Fortnite OG Rocket Launch Ignites Explosive Return
Live event recreates iconic Season 4 moment
Fortnite OG players are gearing up for a spectacular live event, the “Blast Off,” recreating the legendary rocket launch from 2018. The highly anticipated event is set to immerse players in a dramatic retelling of a pivotal moment in the game’s history.
Anticipation Builds for Blast Off
The excitement for the “Blast Off” event has been palpable, with players advised to log in early to secure their place. The event is scheduled to begin at 2 PM ET, 11 AM PT, and 7 PM BST.
Mystery is on a collision course with danger. Strap in, the OG Rocket Launch Event is live today at 2 PM ET! pic.twitter.com/Hje3UD3DQkJuly 26, 2025
The in-game event is a faithful recreation of the original Season 4 rocket launch, promising a spectacle where the spacefaring vessel is expected to be intercepted and propelled through multiple rifts.
Event Details and Player Experience
As the countdown to the event began, players noted that in-game damage and storm circles were disabled, ensuring everyone could witness the spectacle without interference. Early reports indicated potential matchmaking issues due to high server load, a common occurrence for major Fortnite events.
The game’s developers have confirmed that normal gameplay will continue during the lead-up to the event. Currently, players are experiencing Season 4 within Fortnite OG.
A Blast from the Past
The original rocket launch in Fortnite, which occurred during Season 4 in 2018, remains a fan-favorite memory. That event saw a rocket ascend into the sky, followed by transmissions from “The Visitor.” The rocket was then seen traveling through various rift portals, ultimately leaving a massive tear in the sky.
Rocket launch tailgate this weekend @ where? pic.twitter.com/2mLDQ3ippsJuly 23, 2025
With just 20 minutes remaining until the Blast Off, anticipation is at its peak. Players are encouraged to position themselves for the best view.
Liftoff and a Mysterious Red Rift
The rocket has successfully launched, ascending towards the cosmos. A key alteration in this recreation is the appearance of a red rift in the sky, a deviation from the original blue rift, hinting at new narrative developments. Prior to the launch, some players reported seeing a red butterfly, potentially connected to the altered rift phenomenon.

This red rift is expected to persist at least until the commencement of Fortnite OG Season 5 on August 8, 2025. The ongoing season has seen a surge in player engagement, with Fortnite OG reportedly drawing over 100 million players in its first month, revitalizing the game’s popularity.
What Comes Next?
Following the Blast Off event, it’s anticipated that rifts will begin to appear across the island, a hallmark of the original Season 4’s progression. These rifts are known to transport objects between different realities, paving the way for the “Worlds Collide” theme of the upcoming Season 5.

The persistent red crack in the sky serves as a constant reminder of the event’s outcome, with further explanations likely to unfold as the new season approaches. This live coverage concludes with the expectation of new content and story developments in the near future.