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Fortnite’s “Big Bang” was a live event scheduled for December 2, 2023, at 2 PM Eastern Time. Epic Games called it “a new beginning for Fortnite,” confirmed an appearance by Eminem, and used the event to introduce the transition into Chapter 5.
When was Fortnite’s Big Bang event?
Epic announced The Big Bang on November 21, 2023, and scheduled it for Saturday, December 2, at 2 PM ET. The date and time refer to the 2023 event, not a current or upcoming Fortnite schedule. Epic’s announcement described it as a new beginning for Fortnite.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Fortnite eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Fortnite eGift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite eGift Card | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
How could players join?
Epic said the event tile would appear in Discover 30 minutes before the start, and parties could include up to four players. It also listed Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Amazon Luna as ways to play through the cloud on a computer or mobile device at the time.
There were access changes around the event. Epic-created experiences were scheduled to be disabled from 12 PM ET on December 2. Creator-made experiences were to remain available until the v28.00 downtime began at 11:30 PM ET that night. Epic advised players and creators who wanted to revisit the event to record and archive their experience.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
What did Epic promise for the event?
Epic confirmed that Eminem would appear. The announcement also listed The Big Bang Loading Screen as an attendee reward and described an attendance unlock for the Marshall Magma Style. Three Eminem-themed digital outfits and matching accessories were listed for the Item Shop. These were digital Fortnite items; the announcement did not describe a physical product or establish a continuing offer.
What happened after The Big Bang?
The event was followed by Fortnite’s Chapter 5 Season 1 launch. In its December 3, 2023, launch article, Epic presented Chapter 5 Season 1: Underground as the next chapter for Battle Royale. Read Epic’s Chapter 5 launch announcement.
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
Epic’s December 18, 2023, follow-up described gameplay improvements since The Big Bang across Battle Royale, LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival. That follow-through gives “new era” a broader meaning than a single live event: Epic framed Fortnite as a collection of experiences receiving updates after the transition. See Epic’s post-event update.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you watch The Big Bang now?
Epic recommended recording and archiving the event for anyone who wanted to relive their own experience. The official announcements cited here do not establish whether an official replay or repeat showing is available in 2026.
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
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
