Sure, Fortnite’s all about flashy skins and vibrant emotes – but there’s another form of customization that often flies under the radar: banners. These tiny icons might seem insignificant at first glance, but they’re far more than decorative. Banners represent your journey, your achievements, and, for the rarest few, a slice of Fortnite history that only a handful of players can claim.
Unlike skins, banners aren’t bought from the Item Shop or gifted in bundles. They’re unlocked. Earned. Sometimes hidden behind obscure challenges, other times available only during one-off events. What makes some banners truly rare is that once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. No reruns. No reissues.
In this countdown, we’re spotlighting 10 of the rarest Fortnite banners ever released – the ones that signal OG status, long-forgotten collabs, and moments in Fortnite history that are never coming back.
#10: Dungeons Champion Banner
This emblem was awarded to players who conquered the treacherous Dungeons mode in Save the World. Think dark corridors, relentless traps, puzzles, and waves of enemies – this mode wasn’t for the faint of heart. To unlock the Dungeons Champion Banner, players had to complete a series of milestones that demanded teamwork, grit, and deep game knowledge. Now that Dungeons mode is no longer in the spotlight, this banner stands as a rare token of those PvE glory days.
#9: Thor Banner
Available only during Chapter 2, Season 4’s Marvel extravaganza, the Thor Banner was unlocked through the Thor Awakening challenges. You had to grind the Battle Pass, then channel your inner god of thunder through a sequence of lore-based quests. It wasn’t just about levels – you had to earn this one. Because it was tied to a limited-time crossover, it hasn’t returned, making this banner a thunderous flex for those who were there.
#8: Fortnite World Cup 2019 Banner
A badge of competitive legacy. This banner was released during the World Cup festivities in 2019 and could only be unlocked through special challenges or events tied to that tournament. Whether you competed or simply followed the hype, this banner was your ticket to being part of Fortnite esports history. With no follow-up World Cup since, it’s now a nostalgic marker for a peak moment in Fortnite’s global takeover.
#7: Lucky Llamas Banner
This fun and quirky banner was exclusive to participants of the Lucky Llamas team during the Summer Skirmish era. If you were part of those community-centered tournaments or involved in the scene when Epic was experimenting with formats and competitive balance, this llama was your badge. Its rarity is tied to its limited participant pool – and today, it’s a lighthearted relic of Fortnite’s formative competitive years.
#6: Deadpool Banner
Deadpool broke the fourth wall and the Battle Pass in Chapter 2, Season 2. To earn this banner, players had to complete a series of sneaky Deadpool-themed challenges over several weeks. It involved tracking down his katana, finding his hideouts, and doing all sorts of meta shenanigans. If you kept up through the whole season, the Deadpool Banner was your reward – a cheeky nod to Fortnite’s most chaotic collaboration.
#5: Cobra Banner
Awarded during Save the World’s Canny Valley questline, this banner wasn’t just handed out. It was earned through high-level missions that tested even the most seasoned PvE players. With its sharp, sleek cobra design, this emblem screams skill, patience, and serious dedication. The Cobra Banner is a PvE warrior’s trophy, and its rarity has only increased as Fortnite’s focus shifted away from Save the World.
#4: OG Skull Trooper Banner
You either have this… or you really wish you did. This banner was a reward for the original purchasers of the Skull Trooper skin when it first dropped back in Fortnite’s early days. While the skin has been re-released multiple times, this banner hasn’t – and never will be. It’s an unmistakable sign of being there before Fortnite was a household name. For true OGs only.
#3: Battle Bus Banner
Simple in design, legendary in meaning. The Battle Bus Banner was given to players who hit milestones in Season 1’s original Battle Pass – yes, the first one. It features the iconic Battle Bus and symbolizes that you were among the earliest adopters. This isn’t just a banner – it’s a history badge, worn proudly by those who hopped on the Fortnite train before it left the station.
#2: Paragon Banner
Before Fortnite became Epic’s golden child, there was Paragon – a MOBA that never quite took off. When Paragon was shuttered in 2018, Epic quietly gave this banner to players who had linked their Paragon and Fortnite accounts. Its minimalist look hides deep roots in Epic’s history. Only a tiny slice of the Fortnite community ever played Paragon, making this crossover relic one of the rarest in existence.
#1: Alpha Tester Banner
This is the holy grail. The rarest banner of them all. The Alpha Tester Banner was only awarded to those who tested Fortnite before it even launched. These were the trailblazers who shaped the game during its alpha phase – before the Battle Royale, before the fame, before the mainstream. This banner is simple, clean, and deeply coveted. It represents a time when Fortnite was an idea, not a phenomenon.
Conclusion
While skins dominate the spotlight in Fortnite’s ever-evolving world, banners hold a unique power. They’re not about style – they’re about status. They whisper stories of dedication, rare events, and gaming eras that have come and gone. From the iconic Alpha Tester Banner to the nostalgic World Cup icon, these banners are more than just cosmetics – they’re badges of honor.
So the next time you see one of these rare emblems next to a username, know that you’re not just looking at a banner. You’re looking at a slice of Fortnite history.
