I still remember the crackling energy of Fortnitemares 2024. It’s been two years now, but the memories of chainsaw duels, pumpkin-induced chaos, and the eerie glow of Sideways weapons haven’t faded. As Halloween 2026 approaches, I find myself loading up old clips and thinking about what made that event so special. In this retrospective, I’m going to walk you through the spooky arsenal that defined my Fortnitemares experience.
The Sideways Rifle was my go-to mid-range choice back then. It wasn’t just another assault rifle; it had that weird cube-powered overheat mechanic. I recall learning to feather the trigger just before it overheated to get a 1.5x damage boost — a trick that won me more fights than I can count. Available in Reload and Horde Rush LTMs, it was a lifesaver against swarms of Cube Monsters. Having one in my inventory felt like insurance against the unpredictable.
Then there was the Sideways Minigun. Oh, that monstrous thing. In Horde Rush, nothing cleared a wave faster. I’d set myself up on a high spot and just hold down the fire button, letting the minigun’s infinite magazine chew through monsters. The cooldown was manageable, and the sheer volume of bullets made me feel like an unstoppable turret. Even in Reload, a well-timed spin-up could wipe a whole squad trying to push. It was chaotic, loud, and utterly satisfying.
Melee lovers rejoiced with the Sideways Scythe. I’m not usually one for close quarters, but this scythe changed my mind. Each swing hit for 40 damage, and its reach let me dance around enemies without getting too personal. In Horde Rush, I’d swing wildly through clusters of monsters, completing quests in no time. The elegant, yet menacing design fit perfectly with the Halloween theme. It was tools like this that made me appreciate the creativity Fortnite brings to its seasonal events.
The Saw crossover gave us the Boom Billy, a throwable dynamite doll that cackled homicidally. I loved using it to flush out campers. Tossing a Boom Billy behind a wall and watching it waddle toward an unsuspecting enemy never got old. With 75 damage per explosion, two active at a time was more than enough. It added a psychological edge; enemies would panic when they heard that little squeaky laugh approaching. It wasn’t the most practical weapon, but it was pure comedic horror.
No Fortnitemares list would be complete without the Wood Stake Shotgun. This bone-adorned beauty delivered brutal close-range blasts. With the Mythic version dropping from Ultima Carver, it could hit for a staggering 186 to the head. I remember camping Brawler Patch just for a chance to take down that boss and claim the ultimate stake launcher. There was something deeply satisfying about blasting opponents with a shotgun that looked like it was pulled straight from a vampire hunter’s arsenal.
And then came the Pumpkin Launcher — a Legendary rocket launcher that turned enemies into festive decorations. Hitting for 130 damage on impact, it was the perfect tool for ruining a tightly packed squad’s day. Buying it from the Pumpkin King NPC for 800 gold was often my strategy when I wanted guaranteed explosive power. The visual of a massive pumpkin sailing through the air and obliterating structures was pure Fortnitemares magic. I still maintain it was the most fun explosive weapon in that event.
Finally, the Chainsaw. Nothing in 2024 came close to the raw, frantic energy of this weapon. With four moves — rush attack, simple slash, sprint slash, and ground pound — it turned every player into a miniature Leatherface. I’d pre-rev it around corners, listening for footsteps, then burst out at full speed. The ability to shred walls and players alike for roughly 75 damage per hit made it the ultimate aggressive tool. In my matches, wielding the chainsaw felt like starring in my own horror movie. If there’s one weapon I’d bring back for every future Halloween, it’s this one.
Even now in 2026, when I see new Fortnitemares trailers, I compare them to the chaotic perfection of 2024. The Sideways arsenal, the Pumpkin Launcher, the Chainsaw — each contributed to an event that balanced fear and fun in equal measure. Whether you were a casual like me or a competitive grinder, that arsenal had something for everyone. I can only hope future events capture even half of that spooky magic.