Skip to main content

Mysterious skull logo has ‘Fortnite’ players bracing for missile launch

Fortnite - Nintendo Switch Trailer - Nintendo E3 2018

Epic Games has routinely added meta-narrative and Easter eggs to Fortnite: Battle Royale since its launch last year, and the game’s map was significantly altered recently after a meteor crashed and destroyed the Dusty Depot area. The next big change appears to be on the way, as a series of mysterious in-game logos point to something a little more explosive crashing down.

Recommended Videos

Teases initially began on the Nintendo Switch version of Fortnite, which was released last week during E3 2018. A countdown clock ending on Tuesday, June 19, appeared on television sets in the game, and the other console and PC versions soon featured similarly colored red skulls on their television sets.

Data-mining players have discovered the meaning behind the countdown ahead of Epic’s official reveal: A launchable rocket. According to the uncovered files, the rocket — located in the Snobby Shores lair — will be usable by players, suggesting it might not be a permanent change to the environment like the meteor.

If the rocket is a reusable special item, it could still change the game in a dramatic way, similar to the special Thanos event Epic Games produced for Avengers: Infinity War. During E3 2018, the studio revealed to Geoff Keighley that the Thanos event had been conceived and designed in a matter of weeks, and this ridiculous pace for content updates has given players reasons to keep coming back to Fortnite day after day.

Not all is well with Fortnite, however. Nintendo Switch players who had previously tried the game on PlayStation 4 have been met with notices telling them that their Epic Games account is incompatible and they must make a new one. This is due to Sony’s hard stance against cross-console play, which has already stopped Xbox One and PlayStation 4 users from interacting with each other, but attempting to limit accounts to this degree comes across as needless micromanaging.

More than 125 million people have already tried out Fortnite, and the game has been downloaded more than 2 million times on the Nintendo Switch thus far. It’s also available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Mac, PC, and iOS, with an Android release coming later this summer.

Gabe Gurwin
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
Everything new in Fortnite OG Season 3
Fortnite OG Season 3 key art

Fortnite fans are returning to the nostalgic chaos of Fortnite OG as Season 3 officially begins, reviving one of the battle royale's most legendary eras—Chapter 1, Season 3. This season, which started in February 2018, marks a watershed moment for the game, introducing its first major plot with a looming meteor while also consolidating its cultural climb with new cosmetics and gameplay innovations. Now a permanent fixture alongside Fortnite's current modes, OG continues to delight OGs and newbies alike by cycling through the original Chapter 1 seasons, fusing retro aesthetics with modern mechanics. Season 3 begins with a boom, promising to rekindle the magic of a simpler, meteor-shadowed past, while Season 2 fades into memory with its Tilted Towers nostalgia.

The Fortnite OG community is ecstatic, with gamers flocking to commemorate the return of this important season, called Meteor Strike, during its initial run. Epic Games has teased a precise reproduction of the 2018 experience, complete with the original island's charm and a loot pool reminiscent of double-pumping glory days. Season 3's release coincides with the v34.20 update, which arrived today following a brief server outage, ensuring a smooth transition into the past. Here's everything new that has arrived with Fortnite OG Season 3 and the 34.20 patch in the game.
Fortnite OG Season 3 and 34.20 update notes
Lucky Landing and iconic Meteor returns
Fortnite OG is crashing into Chapter 1 Season 3, complete with the return of Lucky Landing and a meteor that’s on a seriously worrying collision course! Chapter 1 Season 3 brings back the Lucky Landing POI and the mysterious meteor in the skies!

Read more
How to get Fortnite Clix Icon Series skin
Clix 1v1 in Fortnite

Fortnite’s Icon Series skins have emerged as a cultural sensation, seamlessly connecting the realms of gaming and real-world stardom by bringing celebrities, athletes, and streamers into the vibrant world of battle royale. Since its debut in 2019 alongside DJ Marshmello, the series has evolved to feature an impressive lineup of personalities, ranging from global icons such as Ariana Grande to esports titans like Ninja. For streamers, these skins transcend mere cosmetics as they stand as a testament to their influence within the Fortnite community, rewarding their dedication with a lasting digital legacy.

Prominent figures such as Tyler “Ninja” Blevins and Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf have stepped into Fortnite, showcasing their in-game skins that captivate fans with bespoke designs mirroring their distinct identities. These partnerships frequently introduce exclusive bundles packed with emotes, pickaxes, and back bling, turning them into must-have items for players.

Read more
How to get and use Pump and Dump weapon in Fortnite
Midas with Pump and Dump in Fortnite

As Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 moves further into its wild Lawless theme, the weapons meta is heating up, enthralling players and shaking up the battle royale scene. This season, which debuted on February 21, 2025, has already offered a wild arsenal customized to its heist-focused narrative, with vault-busting gadgets and close-range brawlers dominating early strategies. Melee weapons initially dominated the scene, infuriating some competitive players with their overpowering presence, but a transition is beginning as new firepower emerges to threaten the status quo.

Exotic and Mythic weapons have begun to appear in the loot pool, with standouts like Midas' Gilded Eye Drum Gun have stirred controversy about their suitability for the season's fast-paced, close-quarters fighting. However, the latest addition—a dual-wield marvel called the Pump and Dump—is creating the most excitement. This shotgun-SMG hybrid promises to alter encounters and add a new twist to Fortnite's love for creative weaponry. As players scramble to adapt, the Pump and Dump's debut portends a potential meta shift, with the option of dominating load-outs or fading into oblivion. Here's how you can get your hands on the weapon.
Where to get Pump & Dump in Fortnite and how to use it

Read more