Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 3 Runners: Everything New
I’ve been grinding the new season since it dropped, and Chapter 7 Season 3 — “Runners” — is one of the most movement-focused updates Fortnite has shipped in a while. Here’s everything that’s new and what actually matters.
Quick Summary
- Season: Chapter 7 Season 3 is called Runners, built around speed, movement and collectible Sprites.
- When: it began on June 6, 2026 (right after the “Shattered” live event) and is expected to run until around August 19, 2026.
- Battle Pass: eight new skins, headlined by a cel-shaded John Wick (Pen & Ink) collaboration.
- Sprites are back: small collectible creatures that grant buffs — this season you keep them and carry them between matches.
- Map: the island was broken apart in the Shattered event and rebuilt with fused and brand-new locations.
- Ranked: ranks reset, a new Unreal Legends tier arrived for the very top players, and a global Power Rankings leaderboard launched.
If you’d rather jump straight into the new season with skins and V-Bucks already on the books instead of grinding the pass from zero, you can browse ready-made Fortnite accounts and pick one that fits how you play.
What Is Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 3?
Chapter 7 Season 3 is the current Fortnite Battle Royale season, themed “Runners.” It launched on June 6, 2026, right after the Shattered live event reshaped the island, and it’s scheduled to run until roughly August 19, 2026. The theme leans into fast-paced movement and the return of Sprites, continuing the ongoing story after the events involving the Foundation, the Ice King and Dr. Slone.
What Are Sprites and How Do They Work?
Sprites are small collectible creatures that attach to you and grant buffs or abilities. They first appeared back in Chapter 6 Season 1, but this season changes how they work: instead of being match-only, you collect Sprites permanently and carry them across matches, with rarer Sprites giving stronger effects. There are around ten to find at launch, so part of the season’s grind is building out your Sprite collection.
What’s in the Runners Battle Pass?
The Runners Battle Pass includes eight new skins: The Guardian, Heatwave PJ, Cluster, Dylan, Wolfe, The Voidblade, Vanguard Slone, and a cel-shaded John Wick (Pen & Ink) — a distinct, comic-styled version separate from the standard Item Shop John Wick, complete with a Pen & Ink Dog sidekick. The pass is also available through a Fortnite Crew subscription. Exact pricing and unlock levels can shift during a season, so check the in-game pass screen for the current details before you commit.
What Changed on the Map?
The Shattered live event on June 5, 2026 broke the island apart, and it was rebuilt with fused versions of older points of interest plus new ones. Reported changes include Dark Dominion being replaced by a tropical location with an exposed Zero Point at its center, and new spots such as Duck Mansion and a ski-resort POI, Lifty Lodge. The map usually keeps evolving through a season, so expect smaller mid-season tweaks on top of these.
What New Weapons and Items Are There?
Alongside the movement theme, several new weapons and mobility items have been reported this season, including a burst-fire rifle and new traversal gadgets. Epic typically rolls new items in over the weeks, and the live loot pool changes often — check the current patch notes for the exact list and stats rather than trusting any single early roundup.
What Changed in Reload and Other Modes?
Reload — Fortnite’s faster, smaller-scale mode — got an overhaul this season, with starting gear that improves as you play. Reload’s Zero Build version also softened its fall damage, so a big drop knocks you down rather than out. If you mainly play Reload, it’s worth relearning the early-game flow.
Ranked: Unreal Legends and Power Rankings
Ranks reset for the new season with fresh rewards, and a new top tier — Unreal Legends — was added for elite players who reach Unreal, hold a high Skill Rating and place near the very top of the Unreal Leaderboard at the same time. Epic also launched a global Power Rankings leaderboard that blends your best Battle Royale and Reload results into a single skill number, so competitive progress is now tracked across modes.
Is Fortnite OG Separate This Season?
Yes. Fortnite OG runs as its own mode, and its current season — Chapter 1 Season 9, “The Future Is Yours” — launched on June 25, 2026 with a sci-fi makeover featuring throwback locations. It’s separate from the main Battle Royale season, so you can dip into the nostalgia mode without affecting your Runners progress.
FAQ
What is the current Fortnite season?
The current Battle Royale season is Chapter 7 Season 3, called Runners, focused on movement and collectible Sprites.
When does Chapter 7 Season 3 end?
It’s expected to run until around August 19, 2026, though Epic occasionally shifts season end dates.
Do I keep my Sprites between matches this season?
Yes. Unlike before, Sprites you collect this season carry over between matches, and rarer Sprites are stronger.
Who is the headline Battle Pass skin?
The standout collaboration is a cel-shaded John Wick (Pen & Ink), a comic-styled version distinct from the regular Item Shop John Wick.
What is Unreal Legends?
It’s a new top Ranked tier for elite players who simultaneously reach Unreal, hold a high Skill Rating and place near the top of the Unreal Leaderboard.
Is Fortnite OG part of this season?
No — Fortnite OG is a separate mode, currently running Chapter 1 Season 9, “The Future Is Yours.”