Not even just a surprise for the players but for the developers as well. The Fortnite community saw an unexpected return of the exclusive cosmetic item, the Bow Blade pickaxe. This supposedly rare item release for a limited-time event accidentally appeared in the Item Shop for a brief time. Certainly, this got players excited, especially those who have been wanting to get ahold of this item.
It stirred commotion in the community as what had happened that led to its appearance in the shop briefly. With that, here’s everything about the return of Bow Blades Fortnite!
What are the Bow Blades?
Fortnite collectors and enthusiasts beamed with excitement when it returned to the Item Shop. Bow Blades is a pickaxe cosmetic item that was originally released on August 12, 2022, in Fortnite. What made this special and popular is that it is an exclusive release only. They made it available for the players that participated in the Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) finals in Chapter 3 Season 3. Definitely, it holds special memories for the players who originally owned the item.
The Unexpected Return
No one expected a happy incident to happen on October 3, 2024. The reappearance of Bow Blades in the Item Shop after the routine refresh caught off guard the Fortnite community. It got players giddy and excited to bag the rare item that they’d missed during the FNCS Finals in Chapter 3 Season 3.
However, it was short-lived, as it also got quickly removed from the shop after some minutes. Epic Games immediately confirmed in their announcement that it was a technical issue that brought back the Bow Blades in the Item Shop. Yet, many players have managed to purchase it, which raises a question on what would happen.
Epic Games’ Response
This situation is not something new for Epic Games. Earlier in August 2024, Fortnite also accidentally re-released the Paradigm outfit, which caused mixed reactions in the community. Thus, in this case, Epic Games follows a similar approach to address the situation. Their prompt solution to the problem gives a satisfying result for both players.
Players that bought the Bow Blades during its brief return in the shop get to keep the item. They will also receive a complete V-Bucks refund used for their purchase. On the other hand, the original owners will receive an exclusive new style for the pickaxe and have the option to refund their purchase as well.
How to Get the Bow Blades
Unfortunately, there are no other ways of obtaining this rare item unless Fortnite commits another mishap. Its unexpected return to the shop is certain to be the last instance that it will be available for purchase. Yet, a little wishing may work given the recent trends going in for Fortnite. Here’s when you can expect for rare items like Bow Blades to make a return:
Future Re-releases
Among the changes going in for Fortnite is that they are driving away from permanent exclusivity of their releases. Epic Games has been making efforts to make items available even after the event period. For instance, the Chapter 5 Season 4 onwards Battle Pass skins can make their return in the item shop. With this, there is a chance for Bow Blades to eventually be open for purchase at some time in the future.
Special Events
Special events tend to bring out exclusive prizes and rewards. Keep an eye out for any of these Fortnite tournaments or themed-events to see whether an exclusive item is given as a reward. While it may not bring old, rare items, you will have a chance to obtain new ones.
Item Shop Rotations
The chances are low but never zero, as you’ve seen in the incident that happened. While unlikely, regularly check your Item Shop rotation, especially during special occasions or anniversaries, for rare items.
Looking Ahead
Bow Blades’ return may be brief, but it brought excitement to the Fortnite community. It shows how rare items remain popular despite years that have passed. Unfortunately, it will be difficult for Epic Games to make these rare items available for purchase once again. After all, there has to be a lot of consideration on their ends, including the opinion of the original owners. Much more, the exclusivity of the item was part of its selling point that made players buy it.
However, Fortnite continues to develop and attempts to change how they will distribute and value cosmetic items in the future. With that, players would have more opportunity to purchase the items at the pace they can.
