Epic Games has introduced the Forsworn Trooper skin in Fortnite, but players can only unlock it by visiting Disneyland Park in California or Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida, highlighting a new level of in-person exclusivity for the game
Fortnite has expanded its Star Wars collaboration with a new in-game skin, but this time access is strictly limited to visitors at two Disney theme parks in the United States. The Forsworn Trooper skin, designed to evoke a scavenged Stormtrooper look with a hood and goggles, is now available exclusively to those who experience Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, or Disney's Hollywood Studios near Orlando, Florida. This move marks a notable shift in how Epic Games and Disney are integrating physical experiences with digital rewards.
How to Unlock the Forsworn Trooper
To obtain the Forsworn Trooper skin, players must physically attend one of the two specified Disney parks and participate in the Smugglers Run attraction. The process requires linking an Epic Games account with Disney Experiences data, reflecting the increasingly close partnership between the two companies. There is currently no alternative method to unlock the skin, and Epic Games has not indicated whether it will become available through other means in the future.
The Forsworn Trooper stands out for its rarity, as access is tied to a specific real-world location rather than an in-game achievement or purchase. The skin's design is relatively understated, with elements that suggest it could be a variant of the familiar Jonesy character beneath the armour, though this has not been officially confirmed. For collectors and Star Wars enthusiasts, this exclusivity is likely to make the Forsworn Trooper one of the most sought-after cosmetics in Fortnite's history.
Star Wars Content Beyond the Parks
For those unable to travel to California or Florida, Fortnite has also introduced Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit, a new adventure mode that can be played solo or with friends from home. This mode extends the Smugglers Run experience into the game, dividing players into pilots, gunners, and engineers as they work together to keep the Millennium Falcon operational. The approach allows players to continue their Star Wars-themed adventures beyond the theme park visit, or to get a taste of the attraction from their own living room.
Disney and Epic Games have a history of Star Wars collaborations in Fortnite, with previous crossovers promoting films such as Rise of Skywalker and series like The Mandalorian. The companies' partnership has deepened in recent years, culminating in Disney's $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games in 2024. This investment is expected to lead to a dedicated Disney mode in Fortnite later this year, though details remain under wraps. Reports suggest the mode could feature extraction shooter gameplay, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Physical Exclusivity and Player Reaction
The decision to tie a Fortnite cosmetic to a physical location is unusual, even in the context of live-service games known for limited-time and event-based rewards. While some players may see this as an exciting incentive to visit the parks, others have raised concerns about accessibility and fairness, given the travel and cost barriers involved. The Forsworn Trooper's exclusivity is likely to fuel ongoing debate about the value and desirability of location-locked content in digital games.
This approach to exclusivity echoes broader trends in gaming, where publishers experiment with blending real-world experiences and digital rewards. It also follows a pattern of high-profile collaborations, such as the recent surge in cross-media character likenesses-seen when BABYMONSTER's Asa drew comparisons to Resident Evil's Ada Wong, as discussed in our coverage of character-inspired viral moments.
What Remains Unclear
Epic Games has not confirmed whether the Forsworn Trooper skin will remain permanently exclusive to Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios, or if it might eventually be offered through other channels. There is also no official word on whether similar location-based rewards are planned for future collaborations. Players interested in the skin should be aware that, for now, the only guaranteed method of unlocking it is by visiting one of the two participating parks and linking the required accounts.
As live-service games continue to experiment with new forms of engagement, the intersection of physical and digital rewards is likely to remain a point of discussion. For now, the Forsworn Trooper stands as a rare example of a major cosmetic locked behind a real-world experience, raising questions about how far exclusivity should go in online games.
Location-locked content in games refers to digital rewards or features that can only be accessed by performing specific actions at a physical place, such as a theme park or event venue. This approach is distinct from time-limited or achievement-based rewards, as it requires players to be present in a particular location, often involving travel and additional expense. While such exclusives can create memorable experiences and drive engagement, they also introduce barriers for players unable to attend in person, making the balance between accessibility and exclusivity a recurring issue in live-service game design.
