Epic Games turned heads at State of Unreal 2025 with a lineup that redefines Fortnite’s future-an official Squid Game collaboration, AI-driven NPCs, and sweeping tools for creators that blur the line between game and platform.
Here’s a full breakdown of every Fortnite announcement made during the State of Unreal 2025 event, including new IPs, smarter NPCs, and tools that could change how creators build in UEFN.
Fortnite x Squid Game Announcement
Epic Games revealed a major crossover between Fortnite and Squid Game, bringing the Netflix phenomenon’s signature challenges into the battle royale. The event introduces themed maps, survival-style modes, and cosmetic items inspired by the series’ iconic visuals. Players can compete in classic Squid Game trials within Fortnite’s creative platform, blending the show’s tension and strategy with Fortnite’s fast-paced gameplay.
Fortnite, known for its extensive crossovers with franchises like Marvel and Star Wars, is adding Netflix’s Squid Game to its roster. Right before the State of Unreal 2025 announcement, the official Fortnite account teased on social media a new collab with Squid Game.
The Squid Game crossover is slated for release later this month (June 2025). The Twitter also reacted to this with an emoji. While there is no confirmation, Fortnite could do a competitive limited-time event or a mini-season for the launch of Squid Game Season 3.
You're invited! We're dying for you to join us. pic.twitter.com/lW4hYC6Qeo
— Fortnite (@Fortnite) June 3, 2025
This collaboration will also introduce Squid Game-themed tools to the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). While we are yet to know about the specific skins, fan anticipation is high for iconic outfits like the participants’ jumpsuits and the masked figures’ attire. I mean, who wouldn’t love the PlayStation buttons on their mask, creating chaos in a Fortnite map? For now, the release is speculated to coincide with Squid Game’s third season premiere on June 27.
Epic Developer Assistant and Fresh IP
Epic announced major upgrades to Unreal Engine’s Developer Assistant, giving creators smarter code suggestions, real-time debugging help, and integrated learning tools directly in the editor. The new system also ties into Epic’s “Fresh IP” initiative, which supports emerging creators in developing original game worlds and stories using Unreal’s advanced creation tools. Together, these updates aim to make building new experiences faster and more intuitive for developers of all scales.
To streamline the development process within UEFN, Epic introduced the Epic Developer Assistant, an AI-powered tool currently in beta. This assistant aids creators by providing code snippets, workflow guidance, and answers to development queries, enhancing productivity and reducing development time. Moreover, the assistant will be running on the GPT 4.1 model.
In addition to Squid Game collaboration in Fortnite, Epic announced the integration of other popular IPs into UEFN:
- Avatar: The Last Airbender: Set to arrive in 2026, this collaborative addition will allow creators to incorporate bending mechanics and design experiences inspired by the beloved animated series. It will bring all the tools from the Battle Royale directly to UEFN.
- Star Wars: A big Star Wars event is already taking place in Fortnite. And that will get even bigger. While a specific release date wasn’t provided, official Star Wars features, templates, and assets will soon be available in UEFN, enabling creators to craft experiences set in the iconic galaxy far, far away.
- LEGO Brick-by-Brick Building: Launching on June 17, this feature introduces brick-by-brick building mechanics to UEFN, along with the LEGO Bloom Tycoon template, allowing creators to design tycoon-style gameplay experiences.
AI-powered NPCs and Personas in UEFN
Epic Games revealed that creators using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) can now design AI-driven NPCs and interactive characters with advanced memory, dialogue, and behavior systems. These tools let developers craft richer stories and more dynamic gameplay, where NPCs can respond intelligently to player actions and decisions. The update marks a major step for Fortnite creators, expanding the range of experiences that can be built inside the game beyond traditional matchmaking and combat modes.
Building upon the success of the Darth Vader AI NPC introduced in Fortnite’s Galactic Battle season, Epic is expanding AI capabilities within UEFN. The NPC takes full advantage of conversational AI and gives visual storytelling a new dynamic. And it goes further with the new Persona Device. The Persona Device lets the creators within UEFN the power to create characters with personalities that players can talk to.
Also Read: SAG-AFTRA Slams Epic Games over Fortnite’s AI Darth Vader
Creators can customize NPC voice, delivery, and characteristics. Furthermore, creators can influence not only NPC interactions and dialogue but also the fundamental gameplay in Fortnite, leading to fresher and more dynamic player experiences. The Persona Device also comes with presets that will be useful for beginner creators within UEFN. In the Mr. Buttons demo, Epic demonstrated how the tool can work in a one-on-one conversation.
Other Fortnite Announcements in State of Unreal 2025
Epic Games also revealed updates beyond the major collaborations. New Unreal Editor tools for Fortnite creators expand customization and performance options, while Chapter 6 updates will refresh gameplay mechanics and world-building systems. Additional integrations with Epic’s Metahuman technology promise more lifelike character animations and interactions. Fortnite Festival and Rocket Racing will also receive seasonal events and content drops throughout 2025, adding variety for players across all modes.
Apart from the Fortnite x Squid Game collab or AI NPC announcement, Epic also revealed several enhancements and tools aimed at empowering creators within UEFN:
- Scene Graph Beta: Releasing on June 7, this feature offers a new way to structure project content in UEFN. This will allow for hierarchical organization of entities, streamlined management of repeating elements through Prefabs, and dynamic interactions via Verse code.
- General Physics Beta: Set for a Q3 release, the new Fortnite physics update has been in rumors for a while. It introduces physics-driven gameplay mechanics, enabling the creation of sports games, sophisticated puzzles, and more within Fortnite.
- Fortnite Data API and New Discover: Epic is also launching a new Data API on June 9 for Fortnite creations. This is created to help creators make informed decisions and optimize their Fortnite experiences. Moreover, a new UI is being introduced (see image below) for the Discover tab. To prevent the same maps from repeatedly appearing in discovery, 100% copied maps will now be auto-blocked. Furthermore, the maps with very high similarity will be de-ranked on the tab.
When does the Squid Game content go live in Fortnite Creative
Squid Game Tools Launch
Squid Game content became available for creators in Fortnite Creative and UEFN on June 27, 2025. This included themed devices, templates, props, galleries, and NPCs for building high-stakes games like Red Light, Green Light.
Publishing Go-Live Date
Creators could start publishing Squid Game islands on August 14, 2025, at 9 AM ET via the Creator Portal, after a publishing hold lifted. Existing islands were convertible to Squid Game themes from July 14 to August 12, 2025.
Additional Rollouts
Player quests to explore Squid Game islands began on August 26, 2025, with featured placements in the Discover tab. Cosmetics like Front Man skin also arrived around this time.
What Squid Game devices are available in UEFN
Squid Game devices launched in UEFN on June 27, 2025, as part of Epic Games’ official collaboration tools. These enable creators to build authentic minigames like Red Light, Green Light or Dalgona using themed assets.
Core Devices
Several Squid Game-specific devices integrate with standard UEFN tools for enhanced gameplay:
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Carryable Spawner Device: Spawns throwable objects like colored Gonggi shapes (blue circle, green triangle, etc.), configurable for damage, explosions, or puzzles.
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Disguise Device: Applies player disguises such as pink guard suits, VIP masks, or Front Man outfits; portable and usable with power-up mechanics.
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Progress-Based Mesh Device: Tracks game progression visually, with Squid Game variants like the Llama Bank or Baby Bank for score indicators.
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Voting Device: Facilitates social deduction gameplay, now available across all UEFN islands.
Additional Themed Assets
Special props and variants include the Gift Box (Hiding Prop), Shove item for eliminations, and Niagara VFX for masks. Galleries provide dorm rooms, playgrounds, stairways, and arcade machines, all accessible in Squid Game templates.
