Roblox Abyss Codes (February 2026) Free Star Shards & Oxygen Pods
Welcome to the ultimate Roblox Abyss codes guide! If you’re diving into the depths of this incredible underwater fishing adventure,…
If you’ve been waiting for something completely different from regular Fortnite Battle Royale, get ready. The Fortnite Pimlico mode (officially called Crown Jam) is dropping on January 22, 2026, and it’s bringing Fall Guys basketball chaos to the island. I’ve been following every leak, watching creator teasers, and diving deep into what this mode means for Fortnite’s future. Here’s everything you need to know before the mode goes live.
| Release Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Release Date | January 22, 2026 (with v39.30 update) |
| Gameplay Reveal | January 21, 2026 at 9 AM EST |
| Mode Type | Basketball-themed social mode with Fall Guys |
| Game Format | 3v3 matches with ranked and casual variants |
| Availability Period | January 22 – February 9, 2026 (Limited Time) |
| Replaces | Delulu social mode |
| Collaboration | Fall Guys (Warner Bros. involvement rumored) |
The Fortnite Pimlico mode officially launches on Thursday, January 22, 2026, arriving as part of the v39.30 update. Epic Games has orchestrated a strategic two-day rollout that builds hype before the actual release.
Here’s the exact timeline:
Epic invited dozens of content creators to their headquarters in mid-January to playtest Pimlico. Popular streamers like Happy Happy Gal and Pack A Puncher confirmed they played the mode and are ready to showcase it. This creator-first approach mirrors how Epic launched Rocket Racing and LEGO Fortnite, using influencer hype to drive massive day-one engagement.
The timing is strategic. By releasing creator content 24 hours before the mode goes live, Epic builds anticipation while educating players on mechanics they’ve never seen in Fortnite before. When you log in on January 22, you’ll already know how to tackle opponents and score those epic slam dunks.
Pimlico, now officially branded as Crown Jam, represents Fortnite’s boldest departure from Battle Royale yet. This isn’t just another LTM with modified weapons. Crown Jam transforms Fortnite into a basketball arena where Fall Guys beans compete in chaotic 3v3 matches.
Here’s what makes this mode revolutionary:
Crown Jam blends basketball, obstacle courses, and Fall Guys physics into one experience. You’re not playing regular Fortnite here. The mode features:
The mode has been in development since late 2024, with Epic dedicating significant resources to perfecting the physics engine. According to leaker Loolo_WRLD, Epic faced challenges integrating cartoonish movement with competitive gameplay. They solved this by creating an entirely separate physics system that runs parallel to Battle Royale.
Rumors suggest Warner Bros. has involvement in Pimlico’s development. This sparked massive Space Jam speculation across the community. Here’s why:
While Epic hasn’t confirmed Looney Tunes characters, the evidence is compelling. If Space Jam content arrives, expect Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and potentially LeBron James or Michael Jordan cosmetics. The Fall Guys collaboration might be phase one, with Warner Bros. IP dropping later in the mode’s lifecycle.
Crown Jam’s gameplay mechanics feel nothing like traditional Fortnite. I’ve analyzed every leaked detail and creator teaser to break down exactly how this mode works.
The objective is simple: outscore the opposing team by dunking or throwing the ball into their hoop. But the execution is gloriously chaotic:
Offensive Gameplay:
Defensive Gameplay:
Crown Jam doesn’t use Fortnite’s realistic physics. Instead, it implements Fall Guys-style cartoonish movement:
These physics transform basketball into organized chaos. One well-timed tackle can send three players tumbling, creating openings for fast breaks. The movement feels like Fall Guys meets NBA Jam, with exaggerated animations and comedic failures.
When you enter Crown Jam, Epic assigns you to one of six Crown Jam clubs. Each club has distinct visual style and identity:
Your club determines your bean’s appearance during matches. While clubs don’t affect gameplay stats, they create team identity and community. Expect players to develop club loyalty, similar to how Fall Guys players rallied behind team colors.
Crown Jam introduces a completely new ability system to Fortnite. Here’s how it works:
Earning Hype Points:
Using Special Abilities: Once you accumulate enough Hype points, activate bean-specific abilities that give temporary advantages:
The ability system adds strategic depth. Do you activate speed boost immediately for a quick score, or save it for crucial late-game moments? These decisions separate casual fun from competitive play.
Crown Jam arenas aren’t simple basketball courts. They feature Fall Guys-style obstacles:
These obstacles ensure every match feels different. One game might flow smoothly, while another devolves into scrambling through spinning obstacles while three opponents chase you.
Epic is launching Crown Jam with two distinct modes catering to different player types.
The social variant emphasizes fun over competition:
Social mode replaces Delulu, which ended on January 18, 2026. Epic positions Crown Jam as Fortnite’s premier weekend social experience, where squads can hang out, experiment with mechanics, and enjoy basketball without competitive stakes.
For players seeking serious competition, Ranked Crown Jam offers:
Ranked Crown Jam could become Fortnite’s first legitimate esports mode outside Battle Royale. The 3v3 format, ability system, and physics-based gameplay create a skill ceiling that rewards practice and coordination. Expect tryhard squads to dominate leaderboards, developing meta strategies around club compositions and ability timing.
Epic incentivizes Crown Jam participation with free cosmetic rewards for both Fortnite and Fall Guys. Here’s what’s confirmed:
The cross-game reward system represents Epic’s push for ecosystem integration. By rewarding Fall Guys players for Fortnite participation (and vice versa), Epic strengthens both communities. If you main Fall Guys but haven’t touched Fortnite, Crown Jam gives you a compelling reason to dive in.
Crown Jam’s journey from secret project to confirmed mode spans nearly a year. Here’s the complete timeline:
February 2025: Leakers Loolo_WRLD and BeastFNCreative first discovered “Pimlico” in Fortnite’s game files. Initial reports mentioned Warner Bros. involvement and custom abilities.
September 2025: Additional leaks confirmed Epic was developing a non-Battle Royale mode with Warner Bros. partnership. Community speculation exploded around Space Jam crossover.
October 2025: Leakers HYPEX and EpicDBOrg revealed basketball theme and physics challenges. Epic struggled with integrating cartoonish movement and character-specific animations.
December 2025: Development accelerated as Epic finalized physics engine and ability system. Internal playtests showed positive results.
January 2026: Epic invited content creators to headquarters for official playtests. Fall Guys teased collaboration on January 16 with cryptic tweet showing beans with basketball.
January 21, 2026: Creator gameplay reveals drop, showcasing mechanics for the first time publicly.
January 22, 2026: Crown Jam officially launches with v39.30 update.
This timeline shows Epic’s commitment to quality. Most Fortnite modes receive 2-3 months development. Crown Jam got nearly a year, with Epic iterating on physics, abilities, and arena design to create something genuinely new.
Crown Jam represents Epic’s broader vision for Fortnite as a platform, not just a game. Let’s examine where it fits:
Fortnite now offers:
Each mode attracts different audiences. Rocket Racing appeals to racing fans. LEGO Fortnite captures survival crafters. Festival targets music game enthusiasts. Crown Jam brings sports game players and Fall Guys fans into Fortnite’s ecosystem.
Epic acquired Mediatonic (Fall Guys developer) in March 2021. Since then, collaboration has increased:
By making Fall Guys beans the stars of Crown Jam, Epic leverages Mediatonic’s expertise in physics-based party games while introducing Fall Guys IP to Fortnite’s massive playerbase. It’s a win-win that could revitalize Fall Guys’ declining concurrent player counts.
If Warner Bros. is truly involved, Crown Jam could become a permanent IP showcase:
Warner Bros. shutting down MultiVersus left WB characters homeless. Fortnite, with 100+ million monthly players, offers the perfect platform. Crown Jam might evolve into “Warner Bros. Arcade,” hosting rotating sports and mini-games featuring WB’s extensive IP library.
Based on leaked gameplay and mechanics, here are strategies to excel:
Fast Break Mastery: After stealing the ball, immediately activate speed boost and sprint to the enemy hoop before defenses organize. Fast breaks create easy points.
Passing Triangles: Position two teammates near the hoop while one carries the ball mid-court. Pass between the two near the hoop to confuse defenders, then dunk when clear.
Ability Combos: Combine shield bubble with teammate’s jump enhancement. Shield carrier runs interference while enhanced teammate leaps for the dunk.
Obstacle Utilization: Use bounce pads and moving platforms to create unexpected passing lanes. Defenders expecting ground passes won’t anticipate aerial ball movement.
Hoop Protection: Always keep one player guarding the hoop. Even if outnumbered on defense, a well-timed jump block prevents easy scores.
Tackle Timing: Don’t spam tackles. Wait until ball carriers commit to a direction, then tackle from the side to force fumbles.
Ability Denial: Focus tackles on opponents building Hype. Preventing ability activation keeps matches competitive.
Communication: Use proximity voice chat to call out ball carrier positions and coordinate switches when defending.
Dunk Fakes: Jump near the hoop as if dunking, bait defenders into jumping, then pass to an open teammate for the actual score.
Environmental Plays: Tackle opponents near hazards. Knocking them into spinning obstacles removes them from play temporarily.
Hype Management: Save abilities for crucial moments rather than activating immediately. A shield bubble in the final seconds can secure victories.
The Fortnite community’s response to Crown Jam leaks has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what players are saying:
Excitement Factors:
Concerns:
One common thread: players want Crown Jam to become permanent. Fortnite’s community has requested permanent sports modes for years. If Crown Jam succeeds, Epic might extend availability or make it a rotating weekend staple like Party Royale was.
Let’s examine how Crown Jam stacks up against Fortnite’s other non-BR modes:
Crown Jam vs. Rocket Racing:
Crown Jam vs. LEGO Fortnite:
Crown Jam vs. Fortnite Festival:
Crown Jam occupies a unique space. It’s the only Fortnite mode combining physical sports, team strategy, and party game chaos. This differentiation could sustain a dedicated playerbase even as other modes compete for attention.
Epic confirmed Crown Jam is a limited-time mode ending February 9, 2026. But what happens next?
Scenario 1: Permanent Addition If player engagement exceeds Epic’s expectations, Crown Jam could join Rocket Racing and LEGO Fortnite as permanent modes. Epic has reversed “limited-time” decisions before when modes proved popular.
Scenario 2: Seasonal Rotation Crown Jam returns during specific seasons with updated content:
Scenario 3: Weekend Recurring Event Crown Jam becomes a weekend staple, replacing other social modes and rotating with Party Crashers or Delulu-style experiences.
Scenario 4: One-Time Experiment Epic retires Crown Jam after February 9, using data to inform future social mode development. This seems unlikely given the year-long development investment.
Community feedback during the initial run will determine Crown Jam’s fate. If you want the mode permanent, play frequently, engage on social media, and provide Epic with constructive feedback through in-game surveys.
Want to dominate when Crown Jam drops on January 22? Here’s how to prepare:
Watch Creator Content (January 21)
Assemble Your Squad
Set Expectations
Update Fortnite
Start with Social Mode
Practice Fundamentals
Transition to Ranked Carefully
Epic typically launches new modes with challenge sets that guide players through mechanics while offering rewards. Here’s what to expect:
Tutorial Challenges (Easy)
Intermediate Challenges
Advanced Challenges
Free Rewards (Accessible to All)
Ranked Rewards (Competitive Players)
Complete challenges early. Epic often extends limited-time modes if engagement is high, but initial players receive exclusive “first to participate” status through unique rewards.
Crown Jam’s physics system is more demanding than standard Battle Royale. Here’s what you need for optimal performance:
Lower Graphics Settings
Wired Connection
Close Background Applications
Crown Jam officially releases on January 22, 2026 with the v39.30 update. Gameplay reveals from content creators drop on January 21, 2026 at 9 AM EST.
Crown Jam is confirmed as a limited-time mode running from January 22 to February 9, 2026. However, if player engagement is strong, Epic may extend availability or make it permanent.
Crown Jam is a 3v3 mode, meaning you need two teammates. You can queue solo and Epic will match you with random players, but coordinated squads will have significant advantages, especially in Ranked mode.
Yes! Crown Jam supports full cross-platform play across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile (where available). You can squad up with friends regardless of their platform.
While Warner Bros. involvement is heavily rumored and evidence suggests Space Jam themes, Epic has not officially confirmed any Looney Tunes characters or Space Jam cosmetics. Leaks suggest WB content may arrive during the mode’s run, but nothing is guaranteed at launch.
Confirmed rewards include two back blings for Fortnite and costume pieces for Fall Guys. Ranked mode will have additional exclusive cosmetics based on your competitive rank. All base rewards are free to earn through gameplay.
Yes, Crown Jam replaces Delulu as Fortnite’s primary social mode. Delulu was discontinued on January 18, 2026. Social Crown Jam will likely follow a weekend-only schedule similar to Delulu.
No. Crown Jam uses Fall Guys beans as playable characters, not your regular Fortnite skins. You’ll be assigned to one of six Crown Jam clubs (Windy Wood Howlers, Plunderdome Pirates, etc.), which determines your bean’s appearance.
Ranked Crown Jam features a competitive ladder from Bronze to Champion. The ranked season runs until March 4, 2026 (end of Chapter 7 Season 1). Win matches to climb ranks and earn exclusive cosmetic rewards.
Abilities include speed boosts, shield bubbles, jump enhancements, and tackle powers. You earn Hype points through gameplay (scoring, tackling, assists) and spend them to activate abilities during matches.
Yes, the social variant of Crown Jam will feature proximity voice chat, allowing you to communicate with teammates and hear nearby opponents. This follows the trend of Fortnite’s social modes emphasizing communication and interaction.
Crown Jam will be available on all platforms that support Fortnite: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. Performance may vary based on hardware capabilities.
Crown Jam represents more than just another limited-time mode. It’s Epic’s clearest signal yet that Fortnite is evolving from a Battle Royale game into a comprehensive gaming platform.
By partnering with Fall Guys and potentially Warner Bros., Epic demonstrates its commitment to cross-IP collaboration. Crown Jam proves Fortnite’s engine can support wildly different game types beyond shooting and building. Basketball today, but what about volleyball tomorrow? Racing? Fighting games? The possibilities expand exponentially.
For players tired of traditional Battle Royale, Crown Jam offers a refreshing alternative. The 3v3 format emphasizes teamwork over individual gun skill. The physics-based gameplay rewards creativity and adaptation rather than muscle memory. The ranked system provides competitive depth for those seeking serious play.
Most importantly, Crown Jam shows Epic listens to its community. Players have requested sports modes, social experiences, and alternatives to combat-focused gameplay. Crown Jam delivers all three while introducing mechanics Fortnite has never seen before.
When January 22 arrives and you’re dunking basketballs as a wobbly Fall Guys bean, remember: you’re not just playing a limited-time mode. You’re experiencing the future of what Fortnite can become. And if the community embraces it, Crown Jam might just be the beginning of Fortnite’s next evolution.
