The Candy Axe stands as one of Fortnite’s most iconic and sought-after harvesting tools, making its seasonal return a highly anticipated event for collectors and players alike. This festive candy cane-themed pickaxe combines nostalgic holiday charm with reactive features that have cemented its place among the game’s most desired cosmetics. As we approach the holiday season in 2024, many players are eagerly asking: when is the candy axe coming back 2024? This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about the Candy Axe’s expected return, its history, and how to ensure you don’t miss your chance to add this rare item to your locker.
The History and Significance of the Candy Axe
Understanding the Candy Axe’s importance in Fortnite requires looking at its storied past and what makes it such a prized possession.
Origins and First Appearance
The Candy Axe made its debut during Fortnite’s early days, quickly becoming a symbol of the game’s seasonal celebrations. According to the Fortnite Wiki, “Candy Axe is an Epic Pickaxe in Fortnite, that can be purchased in the Item Shop for 1,500 V-Bucks. Candy Axe was first released in Season 2 and is part of the Frosty Fights Set.” This places its origins in the 2017 holiday season, making it one of the game’s oldest seasonal cosmetics.
The pickaxe was designed to resemble a festive candy cane wrapped with colorful Christmas lights, perfectly embodying the holiday spirit that Fortnite embraces during its winter events.
Reactive Features and Design
What sets the Candy Axe apart from many other harvesting tools is its reactive nature. The Candy Axe wasn’t just a static cosmetic—it was one of Fortnite’s first reactive items, featuring light bulbs that would progressively illuminate as players secured eliminations during a match. This dynamic feature added both visual appeal and a way for players to showcase their in-game prowess.
| Eliminations | Visual Effect |
|---|---|
| 0 | Standard glow |
| 5 | First bulb lights up |
| 10 | Second bulb lights up |
| 15 | All three bulbs fully illuminated |
This reactive feature was groundbreaking when introduced and continues to make the Candy Axe a desirable cosmetic even compared to newer, more elaborate pickaxes.
Rarity and Collector Appeal
The Candy Axe’s appeal extends beyond its visual design and reactive features—its periodic availability has made it a symbol of Fortnite history and player status. According to Skin-Tracker, the Candy Axe has appeared in the Item Shop numerous times since its debut but always maintains a strict seasonal schedule, typically appearing only during the winter holiday period.
This limited availability window, combined with its status as one of the earliest reactive cosmetics, has made the Candy Axe particularly desirable among collectors and long-time players. While not as rare as exclusive promotional items or Battle Pass rewards, its seasonal nature means many players eagerly await its annual return.
Previous Release Patterns of the Candy Axe
To predict when the Candy Axe might return in 2024, examining its past appearance patterns provides valuable insights.
Historical Item Shop Appearances
The Candy Axe has followed a reasonably consistent pattern of appearances since its introduction. Let’s look at the release history for the past several years:
| Year | First Appearance Date | Final Appearance Date | Days Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | December 24 | January 2, 2018 | 10 |
| 2018 | December 14 | January 14, 2019 | 31 |
| 2019 | December 7 | January 7, 2020 | 31 |
| 2020 | December 9 | January 5, 2021 | 27 |
| 2021 | December 12 | January 8, 2022 | 27 |
| 2022 | December 7 | January 5, 2023 | 29 |
| 2023 | December 7 | January 7, 2024 | 31 |
This data reveals a consistent pattern: the Candy Axe typically makes its annual return in early to mid-December and remains available until early January of the following year. This roughly 30-day window coincides with Fortnite’s annual Winterfest celebration.
Relationship with Winterfest Events
The Candy Axe’s availability is closely tied to Fortnite’s annual Winterfest event. Winterfest transforms the game with seasonal decorations, special challenges, limited-time game modes, and an influx of holiday-themed cosmetics in the Item Shop.
According to Dexerto, “Winterfest 2024 will last from Friday, December 20, 2024 through Tuesday, January 7, 2025, according to official details shared by Fortnite on Twitter/X.” This provides a concrete timeframe during which the Candy Axe is likely to be available.
Association with Other Holiday Cosmetics
The Candy Axe frequently appears alongside other holiday-themed cosmetics from the Frosty Fights set and related collections. It is often released as part of larger holiday shop rotations that include popular skins like Crackshot, Nog Ops, and Yuletide Ranger.
These complementary items share similar availability windows, creating a festive ecosystem of cosmetics that players can mix and match during the holiday season.
Predicted Return Date for Candy Axe in 2024
Based on historical patterns and confirmed event dates, we can make an educated prediction about when the Candy Axe will return to the Item Shop in 2024.
Winterfest 2024 Confirmed Schedule
The most significant factor in predicting the Candy Axe’s return is the confirmed schedule for Winterfest 2024. As reported by multiple reliable sources including esports.gg, Winterfest 2024 will officially begin on Friday, December 20, 2024, and run through January 7, 2025.
However, it’s important to note that holiday-themed cosmetics often begin appearing in the Item Shop in the days leading up to the official event start. This creates a gradual ramp-up to the full holiday celebration.
Most Likely Return Window
Combining historical data with the confirmed Winterfest schedule, we can predict that the Candy Axe will most likely appear in the Fortnite Item Shop between December 7 and December 20, 2024, with the following specific prediction:
| Prediction | Earliest Possible Date | Most Likely Date | Latest Possible Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Appearance | December 7, 2024 | December 12, 2024 | December 20, 2024 |
| Last Appearance | January 3, 2025 | January 7, 2025 | January 10, 2025 |
The most probable scenario is that the Candy Axe will first appear in the Item Shop around December 12-15, 2024, and remain available periodically through rotations until at least January 7, 2025, when Winterfest officially ends.
Potential Factors Affecting Availability
While the historical pattern provides a strong basis for prediction, several factors could influence the exact timing of the Candy Axe’s return:
- Pre-Winterfest Shop Rotations: Epic Games often begins introducing holiday items before the official event starts.
- New Cosmetic Prioritization: If many new holiday cosmetics are introduced, older items like the Candy Axe might see fewer appearances.
- Shop Rotation Changes: The Item Shop format and rotation schedule could be altered for Winterfest 2024.
- Special Bundles: The Candy Axe might be included in holiday bundles at a discount.
These variables could slightly shift the exact dates of availability, but the general December-January window remains highly probable.
How to Prepare for the Candy Axe’s Return
If you’re determined to add the Candy Axe to your locker during its 2024 return, here are several strategies to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity.
V-Bucks Preparation
The Candy Axe costs 1,500 V-Bucks, placing it in the higher price range for harvesting tools. To be prepared:
| V-Bucks Package | Cost (USD) | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 V-Bucks | $7.99 | Not enough alone |
| 2,800 V-Bucks | $19.99 | Enough with 1,300 remaining |
| 5,000 V-Bucks | $31.99 | Enough with 3,500 remaining |
Ideally, you should have at least 1,500 V-Bucks ready by early December to ensure you can purchase the Candy Axe as soon as it appears. Remember that if you’re interested in other holiday cosmetics, you’ll need additional V-Bucks.
Item Shop Monitoring Strategies
To avoid missing the Candy Axe’s return:
- Check Daily: The Fortnite Item Shop refreshes daily at 00:00 UTC (7 PM EST / 4 PM PST), making this the crucial time to check.
- Use Tracking Websites: Sites like Fortnite.GG and fnbr.co update with the current shop rotation as soon as it changes.
- Enable Notifications: Many Fortnite news accounts on social media post Item Shop updates daily.
- Fortnite News Tabs: The game itself will often promote the return of popular cosmetics via the news tab.
These approaches will help ensure you don’t miss the Candy Axe’s limited availability window.
Alternative Options: The Merry Mint Axe
If you’re interested in the Candy Axe primarily for its aesthetic, it’s worth noting that a similar alternative exists: the Merry Mint Axe. This variant features a similar design with a green color scheme rather than the traditional red and white.
According to Sportskeeda, “The Merry Mint Axe is a re-skin of the Candy Axe with a different color.” While not identical, it provides a similar festive aesthetic if you happen to miss the original Candy Axe.
The Value Proposition of the Candy Axe
With the high cost of 1,500 V-Bucks, it’s worth evaluating whether the Candy Axe is worth the investment compared to other harvesting tools and cosmetics.
Comparative Analysis with Other Pickaxes
How does the Candy Axe compare to other popular or similar harvesting tools?
| Pickaxe | Cost | Reactive | Seasonality | Popularity Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candy Axe | 1,500 V-Bucks | Yes | Winter Only | 87.06% |
| Reaper (Scythe) | 800 V-Bucks | No | Halloween | 92.35% |
| Merry Mint Axe | Promotional | Yes | N/A | 85.78% |
| Star Wand | 800 V-Bucks | No | Regular | 89.44% |
| Leviathan Axe | 1,000 V-Bucks | Yes | Rare | 91.23% |
The Candy Axe sits in a premium price bracket but justifies it with its reactive features, historical significance, and strong community rating.
Longevity and Versatility
Beyond its seasonal theme, the Candy Axe offers surprising versatility throughout the year:
- Combo Potential: Its red and white color scheme pairs well with many popular skins beyond holiday themes.
- Reactive Value: The elimination-based lighting adds gameplay satisfaction year-round.
- Prestige Factor: As one of the oldest reactive cosmetics, it carries certain status among knowledgeable players.
These factors contribute to the Candy Axe’s enduring appeal and may justify its premium price point for many players.
The Cultural Impact of the Candy Axe
Beyond its in-game utility, the Candy Axe has secured a place in Fortnite’s cultural legacy.
Community Reception and Status
The Candy Axe is often cited among the most popular harvesting tools in the game’s history. According to Sportskeeda, “Candy Axe has an average rating of 87.06%. The festive item looks simple yet unique, so it’s not surprising that it’s very popular.”
This high community rating reflects its enduring appeal despite being released in the game’s early seasons, when cosmetic designs were generally simpler than today’s elaborate creations.
Evolution of Seasonal Cosmetics
The Candy Axe represents an important milestone in Fortnite’s approach to seasonal content. Its success helped establish the pattern of annual holiday-themed cosmetics that has become a cornerstone of Fortnite’s content strategy.
Newer holiday cosmetics often feature more elaborate designs and effects, but the Candy Axe’s enduring popularity demonstrates that a clean, iconic design can withstand the test of time and continue to appeal to players both new and old.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly will the Candy Axe return to the Item Shop in 2024?
Based on historical patterns and the confirmed Winterfest 2024 dates, the Candy Axe is most likely to return to the Fortnite Item Shop between December 7 and December 20, 2024. It will probably remain available through periodic rotations until Winterfest ends on January 7, 2025. For the best chance of getting it, check the Item Shop daily starting in early December.
How much does the Candy Axe cost?
The Candy Axe costs 1,500 V-Bucks when available in the Fortnite Item Shop. This places it in the Epic rarity tier and at the higher end of the price range for harvesting tools. Make sure to have enough V-Bucks prepared before its return to avoid missing your opportunity.
Is the Candy Axe worth buying compared to newer pickaxes?
Despite being one of Fortnite’s older cosmetics, the Candy Axe remains highly valued for several reasons: it’s one of the first reactive pickaxes (lighting up as you get eliminations), it has a clean and festive design that pairs well with many outfits, and it carries a certain prestige due to its limited seasonal availability. If you enjoy holiday-themed items or collecting iconic Fortnite cosmetics, it’s definitely worth considering.
Will the Candy Axe ever become rare or unavailable?
While the Candy Axe is a seasonal item that only appears during the winter holiday period, Epic Games has consistently brought it back each year since its introduction in 2017. There’s no indication that this pattern will change, so it’s unlikely to become permanently unavailable. However, it remains relatively rare since it’s only obtainable during a short annual window.
Are there any alternatives similar to the Candy Axe?
Yes, the closest alternative is the Merry Mint Axe, which features a similar design but with a green color scheme instead of the traditional red and white of the Candy Axe. The Merry Mint Axe was originally available as a promotional item for purchasing Fortnite merchandise at specific retailers, making it somewhat rarer than the Candy Axe.
Conclusion
The Candy Axe represents more than just another cosmetic in Fortnite’s vast collection—it’s a piece of the game’s history and a festive tradition that players look forward to each holiday season. Its combination of clean design, reactive features, and limited seasonal availability has cemented its place among Fortnite’s most desirable harvesting tools.
Based on historical patterns and confirmed event dates, players can expect the Candy Axe to return to the Item Shop in December 2024, likely between December 7 and December 20, and remain available through periodic rotations until Winterfest concludes on January 7, 2025. At 1,500 V-Bucks, it represents a significant investment but one that many players find worthwhile for its unique appeal and versatility.
Whether you’re a collector seeking to complete your holiday cosmetic collection, a long-time player looking to recapture the nostalgia of Fortnite’s early seasons, or simply someone who appreciates the festive design, the Candy Axe’s return in 2024 offers another opportunity to add this iconic item to your locker.
Mark your calendars, prepare your V-Bucks, and get ready to deck the walls with festive mayhem when the Candy Axe makes its anticipated return to Fortnite this holiday season!
