Fortnite Chapter 8: Release Date, Leaks, Rumors & More

It might still be some time before Fortnite Chapter 8 officially arrives, yet leaks continue to surface almost daily. Alongside expectations of new collaborations and content, these clues have sparked waves of excitement around Epic Games’ broader plans for the 2026 season.

This guide serves as a live tracker, covering all the confirmed details, leaks, and rumors about what to expect before Fortnite Chapter 8 is released.

A promotional image for the Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 2: MEGA Battle Pass, featuring seven in-game characters with Japanese and cyberpunk themes, including the secret collaboration skin, Eren Jaeger from Attack on Titan, on the far right, suspended in the air with his Omnidirectional Mobility Gear
Image source: X / ShiinaBR

Fortnite Chapter 8 Release Date

Fortnite Chapter 8 (v44.00) is set to launch on November 28, 2026.

Notable leakers, such as Shiina and HYPEX, initially pointed to this date as the expected release window for the next Fortnite update, which was later confirmed by Epic Games via its official Trello board.

The estimated dates for the updates leading up to Fortnite Chapter 8 have also been revealed. However, the schedule does not yet include any details regarding potential collaborations or additional content.

Here’s the complete Fortnite roadmap for 2026:

Fortnite UpdateRelease DateNotes
39.30January 22, 2026
39.40February 5, 2026
39.50February 19, 2026
40.00March 5, 2026Fortnite Chapter 7, Season 2
40.10March 29, 2026
40.20April 1, 2026
40.30April 16, 2026
41.00April 30, 2026Fortnite Chapter 7, Season 3
41.10May 14, 2026
41.20June 4, 2026
41.30June 18, 2026
41.40July 16, 2026
42.00July 30, 2026Fortnite Chapter 7, Season 4
42.10August 14, 2026
42.20September 3, 2026
42.30September 17, 2026
43.00October 1, 2026Fortnite Chapter 7, Season 5
43.10October 15, 2026
43.20October 29, 2026
43.30November 12, 2026
44.00November 28, 2026Fortnite Chapter 8
44.10December 10, 2026

Note: All update release dates mentioned are subject to change. Epic Games typically confirms rollout timings closer to release, with updates usually accompanied by Fortnite server downtime and matchmaking disabled around 30 minutes beforehand.

Fortnite Chapter 8: Everything Confirmed 

As we approach the Fortnite Chapter 8 release date, we anticipate learning more about the planned content and collaborations.

That said, many Fortnite crossovers have already been confirmed, along with detailed information about the quests, skins, and cosmetics they will bring. Prominent leakers ShiinaBR and SamLeakss have pointed to multiple pop culture franchises joining the game, including South Park and Resident Evil.

South Park x Fortnite 

The first collaboration of the year ahead of Chapter 8 was Fortnite x South Park, which launched with the January 9 update. The adult animated comedy series included exclusive content inspired by its iconic characters, including South Park-themed skins and other cosmetics.

The update also featured a bunch of new loot, the Cartmanland location, and five-player team modes set on the Golden Coast. Additionally, the free “Born In Chaos” Battle Pass and skins for Stan, Kyle, Cartman, Kenny, and Butters were made available for purchase through the Item Shop.

A promotional image for a video game crossover, South Park characters styled in a Fortnite-like battle royale format. The central character is Butters in a large, makeshift robot suit made of cardboard and tinfoil, holding a wooden paddle/axe
Image source: Epic Games

Resident Evil Requiem x Fortnite

The popular survival-horror franchise developed and published by Capcom will once again return to Fortnite, bringing new content from Resident Evil Requiem. The collaboration is expected to drop sometime in March (likely during Chapter 7 Season 2).

According to HYPEX and ShiinaBR, Grace Ashcroft is set to arrive as a new skin, while cosmetics from the previous Resident Evil collaboration are also expected to return to the in-game shop, giving players another chance to obtain them.

A promotional image for a Fortnite collaboration, featuring the characters Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield from the Resident Evil series
Image source: Epic Games

NINJAGO X Fortnite

The collaboration between Ninjago and Fortnite will add new content with the arrival of the second wave of cosmetics from LEGO’s action animated series. The first batch joined the game in December 2025, featuring Jay, Zane, and Cole as Item Shop skins, while Kai was available through the LEGO Pass.

Lloyd, Nya, and Wu are expected to be part of Wave 2, which will likely arrive before the launch of Fortnite Chapter 8. The new characters are also expected to receive human-style variants, similar to what happened with the first wave of the collaboration.

A promotional image for a collaboration between LEGO and Fortnite, titled "LEGO Fortnite Ninjago Odyssey: Rise of the Ninja". The image features several LEGO Minifigure characters from the Ninjago theme in various action poses within a detailed LEGO environment
Image source: X / ShiinaBR

iShowSpeed x Fortnite

Fortnite’s Icon Series will also receive a new wave of items through its collaboration with YouTube superstar iShowSpeed. Already confirmed for release—and likely arriving mid-year— the update will expand the available content of the streamer with a variety of new emotes.

iShowSpeed also confirmed the content update during a live stream. In addition to the new emotes, the collaboration is expected to introduce new styles for the skins that debuted in the first wave.

An image of the IShowSpeed Icon Series outfit in Fortnite. The character model is that of the American streamer and internet personality IShowSpeed, wearing a red and black short-sleeved football jersey with the word "SPEED" and the number "7" in white on the chest
Image source: Twitter / HYPEX

Fortnite Chapter 8: Leaks & Rumors

To understand what to expect in Fortnite Chapter 8, we’ve compiled the most relevant leaks and rumors reported by trusted data miners. This section serves as a live tracker and will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

  • UEFN Custom Weapons — ShiinaBR reports that custom weapon support in UEFN has been delayed and is now expected to be released between July and September 2026.
  • Emote Wheel Update — HYPEX has confirmed that a new emote wheel designed to improve in-game navigation is coming in early 2026.
  • Unity Engine Integration — According to Shiina, Epic Games is planning to allow games developed in Unity to be playable directly within Fortnite in 2026, which would mark a historic shift toward an open metaverse.
  • Fortnite OG Evolution — HYPEX leaked that Fortnite OG: Season 8 is set to begin on March 19, 2026, as part of the monthly rotation of original map content leading up to Chapter 8.

Several more waves are rumored for 2026, including Chainsaw Man, Ember & Blade, and Sidekicks from DC, Disney, and Paramount. In addition to that, crossovers with Crash Bandicoot, Fallout’s Lucy, and Wicked are also speculated.

How To Prepare For Fortnite Chapter 8

Before Fortnite Chapter 8 arrives, make sure to claim any remaining items from the current Battle Pass. With a large amount of new content expected to drop throughout the year, staying up to date will be key to securing skins from upcoming collaborations.

On the technical side, remember that major Fortnite updates usually require around 30–40 GB of free storage space. Also, while several collaborations mentioned in this guide have been reported by reliable leakers, keep in mind that not all may make it into the game.

FAQs

What is the Fortnite Chapter 8 release date?

Fortnite Chapter 8 is scheduled to launch on November 28, 2026.

What has been leaked about Fortnite Chapter 8 so far?

While not confirmed, the following crossovers are speculated to be released in Fortnite Chapter 8: Chainsaw Man, Ember & Blade, Crash Bandicoot, Fallout’s Lucy, and Wicked, among others.

How reliable are Fortnite Chapter 8 leaks?

Most Fortnite Chapter 8 leaks come from trusted leakers and data miners like HYPEX, ShiinaBR, and SamLeakss.

How does Fortnite Chapter 8 fit into the 2026 schedule?

Fortnite Chapter 8 is planned as the final major update of 2026.

When will Epic Games officially reveal Fortnite Chapter 8?

Epic Games should reveal more details about Fortnite Chapter 8 in the weeks and months leading up to its official release date.

References

  1. Fortnite Creator Roadmap (Trello)