Fortnite South Park Gameplay Trailer Leak Shows Cartman and the Gang in Action — and Yes, You Can Buy Towelie as a Pet

Details of Fortnite’s highly-anticipated South Park crossover have popped up online, with a leaked trailer revealing a first in-game look at Stan, Kyle, Kenny, Cartman and Butters.

All five of the characters will be available as skins, albeit in mech-like suits similar to how Fortnite has previously included other characters of shorter stature (Bart and Lisa Simpson were handled similarly, as was Rick from Rick and Morty).

The trailer also shows off a variety of South Park items available to wield, such as The Stick of Truth and a box of Cheesy Poofs, which look to be a health consumable. An area of the current Fortnite Chapter 7 battle royale Island has also been reskinned, with the existing Wonkeeland theme park now remodelled as “Cartmanland.”

One final addition to the trailer is the reveal of Towelie, who looks set to be the latest in Fortnite’s growing line of pet-like Sidekicks. The absorbant accessory follows previous licensed Sidekicks such as Groot and Spongebob Squarepants.

The trailer concludes with a player picking up the Stick of Destiny — something that prompts a lightning bolt-like effect. Previous leaks have suggested this item will allow players to control the shape of Fortnite’s battle royale storm, though this currently remains unconfirmed.

Another unknown element is how this crossover will be monetized. Unconfirmed leaks have long pointed to the event featuring its own premium mini battle pass — something that Fortnite has offered previously, though not recently. (In particular it’ll be interesting to see if this mini battle pass is offered free to Fortnite Crew subscribers, since the membership has previously boasted of including every battle pass within its cost.)

What else might be included in this South Park crossover? Will Satan turn up? How about Donald Trump and his baby? For now, all Fortnite has officially confirmed is that the event will begin this Friday, January 9. Stay tuned for more then.

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social