Get Ready to “Rock the House”: A Look at the Highly Anticipated Gorillaz Collab

The virtual world of Fortnite is set to get a massive dose of animated anarchy with the official launch of the Gorillaz collaboration. The iconic virtual band, created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, is headlining the highly anticipated Fortnite Festival Season 10, bringing with them a host of new skins, music, and in-game content. The collaboration, which has been the subject of leaks and speculation for weeks, is now confirmed to be a major event that will tie into multiple aspects of the game. For players eagerly awaiting to “get the cool shoeshine” and drop into the battle royale as their favorite virtual band members, this article provides a complete breakdown of the release date, time, and everything you can expect from this epic crossover.

Release Date and Time: When the Crossover Arrives

The Fortnite Festival Season 10, featuring the Gorillaz collaboration, is set to launch on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. As with all major Fortnite updates, the new season will go live after a period of downtime, which is expected to begin at 9 AM ET (Eastern Time). The update will roll out globally, so the specific time it becomes available to you will depend on your time zone. Here is a breakdown of the expected release times for various regions:

• New York / Toronto (EDT): 4:00 AM on August 26
• London (BST): 9:00 AM on August 26
• Berlin (CEST): 10:00 AM on August 26
• Tokyo (JST): 5:00 PM on August 26
• Sydney (AEST): 6:00 PM on August 26

Once the downtime is complete and the new update, v37.10, is live, players can jump into all the new content and start progressing through the new Festival Pass. The season is scheduled to run until October 14, 2025, giving players plenty of time to unlock all the new rewards.

Skins and The Music Pass: What’s Included?

The Gorillaz collaboration is bringing a variety of new cosmetics to the game, but with a slight twist. The entire band will be available, but they will be split between the new Festival Pass and the Item Shop. This is a new approach for a headlining artist in Fortnite Festival, and it’s important to know what you’ll be getting and how to get it.

• Festival Pass: The new Music Pass will feature Murdoc Niccals and Russel Hobbs as unlockable outfits. The pass, which costs 1,400 V-Bucks, is the primary way to earn these skins. However, if you are a member of the Fortnite Crew, you will receive the Festival Pass for free.
• Item Shop: The two other members of the band, 2-D and Noodle, will be available as separate purchases in the Item Shop. Leaks suggest that each skin will cost around 1,500 V-Bucks, making the full collection of all four a significant investment.

This split release strategy means that players who want the full set of Gorillaz characters will need to purchase both the Festival Pass and the Item Shop skins. While some in the community have expressed disappointment, it is a common practice for Fortnite to release collaboration cosmetics in both formats. The new season will also introduce new music from the band, which can be played in Fortnite Festival’s rhythm mode, as well as new instruments and emotes.

Thematic and Musical Impact: A Perfect Fit

The choice of Gorillaz as the headlining act for Fortnite Festival Season 10 is a perfect one. The band has always existed in a virtual, animated space, making their transition into the world of Fortnite seamless and logical. Their unique visual style and genre-bending music are a perfect match for the game’s creative and diverse community. The collaboration is a testament to Epic Games’ continued commitment to making Fortnite a cultural hub, blending a variety of artists and intellectual properties into its ever-expanding world.

In addition to the new skins, players can look forward to new Jam Tracks, instruments, and likely new quests that will be tied to the new season’s theme. The season will also likely feature a new stage for the Gorillaz, a unique location that players can explore and use as a musical playground. The official reveal for the event happened a few days ago, and in-game assets are already showing up, creating a massive buzz for the upcoming launch.

As the countdown to August 26 begins, fans of both Fortnite and Gorillaz are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the game’s biggest and most memorable musical events. The new season offers a unique blend of new content, and the opportunity to “get the party started” in a whole new way. So, make sure your game is updated, and get ready to drop into the battle as 2-D, Noodle, Murdoc, or Russel.

Note: All times are subject to change by Epic Games. It’s always a good idea to check official Fortnite channels for the most up-to-date information regarding patch times and release schedules.