Fortnite Update V18.21 brings Fortnitemares: Wrath of the Cube Queen
Fortnitemares: Wrath of the Cube Queen is now available in Fortnite, bringing with it a slew of new content to see players through Halloween and the end of the month. It is the biggest Fortnitemares event in the game's history, so stick around as we break down all of the new mechanics, modes, and free stuff you can earn over the next few days.
The arrival of the titular villain is at the heart of the Wrath of the Cube Queen event. The Cube Queen has taken over the centre of the map and built The Convergence with the help of her underlings, new Caretaker enemy types.
The Convergence is the "Cube Town" location we'd previously learned about via leaks, and its purpose is currently unknown. If you get too close to The Convergence, these new Caretakers will use their tendrils to pull you into The Sideways. However, Epic has hinted that massive loot awaits those who survive an encounter with the Caretakers.
New Weapons
Along with the already-present Sideways Rifle and Sideways Minigun, The Sideways now has a brand-new Sideways Scythe, a melee-type weapon that can only be found within Sideways chests.
Along with the new bladed weapon comes the return of Fortnitemares favourites like the Pumpkin Launcher, which fires projectile Jack-O-Lanterns, and Witch Brooms, which allow for faster travel around the island. Players who have been around for previous Halloweens in Fortnite will remember these weapons fondly.
Horde Rush limited-time mode
Horde Rush, Epic's limited-time mode, is back again. This PvE mode is all about getting high scores and outlasting waves of monsters—this year's being cube monsters, of course. Epic is trying some exclusive challenges and cosmetics to Horde Rush this season to entice more players to try out the alternate mode.
For completing several Horde Rush Quests, players will be able to earn the Thinking Juice back bling, the Cube Queen banner, and the Cuddle Scream Leader spray. We'll have walkthroughs for all of those quests up soon.
Ariana Grande, Ghostbusters, Hollowhead, and Other New NPC Punchcards
More cosmetics are on their way to Fortnitemares for players who complete new punchcards from island NPCs. Among the new NPCs are well-known characters like a Ghostbuster and Ariana Grande.
Hollowhead, a new pumpkin NPC, will offer his Fortnitemares punchcard, which includes his own set of quests. Completing his quests will grant you the Raven's Curse spray, the Midnight Showdown loading screen, and the Wrathful Breakout contrail.
Ariana Grande will return to Fortnite for her first time since the Rift Tour and this time she's bringing her own questline with a free cosmetic, the All-Weather Extractor Pickaxe in its dark style. Meanwhile, Fortnite Crew members can earn the "brite" style of the same pickaxe as an exclusive reward.
Dark Jonesy will also receive a second full punchcard, making him the season's first NPC to receive more than one. Those who complete his new "The Oracle Speaks" questline will receive the Cube Cruiser glider.
The Ghostbusters are also getting into the Halloween action. Starting today, you can find one of them, dubbed the Containment Specialist, on the island. Begin and eventually complete their Ghostbusters: Afterlife questline to gain access to the No Ghosts back bling inspired by the upcoming film.
All of these earnable cosmetics will be available until November 2 at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET.
Power Leveling Weekends
Adding to the experience of Fortnitemares and Season 8 battle pass experiences, Epic is making room for two Power Leveling Weekends between now and the start of November. Essentially Fortnite's version of double XP weekends, the Power Leveling periods will be available at the following times.
October 22 at 4 AM PT / 7 AM ET - October 25 at 4 AM PT / 7 AM ET
October 29 at 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET - November 1 at 4 AM PT / 7 AM ET
Throughout these occasions, users will gain XP much faster and be able to scale the battle pass more easily. You'll earn even more if you play in team-based modes like duos or larger groups, thanks to the season's Party Quest system, which allows any member of a group to complete punchcard quests, regardless of whose quest it is.
Shortnitemares is also on the way, according to Epic, and the company will have more to say about the in-game cartoon film festival soon. Meanwhile, Epic Games has confirmed that The Sideways Scythe, Caretakers, and The Convergence POI will all remain on the island after Fortnitemares ends on November 2.
