Fortnitemares 2024: Countdown, leaks, and what to expect

Matthew "MJP" Pryor

Matthew "MJP" Pryor

Hello Fortnite, I want to play a game.

October is upon us, and Fortnite players know what that means–it's almost time for the annual Fortnitemares 2024 event. This Halloween-themed occasion occurs annually in the game, bringing fun items, candy, and usually some collaborations to the Fortnite fandom.

Last year, "The Shape," known as Michael Myers from the Halloween franchise, was introduced into the game. Rumors for Fortnitemares 2024 indicate it could be time to play a game (insert epic Saw theme song). Here's what we know so far.

Fortnitemares 2024: When does the Halloween event begin? (UPDATED)

Fortnitemares 2024 Countdown

Despite Epic Games beginning maintenance at 4 a.m. on Oct. 11 with plans to release the Fortnitemares update later the same day, the developers delayed it to Oct. 12. In a post on X, the Fortnite Status account said, "In order to ensure a properly frightful Fortnitemares, v31.40 will go into downtime on Saturday at 2 AM ET. We apologize for the confusion and delay, and will let you know once the update is live."

The Fortnitemares 2024 event will begin on Saturday, Oct. 12, likely around 8 or 9 a.m. ET.

What does Epic Games have in store for this year's Halloween event?

During the Fortnite v31.30 downtime, the Fortnitemares 2024 key art leaked. It depicts skins for Leatherface of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame alongside Billy the Puppet from Saw and even a new Halloween-themed Marshmello variant. The image above provides a baseline of expectations from a cosmetic perspective.

Expanding this leak, HYPEX revealed that a Saw-themed Mythic item called "Boom Billy" will debut during Fortnitemares 2024. It will "spawn a Billy Bike with 100 HP and follow a target until it explodes." Of course, it will also feature Jigsaw's famous iconic game from the film series.

Image Credit: Epic Games
Image Credit: Epic Games

Epic Games kicked off Fortnitemares 2024 with a creator callout for appropriately themed maps. According to the blog post, Epic Games seeks "highly social islands" with themes of survival, escape, and social deduction. Selected maps will appear in a separate Fortnitemares 2024 tab.

From a leaked information perspective, the only relevant details revolve around a potential Fortnite x Saw collaboration. Yes, the Saw film franchise, known for its blood, traps, and violence, will crossover into Fortnite.

Soon, an old TV in the Castle Doom point of interest (POI) will feature Billy the Puppet from the Saw films. Fortnite leaker Wensoing believes three POIs will have their names changed to better suit Fortnitemares 2024.

Lastly, for now, at least, it's sage to assume that the usual Halloween-themed items such as candy, Witch Brooms, and Pumpkin Launchers will return for the event. Until then, check out the new Mrs. Incredible skin, a perfect Outfit for spooky season.

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