Could Lightning McQueen be coming to Fortnite as a skin?

Ivan Frigato Published August 12, 2024

Epic Games is looking to revamp racing mode in Fortnite, and that’s the perfect opportunity to add Cars’ Lightning McQueen to the game.

The latest Fortnite vehicle collab came on the heels of the summer vehicle ban in solo ranked. While the Cybertruck may not have been the most popular, its inclusion in the game indicated to many that greater changes were coming. Previous leaks revealed that more car collaborations would eventually be coming, but new information shows that players might be able to actually wear cars as skins.

Here’s what players need to know about Lightning McQueen and other possible vehicle skins in Fortnite.

Will players be able to wear vehicle skins?

Rumors from reputable sources say that Fortnite will be adding more car skins and collaborations, potentially including Lightning McQueen.

Two different known Fortnite leakers on X, @ShiinaBR and @HYPEX, confirmed that players will be able to play as vehicles. Their information comes from a source who also was correct about the Disney item shop. Vehicle skins would be a major gameplay change. Currently, players operate vehicles like they would in real life and can shoot from the passenger seat.

Vehicle skins pose a lot of questions. Would players in character as cars be able to ferry others? Could player-vehicles shoot, or only drive? It’s unclear exactly what benefits playing as the vehicle itself would offer, or if skins would be extended back to other vehicles like the Cybertruck. Regardless, fans are excited about getting to be the actual Lightning McQueen himself on the main Fortnite island.

When is Lightning McQueen coming to Fortnite?

Epic Games hasn’t announced an official release date or confirmed Lightning McQueen’s addition, but previous leaks show that he could come this in Chapter 5 Season 4.

Leaks from 2023 show a trailer of Lightning McQueen in Rocket League, which happened back in April 2024. However, the video’s creator also tagged it as Season 4 and promised more Disney content that was only just revealed. Given the announcement of several Disney IPs getting skins at D23, there isn’t a better time for Lightning McQueen to make a big debut in ranked. Until more information is released, fans will have to stay on the starting line until they can drive off as their favorite animated car.