Fortnite chapter 7 just added Bigfoot as an NPC, but why?

If you get too close, he'll disappear

Fortnite's new chapter has introduced a bunch of new elements, from quality-of-life upgrades to the ability to become a boss after you defeat them, giving you special powers and the ability to call upon two NPCs to serve as your bodyguards. The latest novelty, though, doesn't really change anything about gameplay. And yet, it might end up being more important than anything else this season. Bigfoot has arrived in Fortnite.

With the latest update, Epic has added a Bigfoot NPC to the island, but with some caveats. First, it's a rarity. According to leaker Shiina, the NPC can pop up anywhere on the map. However, if you get too close, he will disappear into thin air. What's more, he's immune to damage, so don't waste your bullets trying for that trophy.

Of course, this all begs the question of why Bigfoot was added with no explanation. Perhaps it's a tease of something to come. Or perhaps it's just a little bit of levity the devs decided to add in. It's not as Epic would have to design the character from scratch.

Bigfoot has been available as a skin in Fortnite since chapter nine of the first season of the game, back in 2019. It pops up fairly regularly, last appearing in October during Fortnitemares.

The appearance of Bigfoot — we found him near Tiptop Terrace, wandering in the woods — is a welcome addition as the year winds down and we anxiously await the arrival of Fortnite Winterfest to bring us the holiday cosmetics we deserve. There is one surprising missed opportunity with the addition, though.

If you know who Bigfoot is, chances are you also know the iconic walk seen in the Patterson–Gimlin film, which purports to show a living sasquatch walking through the forest. While the video hasn't been officially debunked, multiple people over the years have presented plenty of evidence to cast doubt on the short clip. And several have attempted HD remasters of the footage, in hopes of showing conclusively that it's just someone in a gorilla costume.

It doesn't matter, though. The Patterson-Gimlin film is one of a few recordings that went viral in the years before the internet, becoming a mainstay on the news and a variety of TV shows built around video clips. That led to the creature's walk, in which he stomps along before looking back at the camera, being parodied plenty of times over the years. It's even an emote in Fortnite, named Sasquatchin'.

So why doesn't Bigfoot use that emote while walking in the game? Surely, it would be the perfect little nod toward the cryptid's long and unconfirmed history. There's still time, Epic! Assign Bigfoot the emote.

Keep your eyes peeled for the big, hairy guy. He's out there, stalking, waiting to find you. Just don't get too close. You'll scare him away.