Fortnite to launch Five Nights at Freddy’s crossover for Fortnitemares

Epic Games is set to bring a Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) crossover to Fortnite on Thursday, October 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the Fortnitemares event. The collaboration will introduce four iconic animatronics as playable skins, accompanied by a variety of themed cosmetics. According to datamined information, these items will be available in the Item Shop immediately following the conclusion of scheduled server maintenance. This release is part of a broader seasonal event that integrates multiple horror and pop-culture franchises into the battle royale game.

Quick summary

• Release date: October 1, 2026, following server maintenance
• Included skins: Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie, and Foxy
• Cosmetics: Back Blings, two pickaxes, two emotes, Freddy Fazbear Slippers Kicks, instruments, and a weapon wrap
• Estimated launch time: 4 AM PT / 7 AM ET (depending on server uptime)
• Pricing: Estimated bundle cost of 4,500 V-Bucks with a 40% discount for the full set
• Other collaborations: Teasers for Obsession, The Purge, Freddy Krueger, Slender Man, Beetlejuice, and Black Clover

What happened

The FNAF crossover introduces four character skins—Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie, and Foxy—each featuring a matching Back Bling. The cosmetic collection is extensive, including two pickaxes, two emotes, and Freddy Fazbear Slippers Kicks. Additionally, players will find a Bass Instrument, a Microphone Instrument, and a weapon wrap. These items were first showcased in the official Fortnitemares 2026 trailer released by Epic Games.

Regarding costs, datamined Item Shop information provides individual prices for the cosmetics, though the final price for the complete bundle remains unconfirmed. Estimates suggest the full bundle could cost around 4,500 V-Bucks. According to the reports, players who purchase the entire bundle will receive a 40% discount. For those who do not wish to buy the full set, each Five Nights at Freddy’s character will be available in separate, smaller bundles.

The release is expected to occur at 4 AM PT / 7 AM ET on October 1, but the exact timing is contingent upon when servers return online after maintenance. If the maintenance window is extended, the arrival of the cosmetics in the Item Shop may be delayed. The availability of these items is tied directly to the launch of the Fortnitemares 2026 event.

How we got here

The announcement of the FNAF collaboration follows a series of teasers for the Fortnitemares 2026 event. Epic Games released a cinematic trailer that revealed several upcoming partnerships. In addition to the Five Nights at Freddy's characters, the trailer teased collaborations with Beetlejuice, the Japanese manga Black Clover, and the project 'Obsession' via the One Wish Willow.

Prior to the cinematic trailer, a teaser image had already suggested a crossover with The Purge, alongside the inclusion of Freddy Krueger and Slender Man. Furthermore, according to leaker HYPEX, previously released Resident Evil skins are expected to return for this year's event. These reveals establish a timeline of horror-themed content leading up to the October 1 start date.

• Pre-October 1: Teaser image reveals The Purge, Freddy Krueger, and Slender Man
• Pre-October 1: Cinematic trailer confirms FNAF, Obsession, Beetlejuice, and Black Clover
• October 1, 2026: Official start of Fortnitemares and release of the FNAF bundle

Who are the involved

The primary entities involved are Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, and the creators of the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise. The collaboration integrates the horror series' animatronics into the Fortnite ecosystem. Other involved parties include the owners of the intellectual properties for The Purge, Beetlejuice, and Black Clover, as well as the creators of the 'Obsession' content.

The community also plays a role through dataminers and leakers, such as HYPEX, who extract information from the game's files to provide early details on release dates and pricing. While Epic Games manages the technical implementation and official marketing, these community sources provide the specific estimates regarding V-Bucks and server timings.

What the parties say

Epic Games has used the official Fortnitemares 2026 trailer to visually confirm the FNAF outfits and other collaborations. While the company has not officially confirmed the final bundle price, datamined information indicates the 40% discount and the estimated 4,500 V-Bucks cost. The trailer serves as the primary official communication regarding the content of the event.

Explainer

Fortnitemares is a seasonal event in Fortnite themed around Halloween, typically featuring horror-related content and collaborations. In the game, 'skins' are cosmetic outfits that change the appearance of the player's character, while 'Back Blings' are accessories worn on the character's back. 'Pickaxes' are the tools used for harvesting and melee attacks, and 'emotes' are animations that characters perform.

V-Bucks are the virtual currency used within Fortnite to purchase items from the Item Shop. A 'bundle' is a package that groups several items together, often at a lower price than if they were bought individually. 'Datamining' refers to the process where users search through the game's internal files to find hidden information about upcoming updates before they are officially announced.

Impacts and why it matters

The inclusion of Five Nights at Freddy’s brings a well-known horror franchise into a mainstream battle royale, potentially attracting fans of the FNAF series to the game. By offering a 40% discount on the full bundle, Epic Games provides a financial incentive for players to acquire the complete set of cosmetics. This strategy is common during seasonal events to drive engagement and sales.

The breadth of the Fortnitemares 2026 lineup—including The Purge, Beetlejuice, and Black Clover—demonstrates Fortnite's role as a hub for diverse pop-culture crossovers.

What comes next

The event kicks off on October 1, 2026, with the release of the FNAF bundle. Following the initial launch, players will be able to access the Item Shop to purchase the animatronic skins and their associated accessories. The event will also see the introduction of the other teased collaborations, including the 'Obsession' skins and the return of Resident Evil content.