Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1: Release Date, Map, Leaks & More

Fortnite gears up for Chapter 5 Season 1 this December, expected to unveil sweeping map changes, new gameplay elements, and additional content for the blockbuster battle royale game.

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 Release Date Details

The current Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 5 “OG” concludes on December 2nd. Excluding any potential delays, Chapter 5 should launch on December 3rd per the in-game Battle Pass timer. However, the shift to a brand new chapter could extend the normal downtime. Epic Games has yet to confirm the actual Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 release date, however, the new season should debut in the first week of December.

New Island Map

Chapter 5 Season 1 is expected to introduce another completely redesigned island for the battle royale fights. Leaks reveal a work-in-progress map with uneven terrain including mountains and valleys. A fully-fledged mountain area dominates the south. Moving north, the map gradually flattens into greener, more tropical areas. 

A sizable island also features off the northern coast, perhaps signaling more aquatic-themed locations. Given the map's work-in-progress phase, exact elevations remain subject to change. How much it evolves from leaks to launch stays a mystery locked away with Epic Games.

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 Gameplay Updates & New Weapons

New chapters usually bring new weapons and gameplay as well. For Chapter 5 Season 1, leaks point to customizable weapon mods with varying rarity tiers. The long-teased first-person mode may finally be available too.

Other functionality includes rideable flying animals, an expanded locker system, and a full racing mode with garages for customizing vehicles. Fan-favorite helicopters seem set for a comeback too with some armament upgrades.

Additional Content Speculation

The community expects Chapter 5 Season 1 to offer the usual array of new Battle Pass characters, maps, cosmetics, and more. Rumors also suggest a major Lego crossover that could eclipse previous branded tie-ins.

As the launch is getting closer, Epic Games will reveal more concrete details. For now, the early intel paints a vivid picture of how radically different Fortnite’s world will become when Chapter 5 Season 1 drops in December after an explosive OG finale.