Remember those late nights, crammed on the couch with friends, desperately trying to nail that guitar solo in Rock Band? Fortnite Festival is about to bring that magic back - Epic just announced local co-op is coming on January 14th, and my inner rhythm gamer is already reaching for the plastic guitar.
The timing couldn't be better. Just last month, I jumped into Fortnite Festival for the first time since its December launch, and while nailing perfect combos in The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" was fun, something was missing - that chaotic energy of playing with friends in the same room. Now, Xbox and PlayStation players can gather up to four friends for local jam sessions, complete with support for two guitar controllers simultaneously (yes, it's time to dig those peripherals out of storage).
It's no surprise Fortnite Festival feels like a spiritual successor to Rock Band - it's actually created by Harmonix, the same studio behind those classic rhythm games. When Epic Games picked up Harmonix back in 2021, the gaming world buzzed with possibilities. Now, watching Snoop Dogg and his crew turn their living room into an absolute concert in the announcement trailer - passing mics around like they're backstage at a real show and chasing those high scores - it's clear this was worth the wait.
The timing feels significant too. While Rocket Racing has gone quiet since launching alongside Festival and LEGO Fortnite last year, Epic's doubling down on their rhythm game ambitions. They've already promised Festival support "through 2025 and beyond," making this co-op update feel less like a one-off addition and more like the start of something bigger.
The January 14th update does more than just add local co-op - it's also ushering in a new season. As the current Snoop Dogg-themed content wraps up, rumors strongly suggest virtual pop sensation Hatsune Miku will be taking center stage next. For rhythm game fans, especially those with fond memories of plastic instruments and living room concerts, this could be the perfect time to jump back in.
Note: Local co-op will only be available on Xbox and PlayStation platforms at launch.
