Anime fans who play Fortnite just got the news they’ve been waiting years to hear. On December 9, 2025, prominent Fortnite leaker HYPEX confirmed that Bleach, one of the most beloved anime series of all time, is coming to the battle royale during Chapter 7 Season 1. The leak was initially spotted by SamLeakss, who found files and text references in the game’s code, and HYPEX independently verified the information. This isn’t just speculation or wishful thinking. Multiple credible sources with proven track records are saying it’s happening, and the collaboration extends beyond Fortnite into Rocket League as well.
What the Leakers Actually Said
HYPEX’s December 9 post on Twitter was straightforward and confident. The leaker stated that Bleach is coming to Fortnite this season and that they can independently confirm it. This followed SamLeakss discovering references in the game files that pointed to the collaboration. When multiple leakers with established credibility separately confirm the same information, it’s usually legitimate. HYPEX has correctly predicted countless Fortnite collaborations, map changes, and cosmetic releases over the years, building a reputation as one of the most reliable sources in the community.
The leak also confirmed that the collaboration extends to Rocket League, Epic Games’ car soccer title. This makes perfect sense given how Epic has been cross-promoting content across their properties. The iconic Bleach opening theme Number One, specifically the Bankai version, will reportedly be included as a Jam Track in Fortnite and presumably as arena music in Rocket League. For fans of the series, hearing that legendary soundtrack while playing would be an absolute dream come true.
Why This Took So Long
Bleach fans have been requesting a Fortnite collaboration for years, watching as Dragon Ball Super, My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Punch Man, Cowboy Bebop, and even Naruto all got their time in the spotlight. The delay likely had nothing to do with Epic Games’ willingness and everything to do with timing and licensing. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, the anime adaptation of the manga’s final arc, has been airing since 2022 with breaks between cours. The series is scheduled to conclude in 2026, which might explain why the collaboration is happening now.
Typically, anime collaborations in Fortnite avoid spoiling ongoing storylines. Dragon Ball Super’s Ultra Instinct Goku didn’t appear until well after that form was established in the anime. Naruto skins featured his adult design from Boruto rather than showing transformations from ongoing arcs. By waiting until Thousand-Year Blood War is nearly complete, Epic can include characters in their final forms without spoiling major plot points for anime-only viewers. That consideration shows respect for the source material and the fanbase.
| Anime Series | Fortnite Debut | Number of Skins |
|---|---|---|
| Naruto | November 2021 (returned multiple times) | 7+ including variants |
| Dragon Ball | August 2022 (multiple waves) | 10+ including transformations |
| My Hero Academia | December 2021 (returned 2023) | 4 main characters |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | August 2024 | 4 main characters |
| Bleach | Chapter 7 Season 1 (confirmed leak) | Unknown, likely 4-6 |
Which Characters Will We Get
While the leak doesn’t specify exactly which characters will receive skins, educated guessing based on previous anime collaborations paints a pretty clear picture. Ichigo Kurosaki, the series protagonist, is absolutely guaranteed. He’s the face of Bleach and would likely be the flagship skin for the entire collaboration. Fans are expecting his standard Shinigami form with his iconic zanpakuto Zangetsu as a harvesting tool, possibly with a built-in emote for his Bankai transformation or Getsuga Tensho attack.
Rukia Kuchiki seems like the second most likely inclusion. She’s the deuteragonist who kickstarts the entire series by transferring her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo. Her design is iconic with the black Shinigami robes, and she’s popular enough to justify her own skin rather than being relegated to an alternate style. Beyond those two, speculation gets more interesting. Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia’s older brother and captain of the 6th Division, has a striking design and massive fan following. Kisuke Urahara with his distinctive hat and cane would translate beautifully into Fortnite’s aesthetic.
Some fans are hoping for villains like Sosuke Aizen or Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, which would follow the pattern set by Dragon Ball including Frieza and Beerus. Others want supporting characters like Orihime Inoue, Uryu Ishida, or Renji Abarai. Given that most anime collaborations in Fortnite include between four and six skins across multiple waves, expecting Ichigo, Rukia, and two to four additional characters seems reasonable. Epic could also include Hollow forms or Bankai transformations as reactive elements that trigger during gameplay.
The Number One Jam Track
One of the most exciting confirmed details is that Number One, Bleach’s legendary opening theme, will be included as a Jam Track. This song is absolutely iconic in anime circles, accompanying some of the series’ most memorable fights. The specific version mentioned is the Bankai remix, which features even more intense instrumentation perfect for Fortnite’s combat scenarios. Jam Tracks let players perform music in-game using instruments, and hearing Number One while battling on the island would create incredible hype moments.
This follows Epic’s successful integration of anime music in previous collaborations. Dragon Ball brought the iconic theme song. Naruto included tracks from the series. My Hero Academia featured You Say Run. These aren’t just cosmetic additions. They’re essential to capturing the spirit of the source material and making fans feel like they’re actually embodying these characters rather than just wearing skins. The fact that Number One is specifically confirmed suggests Epic understands what Bleach fans want from this collaboration.
How Big Will This Collaboration Be
Based on previous major anime partnerships, expect a medium-to-large collaboration rather than a small single-skin drop. Dragon Ball received multiple waves totaling over ten skins across different releases. Naruto came back several times with new characters added each wave. Jujutsu Kaisen launched with four characters. Bleach sits comfortably in the same tier as these franchises in terms of popularity and cultural impact, so a similar treatment makes sense.
The initial wave probably includes four skins, one Jam Track, multiple harvesting tools based on zanpakuto, back bling items featuring Shinigami badges or spiritual pressure effects, loading screens, and at least one built-in emote. Epic might include a themed Creative map or limited-time mode incorporating Bleach mechanics, though that’s speculation. The collaboration extending to Rocket League suggests this is a significant investment from both Epic Games and the Bleach license holders, not just a quick cash grab.
When Will It Actually Release
The leak specifies Chapter 7 Season 1, which launched on November 30, 2025 and runs through early March 2026. That’s a roughly three-month window for the collaboration to drop. Based on how Epic typically spaces out major collaborations, expect the Bleach content sometime in January or February 2026. This gives Epic time to build hype through official teasers and announcements while avoiding the crowded holiday release schedule when multiple other collaborations compete for attention.
Epic tends to announce anime collaborations about one week before they go live, using social media teasers and in-game hints to generate buzz. They’ll probably reveal character designs through official artwork, show off gameplay with the skins equipped, and detail exactly what’s included in bundles versus sold separately. The community will dissect every frame of those trailers analyzing details and debating which characters made the cut. That pre-release hype cycle is part of what makes these collaborations successful.
The Rocket League Connection
Bleach content coming to Rocket League makes this collaboration even more interesting. Epic has been increasingly cross-promoting content across their portfolio since acquiring Psyonix. Previous collaborations like Batman, Rocket League, and Formula 1 have appeared in both Fortnite and Rocket League with themed cosmetics. For Bleach, expect car decals featuring iconic imagery from the series, toppers shaped like characters or symbols, goal explosions with spiritual pressure effects, and potentially player anthems featuring the Number One track.
Rocket League’s anime collaborations have historically been well-received by that community. The games share significant audience overlap, with many players enjoying both titles. Including Rocket League in the Bleach partnership expands the collaboration’s reach beyond battle royale players and demonstrates Epic’s commitment to making this a multimedia event rather than isolated content drops. It also suggests the licensing deal was substantial enough to cover multiple properties.
Community Reaction Has Been Ecstatic
Social media exploded when HYPEX and SamLeakss confirmed the collaboration. Reddit threads discussing the leak generated hundreds of comments within hours, with fans expressing excitement, debating which characters they want, and sharing concept art they’ve created over the years hoping for exactly this moment. The Fortnite and Bleach communities have significant overlap, particularly among players who grew up watching the anime during its original 2004 to 2012 run and returned for Thousand-Year Blood War.
Some skepticism exists, as with any leak, but the credibility of the sources involved has quieted most doubters. HYPEX doesn’t make these confirmations lightly, knowing that his reputation depends on accuracy. The fact that multiple independent sources found evidence separately adds legitimacy. Most discussion has moved past whether it’s happening to what’s included and when it releases. That shift from skepticism to anticipation shows how much trust these leakers have earned within the community.
What This Means for Future Anime Collabs
If Bleach performs well commercially, which seems virtually guaranteed given the franchise’s popularity, it opens doors for even more anime collaborations. Fans have been requesting One Piece for years, and that series’ massive resurgence thanks to the live-action adaptation and ongoing manga arcs makes it an obvious next target. Gundam has been mentioned countless times. Sailor Moon would bring a different demographic. Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man, and Attack on Titan remain possibilities despite their respective series conclusions.
The consistent success of anime content in Fortnite has proven these collaborations aren’t niche. They’re mainstream attractions that drive engagement, bring lapsed players back to the game, and generate significant revenue. Epic clearly understands this, dedicating resources to securing licenses and developing high-quality cosmetics that honor the source material. Bleach joining Dragon Ball, Naruto, and others in the Fortnite universe reinforces that anime is no longer a side category but a central pillar of Epic’s collaboration strategy.
FAQs
Is Bleach officially confirmed for Fortnite?
Not officially by Epic Games, but credible leakers HYPEX and SamLeakss have both independently confirmed files and references in the game code indicating a Bleach collaboration is coming during Chapter 7 Season 1.
When does the Bleach collaboration release?
Chapter 7 Season 1 runs from November 30, 2025 through early March 2026. Based on typical collaboration timing, expect the Bleach content in January or February 2026, though no specific date has been leaked.
Which Bleach characters will be in Fortnite?
Not confirmed yet, but Ichigo Kurosaki is virtually guaranteed as the protagonist. Rukia Kuchiki seems highly likely. Other popular characters like Byakuya, Kisuke Urahara, Orihime, and villains like Aizen or Grimmjow are possibilities based on previous anime collaboration patterns.
Will the Number One song be in Fortnite?
Yes, according to the leaks, the iconic Bleach opening theme Number One, specifically the Bankai version, will be included as a Jam Track that players can perform in-game using instruments.
Is Bleach coming to Rocket League too?
Yes, the leaks confirm the collaboration extends to Rocket League with themed cosmetics and the Number One song, though specific details about what content Rocket League receives haven’t been disclosed yet.
How much will Bleach skins cost?
Not announced, but based on previous anime collaborations, expect individual skins around 1,500 to 2,000 V-Bucks, with bundles offering multiple characters at slight discounts. Premium skins with reactive elements might cost more.
Will there be Bleach weapons or items?
Unknown. Previous anime collaborations like Dragon Ball included special items like the Kamehameha and Nimbus Cloud. Bleach could introduce zanpakuto-based weapons or spiritual pressure abilities, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Why did Bleach take so long to come to Fortnite?
Likely due to timing with the Thousand-Year Blood War anime adaptation. Epic typically avoids spoiling ongoing anime arcs with collaborations. With the anime concluding in 2026, now is the perfect time to include final forms without spoiling viewers.
Can I buy Bleach skins with money instead of V-Bucks?
Typically no. Most Fortnite cosmetics must be purchased with V-Bucks, which you buy with real money. Occasionally Epic offers special real-money bundles, but most items follow standard V-Buck pricing.
Conclusion
After years of requests from fans who watched Dragon Ball, Naruto, and other anime franchises join Fortnite while Bleach remained absent, the wait is finally over. The confirmation from HYPEX and SamLeakss that Bleach is coming during Chapter 7 Season 1 represents a massive moment for both communities. The inclusion of the iconic Number One theme as a Jam Track, the extension into Rocket League, and the likelihood of multiple character skins across waves shows Epic is treating this collaboration with the respect it deserves. Whether you’re a longtime fan who watched Bleach during its original run, someone who discovered it through Thousand-Year Blood War, or just a Fortnite player who appreciates quality crossovers, this collaboration promises to deliver. We’re probably just weeks away from running around the island as Ichigo, performing Getsuga Tensho emotes, and listening to Number One blast while fighting for Victory Royale. And honestly, that sounds absolutely incredible. The only remaining questions are which characters make the cut, when exactly it releases, and whether Epic includes any surprise elements beyond skins and music. One thing is certain: anime fans are about to have a very good start to 2026.