Leaked loading screens marking the end of Fortnite Chapter 2 indicate Chapter 3 will kickoff sometime in the very near future. This isn't the first time Fortnite Chapter 3 details have seemingly circulated online. Earlier this month, players began piecing together the possibility that Epic Games has placed intricate teases about what's next in-game.
One clue in Chapter 2 revolves around a book-reading emote, which features text reading, "end of the chapter." Furthermore, the Cube Queen character in Season 8 brought items into the mix that directly reference the current map's time winding to a close. Leaks from July pointed to the Cube Queen's Season 8 arrival and hinted at her planned return as an integral character in the arc for Chapter 3. And several Fortnite-centric YouTubers and streamers previously claimed to have heard word that Chapter 2 will not stick around for too much longer. As of writing, Epic has yet to corroborate any of the Fortnite Chapter 3 leaks.
A leaked event loading screen shared via Fortnite news account Shiina features a "The Chapter 2 Finale" tag, which further serves as evidence to the notion that Chapter 3 could begin by this year's end. Interestingly, this does not constitute the only leaked image of its kind making the rounds, either. Twitter user InTheShade - Fortnite Leaks similarly shared a screenshot of a live event playlist bearing the name of "The End." Suffice it to say, this, too, suggests Fortnite Chapter 2 is not long for this world. See both screenshots in question pictured in the Twitter posts linked below.
The above screenshots began circulating just a few days ago on November 16, the same day Epic Games deployed Fortnite's Naruto crossover content. Once again, the studio remains mum about the Chapter 3 rumors and speculation, though there's little that calls into question the veracity of the leaks.
Fortnite Chapter 2 originally went live in Fall 2019, opening the door to an 11th season and map change. Seven other seasons have rolled out in the couple of years since then, with Season 8 scheduled to draw to a close in a matter of weeks on December 5. The ongoing leaks hint that Epic won't deploy a ninth season for Chapter 2 and may instead move right into the eagerly-awaited third chapter. Whatever the company decides, all will be made clear in about two weeks' time.
Fortnite is available as a free-to-play title across Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Android devices.