Epic Games has officially launched an exciting new collaboration between Fortnite and the pioneering virtual YouTuber Kizuna AI, marking one of the first major appearances of a VTuber in the battle royale universe. The crossover debuted in the Fortnite Item Shop on January 16, 2026, bringing a lineup of themed cosmetics, outfits, music, and emotes that celebrate Kizuna AI’s influence on virtual entertainment and gaming culture.
Kizuna AI Enters Fortnite
Kizuna AI, widely regarded as the original VTuber who helped popularize the genre beginning in 2016, now appears in Fortnite with an official bundle of cosmetics that players can purchase in the Item Shop. The collaboration confirmed by Epic Games has been described by fans as a significant moment for both the VTuber community and Fortnite’s expanding roster of crossovers.
This crossover brings Kizuna AI’s signature style and music into Fortnite’s vibrant universe, blending the virtual idol’s energetic persona with Fortnite’s creative gameplay and customization options.
What’s Included in the Kizuna AI Bundle
The Kizuna AI collaboration offers a variety of themed in-game items, including:
Outfits & Skins
Kizuna AI — the classic VTuber look with music-reactive visual effects
Jersey Kizuna AI — a stylish, sporty variant of the original design
Back Blings & Accessories
Kizuna AI’s Wings (also known as Hello World Wings) — a holographic back accessory
Chibi Ai-chan — a plushie mascot back bling
Lovely Kizuna — themed instrument accessory
Voice of Love — themed microphone accessory
Emotes & Jam Tracks
Hello, Morning — a dance emote inspired by Kizuna AI’s hit song
Jam Tracks from Kizuna AI’s music catalog: Hello, Morning, future base, and mirai
Additional items reportedly include themed wraps and a custom loading screen tied to the collaboration.
‘Kizuna AI Icon Cup’ Tournament and Early Access
Ahead of the public launch on January 16, Fortnite hosted the “Kizuna AI Icon Cup”, a Duo Battle Royale tournament held on January 13–14, 2026. Players who performed well in the competition earned early access to the Kizuna AI outfit and select back bling before the items went live in the Item Shop.
Global Rollout and Community Impact
The Kizuna AI bundle was made available globally on January 17, 2026, with staggered timing across regions aligned with Fortnite’s typical Item Shop reset schedule. Players in Europe saw the bundle appear early on January 17, while other regions followed in their respective time zones.
The collaboration has generated considerable buzz within the Fortnite community, with many players welcoming the addition of a virtual talent to the game and speculating that it could pave the way for future VTuber crossovers. Some fans, however, displayed confusion on social media due to the “AI” name, mistakenly thinking it involved generative artificial intelligence rather than a well-established VTuber character.
A Milestone for VTubers in Gaming
Kizuna AI’s appearance in Fortnite represents a notable expansion of the battle royale’s Icon Series a category that celebrates real-world and entertainment personalities by including a virtual performer. This collaboration highlights Fortnite’s continued push into diverse cultural territories, embracing digital and internet culture figures alongside traditional entertainment icons.
As players continue to collect and enjoy the Kizuna AI cosmetics, the crossover stands out as one of Fortnite’s more musically creative collaborations, blending gaming, virtual performance, and community engagement in a way that reflects both Epic Games’ evolving vision and Kizuna AI’s enduring impact on virtual entertainment.