Fortnite’s first Star Wars collaboration launched in December 2019 with the introduction of the E-11 Blaster and lightsabers. These weapons were a bit too weak at the time. The lightsabers had only a basic melee attack and a blocking mechanic that could be broken under sustained damage. Compared to today’s melee tools, the originals are much weaker. Similarly, the E-11 Blaster was widely criticized for its inaccuracy and was mocked for mimicking the stormtroopers’ poor aim in the Star Wars films. Despite repeated reappearances in the game, these weapons never found solid footing in the meta.

Later updates during Chapter 2 introduced the Mandalorian set, which added the Amban Sniper Rifle and a unique jetpack. The Amban featured a thermal scope but lacked the ability to hip-fire, instead converting to a melee attack. This weapon, while not terrible, fell into the category of mid-tier content. The Mandalorian Jetpack functioned similarly to Fortnite’s default version—useful for movement but limited in combat effectiveness. It’s been teased in the trailer for the upcoming season, possibly signaling its return.

The Rise of Darth Vader’s Lightsaber and Force Abilities

Chapter 3 brought Darth Vader’s lightsaber to Fortnite. It included a melee function, bullet blocking, and a throw mechanic that added some versatility. However, it still lagged behind newer melee items like the Nitro Fist and Typhoon Blade, which significantly outclassed earlier lightsaber versions due to power creep. The throw mechanic found some utility in build mode, where players used angles to hit enemies behind structures.

Chapter 4 took Star Wars content in a new direction with the introduction of Force Powers. Players received these through NPC interactions, along with a lightsaber. These updated weapons featured superior movement options, such as enhanced sprinting and jumping. Force Push knocked enemies away, Force Pull brought them close for melee attacks, and the Force Throw launched damaging rocks. The Throw ability, in particular, dealt significant damage—often crippling or eliminating opponents in a single combo. These additions created a clear evolution from the simplistic lightsabers of 2019 to fully-integrated and powerful mechanics that affected the game’s meta.

Blasters Evolution: E-11, DC-15, and Wookie Bowcaster

The DC-15 Blaster launched alongside the Force Powers. Although slightly improved over the E-11 with different bloom and damage stats, it still suffered from accuracy issues and failed to compete with then-meta weapons like the Red-Eye AR and Twin Mag SMG. While some players favored it over the E-11, it remained mostly a niche option.

Most recently, Fortnite introduced Chewbacca’s Wookie Bowcaster. This blaster featured a charge mechanic that granted explosive damage on full power. Tap-firing resulted in standard rifle damage, while a charged shot delivered splash damage, even around walls. The Bowcaster became a much more impactful addition compared to its blaster predecessors. It might not have dominated the season, but it certainly remained relevant in gameplay.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Star Wars Season

Fortnite’s upcoming season will be entirely Star Wars-themed, according to early reveals. This likely means a return of many previous Star Wars weapons and mechanics. Items like the Wookie Bowcaster, Force abilities, and possibly even the Mandalorian Jetpack are expected to feature heavily. Whether traditional Fortnite weapons will be available alongside Star Wars items remains to be seen. A full commitment to Star Wars-only loot could radically change the seasonal meta and gameplay strategy.

Overall, Star Wars content in Fortnite has evolved from gimmicky and frustrating to powerful and strategic. From weak lightsabers to game-changing Force Powers, the collaborations have shown steady improvement. The next season could be the most ambitious yet, depending on how the developers choose to balance and implement returning gear.