Fortnite's 2024 seasons follow a predictable schedule, though Epic Games does not announce exact dates far in advance
Fortnite typically releases a new season every 10 to 12 weeks. In 2024, Epic Games released Chapter 6, Season 1 in early December 2024, which means the next season will likely arrive in mid-to-late February or early March 2025. Epic Games rarely announces the exact date more than a few weeks ahead, so checking the in-game news feed or the official Fortnite website is more reliable than looking for a pre-announced calendar.
Each new season brings a battle pass with cosmetics to unlock, map changes, new weapons, and sometimes entirely new gameplay mechanics. The battle pass costs 950 V-Bucks (Fortnite's in-game currency, roughly $10 USD, though prices vary by region) and gives you access to cosmetics and rewards over the season's duration.
If you want to know when the current season ends, look at the battle pass screen in-game — it displays a countdown timer showing exactly how many days and hours remain. This timer is the most accurate way to predict when the next season will begin, since new seasons typically launch within 24 hours of the previous one ending.
Key Takeaways
- New Fortnite seasons arrive roughly every 10 to 12 weeks, with the next one expected in mid-to-late February or early March 2025.
- Epic Games does not publish exact season dates months in advance; check the in-game battle pass timer or the official Fortnite website for the most current information.
- Each season includes a new battle pass, map updates, and new weapons or gameplay changes that reset your progression but keep your cosmetics.
- The battle pass costs 950 V-Bucks and is optional — you can play the free version of Fortnite without purchasing it.
How to find the exact end date of the current season
Open Fortnite and go to the Battle Pass tab. At the top of the screen, you will see a countdown timer that shows the exact day and time the current season ends. This is the most reliable source because it updates in real time and accounts for any delays Epic Games might announce.
If you are not in-game, you can also visit the official Fortnite website (fortnite.com) and look for the news section. Epic Games posts season announcements there, usually one to two weeks before a new season launches. The announcement includes the launch date and time in your local timezone.
What happens when a new season starts
When a new season launches, the battle pass resets. Any progress you made on the previous season's battle pass is locked in — you keep all the cosmetics and rewards you unlocked, but you cannot earn more from that pass. Your new season battle pass starts at tier 1, and you earn tiers by playing matches, completing challenges, and gaining battle pass experience.
The map usually changes in some way. This might be a new named location, a destroyed landmark, or a completely redesigned area. Weapons rotate as well — some weapons are vaulted (removed from the game), and new ones are added. Your locker of cosmetics (skins, pickaxes, emotes) carries over to every season, so you never lose cosmetics you have purchased or earned.
If you have an active battle pass when the season ends, you have until the next season ends to finish it and claim remaining rewards. However, you cannot earn new tiers after the season officially ends, so finishing before the new season launches is the only way to complete it.
How seasons differ from chapters
Fortnite uses two levels of updates: chapters and seasons. A chapter is a major overhaul that happens roughly every 1 to 2 years and often includes a new map, new engine features, or a major story shift. A season is a smaller update that happens within a chapter and focuses on cosmetics, weapons, and limited-time events.
Chapter 6, Season 1 launched in December 2024 with a new map and new mechanics. Within Chapter 6, there will be multiple seasons (Season 2, Season 3, and so on) before Chapter 7 eventually arrives. Understanding this structure helps you know whether a major change is coming or just a cosmetic refresh.
Battle pass progression and how long seasons last
A typical season lasts 10 to 12 weeks. The battle pass has 100 tiers, and most players who play regularly can reach tier 100 within that timeframe. You earn battle pass experience by playing matches, completing daily and weekly challenges, and opening special milestone rewards.
If you purchase the battle pass, you can also buy tiers directly with V-Bucks if you fall behind. Each tier costs 150 V-Bucks, though buying multiple tiers at once sometimes offers a discount. This is optional — the free version of Fortnite lets you earn cosmetics through gameplay alone, just at a slower rate.
Where to check for official announcements
The most reliable sources for season information are the in-game news feed, the official Fortnite website (fortnite.com), and the official Fortnite social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Epic Games posts announcements there before launching a new season, usually with the exact date and time.
Fan sites and YouTube channels often speculate about upcoming seasons based on leaks or data mining, but these are not official and can be inaccurate. If you want to know for certain, stick to the in-game timer and the official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my cosmetics when a new season starts?
No. All cosmetics you own — skins, pickaxes, emotes, wraps — stay in your locker forever. They carry over to every season. Only your battle pass progress resets, and you keep the rewards you already unlocked from the previous season.
Can I finish a battle pass after the season ends?
No. Once a season ends, you cannot earn new tiers on that battle pass. You can still view and claim rewards you already earned, but you cannot progress further. This is why checking the countdown timer and finishing before the season ends matters if you want tier 100 rewards.
What is the difference between the free and paid battle pass?
The free battle pass gives you cosmetics and V-Bucks as you progress, but fewer of them. The paid battle pass (950 V-Bucks) gives you more cosmetics, more V-Bucks back, and exclusive skins. Both let you earn tiers at the same rate through gameplay.
How much does the battle pass cost in my country?
The battle pass costs 950 V-Bucks. The dollar amount varies by region and currency. Check the in-game shop to see the exact price in your local currency, or visit the Fortnite website for your region.
Will there be a new map in 2025?
Probably not within the next few seasons. Chapter 6 launched with a new map in December 2024, so the map will likely stay the same through multiple seasons. Major map changes usually happen at the start of a new chapter, which typically occurs every 1 to 2 years.