Lantern Fest 2026 marks Epic Games’ latest seasonal event in Fortnite, introducing the largest Reload team format to date alongside a dedicated showcase for developers from the Middle East and North Africa region.
Reload Teams of 8 Goes Live This Week
The “Reload Teams of 8” mode runs from February 19 at 6:00 PM GST through February 25 at 6:00 PM GST. Players can queue with up to three others to form an eight-player team, the largest Reload squad configuration available in the game. Moreover, players can complete three Reload: Lantern Fest Quests to earn the “Bring It!” Spray, and eight quests to unlock the “Love the Game” Emoticon.
Lantern Fest 2026 Highlights MENA Developer Talent
Beyond the new game mode, Epic Games created a dedicated Lantern Fest Discover row featuring islands built by MENA developers. The showcase runs until March 18, 2026, giving regional creators direct visibility on the Fortnite Discover page. Consequently, players browsing the platform will encounter content produced by developers from across the Middle East and North Africa.
New Bundles and Outfits Enter the Item Shop
On February 23 at 7 PM ET, d7boor’s Locker Bundle — curated by Middle Eastern streamer d7boor — becomes available in the Fortnite Item Shop. In addition, the Radiant Moon Bundle, which features the Anwaar and Noorah Outfits, returned to the Shop on February 18 at 7 PM ET. Furthermore, Fortnite gift cards are now available for purchase in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, expanding payment accessibility for players in both markets.
“Fortnite is a place where you can create your own experiences or squad up in the iconic Battle Royale and action-packed Zero Build.”
Epic Games, Company Statement
Reload Lantern Fest Cup Set for March 3
On March 3, duos can compete in the Reload Lantern Fest Cup to unlock Aaliyah, this year’s Lantern Fest mascot Outfit, before it becomes available in the Item Shop. The competitive event adds a tournament layer to the seasonal celebration. Players who secure the Outfit through the Cup will receive it ahead of the general release.
About Fortnite and Epic Games
Fortnite has surpassed 500 million registered accounts worldwide and is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Android, PC, and cloud-based game streaming services. Epic Games, founded in 1991, is the creator of Fortnite, Unreal Engine, and the Epic Games Store. The company builds tools and digital experiences for players, creators, and developers globally.
