Fortnite fans woke up to a surprise this weekend as Epic Games quietly reintroduced the Shockwave Grenade, sparking chaos and creativity across matches with its explosive mobility and sky-high plays.
The developers recently announced that the Shockwave Grenades will be making a comeback in Chapter 7 Season 1. However, it will be for a limited period. Here’s everything we learned from their statement.
Shockwave Grenades Are Making a Limited Comeback in Fortnite Chapter 7
Shockwave Grenades have returned to Fortnite in a limited capacity, giving players a fresh way to move quickly or knock enemies off their footing. Available through select loot pools and supply drops, these items bring back a burst of nostalgia for long-time fans. Their reappearance adds a tactical twist to matches, rewarding creative plays and clever positioning during intense fights. Epic Games has confirmed this is a temporary addition, so players might want to take advantage of the chaos while it lasts.
In a recent X post from the Twitter page, the developers explained that Shockwave Grenades were accidentally unvaulted while they were updating Crash Pad Jrs, making the latter more available in the loot pool. While this led to players celebrating, Epic Games was quick to vault the Shockwaves again, rectifying their mistake.
The X post then went on to reveal that Shockwave Grenades will be making a return to Chapter 7 Season 1 during the upcoming Stick of Truth Power Hour on January 17, 2026, at 3:30 PM ET. This means that Shockwave Grenades will only be available for an hour when the Power Hour happens before Epic Games vaults them again. The post also revealed that Shockwave Grenades will return to the game in a February update, possibly the Valentine’s Day update.
While this certainly is good news for fans of the Shockwave Grenades like me, the item being back for a limited time feels unnecessary. Shockwaves have become a staple in Battle Royale over the years, and players have adjusted a lot of their playstyle around these mobility items. Crash Pad Jrs can provide some of the same utility as Shockwaves, but they fail to reach the same heights.
The decision to temporarily bring back Shockwaves invited heated reactions from the community. One player stated, “No one, and I mean no one, wants to see shockwaves leave Fortnite.” Meanwhile, one player added, “Most players like the shockwaves.” Another player interjected, stating, “Movement is terrible, give us shocks back, please.” Hopefully, Epic Games listens to player feedback and makes the Shockwave Grenades a mainstay in the Chapter 7 loot pool.
When exactly will the Shockwave Grenade Power Hour occur in my timezone
The Shockwave Grenade Power Hour occurred on January 17, 2026, at 3:30 PM ET.
Your Timezone (EET)
Your location uses Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2. The event ran from 10:30 PM to 11:30 PM EET on January 17-already past as of January 18, 7:25 PM EET.
Event Recap
This one-hour window featured Shockwave Grenades in Battle Royale and Zero Build modes as part of the Stick of Truth Power Hour, following an accidental unvaulting. Epic confirmed availability only during that specific hour, with plans for a fuller return in February 2026.
What rewards are available in Lord Zedd’s Power Hour
Lord Zedd’s Power Hour offered no specific in-game rewards like skins or exclusive items.
Event Overview
The event, held on September 20, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET, transformed all weapons (except healing and throwables) into Blade Blasters across Battle Royale and Zero Build modes. It served as a thematic Power Rangers crossover highlight without tied progression or unlocks.
Related Cosmetics
Lord Zedd cosmetics, including the Outfit (1,200 V-Bucks), Z-Staff Pickaxe (500 V-Bucks), and Lord Zedd’s Magic Emote (300 V-Bucks), launched separately in the Item Shop on September 18, 2025, as a 1,500 V-Bucks bundle. These required purchase, not event participation.
