Amazon has revealed the names of 20 new actors joining its Lord of the Rings series TV series, which is currently in production in New Zealand. Some of the notable cast members joining Lord of the Rings' growing ensemble include Arrowverse and Spartacus actress Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Ozark's Peter Mullan, and Knightfall's Simon Merrells. For a look at the complete list of actors starring in the upcoming adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic, check out the gallery below: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=amazons-the-lord-of-the-rings-every-confirmed-actor&captions=true"] Amazon has not revealed which characters these actors will be portraying, but series showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay had this to say about the recent casting announcement: "The world that J.R.R. Tolkien created is epic, diverse, and filled with heart. These extraordinarily talented performers, hailing from across the globe, represent the culmination of a multi-year search to find brilliant and unique artists to bring that world to life anew. The international cast of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings series is more than just an ensemble. It is a family. We are thrilled to welcome each of them to Middle-earth." For more Lord of the Rings, find out why actor Hugo Weaving has no interest in ever playing Elrond again, find out which three classic characters will make appearances in Amazon's Lord of the Rings series, and check out this awesome King Thranduil statue from The Hobbit. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/19/lord-of-the-rings-series-gets-early-season-2-renewal-from-amazon-ign-now"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] David Griffin still watches DuckTales in his pajamas with a cereal bowl in hand. He's also the TV Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter.

EA has announced that Casey Hudson, the general manager of BioWare, and Mark Darrah, the executive producer on the upcoming Dragon Age, will be departing the company. All currently ongoing projects, including Anthem Next, the next Dragon Age, and the Mass Effect: The Legendary Edition remasters among them, will continue as planned despite the leadership shifts. Samantha Ryan will continue to oversee the studio, while Christian Dailey, who joined BioWare from Blizzard, will now be leading the Dragon Age project as executive producer, with Matthew Goldman remaining as creative director on the project. And the Mass Effect collection will continue to be led by Mike Gamble as that team also remains "hard at work on the future of that franchise." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/dragon-age-4-behind-the-scenes-teaser"] This marks Hudson's second departure from Bioware, after he first left the studio in 2014 and announced a new position at Microsoft in 2015. Hudson rejoined BioWare in 2017 when then-GM Aaryn Flynn stepped down. While the company searches for a new GM, Gary McKay, the senior director of development operations, will act as interim Studio GM. "They will always be an important part of the studio’s history, we appreciate their many contributions, and we look forward to seeing what they’ll each do next," Laura Miele, Chief Studios Officer. EA, said in a statement announcing the duo's departure. "It’s not an easy decision to make, and big changes like this always come with a certain degree of sadness. I will miss being able to work every day with our inspiring developers on the biggest and most exciting projects I can imagine. But I also know that this is a good time for a change, for both myself and BioWare," Hudson said in a post explaining his departure. "It’s profound and humbling to look back on a decades-long career and think about the things we’ve achieved together. It’s hard to make the decision to move on, but I’m excited about what’s next, for all of us." Darrah also wrote about the decision to leave, saying "This has been a very difficult decision for me. The team of amazing developers on Dragon Age, make my life fuller and better. They have taught me so much. But the strength of the team is also what makes this possible. I know that Dragon Age won’t just survive without me, it will thrive. "Christian Dailey is a strong leader and will provide great insight to the rest of the Dragon Age leadership who remain. This is a team that includes people with decades of experience at BioWare. I am confident that, together, this is the team that can make this Dragon Age the best one yet." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=43-new-images-from-dragon-age-4&captions=true"] In the meantime, BioWare's long list of projects will continue - the company continues to produce Star Wars: The Old Republic, and work continues on Anthem Next, as BioWare hopes to revive the looter-shooter with a massive overhaul. Recent looks at Anthem 2.0 have included planned changes to loot and weapons, as well as Javelin builds and skill trees. (Christian Dailey, who is joining the DA team, has been the person behind these lengthy Anthem blog post updates.) Meanwhile, BioWare celebrated N7 Day this year with the official confirmation of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, slated for a spring 2021 release, while also teasing that a new Mass Effect project is in the works from a "veteran team." And, of course, Dragon Age 4 is also in the works following its teaser reveal at The Game Awards 2018, and most recently a behind-the-scenes look at Dragon Age 4 development during Gamescom 2020. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

EA has announced that Casey Hudson, the general manager of BioWare, and Mark Darrah, the executive producer on the upcoming Dragon Age, will be departing the company. All currently ongoing projects, including Anthem Next, the next Dragon Age, and the Mass Effect: The Legendary Edition remasters among them, will continue as planned despite the leadership shifts. Samantha Ryan will continue to oversee the studio, while Christian Dailey, who joined BioWare from Blizzard, will now be leading the Dragon Age project as executive producer, with Matthew Goldman remaining as creative director on the project. And the Mass Effect collection will continue to be led by Mike Gamble as that team also remains "hard at work on the future of that franchise." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/dragon-age-4-behind-the-scenes-teaser"] This marks Hudson's second departure from Bioware, after he first left the studio in 2014 and announced a new position at Microsoft in 2015. Hudson rejoined BioWare in 2017 when then-GM Aaryn Flynn stepped down. While the company searches for a new GM, Gary McKay, the senior director of development operations, will act as interim Studio GM. "They will always be an important part of the studio’s history, we appreciate their many contributions, and we look forward to seeing what they’ll each do next," Laura Miele, Chief Studios Officer. EA, said in a statement announcing the duo's departure. "It’s not an easy decision to make, and big changes like this always come with a certain degree of sadness. I will miss being able to work every day with our inspiring developers on the biggest and most exciting projects I can imagine. But I also know that this is a good time for a change, for both myself and BioWare," Hudson said in a post explaining his departure. "It’s profound and humbling to look back on a decades-long career and think about the things we’ve achieved together. It’s hard to make the decision to move on, but I’m excited about what’s next, for all of us." Darrah also wrote about the decision to leave, saying "This has been a very difficult decision for me. The team of amazing developers on Dragon Age, make my life fuller and better. They have taught me so much. But the strength of the team is also what makes this possible. I know that Dragon Age won’t just survive without me, it will thrive. "Christian Dailey is a strong leader and will provide great insight to the rest of the Dragon Age leadership who remain. This is a team that includes people with decades of experience at BioWare. I am confident that, together, this is the team that can make this Dragon Age the best one yet." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=43-new-images-from-dragon-age-4&captions=true"] In the meantime, BioWare's long list of projects will continue - the company continues to produce Star Wars: The Old Republic, and work continues on Anthem Next, as BioWare hopes to revive the looter-shooter with a massive overhaul. Recent looks at Anthem 2.0 have included planned changes to loot and weapons, as well as Javelin builds and skill trees. (Christian Dailey, who is joining the DA team, has been the person behind these lengthy Anthem blog post updates.) Meanwhile, BioWare celebrated N7 Day this year with the official confirmation of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, slated for a spring 2021 release, while also teasing that a new Mass Effect project is in the works from a "veteran team." And, of course, Dragon Age 4 is also in the works following its teaser reveal at The Game Awards 2018, and most recently a behind-the-scenes look at Dragon Age 4 development during Gamescom 2020. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

HBO has released concept art from House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel, and announced that production begins within the next few months. The concept art was dropped right at the end of HBO's bombshell press release on Thursday where it was announced that all of WarnerMedia's 2021 movies will be released on HBO Max as well as in theaters. Two concept art images of a dragon were released from the new Game of Thrones series. "Principal photography starts on the next Game of Thrones series, House of the Dragon, in a few months," the press release said. "Look out for dragons overhead!" [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=house-of-the-dragon-images-and-concept-art&captions=true"] House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood, which was released in November 2018. The series will explore the Targaryan family about 300 years before Daenerys and the rest of the events of Game of Thrones. House of the Dragon will consist of 10 episodes for its first season and will likely premiere on HBO in 2022. Paddy Considine has reportedly been cast as King Viserys Targaryen. IGN has a full explainer into House of the Dragon's time period, major characters in the book, and potential events that the series will cover. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/23/george-r-r-martin-gives-an-update-on-the-winds-of-winter"] Game of Thrones may have ended its run over a year ago but new details continue to come out about the blockbuster series. Martin recently revealed that he filmed a cameo for the original Game of Thrones pilot but didn't return to film the role when the pilot was re-shot. Martin also spoke out on the Game of Thrones scene that he hates the most. More importantly, Martin hopes to finish writing Winds of Winter by the end of 2021. Also, during the time Game of Thrones has been over, a pilot for another Game of Thrones prequel series was filmed, but that spinoff is not moving forward. It would've focused on the Age of Heroes. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN.  

HBO has released concept art from House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel, and announced that production begins within the next few months. The concept art was dropped right at the end of HBO's bombshell press release on Thursday where it was announced that all of WarnerMedia's 2021 movies will be released on HBO Max as well as in theaters. Two concept art images of a dragon were released from the new Game of Thrones series. "Principal photography starts on the next Game of Thrones series, House of the Dragon, in a few months," the press release said. "Look out for dragons overhead!" [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=house-of-the-dragon-images-and-concept-art&captions=true"] House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood, which was released in November 2018. The series will explore the Targaryan family about 300 years before Daenerys and the rest of the events of Game of Thrones. House of the Dragon will consist of 10 episodes for its first season and will likely premiere on HBO in 2022. Paddy Considine has reportedly been cast as King Viserys Targaryen. IGN has a full explainer into House of the Dragon's time period, major characters in the book, and potential events that the series will cover. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/23/george-r-r-martin-gives-an-update-on-the-winds-of-winter"] Game of Thrones may have ended its run over a year ago but new details continue to come out about the blockbuster series. Martin recently revealed that he filmed a cameo for the original Game of Thrones pilot but didn't return to film the role when the pilot was re-shot. Martin also spoke out on the Game of Thrones scene that he hates the most. More importantly, Martin hopes to finish writing Winds of Winter by the end of 2021. Also, during the time Game of Thrones has been over, a pilot for another Game of Thrones prequel series was filmed, but that spinoff is not moving forward. It would've focused on the Age of Heroes. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN.  

Warner Bros. announced an industry-shaking approach to distributing its films in 2021, revealing that it will be making all 17 of its theatrically-released movies that year available concurrently for a one-month exclusive window on HBO Max. That means United States-based consumers will be able to watch highly anticipated releases including Dune, The Matrix 4, The Suicide Squad, Mortal Kombat, and more at the same time on HBO Max as they would be able to see them released in theaters. More importantly, watching the movies will require no extra cost to HBO Max subscribers. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/warner-bros-and-hbo-max-2021-movies-announcement-trailer"] Warner Bros. announced the news on Thursday, citing the hybrid streaming and theatrical release change as "as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in the U.S." All films will release on HBO Max in 4K Ultra HD and HDR on HBO Max. After the one-month HBO Max exclusive window is up, the movies will continue to run in theaters in the United States and internationally, "with all customary distribution windows applying to the title." HBO Max released this new promo imagery as part of their announcement: This news will impact Warner Bros. Pictures Group 2021 expected* (which they included in their announcement with an asterisk) release slate, which currently includes The Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho and Matrix 4. “We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said WarnerMedia Studios Chair and CEO Ann Sarnoff in a statement. “No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/dune-official-trailer"] “This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We have a fantastic, wide ranging slate of titles from talented and visionary filmmakers next year, and we’re excited to be able get these movies in front of audiences around the world. And, as always, we’ll support all of our releases with innovative and robust marketing campaigns for their theatrical debuts, while highlighting this unique opportunity to see our films domestically via HBO Max as well.” This news comes after Warner Bros. already announced similar plans for Wonder Woman 1984, which will come out in theaters and on HBO Max on December 25th. As HBO Max is currently only available in the United States, this means Warner Bros. international debuts of these films will continue as planned, as The Hollywood Reporter points out. Per THR's Aaron Couch, "Some partners such as Legendary, which has Godzilla vs. Kong, were not aware" that this news was happening. These massive releases will join the previously announced 2021 debuts of Zack Snyder's Justice League, the Friends reunion special, Gossip Girl reboot as well as the new season of Succession, making this the biggest calling card for HBO Max to drive new subscribers yet. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=everything-coming-to-hbo-max&captions=true"] While release dates still could shift, these are the currently announced release dates for each of the movies in Warner Bros.'s 2021 slate:

• The Little Things - January 29, 2021
• Tom & Jerry - March 5, 2021
• The Many Saints of Newark - March 12, 2021
• Reminiscence - April 16, 2021
• Godzilla vs. Kong - May 21, 2021
• The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - June 4, 2021
• In The Heights - June 18, 2021
• Space Jam: A New Legacy - July 16, 2021
• The Suicide Squad - August 6, 2021
• Dune - October 1, 2021
• King Richard - November 19, 2021
• Matrix 4 - December 22, 2021
• Cry Macho - TBD
• Malignant - TBD
• Those Who Wish Me Dead - TBD
• Mortal Kombat - TBD
• Judas and the Black Messiah - TBD

HBO Max posted about the news on its Twitter page along with a short video teasing all the upcoming titles that consumers will now be able to watch, as it touts, "in theaters and on HBO Max the exact same day." A release from WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar about this news also revealed that principal photography for House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones spinoff series, will start "in a few months," revealing new concept art which you can see below: [poilib element="accentDivider"] Terri Schwartz is Director of Content Strategy and Partnerships at IGN. Talk to her on Twitter at @Terri_Schwartz.

Warner Bros. announced an industry-shaking approach to distributing its films in 2021, revealing that it will be making all 17 of its theatrically-released movies that year available concurrently for a one-month exclusive window on HBO Max. That means United States-based consumers will be able to watch highly anticipated releases including Dune, The Matrix 4, The Suicide Squad, Mortal Kombat, and more at the same time on HBO Max as they would be able to see them released in theaters. More importantly, watching the movies will require no extra cost to HBO Max subscribers. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/warner-bros-and-hbo-max-2021-movies-announcement-trailer"] Warner Bros. announced the news on Thursday, citing the hybrid streaming and theatrical release change as "as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in the U.S." All films will release on HBO Max in 4K Ultra HD and HDR on HBO Max. After the one-month HBO Max exclusive window is up, the movies will continue to run in theaters in the United States and internationally, "with all customary distribution windows applying to the title." HBO Max released this new promo imagery as part of their announcement: This news will impact Warner Bros. Pictures Group 2021 expected* (which they included in their announcement with an asterisk) release slate, which currently includes The Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho and Matrix 4. “We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said WarnerMedia Studios Chair and CEO Ann Sarnoff in a statement. “No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/dune-official-trailer"] “This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We have a fantastic, wide ranging slate of titles from talented and visionary filmmakers next year, and we’re excited to be able get these movies in front of audiences around the world. And, as always, we’ll support all of our releases with innovative and robust marketing campaigns for their theatrical debuts, while highlighting this unique opportunity to see our films domestically via HBO Max as well.” This news comes after Warner Bros. already announced similar plans for Wonder Woman 1984, which will come out in theaters and on HBO Max on December 25th. As HBO Max is currently only available in the United States, this means Warner Bros. international debuts of these films will continue as planned, as The Hollywood Reporter points out. Per THR's Aaron Couch, "Some partners such as Legendary, which has Godzilla vs. Kong, were not aware" that this news was happening. These massive releases will join the previously announced 2021 debuts of Zack Snyder's Justice League, the Friends reunion special, Gossip Girl reboot as well as the new season of Succession, making this the biggest calling card for HBO Max to drive new subscribers yet. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=everything-coming-to-hbo-max&captions=true"] While release dates still could shift, these are the currently announced release dates for each of the movies in Warner Bros.'s 2021 slate:

• The Little Things - January 29, 2021
• Tom & Jerry - March 5, 2021
• The Many Saints of Newark - March 12, 2021
• Reminiscence - April 16, 2021
• Godzilla vs. Kong - May 21, 2021
• The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - June 4, 2021
• In The Heights - June 18, 2021
• Space Jam: A New Legacy - July 16, 2021
• The Suicide Squad - August 6, 2021
• Dune - October 1, 2021
• King Richard - November 19, 2021
• Matrix 4 - December 22, 2021
• Cry Macho - TBD
• Malignant - TBD
• Those Who Wish Me Dead - TBD
• Mortal Kombat - TBD
• Judas and the Black Messiah - TBD

HBO Max posted about the news on its Twitter page along with a short video teasing all the upcoming titles that consumers will now be able to watch, as it touts, "in theaters and on HBO Max the exact same day." A release from WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar about this news also revealed that principal photography for House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones spinoff series, will start "in a few months," revealing new concept art which you can see below: [poilib element="accentDivider"] Terri Schwartz is Director of Content Strategy and Partnerships at IGN. Talk to her on Twitter at @Terri_Schwartz.

If you own an Xbox One or PlayStation 4 version of Madden NFL 21, you can upgrade to the next-gen versions right now with a new update. This update arrives just a day before next-gen versions are available for purchase, which means those that opted in for the current-gen versions will be able to play the Xbox Series X and Series S and PlayStation 5 versions early. There are some caveats though, namely that the PS5 version of the game can only be played offline at the moment. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="legacyId=20108153&captions=true"] "The PlayStation 5 version of the game is not yet connected to the servers as we're doing final testing on a problem for which we've submitted a solution," a post on the EA Madden forums from EA reads. "We will provide updates this evening on its deployment as we head into the launch, but the game can be played offline in the meantime." While it was previously stated by EA that physical copies of the game won't allow for upgrades to next-gen versions of the game on digital-only consoles like the PS5 Digital Edition and Series S, EA now says that "you will need to contact EA Help to validate your purchase using your account information to receive your free upgrade." Players trying to jump from a physical current-gen copy of the game will not be able to access next-gen versions on their digital-only consoles until the game's official launch on December 4. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/07/madden-nfl-21-next-gen-announcement-trailer"] You can head to EA's how-to post for a detailed breakdown of how to upgrade to the next-gen versions of Madden NFL 21, but it essentially boils down to the following: PS5 users will need to select the upgrade offer on the game's hub on their console's home menu and Xbox users will need to update the game. While waiting for the update to download, check out our thoughts on the latest entry in the franchise with our Madden NFL 21 review and then read about how EA wants the next-gen versions of the game to feel completely different. For any questions you might have about the game, head to IGN's official Madden NFL 21 wiki guide. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes. 

If you own an Xbox One or PlayStation 4 version of Madden NFL 21, you can upgrade to the next-gen versions right now with a new update. This update arrives just a day before next-gen versions of the game are available for purchase, which means those that opted in for the current-gen versions of the game will be able to play the Xbox Series X and Series S and PlayStation 5 versions of the game early. There are some caveats though, namely that the PS5 version of the game can only be played offline at the moment. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="legacyId=20108153&captions=true"] "The PlayStation 5 version of the game is not yet connected to the servers as we're doing final testing on a problem for which we've submitted a solution," a post on the EA Madden forums from EA reads. "We will provide updates this evening on its deployment as we head into the launch, but the game can be played offline in the meantime." While it was previously stated by EA that physical copies of the game won't allow for upgrades to next-gen versions of the game on digital-only consoles like the PS5 Digital Edition and Series S, EA now says that "you will need to contact EA Help to validate your purchase using your account information to receive your free upgrade." Players trying to jump from a physical current-gen copy of the game will not be able to access next-gen versions on their digital-only consoles until the game's official launch on December 4. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/07/madden-nfl-21-next-gen-announcement-trailer"] You can head to EA's how-to post for a detailed breakdown of how to upgrade to the next-gen versions of Madden NFL 21, but it essentially boils down to the following: PS5 users will need to select the upgrade offer on the game's hub on their console's home menu and Xbox users will need to update the game. While waiting for the update to download, check out our thoughts on the latest entry in the franchise with our Madden NFL 21 review and then read about how EA wants the next-gen versions of the game to feel completely different. For any questions you might have about the game, head to IGN's official Madden NFL 21 wiki guide. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes. 

Fortnite fans, rejoice. Chapter 2, Season 5 has been ushered in by the fall of Galactus. With his demise came some new goodies – bounties, boss battles, a dope Mandalorian skin, and several changes to the map. Your basic running and gunning will afford you a few new opportunities. But most of the best content is locked behind Season 5’s Battle Pass. Even then, there are extra goodies just waiting to be found. One of which is a piece of the Mandalorian’s Beskar armor. To help you find this first piece (and possibly battle Mando) we’ve compiled some viable information below.

How to Get Your First Beskar Armor Piece?

Purchasing the Season 5 Battle Pass will unlock the Mandalorian skin. But like the Disney + show, fans will need to complete quests if they hope to obtain a full Beskar’Kandar – a type of armor comprised of Beskar pieces. The first piece of Beskar armor (to be placed on the right shoulder) can be found by completing the Razor quest. Fortnite gives you a hint by letting on that Mando’s ship, the Razor Crest, crash-landed somewhere on the battle royale map. It’s up to you to find it or you can check out the map we include below with the location marked.

Fortnite Razor Crest Location

The Mandalorian's ship can be found in a sand-covered area north of Lazy Lake. It’s right below a new area labeled as “???”. The best way to find it is to pull up the map while on the battle bus and mark its location; you don’t have to be exact considering the ship’s size. Once you dive out of the bus, head towards the marker. You’ll start to see the Razor Crest come into view as you get closer to that section of the map. The smoke and debris are a dead giveaway. Once you’ve landed on the beach, you’ll need to jump onto the ship to complete the quest. And since we’re in the area, we might as well battle Mando and steal his jetpack. It isn’t the most honorable thing to do. And we’ll probably be placed on the guild’s most wanted list. Still…it’s a jetpack…

How to Find and Fight The Mandalorian in Fortnite

The Mandalorian is one of Fortnite’s new boss characters. Roaming the area near his downed ship in the sand-covered area north Lazy Lake, he’s easy pickings. By that I mean, he isn’t hard to find at all. Battling him is another story. Not because of his Beskar armor, but because of other players; everyone wants that damn jetpack. If you happen to find the Mandalorian solo, go on and take him out. He doesn’t take many shots – I used a shotgun and a few pistol rounds – and his accuracy isn’t great. He can fly though, which can prolong the fight. Once defeated you’ll be able to take his jetpack and his Amban sniper rifle, which has to be one of the coolest guns in the game. Zooming in paints heat signatures, making it easy-ish to pick off faraway targets. Flying above players and sniping on decent is a “chef’s kiss” type of play.

What is Beskar Armor?

The Mandalorian’s outfit is well recognized by Star Wars fans. What makes this particular character’s armor stand out though is the Beskar plating. Created by a near-indestructible ore found on the planet Mandalore, these metal plates could withstand direct blows from a lightsaber. Basically, it’s cool as hell and worth snagging to wear into battle – even though it doesn’t provide real protective armor in Fortnite.

Fortnite Bounties Explained

Since we’re on the subject of shooting and robbing NPC’s, one should know that not every nonplayable character is a boss. Some of them give missions called bounties. That is, unless you shoot them. A few stray shots are ok. Singled by a floating “?” above their heads, these NPC’s will wonder what’s wrong with you. A few more shots though and they’ll attack you. At that point, it’s kill or be killed. Instead, it’s better to calmly approach these individuals and ask about their bounties. These special missions require you to hunt down a rival player. Similar to Call of Duty: Warzone, a yellow circle on the map will indicate their last known position. It’s up to you to get to them before anyone else does (or the six-minute timer runs out), blast them to pieces, and then collect the reward – namely, a new currency made up of gold bars. Gold bars can be found in chests, on players, and gained by avoiding/dispatching the player who’s been hired to kill you. The best way to get bars is by completing bounties though. Rack up enough gold bars and you’ll be able to purchase weapons, consumables, and more from NPC’s. You’ll even be able to hire them to fight alongside you – as opposed to them hiring you to hunt down other players. Fun times!

Other Fortnite Mandalorian Challenges

The get the complete set of Beskar armor in Fortnite, you'll need to complete the rest of the Mandalorian's challenges. These challenges and rewards include:

• Complete a bounty (helmet)
• Earn weapon specialist accolades (left shoulder armor)
• Complete a legendary quest (torso armor)
• Find Beskar steel deep in the belly of the shark (left thigh armor)
• Collect bars (right thigh armor)
• Find Beskar steel where the earth meets the sky (left arm armor)
• Defeat Ruckus (right arm armor)

If you're having any difficulty with the rest of these challenges, let us know and we'll make a guide for it! [poilib element="accentDivider"]