The wait is finally over for anime fans. After years of speculation and countless fan requests, Fortnite has officially confirmed that Bleach is joining its roster of anime collaborations on December 20, 2025. This marks another massive crossover for Epic Games, bringing Soul Reapers and their iconic Zanpakutō into the Battle Royale universe.
Official Announcement Drops After Weeks of Leaks
Fortnite teased the collaboration with a cryptic video posted to Instagram and YouTube on December 13, featuring a sword that Bleach fans immediately recognized. The teaser included the message “Something is coming” and confirmed the December 20 release date. While the video didn’t explicitly name Bleach, the imagery was unmistakable to anyone familiar with the series.
The announcement comes after prominent Fortnite dataminers like ShiinaBR and SamLeakss discovered evidence of the collaboration in game files earlier in December. These leaks pointed to not just character skins, but also music tracks and themed cosmetics that would make this one of the biggest anime events in Fortnite’s history.
Confirmed Characters and Skins
Based on official teasers and reliable leaks, at least four characters from Bleach are confirmed or heavily rumored for the collaboration. Ichigo Kurosaki, the orange-haired protagonist, is essentially guaranteed to be part of the lineup. His signature Zanpakutō and iconic look make him the obvious centerpiece of this crossover.
Rukia Kuchiki has also been confirmed through datamined information. Her ice-based abilities and connection to the story’s beginning make her a natural choice. Early leaks suggest her cosmetics might include references to “Hakka no Togame,” her Bankai ability that creates absolute zero ice effects.
Two additional characters that appear in leaked information are Orihime Inoue and Uryū Ishida. Both are core members of Ichigo’s group and would round out a solid four-character launch roster. Other names circulating in the community include Byakuya Kuchiki, Renji Abarai, and even antagonists like Aizen, though these remain unconfirmed.
What Else is Included
The collaboration goes beyond just character skins. Dataminers discovered references to “Number One – Bankai,” which appears to be a Jam Track based on Ichigo’s iconic theme song “Number One.” This would allow players to play the recognizable track in-game, similar to other music collaborations Fortnite has featured.
Players can expect the full suite of cosmetics that typically accompany major Fortnite collaborations. This likely includes Back Bling items (possibly featuring Zanpakutō sheaths), Pickaxes styled after the characters’ weapons, Gliders, and potentially even Emotes that reference signature moves or poses from the anime.
Perfect Timing with Thousand-Year Blood War
The timing of this collaboration isn’t coincidental. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, the anime adaptation of the manga’s final arc, has been airing since 2022 and has brought renewed interest to the franchise. The fourth and final cour is scheduled to air in 2026, making this the perfect moment to capitalize on Bleach’s resurgence in popularity.
Fortnite has proven that anime collaborations are incredibly popular with its playerbase. Previous crossovers with Naruto, Dragon Ball, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen were all massive successes, bringing in both longtime Fortnite players and anime fans who might not typically play the game. Bleach joining this roster feels like a natural progression.
How Bleach Fits Into Chapter 7 Season 1
The Bleach collaboration arrives during Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1, which launched on November 30 and runs until early March 2026. This season has already featured high-profile collaborations with Kill Bill and Back to the Future, setting expectations high for what Epic Games can deliver.
Unlike some collaborations that appear mid-season, the Bleach event is arriving relatively early in Chapter 7. This gives players plenty of time to enjoy the skins and cosmetics throughout the season. Based on past anime collaborations, the skins will likely be available in the Item Shop for a limited time before potentially returning months later.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does the Bleach x Fortnite collaboration release?
The Bleach collaboration officially drops on December 20, 2025. Epic Games confirmed this date in their teaser video released on December 13.
Which Bleach characters are confirmed for Fortnite?
Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki are the most reliably confirmed characters. Leaked information also suggests Orihime Inoue and Uryū Ishida may be included, with additional characters possible but unconfirmed.
How much will the Bleach skins cost?
While official pricing hasn’t been announced, most anime collaboration skins in Fortnite cost between 1,500 to 2,000 V-Bucks individually. Bundles that include multiple skins and cosmetics typically range from 2,500 to 3,500 V-Bucks.
Will there be a Bleach Battle Pass or just Item Shop skins?
Based on all available information, the Bleach skins will appear in the Fortnite Item Shop rather than as part of the Battle Pass. This is consistent with how Fortnite has handled other anime collaborations.
Is the “Number One” theme song really coming to Fortnite?
Dataminers found references to “Number One – Bankai” in the game files, suggesting Ichigo’s iconic theme will be available as a Jam Track. However, Epic Games hasn’t officially confirmed this yet.
Will the Bleach skins come back after they leave the shop?
Major anime collaboration skins typically return to the Item Shop several months after their initial release. Previous anime skins from Naruto and Dragon Ball have returned multiple times, so Bleach skins will likely follow the same pattern.
Can I use Bleach skins in all Fortnite game modes?
Yes, once purchased, Bleach skins can be used in all Fortnite game modes including Battle Royale, Zero Build, Creative, and any limited-time modes available during the season.
Conclusion
The Bleach x Fortnite collaboration represents another win for anime fans and demonstrates Epic Games’ commitment to bringing diverse pop culture icons into their game. With confirmed characters like Ichigo and Rukia, themed music tracks, and the full suite of cosmetics, this crossover has everything fans have been requesting for years. Whether you’re a longtime Bleach fan or just appreciate quality anime crossovers, December 20 is shaping up to be a date worth marking on your calendar. The Soul Society is coming to Battle Royale Island, and it’s bringing its best warriors along for the fight.