Since Fortnite first burst onto the gaming scene in 2017, it has become a cultural powerhouse, constantly evolving with new cosmetics, skins, and emotes. Emotes – those short, animated dances or gestures – have become one of the game’s signature ways for players to flex their style, taunt rivals, or celebrate in the middle of chaos.
With over 700 emotes in Fortnite’s vault, most are easy to grab. But a handful? Practically unicorns. Some were tied to special events. Others were only available through ultra-specific promos or time-sensitive windows. These rare emotes have become bragging rights – proof that you were there, grinding or buying when the moment struck.
Let’s break down the top 10 rarest Fortnite emotes that you’ll likely never see again… unless you’re lucky enough to own one.
#10: Scenario
The Scenario emote oozes style and exclusivity. It wasn’t just released in the Item Shop – you had to buy a Samsung Galaxy S10 to unlock it during a limited-time promo.
With its vibrant dance and catchy K-pop soundtrack, Scenario became an instant hit. But the high barrier to entry (a premium smartphone purchase) made it unattainable for most players. Even today, if you see Scenario mid-match, you’re looking at a serious Fortnite collector.
#9: Out With The Old
Debuting during the 2021 New Year’s Eve festivities, this festive emote let players pop a bottle of in-game confetti to ring in the new year. Cute. Flashy. Gone in a flash.
Unlike many seasonal emotes, Out With The Old never returned. That one-time drop means if you weren’t online during the event window, you missed it. Now, it serves as a time capsule for players who toasted their way into the new year – Fortnite-style.
#8: Sweaty Rotation
You’ve just survived a chaotic build battle and come out on top. What better way to celebrate than a sarcastic wipe of the brow?
Sweaty Rotation was released during a competitive-focused event, poking fun at the sweaty, high-stakes nature of Fortnite’s tryhard culture. It hasn’t reappeared since, making it one of the rarest “gotcha” emotes around. If someone uses it on you, they’ve probably been around long enough to earn it.
#7: Zombie Shambles
Equal parts creepy and hilarious, Zombie Shambles had players dragging their feet like the undead during Fortnite’s Halloween event. It was perfect for Fortnitemares – and just as quickly vanished once the season wrapped.
Because it’s never returned since its original drop, it’s now a rare, spooky classic. If you see someone lurching across the map, they’ve been haunting the island for a while.
#6: Hot Marat
Disney magic met Fortnite flair in this cheerful dance emote inspired by Ralph Breaks the Internet. Hot Marat was given away for free – but only during a brief promotional window in 2018.
While it didn’t cost any V-Bucks, its limited availability has skyrocketed its rarity. Missed it? Too bad. This light-hearted emote is now a nostalgic gem for fans of both the movie and the game.
#5: Introducing…
A clean, confident intro animation, Introducing… was available exclusively to PlayStation Plus members for a limited time. It was part of Sony’s collaboration with Epic Games and never made it outside the PS ecosystem.
No PlayStation? No emote. And since it’s never come back, its rarity isn’t just about timing – it’s also about platform loyalty. A subtle but powerful flex for PlayStation faithfuls.
#4: Kiss The Cup
Originally launched to commemorate the Fortnite World Cup in 2019, Kiss The Cup features your character celebrating like a true champion – lifting a trophy and planting a kiss.
It was only in the shop during the World Cup festivities. No encore, no re-release. This one’s reserved for players who were part of Fortnite’s competitive golden age. If you have it, you’re basically an esports relic.
#3: Welcome!
Cheerful, simple, and easily missed – Welcome! is an emote many players never even knew existed. Released during Chapter 3 Season 3’s Rainbow Royale, this freebie celebrated positivity, diversity, and community.
But blink and you missed it. It hasn’t been seen since, and its humble appearance makes it even easier to overlook – yet even more special if you snagged it when it dropped.
#2: Fresh
Iconic doesn’t even begin to cover it. Inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s Carlton dance, Fresh was a massive fan favorite when it launched in Chapter 1, Season 2.
Its legal gray area, likely involving dance copyright concerns, meant it vanished early – and permanently. If you see Fresh in-game today, you’re probably looking at an OG who’s been flossing since Fortnite was still finding its groove.
#1: Floss
This is it – the holy grail. Floss isn’t just rare; it’s legendary.
Originally offered as a Tier 49 reward in the Chapter 1, Season 2 Battle Pass, Floss became a global meme and pop culture moment. But because Battle Pass emotes are never re-released, it’s now completely unobtainable.
Owning Floss is the ultimate badge of Fortnite honor – a sign you were there when it all began. It’s not just an emote. It’s a legacy.
Conclusion: Rarity, Flex, and Fortnite Fame
In Fortnite, emotes aren’t just animations. They’re expressions of your journey. And the rarest ones? They’re time-locked trophies, collaborations, and moment-capturing moves that newer players can only dream of.
Whether it’s Floss reminding us of the early days, or Scenario shouting out premium exclusivity, these emotes are more than just cosmetics – they’re digital street cred. So if you spot one in your next match, pause and appreciate it. You’re witnessing a piece of Fortnite history in motion.
