Fact checked October 9, 2026. Epic has announced two Fortnitemares Power Hours on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The first starts at 2 p.m. Eastern (18:00 UTC); the second begins at 9 p.m. Eastern (01:00 UTC Sunday). Both feature Witch Brooms at spawn and more Pumpkin Chests and selected Sprites.
Both start times and the overnight date change
Epic’s event listing gives two separate starts, so players outside the United States need to account for a midnight rollover. The afternoon session begins at 18:00 UTC on October 10 and the evening session at 01:00 UTC on October 11. On October 10, Eastern time is still daylight saving time, UTC-4. The event listing marks the first session as lasting two hours, but players should verify the live in-game timer for the second session rather than assume every mode in Fortnite changes simultaneously. Time-sensitive event guidance should distinguish published timing from speculation.
What changes during the event
Epic says everyone drops with a Witch Broom, more Pumpkin Chests appear across the island, and three seasonal Sprites become more common: Spooky Dash, Vampire and The Deer. The same announcement says 1-Up Tokens and Portable Extractors may appear in chests. These are possible drops, not guaranteed finds. The event message does not promise increased chances for every Fortnitemares Sprite, so do not mistake the limited list for a global boost to all six abilities.
How to prepare a match
To take advantage of more Pumpkin Chests, start near familiar safe paths and use the provided broom to reposition. A common error during limited-time events is chasing crowded loot locations without an exit route. If the opening area is contested, prioritize surviving long enough to find a second chest. Use Spooky Dash for mobility, Vampire for health recovery during damage, and The Deer if you intend to fight up close. These are tactical suggestions based on the published Sprite abilities, not an official power ranking.
What if the event is not visible?
Check that you are entering an eligible Battle Royale playlist rather than a Creative island with unrelated settings. Seasonal content may depend on the match type, in-game version and matchmaking region. The official Epic announcement is stronger evidence than a video thumbnail claiming secret chest coordinates or a permanent item unlock. If you arrive after the listed time, wait for the next announced window rather than assuming that all temporary modifiers remain active until November.
Practical checklist
- Check the current live in-game event tile before queueing.
- Convert the listed UTC starts into your local clock with daylight saving time in mind.
- Enter an eligible Battle Royale playlist when the window opens.
- Look for Pumpkin Chests but do not assume they always yield a particular item.
- Prioritize movement and survivability over rushed chest fights.
Frequently asked questions
When is Fortnite Power Hours October 10?
Epic lists 2 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 10; the second is 01:00 UTC Sunday.
What do players start with?
Epic says everyone drops with a Witch Broom during the announced Power Hours.
Are extra Sprites guaranteed?
No. Epic says the three named Sprites appear more often, not in every chest.
Sources and related reading
Official Epic Games source 1; Official Epic Games source 2. See the main Fortnitemares 2026 event hub for the wider season.
Availability, playlist rules and balance can change after new Epic updates; do not treat gameplay recommendations as confirmed mechanical guarantees.
