Fortnite x Thunderbolts: Skins, Release Time, Free Yelena Belova, and Tournament Details

​Fortnite is once again teaming up with Marvel, and this time, it's bringing the gritty, anti-hero squad known as the Thunderbolts to the island. With the upcoming release of Marvel's Thunderbolts movie on May 2, 2025, Epic Games is rolling out a themed collaboration that introduces new skins, emotes, and other cosmetics inspired by the film's characters.​

Release Date and Time

The Fortnite x Thunderbolts collaboration is set to go live on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. Depending on your time zone, here's when you can expect the update:​

• PT: 5:00 PM

• CT: 7:00 PM

• ET: 8:00 PM

• Brazil: 9:00 PM

• London: 1:00 AM (May 1)

• CET: 2:00 AM (May 1)

• JST/KST: 9:00 AM (May 1)​

 

What's in the Bundle?

The collaboration brings a suite of cosmetics designed in a "Pen and Ink" style, paying homage to the Thunderbolts' comic book origins. Here's what's included:​

• Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier Pen and Ink Costume

• Yelena Belova/White Widow Pen and Ink Costume

• "Cooking" Emote

• Axe Emote

• Two Back Blings

• Two Pickaxes

• Two Gliders​

These items are designed to reflect the characters' gritty and battle-hardened personas, aligning with the tone of the upcoming film.​

 

 

How to Unlock the Skins

While most of the Thunderbolts items will be available for purchase in the Fortnite Item Shop using V-Bucks, there's a twist:​Khel Now

• Yelena Belova's skin will be available for free through a special tournament event. Players can unlock this skin by participating in the event, though specific details about the tournament's format and requirements have yet to be announced.​

For the purchasable items, players can expect standard pricing

• 1,000 V-Bucks: Approximately $8.99 USD

• 2,500 V-Bucks: Approximately $19.99 USD​

Purchasing V-Bucks in bulk often provides better value, so plan accordingly if you're looking to grab the entire set.​

About the Thunderbolts Movie

Marvel's Thunderbolts is set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025, shortly after the Fortnite collaboration goes live. The film follows a team of reformed villains and anti-heroes, including Bucky Barnes and Yelena Belova, as they undertake covert missions for the government. The movie promises a darker, more grounded take on the superhero genre, which is reflected in the Fortnite cosmetics' design.​

Impact on Fortnite and Esports

This collaboration continues Fortnite's trend of integrating popular culture into its universe, attracting fans from various franchises. By offering a free skin through a tournament, Epic Games encourages competitive play and community engagement. Additionally, the timing of the collaboration with the movie's release serves as a cross-promotional strategy, potentially boosting interest in both the game and the film.​

The Fortnite x Thunderbolts collaboration offers players a chance to step into the shoes of some of Marvel's most complex characters. With a mix of purchasable and earnable content, there's something for both casual players and competitive enthusiasts. As the release date approaches, keep an eye out for more details on the tournament and prepare to join the ranks of the Thunderbolts on the Fortnite island.