The Fortnite community is kicking off 2026 with a fresh wave of speculation. Social media platforms are currently flooded with images and posts claiming that pop superstar Tate McRae is set to join the Icon Series next month.
Fans of the “greedy” singer have been waiting for this moment for years, but before you start saving your V-Bucks, it is important to separate the hype from the reality. Here is everything we know about the alleged Tate McRae collaboration.
The Viral Rumor: February 2026 Launch?
The speculation began when a Tate McRae fan account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a convincing promotional image. The post claimed that a full collaboration would arrive in February 2026, sending the fanbase into a frenzy. The tweet quickly garnered over 600,000 views, spreading to Instagram and TikTok.
However, despite the high quality of the “leaked” image, all signs point to it being AI-generated.
Fact Check: Is It Real?
As of right now, there is no official confirmation from Epic Games regarding a Tate McRae skin.
Reliable community insiders and data miners, such as HYPEX and ShiinaBR, have not corroborated these claims. Typically, when a collaboration of this magnitude is in the works, files or code strings appear in the game updates weeks in advance. No such data has been found for Tate McRae in the recent patches.
The viral image appears to be a fan-made concept using generative AI tools. While it looks plausible, it is not an official asset from Epic Games.
Tate McRae’s History with Fortnite
While the current skin rumors are likely false, the idea of a collaboration is not far-fetched. Tate McRae already has a significant presence in the game through her music.
Epic Games has previously released two emotes featuring her tracks:
- “Independence” Emote: Released in August 2024, set to her hit song exes.
- “It’s ok I’m ok” Emote: Released in August 2025, featuring her song of the same name.
This pattern is often a precursor to a full Icon Series induction. Artists like Doja Cat, The Weeknd, and Sabrina Carpenter all had emotes or radio tracks in the game before eventually receiving their own cosmetic bundles.
The Verdict
For now, the Tate McRae Fortnite skin remains a rumor.
The viral February 2026 release date appears to be unfounded. However, given her rising popularity and existing relationship with Epic Games, a future collaboration is “undoubtedly on the table.” Fans should keep an eye on official channels for any real announcements later in the year.