Fortnite data mining hints at return of Thanos for Avengers: Endgame

Judging from a recent leak, the mad titan Thanos might be returning to Fortnite in the near future.

During a recent data mine of Fortnite, Skin-Tracker.com sifted through the modified list of kill feed messages. Most of these were standard fare, with specific lines for each weapon. However, there were several new ones that dropped hints about upcoming changes to the game, specifically one which lists a player’s death as “yielded to the POWER of Thanos.”

This hints strongly that Thanos is set to return to Fortnite.

Thanos first appeared in Fortnite in 2018 as part of a cross-promotion for Avengers: Infinity War. He was the center of the Infinity Gauntlet limited time game mode where the titular weapon would drop in a random location on the map, allowing whoever found it to become Thanos. As Thanos, they would have the opportunity to rampage throughout the map until dying, at which point they would drop the gauntlet and begin the process anew.

The mode was wildly popular during its short time in the game. It was also a major testament to Fortnite’s popularity as the company was able to obtain the character’s rights from the historically protective Disney. The timing of the addition coincides with the approaching release of Avengers: Endgame. The Marvel Studios film featuring Thanos as the antagonist has a strong chance of breaking box office records.

Past his presence in the game files, details are scarce in regards to what a Thanos game mode might look like in Fortnite, or if Epic Games’ partnership with Marvel will extend past the appearance of Thanos. The Infinity Gauntlet mode from 2018 could return, but with the movie’s focus shifting away from the weapon it may not be as suited to capture the movie’s essence.

Infinity Gauntlet arrived in Fortnite two weeks after the initial launch of Avengers: Infinity War. With Avengers: Endgame hitting theatres on April 26, Thanos’ return to the battle royale may be coming soon.