Epic Games has announced a new Star Wars-themed season in Fortnite, set to launch on Friday, which will bring a host of exciting features to the popular battle royale game. The season, teased in April, promises to immerse players in the Star Wars universe like never before, with new locations, weapons, skins, vehicles, and even Force powers.

One of the most anticipated features of the season is the ability to fly an X-Wing, which will be available at the Resistance base on the Fortnite island. Players will also be able to engage in battles with Darth Vader Samurai, a unique skin in the game, and claim a red lightsaber and a Force power that lets them throw it as a reward for defeating him.

In addition to the X-Wing, the season will introduce other Star Wars-inspired locations, including a First Order base, a smuggler hub called the Outpost Enclave, and a dedicated area where players can find Darth Vader Samurai. A hologram of Rey will also be present on the island, offering players a Force push power, while finding the hologram of Emperor Palpatine will grant them Force lightning.

The season's battle pass will feature a range of iconic Star Wars characters, including Poe Dameron, General Grievous, and Emperor Palpatine himself. Throughout the season, Epic will make changes to the map, adding more Star Wars characters and allowing players to use a Star Destroyer's turbolaser to blast their opponents. A live, in-game event is also planned for June 7th, where players will "take the fight to Emperor Palpatine."

This new season builds upon Fortnite's previous Star Wars tie-ins, which have included exclusive skins and the debut of an exclusive clip of The Rise of Skywalker before the movie hit theaters. Epic and Disney are also offering a free Stormtrooper outfit to players who link their Epic and MyDisney accounts, marking a "first step" in their plans to build a shared "universe."

The collaboration between Epic and Disney is a significant one, demonstrating the growing importance of cross-platform experiences and brand crossovers in the gaming industry. As Fortnite continues to evolve and expand its reach, this new Star Wars season is likely to attract both longtime fans of the franchise and new players alike.

With its richly detailed environments, iconic characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Fortnite's Star Wars season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting updates in the game's history. As the season kicks off on Friday, fans of both Fortnite and Star Wars will be eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore this new galaxy far, far away.