Fortnite is set to continue its popular creature-collecting mechanic with Sprites returning for the game's upcoming season, developer Epic Games announced. The new season, dubbed Chapter 7 Season 4: Override, is expected to usher in a wave of gaming-themed crossovers, with teasers suggesting appearances from Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, and Tetris.
Sprites were introduced at the start of Fortnite's current season, allowing players to collect, trade, and level up creatures to enhance their in-game capabilities. This addition has been met with significant success, contributing to a rise in Fortnite's player count. Epic Games has confirmed that Sprites will not only remain for the next season but will also introduce a new generation with enhanced powers and quality-of-life improvements based on player feedback. New methods for discovering Sprites both within and outside of gameplay are also promised.
To further solidify Sprites as a core feature, a new Sprite Garden experience will be implemented, enabling players to showcase their collected Sprites from both Season 3 and the upcoming Season 4. This social space will also allow players to visit the Sprite Gardens of their friends.
Season 4 will also incorporate five community-designed Sprites, selected from over 20,000 player submissions. These include the Bullet Sprite, which increases ammo from ammo boxes; the Honey Sprite, which deploys a swarm of bees against attackers; the Pond Sprite, which boosts swimming speed and jump height; and the X-Ray Sprite, capable of revealing players through walls. A Dumpster Dive Sprite, designed to allow players to gather loot by jumping into dumpsters, has also been highlighted.
Teasers for the new season have appeared in-game, with posters hinting at collaborations with Tetris, Sonic the Hedgehog, Pac-Man, and Persona. Epic Games has teased the theme of "Override" with the tagline "Break the rules. Change the game." The season is scheduled to launch on August 20. Epic Games vice president Mark Rein has also cryptically referred to the incoming season with the word "Hackers."