The Tool Desk
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When does Fortnite v42.40 release?
Fortnite News reported October 15, 2026 as the expected release date for v42.40. That is an outlet-reported date, not an Epic-confirmed downtime schedule: as of October 13, Epic had not announced a precise downtime window or published a v42.40 release notice. The date could be clarified or changed, so treat it as expected rather than guaranteed. Fortnite News’ October 10 preview says complete notes would follow on update day.
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What’s new in Fortnite update 42.40?
The early reporting centers on two Sprites. Fortnite News describes both, and VICE also reports that the Sprites are planned for October 15. These details are an early preview, not a complete official patch list. VICE’s October 1 Sprite coverage provides additional context on the October Sprite additions.
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The Honey Sprite is reported to send bees after an enemy who damages the player carrying it. In practical terms, its described role is retaliation after the player is hit; the available reporting does not establish further mechanics, such as damage values or duration.
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- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Obsession Sprite
The Obsession Sprite is reported to help players find and collect other Sprites through One Wish Willow. It is associated with the Obsession crossover. Specific mechanics beyond that description have not been established in the early coverage.
What has Epic confirmed about the collaborations?
Epic’s October 1 Fortnitemares 2026 announcement confirms that Obsession and Hazbin Hotel are among the character collaborations and outfits coming during October. Epic wrote: “This October, Fortnitemares spreads corruption across Battle Royale, Horde Rush, and Reload with a cursed cast, and new characters coming all month from Five Nights at Freddy’s, Hazbin Hotel, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Beetlejuice, Obsession, and more.”
Rank #2
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
The announcement confirms the October lineup, not the date of any one collaboration’s shop release or arrival with v42.40.
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Obsession appears in Epic’s October collaboration list. Fortnite News associates the Obsession Sprite with One Wish Willow, but Epic’s announcement does not state that the collaboration will launch specifically on October 15.
Rank #3
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Hazbin Hotel
Hazbin Hotel is also on Epic’s October lineup. Fortnite News says it is expected during the v42.40 period but notes that Epic had not given a date. Its appearance with v42.40 is therefore an expectation, not a confirmed release. The outlet’s mention of Charlie Morningstar, Vaggie, and Alastor comes from its report on an extended trailer; Epic’s announcement does not specify those characters in its text.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read these early patch notes
The distinction is between confirmed seasonal plans and reported update timing. Epic has announced an October Fortnitemares collaboration lineup; outlets have reported the October 15 update date and Sprite details. Until Epic publishes v42.40’s complete notes or a specific downtime notice, further features, exact launch timing, and collaboration dates should not be treated as settled.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #4
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
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