween-themed offerings, including Billy, Sally, The Pumpkin King, Mephisto, Edward Scissorhands, and Disney Villains. These were rotating shop offerings, not items guaranteed to remain available throughout the event.
How long did Fortnitemares 2024 last?
Epic said Fortnitemares 2024 would run until the end of Chapter 5 Season 4. That season transition occurred in the November 1–2, 2024 update window; regional downtime and calendar conversion can differ, so Epic’s season-end wording is the clearest general description.
Rank #3
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
How to access the event
- Update Fortnite to Battle Royale v31.40 after the October 12 downtime.
- Play Battle Royale to encounter the event’s items and quests.
- Open Discover to access Horde Rush while it is available.
- Check the Item Shop for rotating Fortnitemares outfits and other cosmetics.
Fortnitemares quest rewards were earned through gameplay. A Fortnite gift card or V-Bucks card was not required to access the event or earn its quest rewards.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Did Fortnitemares 2024 launch on October 11 or October 12?
It launched on October 12. October 11 was the originally planned update date, but Epic announced a delay.
Rank #4
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
What time did downtime begin?
Fortnite Status announced downtime for 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time on October 12, 2024.
What was the main new Battle Royale item?
Boom Billy was a throwable mini Billy the Puppet that pursued the nearest opponent on a tricycle and exploded on impact.
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- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Was Horde Rush part of Fortnitemares 2024?
Yes. Horde Rush returned as a Discover experience and was available until Fortnitemares ended.
Could players buy Fortnitemares quest rewards?
The featured quest rewards, including the Jack-o’-Drifter Contrail and Great Scarecrow Glider, were tied to completing quests rather than a separate purchase.
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