- Genre: Battle Royale / Sci-Fi Crossover
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
- Release Date: May 22, 2025
- Developer: Epic Games
A Galaxy Far, Far More Fun
Fortnite’s Mandalorian Rising update isn’t just another licensed crossover—it’s a full-blown Star Wars invasion that injects jet fuel into the battle royale’s core gameplay. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Mando and Grogu or just here for new loot and chaos, this update lands harder than a Slave I airstrike. With new mechanics, a galaxy-sized battle pass, and some of the slickest skins in Fortnite history, Mandalorian Rising might be the most ambitious and satisfying themed update the game has ever seen.
Gameplay: Bounty Hunting Meets Battle Royale
At its core, Fortnite remains the same: you drop in, scavenge gear, build defenses (or don’t, in Zero Build mode), and try to be the last one standing. But Mandalorian Rising isn’t content with just slapping a Star Wars coat of paint over it. Epic went all in on gameplay additions that actually change how you approach a match.
Recruitable Mandalorian NPCs
This new feature feels like something ripped out of an RPG. Around the island, you’ll find Mandalorian mercenaries that can be recruited to your squad. Each falls into a specific class—Heavy, Scout, Supply, or Medic—and comes with unique benefits. Hiring a Heavy gives you extra firepower in tight fights, while a Scout will ping nearby enemies, almost like a mobile UAV.
Completing side quests for these NPCs can even level them up mid-match, turning a disposable bot into a serious ally. It adds a whole new layer of strategy—suddenly you’re not just fighting to survive; you’re managing resources and making decisions about who to recruit and when.
New Weapons That Pack a Punch
What’s a Star Wars crossover without some iconic blasters? Two new weapons drop into the loot pool:
- Amban Sniper Rifle: This beast is slow-firing but hits like a truck. Perfect for picking off third-party targets.
- WESTAR-34 Dual Pistols: Rapid-fire chaos with a heat buildup system that forces you to fire in controlled bursts. These things feel amazing in Zero Build, where mobility and aggression win fights.
Both weapons feel distinct, and importantly, they’re not just novelty gear. They’re viable, meta-shaking tools that can change the flow of a game.
Jetpacks and Vertical Play
Jetpacks return, but they’re better than ever. Mandalorian-themed jetpacks offer vertical movement and fall damage immunity, giving aggressive players a serious mobility boost. There’s a high-risk, high-reward element to chasing fights through the skies, but it’s undeniably satisfying to outmaneuver your opponent and rain blaster bolts from above.
Visuals & Audio: Star Wars with Fortnite Swag
Visually, Mandalorian Rising is peak Fortnite. The collaboration between Epic and Lucasfilm results in some of the most detailed, faithful skins we’ve seen. Din Djarin, Grogu, Sabine Wren, even Emperor Palpatine all get the Fortnite glow-up while keeping their distinct Star Wars aesthetics intact.
The world has also seen subtle but effective visual tweaks. Areas of the island now resemble desert outposts, Imperial ruins, and cantina-style hideouts. There’s a new POI called “Kit’s Cantina” that’s absolutely dripping with atmosphere.
Sound-wise, it’s a symphony of Star Wars goodness. From the hum of blasters to the hiss of jetpacks, every sound effect nails the fantasy. The music, particularly during key events, includes sweeping orchestral cues that feel lifted straight from a Disney+ episode.
Performance: Smooth Like Grogu’s Bald Head
Epic continues to deliver strong optimization across all platforms. Load times are quick, matchmaking is snappy, and we haven’t seen major bugs or crashes.
Even with all the new systems—NPCs, special weapons, jetpacks, dynamic events—Fortnite holds steady at 60 FPS on consoles and beyond on PC. Mobile performance has reportedly improved too, though limited UI real estate still makes mobile play a challenge.
Replayability & Content: A Season Worth Grinding
If you’re the kind of player who lives for the Battle Pass grind, Mandalorian Rising has you covered. Themed cosmetics include:
- Customizable Mandalorian Armor: Mix and match helmet types, chest plates, and visors to create your own clan style.
- Star Wars Skins Galore: From Poe Dameron to Thrawn, the selection is huge.
- Pickaxes, Gliders, Emotes: You haven’t lived until you’ve skydived into Tilted rocking a Slave I glider.
Limited-time events are also dropping throughout the season. Leaks suggest upcoming missions tied to “Star Destroyer Bombardment” and “Death Star Sabotage” mini-games. These will offer exclusive loot and are shaping up to be must-play for PvE and lore fans.
Oh, and there’s a new ranked mode twist called “Bounty Brackets,” where taking out top-ranked players earns you massive XP and exclusive badges. It’s sweaty, chaotic, and totally addictive.
Final Verdict: 9/10 — This Is the Way
Fortnite’s Mandalorian Rising is the rare crossover that nails both form and function. It doesn’t just reskin the game, it transforms it. With innovative new gameplay systems, satisfying weapons, and a galaxy’s worth of polish, this update is one of the best Fortnite has ever delivered.
It’s a must-play for Star Wars fans, yes. But more importantly, it’s a must-play for Fortnite fans. This is the way.
🎥 Watch the Official Trailer
Want to see it all in action? Check out the Mandalorian Rising gameplay trailer for a taste of what’s waiting out there in the stars.
Are you hyped for Mandalorian Rising? What loadout are you running this season? Drop your bounty plans in the comments below!
