Fortnite’s Springfield takeover proves The Simpsons still rule pop culture
From Moe’s Tavern to the Nuclear Plant, Epic’s full-scale Springfield is jaw-droppingly good
Fortnite has done it again, and this time, it’s gone full Springfield.
Epic Games has officially launched its most ambitious collaboration yet: Fortnite x The Simpsons, a month-long event that turns the iconic Battle Royale into a cel-shaded love letter to Springfield. For the first time in over a decade, The Simpsons are back in gaming form, and honestly, it’s hard not to be impressed by how perfectly it all works.
At its core, this is still the Fortnite you know: a Battle Royale where you drop in, scavenge, and outlast. But the setting has never looked like this before. The new Springfield Island completely reimagines Fortnite’s formula within the world of The Simpsons, blending familiar gameplay with decades of cartoon history. It’s a seamless mash-up of action, nostalgia and absurdity, and somehow, it feels both completely new and instantly classic.
Every inch of the island is packed with detail. You can barge through the doors of Moe’s Tavern, raid Krusty Burger, sneak around Burns Manor, and even explore the looming Nuclear Power Plant, all rendered in a vibrant cel-shaded style that nails the look of the show. The skyline hums with neon signs, the sound effects are pure Springfield, and the sight of Marge holding a rocket launcher is every bit as surreal as it sounds. The moment you fire up a game and see the title screen, it shows the passion and commitment that's been cultivated here.
When we jumped in to explore it ourselves, the attention to detail was genuinely jaw-dropping. From the in-jokes to the architecture, it’s clear Epic’s designers are fans first and coders second. The crossover doesn’t just reskin Fortnite, it rebuilds it with affection. It’s not The Simpsons: Hit & Run 2 (we wish), but it’s the best Simpsons gaming experience since that beloved cult classic.
Each week throughout November, new content rolls out, including weekly gameplay updates, new quests, themed shop drops and, most charmingly, a series of animated shorts co-produced by Gracie Films and Epic Games. The first one, “Apocalypse D’Oh”, premiered this week on Disney+, with new episodes arriving every Monday (November 10, 17 and 24). These shorts will feed directly into the island’s evolving storylines, and players can even watch them inside Fortnite itself via the Quests tab.
Of course, no event is complete without loot. The Springfield Battle Pass includes premium skins for Homer, Marge, Ned Flanders (including Sexy Flanders) and Blinky Fishstick, alongside the debut of Fortnite’s new Sidekicks feature, little companion pets that follow you around mid-match. The first? Peels, a banana-yellow dog that feels like a glitch straight out of a Treehouse of Horror episode.
Get exclusive shortlists, celebrity interviews and the best deals on the products you care about, straight to your inbox.
Beyond Battle Royale, the Springfield celebration spreads even wider. Linking your Epic Games and Disney accounts before February 28, 2026 unlocks the exclusive Kang and Kodos Glider, while Rocket League players can earn Simpsons-themed items like Homer’s Car and Blinky the Fish Topper. Over in Lego Fortnite, Krusty Burger even pops up for a cheeky face-off against Durrr Burger. It’s a full ecosystem of Easter eggs and chaos.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t a permanent addition — the Fortnite x The Simpsons event runs only for November. Once it’s gone, Springfield Island disappears from rotation, taking its Easter eggs, secrets, and Lard Lad-sized charm with it.
That’s part of what makes it so special. After years of Fortnite collaborations, from Marvel heroes to John Wick, this one feels unique. It’s still the same competitive game millions play daily, but the crossover’s wit, style, and polish make it feel brand new. For fans of The Simpsons, it’s a surreal thrill to finally explore Springfield like this, a nostalgic, playable postcard from one of television’s greatest universes.
Fortnite might be nearly eight years old, but with The Simpsons takeover, it’s proving it can still surprise us. Whether you’re dropping in for the nostalgia or the chaos, this event is a must-play.
If you’ve ever wanted to throw down in Moe’s Tavern while dodging sniper fire from Ned Flanders, when will you ever get the chance again?
Springfield’s open. Just don’t forget to thank the bus driver.
Skip the search — follow Shortlist on Google News to get our best lists, news, features and reviews at the top of your feeds!

Morgan got his start in writing by talking about his passion for gaming. He worked for sites like VideoGamer and GGRecon, knocking out guides, writing news, and conducting interviews before a brief stint as RealSport101's Managing Editor. He then went on to freelance for Radio Times before joining Shortlist as a staff writer. Morgan is still passionate about gaming and keeping up with the latest trends, but he also loves exploring his other interests, including grimy bars, soppy films, and wavey garms. All of which will undoubtedly come up at some point over a pint.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Doja Cat joins Fortnite for Fortnitemares Halloween season, among a host of horror iconsFancy a Scooby snack?
-
Gorillaz take over Fortnite Festival for season 10It's coming up

