Fortnite's leaked annual pass was a prototype that Epic has no plans to release

fortnite fishing frenzy bottom dweller pickaxe
(Image credit: Epic Games)

Update: Epic has clarified that, while an annual pass was at one point considered, there are currently no plans to launch one. The details dug up by dataminers were prototype features.

"We've seen discussions around a 2020 Annual Pass as a result of data mining the v11.30 build," Epic explained. "Occasionally prototype features make it into our build that end up not being released. While the 2020 Annual Pass was considered, we have no plans to release it...unlike the Bao Bros."

Original story: Epic Games is reportedly introducing a brand new battle pass to Fortnite called the 'Annual Pass.' This new pass grants access to all the 2020 battle passes and includes exclusive cosmetics, according to details uncovered in the files of Fortnite's v11.30 update that released Thursday morning. However, the price of the annual pass along with its release date has yet to be confirmed.

Fortnite News reports that the Annual Pass description reads: "Purchase the 2020 Annual Pass and receive all upcoming 2020 Fortnite Battle Royale: Battle Bundles and 7 Annual Pass exclusive cosmetics. Battle Bundles unlock 25% of content in each Battle Pass instantly upon release."

The leak, found by Lucas7yoshi, reveals a number of exclusive accessories, skins and emotes, including a polar bear with an eye patch and a missile launcher called Polar Patroler, an icy winged demon called Shiver, and a Christmas jumper wearing reindeer called Dolph.

The annual pass is likely to go on sale before the new year, and with Christmas just around the corner, a year's worth of battle passes is the perfect present for any Fortnite player. 

Rachel Watts

Rachel had been bouncing around different gaming websites as a freelancer and staff writer for three years before settling at PC Gamer back in 2019. She mainly writes reviews, previews, and features, but on rare occasions will switch it up with news and guides. When she's not taking hundreds of screenshots of the latest indie darling, you can find her nurturing her parsnip empire in Stardew Valley and planning an axolotl uprising in Minecraft. She loves 'stop and smell the roses' games—her proudest gaming moment being the one time she kept her virtual potted plants alive for over a year.