Fans of both Fortnite and Netflix’s Arcane have been eagerly hoping for the return of the exclusive Jinx and Vi skins. These cosmetics, released in late 2021 to celebrate Arcane Season 1, quickly became some of the most sought-after items in Fortnite’s history. However, after a limited run, they disappeared from the shop in early 2022, leaving new and returning players clamoring for another chance to obtain them.
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Recent Developments and Official Statement
Marc Merrill, co-founder of Riot Games, delivered a definitive and disappointing update in April 2025. He announced that, despite extensive discussions with Epic Games, the Arcane skins will not be returning to Fortnite “in the foreseeable future.” Merrill explained that while the collaboration was a special event to mark the launch of Arcane Season 1, both companies have been unable to “find the right fit” for a re-release.
“They’ve been great partners, but we haven’t been able to find the right fit to bring the Arcane skins back, and it unfortunately won’t be happening in the foreseeable future.” — Marc Merrill, Riot Games co-founder
Why Aren’t the Skins Coming Back?
The exact reasons remain somewhat vague, but several key factors are widely discussed:
Licensing & Business Strategy
The original deal was a one-time collaboration. Any re-release would require renegotiating terms, which could involve higher fees or different revenue splits, especially since the value and popularity of the skins have only grown.
Corporate Priorities
Riot Games may prefer to keep its most iconic characters exclusive or tied to its own ecosystem, especially as Arcane’s popularity has expanded beyond gaming.
Epic’s Collaboration Choices
Fortnite frequently rotates collaborations, but not all crossovers return. Some speculate Epic may not see the same benefit from re-releasing skins tied to a rival company, or that the timing and business conditions just don’t align.
Fan Frustration
The community is vocal, with many expressing disappointment and confusion over why such high-demand skins are withheld, especially when other crossovers (like John Wick or Dune) have returned after long absences.
Community Reaction
The mood among fans is overwhelmingly negative, with widespread frustration on social media and Reddit. Many feel the companies are missing a prime opportunity to capitalize on renewed interest following Arcane Season 2, and that the business decisions are out of touch with player demand. Some speculate Riot is waiting for even more community outcry to justify a return, while others believe it’s simply a matter of failed negotiations.
Is There Any Hope?
While Merrill’s statement is clear, he did leave a tiny window open, saying that if anything changes, fans will be informed “ASAP”. However, after more than three years and repeated missed opportunities, most observers believe a return is highly unlikely—at least for the foreseeable future.
Feeling let down? You’re not alone. This situation highlights the complex intersection of fandom, business, and licensing in modern gaming. Stay tuned to official channels for any future updates, but for now, it’s time to look forward to new collaborations and opportunities in Fortnite.