Fortnite Player Count Surge: Why Treasure Hunters Is Working

By GameDrop Staff · Nov 03, 2026 · Updates · 2 min read

Fortnite Treasure Hunters key art with Luffy, Zoro and Captain X — Image: Epic Games

Fortnite's One Piece-themed Treasure Hunters mini-season is bringing players back in a big way. GameSpot, citing fortnite.gg data, says the main Battle Royale mode averaged about four times as many players on Sunday's launch than it had in recent months, and Monday's numbers were higher still. Here is why it is working.

Quick summary

Battle Royale averaged roughly 4x its recent player count on launch Sunday (fortnite.gg via GameSpot).
The Treasure Hunt lets chest openers win free cosmetics, with a rare ticket for the whole item shop free for two weeks.
Sprites are no longer gameplay critical, and buyable reboot cards are gone.
New One Piece Mythics include Ace's Flame-Flame Fruit and Zoro's Three Swords.
GameSpot says BR is on track for its best month since the Fortnite OG mini-season in 2023.

What is the Treasure Hunt?

Whenever you or a squadmate open a treasure chest, you have a chance to win a free cosmetic, including an A$AP Rocky skin and a Mercedes SUV. A very small number of players can find a golden ticket that unlocks everything in the item shop for two weeks. Because you cannot grind for it, GameSpot's Phil Owen calls it a better engagement hook than the coercive mechanics Epic used earlier in Chapter 7. For season dates and start time in India, see our Treasure Hunters start time guide.

What gameplay changes did Epic make?

Three changes stand out in the review. First, Sprite abilities no longer swing fights, so you will not lose because an opponent has a maxed-out Sonic Sprite. Second, the loot pool drops weapons that let players laser you from far away, making ambushes easier to survive. Third, buyable reboot cards were removed, so squads are likelier to commit to fights than flee. Together they make BR feel closer to older Fortnite, after Chapter 7's faster time-to-kill and rearranged UI unsettled long-time players.

Gum-Gum Fruit and Zoro's three swords in Fortnite x One Piece — Image: Epic Games / Toei Animation

Which One Piece powers are worth using?

Ace's fire abilities from the Flame-Flame Fruit and Zoro's Three Swords are the headline picks. GameSpot compares the swords to the ODM Gear from Attack on Titan in Chapter 4 as the most fun melee weapon in years. Our v43.00 patch notes breakdown lists the map and item changes.

Will the Fortnite surge last into GTA 6?

That is the open question. GameSpot argues the surge would fade quickly if Fortnite still played like last season, but the gameplay changes give Epic a real chance to keep some players into Chapter 8. GTA 6 is only weeks away, and our launch calendar shows what else is competing for attention. Free-to-play fans should also watch the deals page for free games.

Frequently asked questions

How much did Fortnite's player count rise?

GameSpot, citing fortnite.gg, says Battle Royale averaged about four times its recent player count on Sunday's season launch, then rose further on Monday.