Fortnite is set to make history with its latest collaboration, as Kizuna AI prepares to become entirely unique—the first VTuber to enter the realm of Fortnite. This landmark crossover brings one of the most iconic figures in virtual entertainment into Epic Games’ ever-evolving battle royale, introducing anime-inspired cosmetics, performance-based emotes, and a fresh wave of interactive content for players worldwide.
The partnership was officially announced earlier today, following widespread leaks from the v39.20 update files that surfaced yesterday. Epic's confirmation solidifies Kizuna AI's place in the Item Shop lineup, with the cosmetics expected to drop soon—potentially within the current update window or in the coming days. This timing builds on the momentum from yesterday's South Park collaboration rollout and positions Kizuna AI as a fresh highlight for players seeking anime and creator-driven content.
The official key visual places Kizuna AI on a vibrant, neon-drenched concert stage surrounded by familiar Fortnite characters, capturing her signature high-energy idol presence with glowing lights, musical effects, and a dynamic pose that radiates enthusiasm.
The collaboration includes a full bundle featuring her main outfit with potential style variants (including a sporty jersey option), reactive “Kizuna AI’s Wings” back bling that activates during gameplay, and themed accessories like instruments. Her exclusive emote delivers an upbeat dance performance filled with heart particles, spins, and celebratory flair, perfectly suited for in-game showcases and compatible with LEGO Fortnite modes for expanded play. Here's a look at the bundle (via FireMonkey on X):
Here's a clip of Kizuna AI's dance emote in Fortnite (via HYPEX):
This move continues Fortnite's successful streak of anime and virtual creator crossovers, such as the popular Hatsune Miku collaboration, while opening new doors for VTuber integrations. By welcoming the pioneer of the VTuber scene, Epic Games is bridging virtual entertainment communities and delivering fresh, personality-packed cosmetics to its massive player base.
Kizuna AI’s Background Story
Kizuna AI is universally recognized as the pioneer of the VTuber phenomenon. She debuted on November 29, 2016, on her YouTube channel A.I.Channel, introducing herself as an advanced artificial intelligence from the future whose mission is to create strong bonds—*kizuna* meaning “bonds” in Japanese—with people through entertainment. With her cheerful personality, long brunette hair with pink highlights, aquamarine eyes, and iconic heart-shaped pink headband, she quickly captured global attention and became the face of the emerging VTuber movement.
She was the first to popularize the “Virtual YouTuber” label and grew to become one of the most subscribed VTubers of her era, amassing millions of followers across multiple channels and platforms. Her content ranged from gaming streams and music releases to variety shows, live concerts, television appearances, and collaborations that helped shape the entire industry.
After a highly celebrated run, Kizuna AI announced an indefinite hiatus in late 2021, describing it as a “sleep period” for system upgrades to prepare for even greater global connections. Her farewell event, hello, world 2022, held in February 2022, drew massive viewership and marked a poignant close to that chapter.
She made a powerful return on February 26, 2025, with a refreshed 3D model, the new single Kamo ne, and ambitious plans for ongoing music releases, albums, and live performances. This resurgence has revitalized her presence and set the stage for high-profile collaborations like her arrival in Fortnite, where she continues her mission of forging meaningful connections between the virtual and real worlds through fun, creative, and interactive experiences.
