Fortnite has officially rolled out its latest anime collaboration, this time with Kaiju No. 8, as part of Chapter 6, Season 1. However, while some fans are thrilled, the crossover has sparked heated debates within the community, dividing players over its inclusion.
Known for its wide-ranging collaborations that feature characters from pop culture staples like Naruto, Attack on Titan, and My Hero Academia, Fortnite has established itself as the ultimate hub for fandom crossovers. This season, with its hunter- and yokai-inspired theme deeply rooted in Japanese culture, Epic Games introduced Kaiju No. 8 into the mix. While the Defense Force characters taking on creatures reminiscent of Godzilla fit seamlessly into the season’s aesthetic, not everyone in the community is on board.
"The Most Controversial Anime Collab Yet"
Just days after the collab’s official reveal and its availability in the Item Shop, popular Fortnite leaker ShiinaBR described the crossover as “the most controversial anime collab so far.” Social media platforms exploded with debate, with thousands of responses under the trailer’s post expressing frustration and disappointment.
This has to be the most "controversial" anime collaboration we've had so far in Fortnite I posted the trailer for it two days ago and thousands of people are still annoyed in the replies & quote retweets pic.twitter.com/gz9WFBZFy9
— Shiina (@ShiinaBR) January 26, 2025
The primary criticism comes from players who believe Epic Games chose the “wrong” anime for this collaboration. For many, Kaiju No. 8 feels like a missed opportunity compared to more well-known titles such as One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen (wave 2), or additional content for Attack on Titan. Some fans even referenced the long-standing rumors of a Demon Slayer collaboration, which had been circulating well before this season began, fueling further discontent.
FORTNITE KAIJU NO. 8 COLLAB TRAILER pic.twitter.com/7bBwlCBaT0
— Shiina (@ShiinaBR) January 24, 2025
While some fans are embracing the chance to see Kaiju No. 8 gain recognition, others remain steadfast in their disappointment. The divide highlights an ongoing issue in Fortnite’s collaboration strategy: balancing popular fan-favorite franchises with lesser-known gems.
Fortnite players when a kaiju anime collab gets released during the kaiju season: https://t.co/AvKEJwbgJw pic.twitter.com/URlQEknEPq
— Sonic 4 countdown (@FryeSplatoon0) January 27, 2025
For critics, the frustration seems to stem from missed expectations. Titles like Demon Slayer and One Piece carry massive global followings, making them obvious choices for the player base. On the other hand, defenders argue that collaborations like Kaiju No. 8 help smaller series grow while also keeping Fortnite’s partnerships diverse and unpredictable.
Join the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force Kafka Hibino, Reno Ichikawa and Kikoru Shinomiya are on the scene in the Shop, now! https://t.co/CPauj9nyCC pic.twitter.com/5hZoc0aly1
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) January 25, 2025
Will Fortnite Fans Give Kaiju No. 8 a Chance?
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Fortnite’s Kaiju No. 8 collab is one of the most polarizing crossovers in recent memory. Whether players love or hate the decision, the controversy has undeniably sparked curiosity about the anime, with many fans saying they’ll give the series a shot simply because of its Fortnite tie-in.
In the end, this collaboration isn’t just about skins or cosmetics – it’s about bringing new audiences to Kaiju No. 8 while expanding Fortnite’s ever-growing universe of crossovers. Only time will tell if the collab wins over skeptics, but for now, the discussion shows no signs of slowing down.