Fortnite Festival: Season 10 – Gorillaz [IMPRESSIONS]

Fortnite Festival has hit a milestone: its tenth season, and what better way to mark the occasion than by inviting Gorillaz – the world’s most famous virtual band – to crash the party? Noodle, 2D, Russel, and Murdoc aren’t just dropping in as playable icons though, but bringing their chaotic, genre-bending energy to the Fortnite Festival stage in a stylish fashion that perfectly fits the Fortnite vibe.

Before we go into the inclusion of Gorillaz, it’s worth noting that this season of Fortnite Festival has also brought with it some cool gameplay improvements that genuinely make a difference. The addition of ‘Good’ notes makes timing notes more clear when you’re barely missing out on the perfects, whilst the redesigned lift notes help make it clearer just how long you need to keep notes held down for, rather than second-guessing yourself with split-second holds. For me, this is a huge improvement – lift notes were ALWAYS something that tripped me up in a song, so the visual redesign feels like a meaningful improvement that makes each song all the more accessible. Optional toggles for both of these changes does keep things flexible for those who preferred the old style though, which is always a win.

Of course, its Gorillaz that take the spotlight this season, and rightfully so. The first beam falls on Noodle and 2D, but there’s a catch: both are sold separately in the Item Shop rather than included in the Music Pass. I understand why Epic does this – it makes sense to save some headliners for direct purchases to bring in some more V-Bucks purchases – but it does sting a little for players who rely on the Music Pass alone to get their content. Compared to seasons like Metallica, where the whole band could be unlocked through the Music Pass, it’s hard not to feel a bit sour only having half of the Gorillaz line-up unless you spend extra. Still, the designs nail each character’s vibe: Noodle’s assassin-meets-rock star mystique and 2D’s understated, peace-loving presence make them standout inclusions.

Luckily, the Music Pass allows the rest of the group to shine. Russel unlocks instantly for pass holders, with his drums and one-eyed octopus back bling fleshing out his kit, but if you push further and complete the Music Pass, Murdoc lays in wait as your final prize – cape, bass, and captain’s hat included. The unlockable instruments and cosmetic items look fantastic too, and of course, taking them into Battle Royale as pickaxes always feels cool. And for those who live for the music as much as the cosmetics? The pass is stacked with Jam Tracks: Gorillaz’ own ‘On Melancholy Hill’ is the star of the line-up, alongside tracks from Stone Temple Pilots, Hanumankind, and more Epic Originals.

That said, I can’t help but wish there were a couple more Gorillaz songs included in the Music Pass itself. While I’m certainly a fan of what’s here, it feels like a missed opportunity not to lean even harder into the band’s deep catalogue, especially since this IS the Gorillaz season. You can purchase bangers such as ‘Clint Eastwood’, ‘Feel Good Music’, or ‘DARE’ on the in-game shop, but it would’ve been nice if there was an extra track or two on the Music Pass. Still, the selection doesn’t disappoint, with Stone Temple Pilots’ ‘Interstate Love Song’ a real standout, and Epic’s own original tracks bringing some pleasantly catchy beats that are a treat to play on repeat.

The new season also brings with it a new Main Stage to play from, trading the neon spotlights of last season for graffiti, train tracks, and towering city blocks. It’s less concert hall, more urban sprawl… exactly the kind of place you’d expect Gorillaz to headline. The setting oozes personality and sets the mood for their Fortnite Festival arrival, and you know what? It’s perfect.

Epic’s already teased that Season 11’s Music Pass will shift the spotlight to Fortnite-original rewards and music, and while I’ve been enjoying collaborations the most – where familiarity and musical superstars makes Fortnite Festival shine so bright – I’m cautiously optimistic about what’s next. Epic has set a high bar with its original content in other game modes, so there’s good reason to believe Festival can follow suit. I mean, I LOVE collaborations the most (I’m still waiting for my Chappell Roan season, please), but I’m excited to see what Epic can bring to the table.

Ten seasons in, Fortnite Festival is constantly proving it’s more than just a side mode. Epic continues to refine the gameplay, expand the music library, and land collaborations that feel both surprising and natural. Gorillaz fit right into that tradition – virtual artists crossing into a virtual stage feels almost inevitable, and with the exception of the full band’s omission from the Music Pass, it stands out as a really impressive season. Gorillaz are here, and they’ve brought the noise – whether you’re strumming along to ‘On Melancholy Hill’, rocking out on Russel’s drums, or hitting a sick bass line on the graffiti-laden city stage as Murdoc, Season 10 is a crossover event that stands out as a headline show.