Fortnite players around the globe have been buzzing about the recent release of the highly anticipated Darth Vader Samurai skin. This new addition, launched during Chapter 6 Season 1 on December 24, 2024, is part of Epic Games' overarching Japanese-themed content dubbed Demon Hunters. It includes not only the iconic Sith Lord but also the Samurai Stormtrooper, both presented with shinobi-style aesthetics.
Although players were initially ecstatic over leaked images depicting Vader wielding his katana with glowing red engravings, expectations quickly met disappointment upon the actual release. The katana, which again was showcased as part of the promotional art, failed to deliver the expected lightsaber-like effects. On social platforms, players articulated their dismay, remarking on how the glowing lightsaber aspect appeared to be “grossly exaggerated” for promotional purposes. One frustrated player captured the sentiment succinctly, stating, "They would do anything but give us an actual lightsaber," showcasing the general sentiment among loyal fans.
This comparison to lightsabers isn’t unfounded, considering the established popularity of the Star Wars franchise within the Fortnite community. While players could previously pick up similar glowing weapons from Fortnite’s collaborations, the lack of this sought-after feature on Vader's katana proved to be disheartening. Instead, Fortnite currently includes another glowing katana from its Cyberpunk 2077 collaboration, making the comparison all the more grueling. One player humorously opined, "The Cyberpunk sword unironically fits much besser than the Star Wars one,” highlighting involvement with varied aesthetics.
Despite the initial letdown, the new skins are available for purchase within the Fortnite Item Shop under the Star Wars tab. From December 25, 2024, players can choose between obtaining the skins individually or as part of the Star Wars Samurai bundle, which comprises a total of eleven cosmetic items. Availabilities include items like the Darth Vader Samurai outfit along with the character's LEGO-style outfit, and the Stormtrooper Samurai outfit accompanied by its LEGO variant. Alongside these outfits, players can acquire pickaxes and emotes, such as Vader’s Katana pickaxe.
Respecting the varied price points, players can get the entire bundle for 3,200 V-Bucks, which offers discounted pricing compared to acquiring each item separately. Specifically, the Darth Vader Samurai outfit, his LEGO style, and the Vader katana pickaxe and back bling can be bought for 1,800 V-Bucks, whilst the Stormtrooper's variants come at 1,500 V-Bucks. Individual emotes and wraps can also be purchased for smaller amounts, such as 500 V-Bucks each.
Those eager to grab the skins should be aware of their limited time availability. The Darth Vader Samurai and Stormtrooper Samurai skins will remain on sale until January 8, 2025, at 8 PM Eastern Time. It’s worth noting they are not exclusive and could return to the shop at future dates. With new content hitting Fortnite often, players are encouraged to keep watch on the Item Shop for fresh offerings.
By combining iconic elements from the Star Wars saga with the ever-evolving Fortnite universe, Epic Games has again aimed to capture the hearts of fans. Yet, as the launch of the Darth Vader Samurai skin shows, aligning expectations with reality is sometimes easier said than done.
