Friday, March 20, 2026
Home Blog Page 29

Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2: Release Date, Norse Theme Leaks, and Overwatch Crossover Rumors

0

Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated seasonal updates in recent memory. With a confirmed release date from Epic Games, leaked details about a Norse mythology theme, and rumors of an Overwatch crossover, there is a lot for players to look forward to. Here is everything we know so far.

When Does Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2 Start?

Epic Games has confirmed that Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2 will launch on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The developer shared this date through the official Fortnite Status account on X (formerly Twitter) on February 6, 2026.

The season was originally planned to release about two weeks earlier, but Epic announced they needed extra development time. The current Chapter 7 Season 1, also known as Pacific Break, will continue running until the new season goes live.

Leaked Norse Mythology Theme

While Epic Games has not officially confirmed the theme for Chapter 7 Season 2, multiple leaks point toward a Norse mythology setting. Hints and references have reportedly been found in the game files over the past several weeks, fueling speculation among the community.

Well-known Fortnite leaker HYPEX shared details suggesting that the Ice King could appear as a boss character in the upcoming season, tying into the rumored Norse direction.

If the Norse theme is accurate, it could follow a format similar to Chapter 5 Season 2, which was called Myths and Mortals. That season was based on Greek mythology and featured a map divided into themed regions. Areas were inspired by figures like Zeus, whose domain included Mount Olympus, and Hades, who guarded the Underworld alongside Cerberus.

A Norse-themed version could potentially include characters from that mythology such as Odin, Thor, and Freya. Points of interest on the map might draw from well-known Norse realms like Midgard, Asgard, and Niflheim. However, none of this has been confirmed by Epic Games at this time.

Overwatch Crossover Reportedly Coming in Season 2

Another major leak involves a crossover with Blizzard’s hero shooter, Overwatch. According to prominent Fortnite leaker ShiinaBR, Chapter 7 Season 2 will feature Overwatch characters making their debut in the game.

The leaked characters include Tracer, D.Va, Genji, and Mercy. ShiinaBR shared the information on X on February 11, 2026, complete with visual references.

This would mark the first time Overwatch characters appear in Fortnite, making it a notable addition to the game’s long history of crossover collaborations.

What We Know for Sure vs. What Is Leaked

It is important for players to understand the difference between confirmed and leaked information. The March 19, 2026 release date is the only detail that has been officially confirmed by Epic Games. The Norse mythology theme, the Ice King boss, and the Overwatch crossover are all based on leaks and datamined files that have not received official confirmation.

Fortnite has a strong track record of leaks turning out to be accurate, but plans can always change before a season officially launches.

We will continue to update this article as Epic Games reveals more about Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2.

Asha Sharma Named New CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Replacing Phil Spencer

0

Microsoft has officially appointed Asha Sharma as the new Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, marking the end of Phil Spencer‘s 12-year run leading the division.

The announcement was made on February 20, 2026, through internal communications shared by Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO. Sharma will report directly to Nadella in her new role.

Who Is Asha Sharma?

Asha Sharma has been with Microsoft for the past two years. Before joining the company, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Instacart and held a Vice President position at Meta. Her background includes building and scaling consumer platforms and developer ecosystems at a global level.

In his message to employees, Nadella highlighted Sharma’s experience in aligning business models to long-term value and operating at global scale as key reasons behind the appointment.

Phil Spencer Steps Down After 38 Years at Microsoft

Phil Spencer first joined Microsoft as an intern in June 1988. He went on to lead Microsoft Gaming for 12 years, during which the division grew significantly. Under his leadership, the gaming business nearly tripled in size. He also played a central role in shaping Microsoft’s strategy through the acquisitions of Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax, and Minecraft.

Spencer shared that he informed Nadella last fall about his plans to step back. He will remain in an advisory role through the summer of 2026 to support a smooth transition.

Spencer expressed confidence in Sharma’s leadership, noting that he had worked closely with her over the past several months during the transition planning process.

Matt Booty Promoted to EVP and Chief Content Officer

Alongside Sharma’s appointment, Matt Booty has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer at Microsoft Gaming. He will report directly to Asha Sharma.

Booty currently oversees nearly 40 studios across Xbox, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and King. These studios are home to major franchises including Halo, The Elder Scrolls, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Candy Crush, and Fallout.

Booty confirmed in his message that no organizational changes are underway for the studios at this time.

Sarah Bond Departs Microsoft

As part of the leadership transition, Sarah Bond has decided to leave Microsoft. Spencer acknowledged Bond’s contributions to Xbox’s platform strategy, Game Pass expansion, cloud gaming growth, and hardware launches during her tenure.

No details were shared about Bond’s next move.

Asha Sharma’s Three Priorities for Microsoft Gaming

In her message to the team, Sharma outlined three key commitments for her leadership:

Great Games: Sharma emphasized that everything starts with making great games. She committed to empowering studios, investing in iconic franchises, and supporting bold new ideas. She also signaled interest in entering new categories and markets where Microsoft can deliver value to players.

The Return of Xbox: Sharma pledged a renewed focus on core Xbox fans and the console experience. At the same time, she acknowledged that gaming now spans multiple devices and promised a seamless experience across PC, mobile, and cloud platforms.

Future of Play: Sharma spoke about building new business models and new ways to play. She stated that Microsoft will create shared platforms and tools that let developers and players build their own stories. She was direct about AI, saying Microsoft will not chase short-term efficiency or flood the ecosystem with low-quality AI content. In her words, games will always be art crafted by humans.

The announcement comes as Xbox celebrates its 25th anniversary. According to Nadella, Microsoft Gaming now reaches over 500 million monthly active users and is a top publisher across all platforms. The division spans nearly 40 studios worldwide.

Nadella also drew a historical line from Microsoft’s early gaming roots, noting that Flight Simulator shipped before Windows and that the journey from DirectX in the 1990s connects to the accelerated compute era of today.

The leadership change represents a significant shift for Microsoft Gaming. Sharma brings a consumer tech and platform-scaling background rather than a traditional gaming industry pedigree. Combined with Matt Booty’s deep content expertise, the new leadership structure separates business and platform strategy from creative and content oversight.

With Spencer transitioning out and Bond departing, the Xbox division enters a new chapter under entirely fresh leadership at the top.

Next Fortnite Live Event: Expected Date, The Seven Teasers, and How to Watch

0

Fortnite live events are among the most exciting moments in the game. They bring players together for limited-time experiences that often change the map, introduce new storylines, and offer exclusive rewards. With Chapter 7 Season 1 currently underway, the community is already looking ahead to what comes next.

Epic Games has now started teasing what appears to be a major event tied to The Seven, and all signs point to a big moment arriving in mid-March 2026.

When Is the Next Fortnite Live Event?

The next Fortnite live event is expected to take place on March 19, 2026. This date lines up with the anticipated launch of Chapter 7 Season 2, and Fortnite live events have historically taken place just before a new season or chapter begins.

Epic Games has already released a series of cryptic teaser messages connected to The Seven. Prominent Fortnite leaker HYPEX shared these teasers on X (formerly Twitter) on February 24, 2026. The full timeline of teased dates is as follows:

  • March 7: ORDINANCE DEPLOYED
  • March 8: IT RETURNS
  • March 9: IT BEGINS
  • March 12: WAVE 1 / DESTABILIZED 60%
  • March 13: WAVE 2 / DESTABILIZED 80%
  • March 14: PREPARE FOR FINAL WAVE
  • March 18: MISSION RECAP
  • March 19: PRIORITY: LOCATE FOUNDATION (Season 2 Launch)

On top of these teasers, Fortnite Design Director Ted Timmins has described the upcoming season using the word “Bearer.” What exactly this means remains unclear, but it adds to the growing anticipation around the next chapter of Fortnite’s storyline.

What Was the Last Fortnite Live Event?

The most recent Fortnite live event was Ice Storm, which took place on February 15, 2026, at 2 PM ET in the OG mode.

During Ice Storm, players watched as the Ice King arrived on the island and unleashed a massive blizzard that spread across the entire map. In the days leading up to the event, subtle changes appeared across the island. Some in-game TVs began displaying weather warning messages, hinting at what was to come.

How to Watch a Fortnite Live Event

If you want to participate in a Fortnite live event, you need to be inside a Battle Royale or Zero Build match when the event’s scheduled start time arrives. Some events also feature a dedicated playlist that becomes available before the event begins.

For example, the Death Star Sabotage event had its own playlist that appeared on the Discover tab roughly two hours before the event started. As a general rule, it is a good idea to log in and join a match at least 30 minutes early. Servers tend to fill up fast during live events, and getting in early helps avoid any last-minute connection issues.

It is also worth noting that not all Fortnite live events work the same way. Some are one-time-only experiences, while others give players multiple chances to watch or participate. The Godzilla x Kong crossover, for instance, remained active in matches for a full two-week window.

With The Seven teasers already rolling out and a potential Season 2 launch date of March 19 on the horizon, Fortnite players should keep a close eye on in-game updates and official announcements over the coming weeks.

Chennai to Host BGIS 2026 Grand Finals at Chennai Trade Centre from March 27–29

India’s biggest BGMI tournament is heading to Chennai. KRAFTON India has officially announced that the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA Series 2026 (BGIS 2026) LAN Finals will take place at the Chennai Trade Centre from March 27 to March 29, 2026.

The announcement marks a major moment for the Indian esports scene, as the country’s top BGMI teams prepare for a high-stakes offline showdown. With months of competition leading up to this stage, the Grand Finale will bring together the best squads in a live arena setting. Check out the details of the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals venue below.

Chennai Trade Centre to Host BGIS 2026 Grand Finals

The BGIS 2026 LAN Finals will be held across three days, featuring India’s top-performing teams battling for the championship title. The 5th edition of BGIS continues to serve as one of the most important competitive platforms for BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA players across the country.

Chennai was selected as the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals venue due to its strong gaming community, reliable event infrastructure, and growing reputation as a hub for technology and entertainment events. By choosing Chennai, KRAFTON India aims to expand large-scale offline esports experiences and improve regional fan engagement.

The live arena environment is expected to deliver an electric atmosphere, with fans witnessing intense matches and clutch performances on stage.

Swiggy Scenes Named Official Ticketing Partner for BGIS 2026

To make ticket access simple and smooth, KRAFTON India has partnered with Swiggy Scenes as the official ticketing partner for BGIS 2026 LAN Finals.

The partnership is aimed at helping fans easily discover event details and secure their tickets through a streamlined platform. With esports LAN events gaining popularity in India, this move is expected to boost fan attendance and improve overall event access.

Stronger Anti-Cheat Measures in Place

As part of its continued commitment to competitive integrity, KRAFTON India has implemented a strengthened anti-cheat framework for BGIS 2026.

The updated system is designed to ensure fair play and maintain a level playing field as teams compete for one of the most prestigious BGMI titles in the country.

Read More: BGMI 4.3 Update Release Date: BGMI New Update Release Date is Here

Group Draw Livestream Scheduled for February 25

Ahead of the LAN Finals, the official Group Draw livestream will take place on February 25. This year introduces a new rank-based format, where ranks, not team names, will be randomly drawn and assigned to Groups A, B, and C.

Following the Quarterfinals, teams will be placed into groups based on the rank they secure, making every placement crucial in shaping the road to the Grand Finale.

With Chennai ready to host the ultimate showdown, BGIS 2026 is set to deliver one of the biggest esports moments of the year in India.

LEAKED: Clash of Clans Dragon Duke Gameplay and Equipment in Action

0

The wait is finally over. While we previously saw static images and text descriptions of the new Clash of Clans hero, its equipment details, and the Dragon Duke event detail, a brand-new video has just surfaced. This massive spoiler was leaked on the r/ClashOfClansLeaks subreddit, finally showing the Clash of Clans Dragon Duke gameplay in full action.

Let’s break down exactly how this fiery beast operates on the battlefield and how his abilities actually look.

[Xingchen] Dragon Duke gameplay and equipment
by u/No-Studio-1429 in ClashOfClansLeaks

Clash of Clans Dragon Duke Gameplay

Before diving into his crazy equipment, let’s look at how the Dragon Duke actually moves and fights on the base.

The leaked footage confirms he is a massive, flying tank. Right out of the gate at Level 1, he boasts a staggering 9,100 Hitpoints and deals 304 Damage Per Second. Because he is an air unit, he completely ignores walls and glides directly toward enemy buildings.

Furthermore, he targets both Ground and Air units with Single Target damage. His favorite target is listed as “Any,” meaning he will simply attack the closest structure rather than specifically hunting defenses like the Royal Champion. Finally, the video shows that upgrading him from Level 1 to Level 2 will cost 50,000 Dark Elixir and take 6 hours, so you better start farming.

Passive Ability: Royal Rampage

Now that we know his base stats, we need to understand his core mechanic. The leaked video reveals his default passive ability is called “Royal Rampage”.

Keeping him away from friendly flying units provides a massive stat buff. Specifically, he gains a 100% damage boost, attacks 50% faster, and takes half the damage. Therefore, he is definitively designed to be a solo funneling machine. He will excel when placed far away from your main air army, functioning similarly to a supercharged Baby Dragon. Additionally, the video’s description notes that when defending your village, he can be targeted by air-targeting enemies.

Clash of Clans Dragon Duke Equipments and Details

The footage also showcases three Common rarity equipment pieces being triggered during an attack.

Fire Heart: First, the “Fire Heart” acts as a passive health regenerator. When the Dragon Duke is eventually defeated, he spectacularly explodes into damaging flames that wreck nearby defenses.

Flame Blower: We see the “Flame Blower” active ability. Upon activation, he unleashes a scorching cone of fire directly in front of him. As a result, this instantly melts any enemy structures caught in the crossfire.

Stun Blaster: Finally, the video demonstrates the “Stun Blaster”. This active ability fires a powerful shockwave that stuns and damages nearby enemies and buildings. Consequently, it looks like a fantastic tactical tool for shutting down high-damage single-target Inferno Towers before they lock on.

Epic Equipment: Rocket Backpack

Perhaps the most exciting part of the entire leak is the reveal of an Epic tier item. The footage introduces a brand-new active ability called the “Rocket Backpack”.

When triggered, the Dragon Duke dashes in a straight line across the center of the village. Furthermore, he continuously breathes fire and attacks defenses during this high-speed sprint. This will undoubtedly be a top-tier choice for aggressive core-diving strategies, allowing him to quickly bypass junk buildings to reach critical targets.

Seeing the Clash of Clans Dragon Duke gameplay confirms that he will be an incredibly dynamic addition to the game. Between his solo buffs and devastating area-of-effect gear, we are in for a treat.

At the end of the video, we can see the hero currently locked behind heavy chains in the Hero Hall. The event to unlock him has already started an we’ll and TH15+ players will be able to deploy it in no time.

BGMI 4.3 Update Release Date: BGMI New Update Release Date is Here

The BGMI 4.3 update release date is one of the most searched topics right now as players eagerly wait for the BGMI new update. With every major patch, excitement builds around new features, weapons, and gameplay improvements. The BGMI next update is expected to follow the usual update cycle, and recent reports have given a strong hint about when it could arrive. Here’s everything you need to know in simple and clear language.

BGMI 4.3 Update Release Date

According to multiple reports and based on the recent update pattern, the BGMI new update 4.3 release date is expected to be March 16, 2026.

While Krafton has not officially confirmed the date yet, the timeline matches the game’s regular update cycle. Updates usually roll out shortly after the current themed mode ends. If the pattern continues, players can expect the update to arrive around mid-March.

The update will likely be released in phases, with Android users getting it first around 6:30 AM IST, followed by iOS users at 9:30 AM IST. Players should keep checking the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for availability.

Understanding the Update Pattern

To better understand the BGMI 4.3 update release date, it is important to look at previous updates.

For example, the BGMI new update 4.2 release date followed a similar pattern. It was launched soon after the previous themed mode ended. Krafton generally maintains a gap of around two months between major updates.

If we look at the timeline:

  • BGMI 4.2 arrived as part of the regular seasonal cycle.
  • Themed mode duration lasted for a fixed period.
  • The next update followed immediately after the mode concluded.

The same pattern now applies to the next update, which strongly suggests a mid-March rollout.

Read More: PUBG Mobile 4.3 Update Download Date, New Weapon, Racing Mode and Full Features

What to Expect in 4.3 Version

The BGMI new update is expected to bring fresh content, gameplay improvements, and possibly a new themed mode. Major updates usually include:

  • New weapons or weapon adjustments
  • Map changes or special event areas
  • Improved movement mechanics
  • Bug fixes and performance optimization
  • New in-game events and rewards

Players can also expect balance changes that may impact the current meta.

Why Players Are Excited

Every new update of the game brings new strategies and gameplay styles. Competitive players look forward to meta changes, while casual players enjoy exploring new modes and features.

The 4.3 update is expected to continue this trend and keep the gameplay fresh. If the expected timeline remains unchanged, players will soon experience all the new content.

The BGMI 4.3 update release date is expected to fall in mid-March 2026, following the same pattern as previous versions. The 4.3 release date aligns with past cycles, including the BGMI new update 4.2 release date, which followed a similar schedule.

As we move closer to the launch, more official confirmation is expected. Until then, players can prepare for another exciting next update filled with new content and improvements.

IEM Cologne Major 2026 Drops BO1 Matches From Stage 3: All You Need to Know

0

The IEM Cologne Major 2026will not feature any best-of-one (BO1) matches in Stage 3. ESL confirmed that all matches in the third stage of the upcoming Major will be played in a best-of-three (BO3) format. This marks a significant shift in how the most prestigious event on the CS2 calendar handles its later rounds.

What Is Changing at the IEM Cologne Major?

Stage 3 of the IEM Cologne Major will now use BO3 matches exclusively. Previously, the stage included a mix of BO1 and BO3 series, with BO1s typically used in the opening rounds of the Swiss format before switching to BO3s for elimination and advancement matches.

With this update, every single match in Stage 3 will be a BO3 series from start to finish.

It is worth noting that Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Major are expected to continue using BO1 matches as before. The format change applies only to Stage 3.

Stage 3 Gets an Extra Day

To accommodate the additional time required by a full BO3 schedule, ESL has extended Stage 3 by one day. The stage will now run from June 11 to June 15, 2026. ESL also confirmed that extra tickets have been made available for the extended stage.

The Major format has faced consistent criticism from the Counter-Strike community for continuing to use BO1 matches in its Swiss stages. Most other top-tier events on the CS2 circuit already use BO3 matches exclusively, making the Major an outlier in this regard.

BO1 matches have long been seen as a format that introduces too much randomness at the highest level of competition. A single map does not always reflect the true skill gap between two teams, and upsets in BO1s can alter the trajectory of an entire tournament in ways that many fans and analysts consider unfair.

This change to Stage 3 brings the Major format closer to the standard set by the rest of the professional circuit.

Part of a Larger Trend in Major Format Updates

The removal of BO1s from Stage 3 is not the first major format improvement in recent times. The StarLadder Budapest Major introduced a best-of-five (BO5) grand final for the first time, aligning the Major’s championship match with the format used at other premier events.

Together, these two changes represent a clear direction. The CS2 Major is gradually adopting the same competitive standards that fans and teams have come to expect from top-tier tournaments throughout the year.

With Stage 3 now running entirely on BO3 matches across five days, fans attending in Cologne or watching online can expect longer and more competitive series throughout the stage. The added day also means more CS2 content for viewers and more time for teams to prove themselves across multiple maps.

For those looking to attend, the additional tickets for the extended Stage 3 schedule are now available.

Fortnite x Kingdom Hearts Collab Leaked: Sora, Riku, and Kairi Skins Expected in March 2026

0

Epic Games continues to expand the Disney universe within Fortnite, and the next major crossover could be one of the biggest yet. According to recent leaks, a Kingdom Hearts collaboration is in the works for Fortnite Chapter 7, with skins for Sora, Riku, and Kairi reportedly on the way.

The leak comes shortly after Fortnite’s recent wave of Disney content, which includes the Star Wars Mini Season and a set of Disney back blings arriving in the Item Shop. With the Disney and Epic Games partnership going strong, a Kingdom Hearts tie-in fits right into the ongoing expansion of Disney-themed content in the game.

Fortnite Kingdom Hearts Collab Release Date

The Kingdom Hearts Fortnite collaboration is expected to release sometime in March 2026. It could arrive alongside the launch of Chapter 7 Season 2 or at some point later in the season. There is also a possibility that the crossover release is timed to coincide with the launch of Kingdom Hearts 4, though that has not been confirmed.

As of now, Epic Games has not officially announced the collaboration. The information comes from leaks shared by AdiraFNInfo, a well-known and reliable Fortnite leaker, who posted the details on X (formerly Twitter).

Leaked Skins: Sora, Riku, and Kairi

According to the leak, Epic Games is currently in the process of finalizing character models and other cosmetic details for the crossover. The three main characters from the Kingdom Hearts franchise are expected to appear as Fortnite skins. These include Sora, Riku, and Kairi.

Sora, the protagonist of the series, is expected to feature multiple style variants. These reportedly include looks inspired by his appearance in Kingdom Hearts 1 and Kingdom Hearts 3. There is also a chance that Sora will feature progressive styles that reflect his evolution across the Kingdom Hearts timeline.

Keyblade Pickaxe and Possible Mythic Weapon

The collaboration would not be complete without the Keyblade, and the leak suggests it is indeed part of the planned cosmetic lineup. The Keyblade is rumored to appear as a pickaxe in the Item Shop.

Players may also see Keyblade variants such as Oblivion and Oathbound as additional cosmetic options. Beyond the pickaxe, there is speculation that Epic Games could introduce the Keyblade as a Mythic weapon in Chapter 7 Season 2, giving it functional power on the battlefield.

LEGO Fortnite Styles Also Expected

Because of the active partnership between Disney and Fortnite, the Kingdom Hearts skins are also expected to come with LEGO Fortnite styles. This would allow players to use Sora, Riku, and Kairi in the blocky LEGO Fortnite game mode as well.

Is the Fortnite Kingdom Hearts Collab Officially Confirmed?

No. Epic Games has not made any official announcement regarding a Kingdom Hearts collaboration. All the current information is based on leaks from reliable sources. Players should treat these details as unconfirmed until Epic or Square Enix make a formal statement.

That said, given the strength of the Disney and Epic Games partnership and the continued stream of Disney-themed content in Fortnite, a Kingdom Hearts crossover would be a natural next step for the game’s expanding roster of collaborations.

Pokemon x Fortnite Collaboration: Is It Really Happening?

0

The Fortnite community has been buzzing with excitement over a possible Pokemon collaboration coming to the battle royale. Recent social media activity reignited speculation about Ash Ketchum and Pikachu potentially arriving on the Fortnite island. However, the reality behind these rumors paints a very different picture.

Here is everything we know about the rumored Fortnite x Pokemon crossover, where the speculation started, and why this collaboration has not happened yet.

Is a Fortnite x Pokemon Collaboration Confirmed?

No. As of February 2026, there is no official Fortnite Pokemon collaboration confirmed or in development. Epic Games has not made any announcement regarding a crossover with the Pokemon franchise. The recent wave of excitement around this topic did not originate from any credible leaks or insider information.

Instead, the speculation traces back entirely to a fan-made trailer that recently went viral again on social media platforms.

Where Did the Fortnite Pokemon Rumors Come From?

The source of the recent hype is a fan-made trailer created by an artist known as Feraalsy on X (formerly Twitter). The trailer showcased highly polished 3D models of Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and other Pokemon characters designed in Fortnite’s signature visual style. It also featured the popular Fortnite character Peely in a prominent role, adding to the authentic feel of the video.

This trailer was originally posted on January 7, 2023, making it over three years old at this point. However, it recently gained fresh traction after an Instagram page called Forthnite reshared it, introducing the clip to a much wider audience who may not have seen it before.

The timing of this resurfacing played a major role in fueling the rumors. The trailer started circulating again around Pokemon Day 2026, which marks the 30th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise. This coincidence led many fans to believe the trailer was an official reveal tied to the anniversary celebrations. In reality, it remains entirely a fan creation with no connection to Epic Games or The Pokemon Company.

Why Has Epic Games Not Secured a Nintendo Collaboration?

Fortnite has built an impressive roster of crossover partnerships over the years. The game has featured characters and content from major entertainment brands including Disney, Marvel, DC, and even other video game titles like Crimson Desert. However, Nintendo has remained the one major holdout that Epic Games has been unable to bring on board.

The primary reason is well documented. Nintendo is known across the gaming industry for being extremely protective of its intellectual properties. The company maintains strict control over how its characters are used and portrayed in external media and games.

One notable example highlights this challenge clearly. Epic Games reportedly attempted to include Samus Aran, the protagonist of the Metroid series, in a Fortnite Battle Pass. However, Nintendo’s condition was that the character would only be visible to players on Nintendo Switch consoles. This type of platform-exclusive restriction made the deal impractical for a cross-platform game like Fortnite.

Beyond licensing restrictions, there is also the matter of character portrayal. Nintendo is unlikely to approve its iconic characters being used in the context of a battle royale shooter where they would be subject to the game’s various emotes and animations. The possibility of a character like Ash Ketchum performing celebratory dances after eliminating opponents does not align with how Nintendo typically wants its properties represented.

Could a Fortnite Pokemon Crossover Happen in the Future?

Epic Games has not publicly ruled out the possibility of a Pokemon or broader Nintendo collaboration in Fortnite. The company has continued to expand its crossover portfolio with major global brands, which suggests it remains open to new partnerships.

That said, given Nintendo’s long-standing approach to IP protection and the specific restrictions it has imposed in past negotiations, a Fortnite Pokemon collaboration does not appear likely in the near future. Unless Nintendo changes its stance on how its characters can be used in third-party games, this particular crossover remains firmly in the wishful thinking category for fans.

Genshin Impact Luna V (6.4) Release Date, Time, Maintenance Schedule, and Preload Size

0

Genshin Impact version 6.4, also known as Luna V, is the next major update from Hoyoverse. It brings players back to Mondstadt with a brand-new storyline centered around the Knight of the Boreas. The highlight of this patch is the arrival of Varka, a character that the community has been anticipating for years. If you want to jump in the moment servers go live, here is a complete breakdown of the Genshin Impact Luna V release date, time, maintenance window, and preload details.

Genshin Impact Luna V Release Date and Time (All Regions)

Genshin Impact Luna V is set to launch on February 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM CST for most regions worldwide. Players on the NA servers will get access slightly earlier, on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 PM PST.

Genshin Impact Luna V is set to launch on February 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM CST for most regions worldwide. Players on the NA servers will get access slightly earlier, on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 PM PST.

Here is the full list of release times across different time zones:

RegionRelease Time
New Delhi, India (IST)8:30 AM on February 25, 2026
Tokyo, Japan (JST)12:00 PM on February 25, 2026
California, USA (PST)8:00 PM on February 24, 2026
Beijing, China (CST)11:00 AM on February 25, 2026
Toronto, Canada (EDT)11:00 PM on February 24, 2026
Rome, Italy (CET)5:00 AM on February 25, 2026
Melbourne, Australia (AEST)1:00 PM on February 25, 2026
Auckland, New Zealand (NZST)3:00 PM on February 25, 2026

Indian players can expect to log in around 8:30 AM IST on February 25, which is a comfortable morning window for most Genshin fans in the region.

Genshin Impact Luna V Maintenance Schedule

Before the Luna V update goes live, Hoyoverse will take the servers offline for scheduled maintenance. The downtime is expected to last approximately 5 hours.

Here is a breakdown of the maintenance start and end times:

RegionMaintenance StartMaintenance End
New Delhi, India (IST)3:30 AM8:30 AM
Tokyo, Japan (JST)7:00 AM12:00 PM
California, USA (PST)3:00 PM on Feb 248:00 PM on Feb 24
Beijing, China (CST)6:00 AM11:00 AM
Toronto, Canada (EDT)6:00 PM on Feb 2411:00 PM on Feb 24
Rome, Italy (CEST)12:00 AM5:00 AM
Melbourne, Australia (AEST)8:00 AM1:00 PM
Auckland, New Zealand (NZST)10:00 AM3:00 PM

During the maintenance period, all servers will be closed. Any accounts that are logged in at the time will be automatically logged out.

Genshin Impact Luna V Maintenance Compensation

As is standard practice with every major Genshin Impact update, Hoyoverse will provide 300 Primogems as maintenance compensation. To qualify for this reward, players must have reached Adventure Rank 5 before the update maintenance begins.

The Primogems will be sent to the in-game mailbox once the Luna V update is live. Keep in mind that the mail will expire after 30 days, so make sure you claim it before it disappears. Do not forget to also redeem active Genshin Impact codes to grab additional free Primogems while the update is running.

Genshin Impact Luna V Preload Size

The preload for Genshin Impact Luna V is already available. Here is how much space you will need:

  • PC: 6 GB
  • Android and iOS: 2 GB

The update is relatively smaller compared to the previous patch, which aligns with the scope of the Luna V content. Downloading the preload in advance will let you jump into the game much faster once the maintenance ends.

Varka: The New 5-Star Character in Luna V

The headline addition in Genshin Impact version 6.4 is Varka, the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius and the Knight of Boreas. Here is a quick overview of what we know about him:

Varka is an Anemo DPS character who has a unique ability to use another element based on the composition of his party members. He is also classified as a Hexerei character, which means he has built-in synergy with other Mondstadt characters. This makes him a strong pick for teams built around the Mondstadt roster.

For players who have been saving Primogems, Varka is expected to be one of the most impactful pulls in the current Genshin Impact meta.

Genshin Impact Luna V Banner Characters

The Luna V update features a stacked lineup of characters across its banners. According to available information, the following characters are featured:

5-Star Characters: Varka, Skirk, Eula

4-Star and Returning Characters: Flins, Escoffier, Mona, Albedo, Klee, Diluc, Jean, Bennett, Xiangling, and Sucrose

This is a strong banner rotation that includes several popular Mondstadt characters. Players looking to build a Mondstadt-focused team around Varka’s Hexerei abilities will find this an excellent opportunity to fill gaps in their roster. You can check out the latest Genshin Impact tier list to see where these characters rank in the current meta.

What to Expect from the Luna V Storyline

Genshin Impact Luna V will take players back to Mondstadt, the region where the game’s story first began. The new storyline will focus on the Knight of the Boreas and will explore Varka’s background and role within the Knights of Favonius.

For long-time players, this return to Mondstadt is a significant narrative moment. Varka has been referenced in the game’s lore since launch but has never been playable until now. You can catch up on the latest Genshin Impact updates to stay informed on everything happening in version 6.4.