Fortnite unveils free 'Thunderbolts' collab skins—but there's a catch

Epic Games has announced a new Fortnite x Marvel Thunderbolts collaboration, bringing two iconic characters—Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes) and White Widow (Yelena Belova)—into the game. However, while the skins are technically free, players will need to compete in the Thunderbolts Cup to unlock them without spending V-Bucks.


Fortnite: Comic-inspired skins, not movie versionsUnlike previous Marvel crossovers that featured skins based on film characters, the Thunderbolts skins take inspiration from comic book designs rather than the upcoming movie. The Winter Soldier skin resembles his look from Captain America: Brave New World, while White Widow’s outfit is a stylised version of her comic appearance rather than her Thunderbolts film costume.


How to unlock the skinsPlayers can earn the Winter Soldier and White Widow skins by competing in the Thunderbolts Cup, scheduled for April 30 at 8 PM ET. Those who rank high enough will receive the skins for free, while others can purchase them in the Fortnite Item Shop , likely starting April 25.


A unique “Pen & Ink” art styleThe skins feature a distinct “Pen & Ink” visual style, giving them a bold, comic-inspired aesthetic that stands out from previous Marvel collaborations. This new animation style has intrigued players, with many eager to see how it looks in action.

While the Thunderbolts crossover offers exciting new content, the requirement to compete for free skins has sparked mixed reactions. Some players appreciate the challenge, while others would prefer direct access through the shop.