Fortnite 9th Birthday 2026: Unvaulted items, free rewards, and more

Fortnite is celebrating its 9th birthday in 2026 with its annual event. The event is now live in-game, offering players a new birthday-themed questline, free rewards, and the usual unvaulted items that return every year.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the birthday, including all quests you can complete to acquire all three free items!

When is Fortnite’s birthday?

Fortnite officially celebrates its birthday on Sept. 26. Although the game originally launched in July 2017, Battle Royale mode went live to the public on Sept. 26, 2017. Therefore, Epic Games recognizes this date as Fortnite’s birthday.

The 2026 Fortnite Birthday event is now live in-game with unvaulted items, a new questline, and free rewards for those who complete quests.

What can I expect as Fortnite turns 9?

The annual birthday celebration is similar to previous years: Epic Games has unvaulted Birthday Presents, the Firework Flare Gun, and Balloons. These items will remain in the loot pool until Fortnite’s ninth birthday event concludes on Oct. 1, 2026.

A Birthday Sprite will reportedly arrive on Sept. 26, so keep an eye out. Additionally, Epic Games has also rolled out a 9th Birthday questline, where players can earn XP and three rewards.

All Fortnite Birthday Rewards 2026

• Choco-9 Cake Back Bling – Complete 3 Quests
• Cake Crusher Pickaxe – Complete 6 Quests
• FNCS Sentry Back Bling – Complete 9 Quests

All Fortnite Birthday Quests 2026

• Dance
• Eliminate opponents while aiming down sights
• Throw Birthday Presents!
• Eat slices of Birthday Cake found at Named Locations
• Deploy Balloons
• Hit headshots
• Search containers
• Visit different Named Locations
• Wish the Bus Driver a happy birthday

The admin panel code ‘9YEARS’ also activates the latest Lobby Hack, which yields the 9th Birthday Spray for free. You have until Oct. 1 to enjoy Fortnite’s 9th birthday before the event disappears forever!