Top 10 Rarest Fortnite Emotes Ever Released
Fortnite has built its global appeal on a combination of competitive gameplay, creative freedom, and collectible cosmetic items. Among these cosmetics, emotes have played a significant role. They allow players to express themselves through dances, gestures, and animations. Some emotes become widely available while others gradually fade from the Item Shop and become rare.
This article presents the ten rarest emotes in Fortnite based on their last appearance in the Item Shop, how they were acquired, and their cultural relevance.
1. Rambunctious
Rambunctious is one of the most energetic and expressive emotes in Fortnite. The animation features exaggerated arm and leg movements and was inspired by a dance performed in the sitcom Scrubs.
Rambunctious was originally released in the Item Shop in June 2018 and has made several appearances since then. However, it was last seen on December 7, 2022, cause it was removed from rotation due to legal challenges over dance copyright. Since then, it has not returned to the shop, and Epic Games has not indicated any plans to reintroduce it.
This emote remains a frequently discussed item in the Fortnite community. Players often mention it on forums as one of the most elusive and desirable cosmetics in the game.
Introduced: June 9th, 2018 (in the Item Shop)
Last seen: December 7th, 2022
Reason for rarity: Pulled following legal claims related to the choreography used in the sitcom Scrubs
Shop appearances: 8
Current status: Never returned
2. Fresh
The Fresh emote mimics the iconic dance performed by Alfonso Ribeiro on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It features upbeat, swinging arm movements paired with side steps, creating a dance that feels both nostalgic and playful.
It was released on December 16, 2017, in the Item Shop but was removed in November 2018. This followed a copyright lawsuit filed by Ribeiro against Epic Games, which eventually ended without a resolution in court. Nevertheless, the emote never returned.
Fresh holds a special place in Fortnite’s early history and is frequently requested by long-time players. Its removal has turned it into a collector’s item that symbolizes the early seasons of the game.
Introduced: December 16th, 2017 (in the Item Shop)
Last seen: November 21st, 2018
Reason for rarity: Inspired by the Carlton dance from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and removed after Alfonso Ribeiro filed a lawsuit
Shop appearances: 28
Current status: Unavailable since removal
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3. Tidy
Tidy is a smooth and relaxed emote inspired by Snoop Dogg’s dance from the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” music video. The animation is slower-paced than most emotes and has a rhythmic, swaying feel.
Tidy Emote first appeared in the Item Shop in April 2018 and was last seen on December 12, 2022. After that, it was removed without any official explanation. Many fans speculate that licensing complications led to its disappearance, especially given its close resemblance to a copyrighted dance.
Despite its brief availability, Tidy gained a strong following and is now one of the most requested emotes on community platforms such as Reddit.
Introduced: April 30th, 2018 (in the Item Shop)
Last seen: December 12th, 2022
Reason for rarity: Heavily inspired by Snoop Dogg’s moves from “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and pulled from rotation
Shop appearances: 11
Current status: Unavailable for years
4. Floss
Floss is widely recognized outside of the Fortnite community, due in part to its viral spread on social media platforms and its association with the “Backpack Kid,” who popularized the dance.
The emote was included as a reward in the Season 2 Battle Pass and could be unlocked at Tier 49. As with all Battle Pass content, it was exclusive to that season and has never returned to the game. That makes it permanently unattainable for players who did not reach the required tier during the original season.
Because of its cultural impact and early availability, Floss is considered one of the most iconic and rare emotes in Fortnite history.
Introduced: December 14th, 2017 (in the Season 2 Battle Pass)
Last seen: December 12th, 2022
Reason for rarity: Exclusive to the early Battle Pass, and it cannot return due to Fortnite's policy
Current status: Permanently locked
5. Welcome!
Welcome! first appeared in the Item Shop on October 11 and was last seen on October 13, 2019. It was only available for three consecutive days and has not returned since. There is no official explanation for its disappearance, but the emote’s short-lived presence and prolonged absence have contributed to its status as one of the rarest uncommon emotes in the game.
Welcome! is a cheerful and inviting emote that shows the player character enthusiastically waving both arms. The animation has a warm and welcoming feel, making it suitable for a variety of skins and social interactions in-game. Its simplicity and universal appeal made it a light-hearted favorite during its brief availability.
Although it was not part of any collaboration or major event, Welcome! has gained recognition over time due to its rarity. With more than 2,000 days since its last appearance, it is frequently mentioned by collectors and longtime players who seek to complete their emote libraries.
Introduced: October 11th, 2019 (in the Item Shop)
Last seen: October 13th, 2019
Reason for rarity: Extremely limited availability and never returned since release
Shop appearances: 1
Current status: Unavailable for over 2,000 days
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6. Breezy
Breezy was first introduced on March 2, 2019, during Season 8 as part of the Hot Air Set. It originally cost 200 V-Bucks but was later also included in the Hot Air Bundle for 2,000 V-Bucks. The emote had a long period of absence between 2019 and 2022 before returning with increased frequency in 2023 and 2024.
Breezy is an animated emote modeled after the floppy, waving motion of inflatable tube men commonly seen at car dealerships and outdoor events. The character sways dramatically from side to side with loose, exaggerated movements, making it one of the more playful and humorous emotes in Fortnite.
Its most recent Item Shop appearance was on December 12, 2024. While no official reason has been given for its inconsistent shop rotation, the long gap between early and recent appearances led to its perception as a rare emote for a time.
Breezy is now used more widely again, but its early scarcity and unique animation still give it legacy value among collectors and fans of Fortnite’s more whimsical cosmetics.
Introduced: March 2, 2019 (in the Item Shop)
Last seen: December 12, 2024
Reason for rarity: Long absence from the shop between 2019 and 2022
Shop appearances: 13
Current status: Available as recently as late 2024
7. Kiss the Cup
Kiss The Cup first appeared in the Item Shop on July 27 and was last seen on July 28, 2019. It was released in conjunction with Fortnite’s World Cup event and only stayed in the shop for two consecutive days. Since then, the emote has never returned, making it one of the shortest-lived cosmetics in Fortnite’s store history.
It is a celebratory emote that features the character lifting a golden trophy and kissing it, mimicking the traditional victory gesture seen in professional sports. The animation is short but symbolic, making it especially popular among competitive players and fans of tournament-style play.
Although not linked to a major franchise or character, Kiss The Cup holds significant value due to its connection with a milestone moment in Fortnite’s competitive scene. Its limited availability and long absence have made it a rare find, especially for players who missed the brief window of release.
Introduced: July 27th, 2019 (in the Item Shop)
Last seen: July 28th, 2019
Reason for rarity: Limited-time release tied to the Fortnite World Cup, never re-released
Shop appearances: 1
Current status: Unavailable for over 2,000 days
8. Hot Marat
Hot Marat first appeared in the Item Shop on November 24, and was last seen on November 25, 2018. It appeared across three shop rotations over those two days and has not returned since. Because it was offered at no cost and only for a very brief window, many players missed the opportunity to claim it.
It is a promotional emote featuring smooth, rhythmic dance steps with quick footwork and swinging arms. It was introduced in partnership with the film Marathon and is one of the few emotes in Fortnite that was released completely free of charge.
Although not tied to a Battle Pass or major in-game milestone, Hot Marat has become extremely rare due to its limited release and complete absence for over 2,400 days. It is considered one of the least-owned emotes in the game and a standout among one-time promotional items.
Introduced: November 24, 2018 (in the Item Shop)
Last seen: November 25, 2018
Reason for rarity: Free promotional emote released for only two days
Shop appearances: 1
Current status: Unavailable for over 2,400 days
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9. Zombie Shambles
Zombie Shambles first appeared in the Item Shop on November 6, 2020, during Chapter 2: Season 4. It was available for only one day and has not returned since. Its absence is unusual, especially considering Fortnite’s recurring Halloween events that typically bring back past spooky-themed items.
Zombie Shambles is a horror-themed emote that features the player character staggering forward like a classic zombie. With jerky movements, limp arms, and a dragging foot, the animation captures the traditional undead walk seen in films and pop culture. It was released as part of Fortnite’s Halloween-themed cosmetics lineup.
Because it was released for a single day in 2020 and never reappeared in subsequent Fortnitemares rotations, Zombie Shambles has become one of the most elusive emotes in the game. Its rare availability and distinct theme make it a valuable item among collectors.
Introduced: November 6, 2020 (in the Item Shop)
Last seen: November 6, 2020
Reason for rarity: One-time appearance and no return in any following Halloween events
Shop appearances: 1
Current status: Unavailable since release in 2020
10. Out With The Old
Out With The Old was first introduced in the Item Shop on December 29, 2020, during Chapter 2 Season 5. It remained available for only four days and was last seen on January 1, 2021. Since then, it has not returned to the shop, making it one of the more elusive holiday-themed emotes in the game.
It is a seasonal emote themed around New Year’s Eve celebrations. The animation features the player character blowing a party horn that collapses mid-celebration, accompanied by a humorous, anticlimactic motion. It was designed to reflect the transition from the old year to the new in a lighthearted way.
Although not tied to a broader collaboration or event, Out With The Old has gained notoriety due to its brief availability and the fact that it has been absent for more than 1,500 days. Many players missed the opportunity to purchase it because of its short release window during the New Year period.
Introduced: December 29, 2020 (in the Item Shop)
Last seen: January 1, 2021
Reason for rarity: Seasonal holiday emote with extremely limited availability
Shop appearances: 1
Current status: Unavailable since early 2021
Conclusion
Each of these emotes is tied to specific timeframes, promotions, and events in Fortnite’s ongoing development. Some were removed due to legal challenges, others were limited to short promotional windows, and a few are locked behind old Battle Pass tiers that can never be accessed again.
Rarity in Fortnite emotes is shaped by a combination of availability, licensing, timing, and cultural impact. Players who own these emotes possess rare cosmetic items, but also hold small pieces of the game’s evolving history. While some of these may return in the future, many are likely gone for good, continuing to increase their value and prestige within the community.
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