Keanu Reeves has never guest starred on The Simpsons, but if he did, this is how his iconic assassin John Wick might look.
Why has Wick been Simpson-fied? Well, of course, it’s because he’s the star of a new Fortnite update — specifically for its popular Reload spinoff mode. Players will be able to meet and unlock Wick for themselves (as long as they own the current battle pass) as they delve back into the game’s excellent recreation of Springfield.
Fortnite first hosted The Simpsons’ home town during a popular mini-season at the end of last year. Now, the map is back for the game’s Reload offering, which grants players three lives and quick respawns before they’re out completely.
With a match size of 50 players and Simpsons items, this sounds like it will recreate some of mayhem from last year’s main battle royale offering. But there’s a few new twists this time around, as well. Firstly, an area of the map will be dedicated to The Confidential, a neutral zone with passive healing.
Proximity chat is enabled inside The Confiditional, which could prove interesting (or incredibly annoying). Players can also choose to break the peace and begin firing, though at the penalty of being marked for all players, with higher-quality loot for the opponent who then takes you down. Is it worth the risk? Si vis pacem, para bellum.
Players who have been sticking with the main battle royale mode’s compulsive Sprite collecting will likely be tempted to try Reload by the addition of an exclusive John Wick Sprite that can be extracted for use elsewhere (it reveals nearby enemies after knocking or eliminating an opponent).
Other changes to Reload will allow solo players to earn additional reboots by damaging opponents. Finally, chests will restock over time — a first for the game. Tempted to drop in? John Wick will be joining Homer Simpson in Fortnite Reload tomorrow, Thursday July 30, with around three weeks to unlock him for yourself.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social