On this day in Fortnite history: Chapter 1 Season 6 “Darkness Rises”

Featuring the introduction of some of Fortnite’s most treasured items, Season 6 was a special moment.

As the celebrations wrap up for Fortnite Battle Royale’s fourth birthday, we also arrive at the anniversary of another monumental occasion in the game’s history. Inspired by a recent tweet from leaker @HYPEX, this article will take a look back at Fortnite Chapter 1 Season 6, which launched three years ago today.

On September 27, 2018, with Halloween just around the corner, the previously bright and colorful world of Fortnite took a grim turn. Season 6 was given the slogan “Darkness Rises” and lasted 70 days.

Storyline

Having sunk beneath Loot Lake during Season 5’s dramatic climax, Kevin the Cube reactivated, lifting the lake’s central island high into the sky. This new floating island was accessible via a powerful surrounding air vortex, and quickly became a fan favorite drop spot.

Over time, the Cube dragged the island around the map, moving between various corrupted zones. These corrupted zones were small barren wastelands, with Shadow Stone consumables, purple vents and a sprinkling of loot.

Later in the season came the famous Butterfly live event. Back at the lake the Cube lost control, began spinning wildly and ended up ripping itself apart, causing a cataclysmic explosion. Players were temporarily teleported to an inter-dimensional nexus hub, before the mysterious Butterfly transported them back to reality (Or at least, a reality).

In the final weeks of Season 6, a giant iceberg appeared in the distance, masked by a vast snowstorm.  This foreshadowed the upcoming snow biome.

Map Changes

Aside from the addition of the floating Island and corrupted zones, the other key POI change was the Haunted Castle. Sitting atop the mountain next to Haunted Hills, this new location made for one of the best vantage points around.

A few extra cabins popped up in Wailing Woods, along with an exciting secret bunker. This underground hideout was home to the only permanent rift on the island.

Loot

A bunch of classic Fortnite weapons and items made their debut in Season 6, as well as what many would argue is still the coolest vehicle we’ve seen. These include:

• Shadow Stones

• Chiller Traps

• Quad Launcher

• Quadcrasher

• Six Shooter

• Fiend Hunter Crossbow (Used for slaying Cube Monsters as part of Fortnitemares)

• Balloons

• Heavy Assault Rifle

• Mounted Turret

• Dynamite

• Epic & Legendary Pump Shotguns

Quite the list! As someone who has been playing Fortnite since it released, I remember Chapter 1 Season 6 as the first time that I noticed people starting to become way more skilled. This is where not building could really hurt you and top players began to push the boundaries of what was possible.

Shout out to Fortnite Wiki for providing all this information, it’s fun to think back and reminisce. Were you playing during Season 6? Let us know on Twitter what your memories are @FortniteTracker.