How to get the OG FNCS Pickaxe: Codes and future release plans

Matthew "MJP" Pryor

Matthew "MJP" Pryor

The FNCS Axe of Champions code frenzy is in full force!

A once-coveted and rare item, the original Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) Axe of Champions Pickaxe, is now in the hands of many Fortnite players. Epic Games handed out codes for this item to attendees of the previous FNCS Pro-Am event. Following the event, many codes circulated on social media and beyond.

This item was previously given only to FNCS winners beginning in Chapter 2. So, can you get one? The answer is yes, but it will cost you real money, or you will need a stroke of luck. Here is how you can grab the OG Axe of Champions, and if it will become available later.

How can I get one of the FNCS Pickaxe codes?

Image Credit: @FardorFn
Image Credit: @FardorFn

Those looking to secure one of the many codes on the internet should first look at social media platforms. X, formerly known as Twitter, has become a place where many FNCS Pro-Am attendees have posted their spare codes for others to claim.

Some users have posted their codes raw, which requires nothing from you apart from claiming it before someone else. Others have requested a combination of follows, likes, comments, and reposts in exchange for a code giveaway.

Image Credit: Epic Games
Image Credit: Epic Games

Attempting to claim one via social media is doable, but as stated before, you must either quickly redeem the code or be one of the few to win a sweepstakes. If neither of those options appeals to you, an e-commerce website like eBay or Mercari would be your next option.

If you decide to pursue purchasing an FNCS Pickaxe code via eBay, Mercari, or another platform, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $500. Attendees who grabbed extra codes fully exploit this item's rarity and desire.

While we won't provide links to specific listings, the two pictured above exemplify what you would see and expect to pay.

Beware of scams from exploiters

Unfortunately, with a situation like this, some have used the FNCS Pickaxe code craze to scam people out of their money and social media impressions. As a result, it's worth cautioning you about this potential. Some X users have reported paying money and never receiving codes.

You risk losing money or following someone who doesn't plan to produce a code if you consider one of the abovementioned options.

Will the OG Axe of Champions be available in the Item Shop?

The question on the minds of many Fortnite players is whether Epic Games plans to release the OG Axe of Champions in the Item Shop. Fortnite leaker SpushFNBR reported that the original FNCS Pickaxe will be available in May or June. This individual explicitly said around one month and 15 days from April 18.

That would mean the Axe of Champions could arrive between May 18 and June 2. However, Epic Games has not confirmed this report, so we must wait and see. In the meantime, you could grab one of the many codes or play the waiting game.

It's worth noting that the Axe of Champions 2.0 was previously available in the Item Shop for a limited time, so that would lend more merit to the OG version following suit.

Stay tuned to esports.gg for more Fortnite and esports news!