Chapter 4 Season 1 has been a big and much-needed change to the world of Fortnite. But one thing that has not changed over the past few seasons is the celebration of Winterfest: where all players are awarded free gifts and winter holiday-themed activities starting in the month of December. In this article, we will look at how long Winterfest lasts, the perks and gifts of Winterfest, what items have been unvaulted, and how to get into the holiday spirit!

When is Winterfest?

Chapter 4 Season 1’s Winterfest started December 13th and will run until 9 AM ET on January 3rd. Be sure to log in during the event to claim your free prizes, because if you wait until the event runs out, you will no longer have access to gain all the rewards.

What is Winterfest?

Winterfest is a Christmas-themed holiday event in which the game gives back to its loyal players. Not only are there presents handed out by Sgt. Winter (think buff Santa), but there are also Winterfest-themed challenges and weapons, unvaulted items in-game, and holiday updates to the map. Candy canes, Christmas lights, and other holiday items deck the halls of many buildings and areas around the island, giving players a merry dose of holiday cheer.

History of Winterfest

Fortnite has not always celebrated Winterfest, though. The event started in 2018 and was originally called the “14 Days of Fortnite.” This event gave players the opportunity to complete challenges to receive rewards including a Gingy backbling, “Take the Elf” emote, and a variety of other small items and cosmetics. In 2019, “Winterfest” first appeared on the island and 14 free gifts appeared, including not one, but two skins: Lt. Evergreen (Christmas Tree Jonesy) and Wooly Warrior (Wooly Mammoth skin). Just logging in and unwrapping a present gave players the items they had to work for to receive the Christmas before. Players were sad to see that Winterfest did not show up in 2020, but it did make a return appearance for 2021 (bringing us the Polar Peely and Krisabelle/Blizzabelle skins) and again this year!

How Do I Get to My Winterfest Presents?

To access the Winterfest presents, a player needs to navigate to the snowflake tab, found between the “Play” tab and the “Battle Pass” tab at the top of their screen in the lobby. Once selected, push the button that corresponds with (or click on the words) “Visit Lodge” on the lower right side of the screen to enter into the Cozy Lodge. When in the Lodge, a player can select up to one present every day unless you have missed a day. If you do not open a daily present, the items can all be opened at the same time, unless you show up after the event has concluded.

What Does Winterfest 2022 Give Me?

This year, Winterfest gives players 14 free presents which hold 17 free in-game items. There are three Sprays, three Lobby Tracks, two Wraps, two Gliders, two Skins, as well as a Back Bling, Pickaxe, Contrail, Emote and Emoticon. The Skins we will receive this Winterfest are Arctic Adeline (red, green, and white jogging suit) and Sled Ready Guff (Guff in brown and white with reindeer antlers and a star). You can see Guff asleep on the floor, holding on to a present. This will likely be the last gift you are able to unwrap which is why he does not wake up or let go of the present for you to open. Check back on the final day of Winterfest to receive the Skin.

What Are Other Perks of Winterfest?

As if receiving 17 items was not enough, there are even more rewards and benefits that players can find while playing during Winterfest. If you are a member of the Fortnite Crew, you will receive a Chill-la-la-la Llama Back Bling which sneezes when you open chests or get an elimination. Also, if you play with five different friends in any of the game modes, you will receive the Curling Iron Emote as well. Finding the hidden pieces of pizza in the Cozy Lodge will give you an easy 10,000XP, as well as resting by the fireplace. By poking around the Cozy Lodge, you can discover different items you can interact with. The bells on the right side of the screen play a song for you, the yellow gamepad will allow you to drive a motorcycle around the room, and you can turn on/off the neon sign above the fireplace. Also be sure to check out the Items Shop, as there is a Gringle Guff skin that you can claim for free.

Winterfest Changes In-Game

Besides the addition of the Cozy Lodge and Christmas decorations sprinkled around the map, there are a few key Winterfest changes to keep a watch for. First is weaponized snow! In game, you may find a Snowball Launcher that shoots large exploding snowballs, similar to a Rocket Launcher. This explosive gun is great for taking down builds and laying waste to the enemies in a fun snowball fight way. Also, there are great mounds of snow that when pickaxed, form a large snowball. A player can hop inside the snowball and roll (or fall) safely down from a height, leveling the competition in the way and destroying builds.

Second is the reintroduction of the Christmas presents in-game. When picked up, you can select the item from your inventory and launch the present at the ground, much like throwing a grenade. Throwing the present a little ways away from you will mean that you will have to pickax the exterior of the present to gain access to the delights within. An even faster way to get access to these items is to throw the present down at your feet, and you will be encased in the present entirely. This method of opening presents could come in handy if needing a quick barrier to heal, or to confuse the enemy. Enjoy the spoils of the holiday season, but watch out–more access to Epic and Legendary weapons may mean you may get attacked with them!

Third is the reappearance of Sgt. Winter driving around on the Christmas Big Rig Throne. You will know he is near you when you hear jingle bells and a laughing “Ho! Ho! Ho!” like Santa. If you can catch up to him, he will ask if you have been “Naughty” or “Nice” and throw a present in your general direction, but only one for every member on your team. Try not to get put on the Naughty List by stealing your teammate’s presents, but these in-game gifts can give you better weapons, healing items and shields.

Conclusion

Whether you are on the Naughty List or the Nice List this season, Fortnite will continue with the tradition of gift-giving to bring players some holiday cheer in Winterfest 2022. Be sure to open all your gifts by 9 AM EST on January 3rd, otherwise your opportunity will be gone. Meanwhile, enjoy the snow, festivities, and gifts from Epic.