How to watch Fortnite's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker event

© Provided by CNET Spend a day at the movies in Fortnite. Epic Games

Fortnite isn't just one of the most popular video games right now, it's also an ideal place to promote a film. This weekend, players will be able to jump in a match and see a new clip from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.  

© Epic Games

Ready to join up with the Empire?

The popular battle royale game will play host to never-before-seen footage from The Rise of Skywalker during an in-game event on Saturday. Director J.J. Abrams himself will introduce the clip from the film. 

This isn't the first time Fortnite has had a crossover with a major movie. For the release of Avengers: Infinity War, Fortnite added a limited-time Infinity War mode where players could transform into Thanos once they get their hands on the Infinity Gauntlet. Back in May, a John Wick skin and locations from the film series were added to celebrate John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum. Imperial Stormtroopers skins were added this past November, although that was a tie-in with the release of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game. 

© Provided by CNET Posters for the event plastered on buildings in the game. Epic Games When does the Rise of Skywalker event start?

The Rise of Skywalker event starts at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on Saturday, Dec. 14. Developer Epic Games said the doors will open at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT so players can join earlier. 

Aside from the new footage, Epic may also have something up its sleeve. A Fortnite update released Thursday included some interesting Star Wars assets. Most are in-game cosmetics such as a new back bling and emote, but there's one big addition: a TIE Fighter. 

A data miner found an asset for the spacecraft that could be used during the Star Wars event. Maybe the TIE fighters will fly around the sky or just stay on the ground for players to gawk at. 

During The Game Awards Thursday, Donald Mustard, worldwide creative director for Epic Games, revealed players who join the event will receive a little gift in the form of a TIE Whisper Glider. There was also a quick clip of J.J. Abrams inviting players to participate in the event. 

How to watch

As with the black hole event earlier this year, players will need to join a Fortnite match in order to participate. Fortnite is available for free on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC and Android and iOS devices, and anyone can join once they've logged onto the game. 

What Epic has done previously is create a special mode just for the event. The developer advises players to join early as the servers can be overburdened by the sheer number of people trying to log on right as the event starts. 

The footage will be shown at the drive-in at Risky Reels. The location is easy to find on the game's map, and Epic already organized the area for the big premiere. 

© Provided by CNET Risky Reels will be the place to be on Saturday. Epic Games

On Thursday, Risky Reels received an overhaul in preparation for the big event. The area's new look has a countdown clock with a giant holographic "F" and what looks like metal landing pads placed on the ground. 

© Provided by CNET Epic is hard at work for tonight's event. Epic Games

Originally published Dec. 11.

Update, Dec. 12: Adds info on map changes and new assets. 

Click to expand

UP NEXT

Huawei Mate X hands on: I love this folding phone

Its massive screen and unique folding method makes Huawei's folding phone my favourite of today's bendables.

Cool tech for everyone on your list

Put some smiles on your friends' and families' faces this holiday season with the gift of some cool gadgets. In this Tech Minute, hear about some fab finds to fit any budget.

Pixel 3A vs. Moto G7: Which one should you buy?

These phones cost half as much as their premium counterparts, but offer totally different features. We compared the two to help you decide which one is right for you.

UP NEXT

Tweet