Fortnite is bringing back Kado Thorne with a new Elite version for Fortnitemares 2026. If you want to add this outfit to your locker without spending V-Bucks, Epic Games is giving players a chance to earn it through a competitive event.
The Elite Kado Thorne Cup is a Solo Reload tournament where players compete against others in their region to win exclusive cosmetics. You will need a strong performance to secure a reward, but the opportunity is worth trying if you enjoy competitive Fortnite.
Here is how to get the Elite Kado Thorne skin for free, along with the tournament schedule, scoring system, rewards, and eligibility requirements.
How to Get Elite Kado Thorne Skin for Free in Fortnite
The main way to earn the Elite Kado Thorne outfit for free is by competing in the Elite Kado Thorne Cup. The tournament takes place in Solo Reload mode, so you will need to play on your own rather than rely on teammates.
According to the announced event details, players who finish in the top 50 of their region can earn the following cosmetic rewards:
- Elite Kado Thorne Outfit
- Psyonic Spear Pickaxe
- Psyonic Elite Cloak Back Bling
- Kado Elite Wrap
You need to earn enough points to finish within the qualifying positions on your region's leaderboard. Simply participating in the tournament is not enough to unlock the full set.
Fortnite Elite Kado Thorne Cup Date and Schedule
The Elite Kado Thorne Cup is scheduled for October 13, 2026, with the exact local start time depending on your region.
| Event detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Elite Kado Thorne Cup |
| Date | October 13, 2026 |
| Game mode | Reload |
| Format | Solo |
| Duration | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
| Required placement | Top 50 in your region |
| Main reward | Elite Kado Thorne Outfit and additional cosmetics |
To check your exact session time, open Fortnite and select the Compete tab. You can also visit the official Fortnite Competitive website to check the event schedule and select your region.
Fortnite Elite Kado Thorne Cup Scoring System
Your final position depends on how many points you earn during the tournament. You can collect points through eliminations and match placement.
Elimination points
Each elimination awards 2 points, with elimination scoring capped at 10 points per match under the announced scoring format. This means you can earn points by taking fights, but eliminations alone may not be enough to reach the top of the leaderboard.
Placement points
You also earn points based on how long you survive and where you finish. Placement scoring begins at the top 30, with higher finishes awarding more points.
A Victory Royale provides a major scoring advantage, so try to balance aggressive gameplay with smart rotations and survival.
The best approach is to avoid unnecessary fights early in the match, collect useful weapons and healing items, and take engagements when you have a clear advantage. Since you are playing Solo Reload, every decision can affect your final score.
Requirements to Participate in the Elite Kado Thorne Cup
Before entering the tournament, make sure your account meets the event's eligibility requirements.
1. Enable multi-factor authentication
Your Epic Games account must have multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled. This adds an extra layer of security and is required for the event.
2. Meet the minimum age requirement
Players must be at least 13 years old, or meet the higher minimum age required in their country of residence.
3. Check your Fortnite account level and rank
The event information supplied for this tournament also lists an account level of at least 50 and a valid Fortnite Reload rank among the requirements. Check the official event rules for the requirements that apply to your account and region before queuing.
4. Check PC security settings if required
The supplied video mentions enabling TPM, Secure Boot, and IOMMU in your PC's BIOS. These settings can be relevant to competitive security requirements on certain systems, but do not change BIOS settings blindly. Check the official tournament rules and your device's instructions before making changes.
For the most accurate eligibility information, consult the Fortnite Competitive rules and guidelines.
Can You Get Elite Kado Thorne Without Playing the Cup?
Yes, there is another option if you cannot compete or do not manage to finish in the top 50.
The Elite Kado Thorne cosmetics are expected to arrive in the Fortnite Item Shop later during Fortnitemares 2026. The outfit is expected to cost 1,500 V-Bucks, while the full cosmetic bundle is expected to cost 2,800 V-Bucks.
These are announced or expected prices, not a guarantee of the final shop listing. Check the Item Shop when the items become available for confirmed prices and bundle contents.
To purchase the skin after its release:
- Launch Fortnite and open the Item Shop.
- Look for the Elite Kado Thorne outfit or its bundle.
- Select the item you want to purchase.
- Confirm the purchase using your V-Bucks.
- Open your Locker to equip the outfit.
The Item Shop can rotate cosmetics out, so check the listing if you want to buy the skin later.
Is the Elite Kado Thorne Cup Worth Playing?
If you enjoy Fortnite Reload and regularly compete in ranked matches, the tournament is worth considering. You can try to earn the outfit and three additional cosmetics without spending V-Bucks.
However, reaching the top 50 requires a strong performance against other players in your region. If you are not comfortable with competitive matches, waiting for the Item Shop release may be the easier option.
Do you need to win a Victory Royale to get the skin?
Not necessarily. The objective is to finish within the top 50 of your region based on tournament points. A Victory Royale can help, but your overall leaderboard position determines whether you qualify for the rewards.
The Elite Kado Thorne Cup gives Fortnite players a limited opportunity to earn the outfit and its matching cosmetics for free. Check your eligibility, review the session time, and prepare for Solo Reload before entering the competition.
