The Leviathan Axe has become one of the most sought-after harvesting tools in Fortnite, captivating players with its impressive design, unique reactive features, and connection to the beloved God of War franchise. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, knowing when this legendary weapon last appeared in the Item Shop is crucial information. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the history and current status of the Leviathan Axe, answering the burning question: when was the last time this coveted pickaxe was available for purchase?
The Origins and Introduction of the Leviathan Axe
The God of War Collaboration
The Leviathan Axe made its debut in Fortnite during Chapter 2, Season 5 as part of an exciting collaboration between Epic Games and Sony. This partnership brought Kratos, the protagonist of the God of War series, into the Fortnite universe along with his signature weapon. Released on December 4, 2020, the Leviathan Axe immediately caught the attention of players worldwide for its faithful recreation of the iconic weapon from the 2018 God of War reboot.
Part of the Oathbreaker Set
The Leviathan Axe wasn’t introduced as a standalone item but was included in the Oathbreaker Set, which featured several God of War-themed cosmetics:
- Kratos (Outfit with Selectable Style)
- Mimir (Back Bling)
- Guardian Shield (Glider)
- Leviathan Axe (Pickaxe)
- Freezing Burst (Emote)
Players could purchase the Leviathan Axe individually for 1,000 V-Bucks or as part of the complete Kratos Bundle for 2,200 V-Bucks. This pricing strategy made the axe accessible to both dedicated God of War fans who wanted the entire set and casual players who were only interested in the weapon itself.
The Last Appearance: When Did the Leviathan Axe Leave the Shop?
The Final Opportunity
Based on comprehensive Item Shop tracking data, the Leviathan Axe was last available in the Fortnite Item Shop on March 19, 2021. As of May 2025, this means the coveted pickaxe has been absent from the shop for over four years – approximately 1,520 days. This extended absence places it among the rarest cosmetic items in Fortnite’s history, particularly within the Gaming Legends Series category.
Shop Rotation History
During its active period in the shop rotation, the Leviathan Axe had the following appearance pattern:
| Period | Details |
|---|---|
| First Appearance | December 4, 2020 |
| Last Appearance | March 19, 2021 |
| Total Days Available | 32 days |
| Total Shop Appearances | 33 appearances |
| Average Return Rate (when active) | Approximately every 38 days |
| Days Since Last Appearance | 1,520+ days (as of May 2025) |
This pattern shows that while the item was in regular rotation during its initial release period, its sudden and prolonged disappearance has transformed it into one of the most elusive pickaxes in the game.
What Makes the Leviathan Axe Special?
Unique Features and Characteristics
The Leviathan Axe stands out from other harvesting tools in Fortnite due to several distinctive features:
Reactive Properties
One of the most impressive aspects of the Leviathan Axe is its reactive property. When striking opponents or objects, the axe builds up a frost effect that accumulates on the blade, visually representing the weapon’s ice-imbued nature from the God of War games. This frost effect resets when switching weapons, encouraging players to continuously use the axe to maintain its impressive visual display.
Built-in Emote
The Leviathan Axe made history as the first Gaming Legends Series pickaxe to feature a built-in emote. This added an extra layer of appeal for collectors, as it represented a technological advancement in how Fortnite implemented crossover items.
Authentic Design
Epic Games took great care to ensure the Leviathan Axe accurately reflected its appearance in God of War. From the Norse-inspired runes etched into its handle to the frost-imbued blade, the harvesting tool is a faithful recreation that resonates with fans of the original game.
Premium Sound Effects
The harvesting sound effects of the Leviathan Axe mimicked the satisfying “thunk” from God of War, enhancing the nostalgic experience for fans of the franchise.
Why Hasn’t the Leviathan Axe Returned?
Theories and Explanations
The extended absence of the Leviathan Axe from the Item Shop has puzzled many Fortnite players. Several theories might explain this unusual situation:
Licensing Agreements
Collaborative items like the Leviathan Axe are subject to licensing agreements between Epic Games and the IP holder (in this case, Sony). These agreements may include restrictions on when and how often items can return to the shop, potentially limiting Epic’s ability to bring back the axe at will.
Missed Opportunities
Surprisingly, the Leviathan Axe did not return to the Fortnite Item Shop during the release of God of War: Ragnarök in November 2022, which would have been an ideal marketing opportunity. This missed chance suggests that licensing constraints might be influencing its availability.
Strategic Rarity
It’s possible that Epic Games is deliberately maintaining the Leviathan Axe’s rarity to preserve its status as a coveted cosmetic. Limited availability creates exclusivity, potentially increasing demand when (and if) the item eventually returns.
Technical Considerations
As Fortnite has evolved through multiple chapters and seasons, some older cosmetics may require technical updates to function properly with new game mechanics or visual systems, potentially delaying their return.
Potential Return: Will the Leviathan Axe Come Back?
Recent Developments
While nothing is certain in Fortnite’s ever-evolving item shop, several signs point to a potential return for the Leviathan Axe:
Shop API Updates
In March 2024, prominent Fortnite dataminers reported that the Kratos Bundle had been added back to the Fortnite Shop API. This suggested Epic Games might be preparing for the bundle’s return, which would include the Leviathan Axe. However, as of May 2025, this has not yet materialized in the actual Item Shop.
Thematic Connections
Fortnite Chapter 5, Season 2 featured a Greek mythology theme, making it a logical time for Kratos (albeit from the Norse era of God of War) to make his return. The mythological connection could serve as a narrative justification for bringing back the God of War items.
Anniversary Considerations
The sixth anniversary of the 2018 God of War release was April 20, 2024. While this date has passed without the return of the Leviathan Axe, future God of War milestones or announcements could potentially trigger its return to Fortnite.
Expert Predictions
Based on leaks and historical patterns, several Fortnite experts have weighed in on when the Leviathan Axe might return:
| Source | Prediction |
|---|---|
| HYPEX (Leaker) | Speculated about a potential return around April 20, 2024 (God of War anniversary) |
| Pro Game Guides | Suggested the item could return “any day now” based on historical patterns |
| Fortnite Community | Mixed expectations, with some believing it may never return to maintain its rarity |
Despite these predictions, as of May 2025, the Leviathan Axe has not yet returned to the Item Shop, leaving players wondering if and when they might get another chance to acquire this legendary harvesting tool.
Alternatives to the Leviathan Axe
Similar Harvesting Tools
For players unable to obtain the Leviathan Axe due to its extended absence from the shop, several alternatives exist that offer similar aesthetics or thematic connections:
- Frozen Axe – A winter-themed pickaxe with ice effects, though lacking the specific God of War design elements
- Frosty Globes – Features snow and ice themes that somewhat resemble the frost effects of the Leviathan Axe
- Tundra Blades – Dual pickaxes with ice themes that provide a similar aesthetic to the Leviathan Axe
- Victory’s Edge – A runic axe with glowing effects that shares some design elements with the Leviathan Axe
- Rune Pickaxe – Features Norse-inspired runes similar to those on the Leviathan Axe
While these alternatives may visually resemble the Leviathan Axe in certain aspects, none fully replicate its unique reactive properties and God of War authenticity.
Impact on the Fortnite Community
Collector Value and Prestige
The extended absence of the Leviathan Axe has significantly impacted its perceived value within the Fortnite community. Players who acquired the axe during its brief availability window now possess one of the game’s rarest cosmetics, granting them a certain prestige among collectors.
This rarity has also led to increased interest in the item, with many players regularly checking the daily Item Shop rotations in hopes of its return. The anticipation surrounding a potential reappearance of the axe demonstrates how limited-time cosmetics can create lasting engagement within the Fortnite ecosystem.
Conclusion: The Legacy of an Iconic Weapon
The Leviathan Axe represents more than just a harvesting tool in Fortnite; it’s a symbol of the game’s successful collaborations with other gaming franchises and a testament to Epic Games’ attention to detail when implementing crossover items.
As of May 2025, the Leviathan Axe’s last appearance in the Fortnite Item Shop remains March 19, 2021 – over four years ago. This extended absence has cemented its status as one of the rarest and most sought-after cosmetics in the game’s history.
For the lucky players who acquired it during its brief availability window, the Leviathan Axe represents not just a functional harvesting tool but a symbol of their Fortnite longevity and a rare trophy in their locker. For those who missed it, hope remains that Epic Games and Sony will eventually bring Kratos and his legendary weapon back to the Item Shop.
In the ever-changing landscape of Fortnite collaborations, nothing is permanent—whether items stay vaulted forever or make triumphant returns is always subject to change. What’s certain is that the Leviathan Axe’s extended absence has only enhanced its legendary status in the game’s cosmetic hierarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Leviathan Axe first introduced to Fortnite?
The Leviathan Axe was first introduced to Fortnite on December 4, 2020, during Chapter 2, Season 5. It was released as part of the God of War collaboration that brought Kratos and the Oathbreaker Set to the game.
How much did the Leviathan Axe cost when it was in the Item Shop?
When available, the Leviathan Axe could be purchased individually for 1,000 V-Bucks or as part of the complete Kratos Bundle for 2,200 V-Bucks, which included the Kratos outfit, Mimir back bling, Guardian Shield glider, and the Freezing Burst emote.
Is the Leviathan Axe compatible with all Fortnite game modes?
The Leviathan Axe can be used in traditional Fortnite modes (Battle Royale, Zero Build, etc.), but it cannot be used in LEGO Fortnite. This restriction applies to many specialized harvesting tools that don’t fit the LEGO aesthetic or gameplay style.
Are there any special features that make the Leviathan Axe unique?
Yes, the Leviathan Axe has several unique features: it’s reactive, building up frost effects when striking opponents or objects; it was the first Gaming Legends Series pickaxe to feature a built-in emote; and it has authentic design elements and sound effects that match its appearance in the God of War games.
What is the most reliable indicator that the Leviathan Axe might return soon?
The most reliable indicator would be datamined information from Fortnite updates. In March 2024, leakers discovered that the Kratos Bundle had been added back to the Fortnite Shop API, suggesting a potential return. However, as of May 2025, this has not yet resulted in the item returning to the shop.
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