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I’ve been tracking Fortnite collaborations for years now, and I have to tell you, the Kizuna AI partnership is something special. As the first VTuber to ever join Fortnite’s Icon Series, this collaboration marks a historic moment for both the gaming and virtual creator communities. If you’re wondering how to get your hands on this exclusive skin, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll walk you through every single method, price point, and insider tip to make sure you don’t miss out on this groundbreaking collab.
Getting the Kizuna AI skin in Fortnite isn’t as complicated as you might think. You actually have two distinct paths to choose from, and I’m going to break down both of them for you. The first method lets you earn it completely free (yes, really!), while the second option involves purchasing it from the Item Shop. Let me explain exactly how each method works.
| Method | Cost | Availability | Items Included | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kizuna AI Cup Tournament | Free | January 13, 2026 | Kizuna AI Outfit + Wings Back Bling | High (Competitive) |
| Item Shop Purchase | 2,800-3,600 V-Bucks (estimated) | January 16, 2026 onward | Full bundle with all cosmetics | Easy (Pay to obtain) |
| Individual Item Shop Items | 300-1,500 V-Bucks each | January 16, 2026 onward | Select pieces individually | Easy (Pay to obtain) |
Here’s where things get exciting for competitive players. Epic Games is hosting the Kizuna AI Cup on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, giving skilled players a chance to earn the skin three whole days before it hits the Item Shop. I’ve competed in these Icon Series tournaments before, and let me tell you, the competition is fierce but absolutely worth it.
The Kizuna AI Cup runs as a Duos tournament, which means you’ll need to team up with one partner. Here’s everything you need to know:
The tournament operates on a points-based system. Your team accumulates points based on two primary factors: placement (where you finish in each match) and eliminations (how many opponents you take down). The scoring system rewards both aggressive playstyles and strategic survival, so you’ll need to find the right balance.
antml:cite index=”2-1,23-1″>If your team finishes at the top of your regional leaderboard, you’ll earn the Kizuna AI Outfit along with Kizuna AI’s Wings Back Bling. These are the exact same items that will be sold in the Item Shop three days later, so winning them early not only saves you V-Bucks but also gives you serious bragging rights.
There’s also a Mobile Cup variant running on the same day. This version is a Solo Blitz tournament specifically for mobile players. The format is slightly different, but the rewards remain the same.
From my experience competing in similar tournaments, here are my top strategies:
1. Warm Up Before the Tournament: Don’t jump in cold. Play a few regular matches to get your aim and building mechanics sharp.
2. Choose Your Landing Spot Wisely: Pick a location with decent loot that isn’t too contested. You need to survive to earn placement points.
3. Balance Aggression and Survival: Early eliminations matter, but surviving to top 10 consistently will rack up serious points.
4. Communicate with Your Duo: Clear, constant communication is absolutely crucial. Call out enemy positions, loot, and rotation plans.
5. Manage Your Time: With 10 matches available in 3 hours, you have approximately 18 minutes per game. Don’t waste time looting unnecessarily.
6. Check Regional Leaderboards: Keep tabs on where you stand. If you’re close to qualification, you might need to adjust your strategy for the final matches.
7. Practice the Current Meta: Make sure you’re familiar with the latest weapons, items, and building techniques in the current season.
I won’t sugarcoat it—only the top-performing teams in each region will win the free skin, so the competition will be intense. But if you’ve got the skills and put in the preparation, this is your chance to grab an exclusive skin without spending a single V-Buck.
If competitive tournaments aren’t your thing (and trust me, I totally understand), you can simply purchase the Kizuna AI skin when it arrives in the Fortnite Item Shop. This is the straightforward, guaranteed method that most players will use.
The Kizuna AI bundle officially drops in the Item Shop on Friday, January 16, 2026. Based on Epic Games’ announcements, here are the exact release times across different regions:
| Region | Time Zone | Release Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Time | PT | Friday, January 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM |
| Eastern Time | ET | Friday, January 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM |
| Central European Time | CET | Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 AM |
| India Standard Time | IST | Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 5:30 AM |
| Japan Standard Time | JST | Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM |
| Australian Eastern Daylight | AEDT | Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM |
Mark your calendars! The Item Shop resets at these specific times, and the Kizuna AI collection will be available for purchase. Based on previous Icon Series collaborations, these cosmetics typically remain in the shop for at least 2-3 days, but I always recommend buying them sooner rather than later. Icon Series items can disappear for months before returning.
Epic Games is going all out for Fortnite’s first VTuber collaboration. The complete Kizuna AI collection is absolutely packed with cosmetics across multiple categories. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Item Category | Item Name | Estimated Individual Price | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outfit | Kizuna AI Skin | 1,500 V-Bucks | LEGO variant included |
| Outfit | Jersey Kizuna AI Skin | 1,500 V-Bucks | LEGO variant included |
| Back Bling | Kizuna AI’s Wings | 300 V-Bucks | Matches main outfit |
| Back Bling | Chibi AI-Chan | 300 V-Bucks | Cute companion design |
| Back Bling | Lovely Kizuna | 300 V-Bucks | Can also function as pickaxe |
| Back Bling | Voice of Love | 300 V-Bucks | Can also function as pickaxe |
| Pickaxe | Lovely Kizuna Pickaxe | 500 V-Bucks | Themed harvesting tool |
| Pickaxe | Voice of Love Pickaxe | 500 V-Bucks | Themed harvesting tool |
| Instrument | Lovely Kizuna Guitar | 800 V-Bucks | For Fortnite Festival mode |
| Instrument | Voice of Love Microphone | 500 V-Bucks | For Fortnite Festival mode |
| Emote | Hello, Morning | 500 V-Bucks | Signature Kizuna AI gesture |
| Wrap | Wrapped in AI | 500 V-Bucks | For weapons and vehicles |
| Loading Screen | It’s Kizuna AI | Included with bundle | Exclusive artwork |
| Jam Track | Kizuna AI Song | Included with bundle | For Festival mode |
Estimated Full Bundle Price: 2,800-3,600 V-Bucks
Based on pricing patterns from similar Icon Series collaborations, purchasing the complete bundle will likely cost between 2,800 and 3,600 V-Bucks. This represents significant savings compared to buying each item individually, which could total over 6,000 V-Bucks if you purchased everything separately.
This isn’t just another Fortnite skin pack. Let me highlight what makes the Kizuna AI collaboration truly stand out:
Two Complete Outfits with LEGO Variants: You’re getting not one, but two distinct Kizuna AI skins. The main outfit captures her classic virtual idol look, while the Jersey variant offers a more casual, sporty aesthetic. Both come with fully compatible LEGO-style variants for LEGO Fortnite mode, which has become standard for major collaborations but still adds tremendous value.
Festival Mode Integration: The inclusion of two instruments (guitar and microphone) shows that this collab extends beyond Battle Royale. These are functional items you can actually use to perform in Fortnite Festival mode, potentially even featuring Kizuna AI’s music.
Versatile Back Blings: With four different back bling options, you have incredible customization freedom. Mix and match with other skins in your locker to create unique combinations.
Cross-Mode Compatibility: The wrap works on weapons and vehicles, the loading screen provides aesthetic value, and the jam track adds musical content. This bundle touches every aspect of the Fortnite experience.
Once the bundle drops on January 16, here’s exactly how to buy it:
If you don’t have enough V-Bucks, you can purchase them directly through the Fortnite in-game store using real money. V-Bucks are sold in various pack sizes, from small amounts to large bundles.
You might be wondering why this collaboration is getting so much attention. Let me give you some context that makes this partnership truly groundbreaking.
Kizuna AI isn’t just another virtual character—she’s literally the person who started the entire VTuber phenomenon. When she debuted on YouTube back in 2016, the concept of virtual YouTubers was still experimental and niche. Her combination of gaming content, music performances, and variety entertainment helped establish VTubing as a legitimate form of digital entertainment.
Think of her as the blueprint that inspired thousands of virtual creators who came after her. Companies like Hololive, Nijisanji, and independent VTubers all owe something to Kizuna AI’s pioneering work. She transformed a weird internet experiment into a multi-billion dollar industry.
This collaboration marks Fortnite’s first-ever VTuber partnership, which is significant for multiple reasons. Epic Games has brought in musicians (Marshmello, Ariana Grande), athletes (LeBron James, Neymar), and content creators (Ninja, Loserfruit), but virtual creators represent an entirely new category.
If this collaboration succeeds (and based on community excitement, it probably will), we could see more VTubers joining Fortnite. Popular talents from agencies like Hololive (Gawr Gura, Mori Calliope, Pekora), Nijisanji, or independent creators like Ironmouse and Filian might follow. This opens up fascinating possibilities for future crossovers between gaming and virtual entertainment.
What makes this collaboration so fitting is how naturally VTubing and gaming overlap. Kizuna AI built her career playing games, creating content for gamers, and engaging with gaming culture. Fortnite has evolved beyond just being a game—it’s a social platform, concert venue, and cultural hub.
The partnership acknowledges that digital entertainment has moved past traditional boundaries. Virtual creators are real influencers with real audiences, and Fortnite recognizes that legitimacy by including Kizuna AI in its Icon Series.
While we’re focused on the Kizuna AI skin, let me share some other methods for acquiring Fortnite cosmetics that you might not know about:
Every Fortnite season features a Battle Pass that costs 950 V-Bucks. For that price, you unlock access to over 100 tiers of rewards including exclusive skins, emotes, pickaxes, and more. The best part? You can earn enough V-Bucks through the Battle Pass to purchase the next season’s pass, making it a one-time investment if you play regularly.
Epic Games frequently runs limited-time events that offer free cosmetics just for completing challenges. These don’t require tournament-level skills—usually just playing matches, completing specific tasks, or participating in special game modes.
Fortnite occasionally partners with brands like Disney+, LEGO, Amazon Prime Gaming, and others to offer exclusive cosmetics. For example, linking your Epic Games account to Disney+ currently rewards you with free items. Keep an eye on these promotions; they’re typically legitimate and completely free if you already have the partner service.
When major Fortnite tournaments stream on Twitch, you can sometimes earn cosmetics just by watching. Make sure your Epic Games account is linked to your Twitch account, then tune in to qualifying streams to earn drops.
The Fortnite Crew is a monthly subscription ($11.99/month) that provides exclusive skins, 1,000 V-Bucks, and access to the current Battle Pass. If you’re a regular player, this offers tremendous value compared to purchasing items individually.
Since Kizuna AI is joining as an Icon Series skin, let me explain what this prestigious category means.
The Icon Series celebrates influential figures in gaming, music, sports, and entertainment. Previous Icon Series collaborations include:
Being included in the Icon Series is a big deal. It means Epic Games recognizes the creator’s cultural impact and influence. Kizuna AI joining this roster validates VTubers as legitimate influential figures in digital entertainment, not just niche internet personalities.
Icon Series skins typically come with extensive cosmetic sets (just like Kizuna AI’s bundle) and often include unique features that celebrate the creator’s personality, catchphrases, or signature styles.
No, the Kizuna AI skin is not available yet as of January 2026. It will first become available through the tournament on January 13, and then purchaseable in the Item Shop starting January 16, 2026.
Absolutely! The tournament is just an early access opportunity for competitive players. The skin will be available for purchase in the Item Shop starting January 16, so you’ll have plenty of time to buy it even if you skip the tournament.
While Epic Games hasn’t officially announced the exact price, based on similar Icon Series collaborations, expect the complete bundle to cost between 2,800 and 3,600 V-Bucks. Individual items will be priced lower if you want to purchase selectively.
Yes! Both the main Kizuna AI outfit and the Jersey variant include LEGO-style versions that are fully compatible with LEGO Fortnite mode. This has become standard for major collaborations.
Icon Series skins typically remain in the Item Shop for 2-3 days during their initial release. After that, they return periodically, but it could be weeks or months between appearances. I recommend purchasing it during the initial release window if you want it.
Yes, Fortnite’s gifting system should allow you to send the Kizuna AI skin or bundle to friends, assuming you have gifting enabled on your account and meet Epic’s requirements (account age, two-factor authentication, etc.).
All platforms are eligible: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The tournament is cross-platform, meaning you’ll compete against players on all systems.
Yes! The Lovely Kizuna Guitar and Voice of Love Microphone are functional instruments designed specifically for Fortnite Festival mode. They’re not just cosmetic items—you can actually use them to perform in the music game mode.
Tournament earnings (competitive prize money) are separate from cosmetic rewards. You earn the skin by placing high on the regional leaderboard during the specific tournament event, not through any general competitive achievements or earnings.
No, Fortnite has featured several anime collaborations including Naruto, Dragon Ball, Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and more. However, Kizuna AI is the first VTuber specifically, which represents virtual content creators rather than traditional anime characters.
If technical issues occur during the Kizuna AI Cup, Epic Games typically extends the tournament window or makes adjustments to ensure fairness. Check their official social media channels for real-time updates if problems arise.
Yes, Epic Games requires two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on your account to participate in competitive tournaments. This is a security measure to protect accounts and ensure tournament integrity.
No, you can only compete in the region associated with your account. Attempting to play in multiple regions or using VPNs to change regions violates tournament rules and could result in disqualification or account penalties.
Let me share some insider knowledge I’ve gained from years of tracking Fortnite collaborations:
Save Your V-Bucks: If you’re planning to buy the bundle, make sure you have enough V-Bucks beforehand. Don’t wait until the last minute to realize you’re short and need to purchase more.
Consider the Bundle Value: If you like even three or four items from the bundle, buying the complete package is almost always cheaper than purchasing items individually. Do the math before clicking buy.
Check Return Policies: Fortnite allows you to return purchased items within 30 days using return tickets (you get three lifetime tickets). However, use these sparingly—once they’re gone, you can’t get more.
Follow Official Channels: For the latest updates about the Kizuna AI collaboration, follow Fortnite’s official Twitter/X account (@FortniteGame) and Epic Games’ news blog. They’ll announce any changes to release timing or content.
Don’t Fall for Scams: Never trust websites or social media accounts claiming to give away free Kizuna AI skin codes. These are almost always scams trying to steal your account information. The only legitimate ways to get the skin are through the tournament or Item Shop.
Join the Community: Check out the Fortnite subreddit, Discord servers, and fan communities. They’re great places to find duo partners for the tournament, discuss strategies, and share excitement about new collaborations.
Practice Your Loadout: If you’re competing in the tournament, spend time before January 13 figuring out your optimal weapon loadout, building settings, and rotation strategies in the current meta.
Screenshot Your Progress: If you win the tournament reward, take screenshots! These early-access cosmetics become conversation starters and flex-worthy achievements in the community.
The success of this collaboration could dramatically impact Fortnite’s future partnerships. If Kizuna AI performs well (and the community response suggests it will), here’s what we might see:
More VTuber Collaborations: Expect other major VTubers to potentially join Fortnite. Top talents from Hololive Production (like Gawr Gura, who holds massive subscriber numbers), Nijisanji, VShojo, or popular independent creators could follow.
Expanded Virtual Creator Recognition: This validates virtual creators as legitimate partners alongside traditional celebrities and athletes, potentially opening doors for other digital-first personalities.
Cross-Platform Events: We might see collaborative events between Fortnite and VTuber streaming platforms, special in-game concerts featuring VTuber performances, or integrated content that bridges both communities.
New Content Categories: Epic Games might expand beyond gaming VTubers to include virtual musicians, virtual fashion icons, or other emerging digital creator categories.
The Kizuna AI x Fortnite collaboration represents something bigger than just new cosmetics in a video game. It’s a recognition of how digital entertainment has evolved, acknowledging that virtual creators hold just as much influence and cultural relevance as traditional celebrities.
Whether you choose to compete in the tournament for free rewards or purchase the bundle when it drops in the Item Shop, you’re participating in a genuinely historic moment for both Fortnite and the VTuber community. This collaboration bridges two massive entertainment spheres that have been growing closer for years.
Mark your calendar for January 13 if you want to compete for the free skin, and January 16 if you’re planning to purchase it. Either way, I recommend acting during the initial availability window. Icon Series items return eventually, but you might wait months before seeing them again.
I’ll be keeping this article updated with any new information, price confirmations, or changes to the release schedule. Bookmark this page and check back if you need the latest details.
Now get out there and start preparing—whether that means practicing your competitive skills for the tournament or making sure you’ve got enough V-Bucks ready for January 16. The world’s first VTuber is coming to Fortnite, and you don’t want to miss it!
