Fortnite High Stakes launched The Getaway LTM in update v5.40

Fortnite’s High Stakes event went live on September 6, 2018, as part of Battle Royale update v5.40. Epic Games paired the heist theme with The Getaway limited-time mode, a set of free challenges and new cosmetic items. Epic confirmed the event on September 4 and released it with v5.40 on September 6.

How The Getaway worked

Epic’s v5.40 patch notes described a race to recover jewels from special safes near the first storm circle and carry them to floating getaway vans. Four jewels remained active on the map. A replacement supply drop appeared when a jewel left the island or disappeared into the storm.

Carrying a jewel restored health and shields over time, but reduced movement speed by 10 percent. The carrier also appeared on every player’s map for 30 seconds. Three getaway vans arrived early, followed by a fourth later in the match. Players had to build up to a van and interact with it while holding a jewel to secure a Victory Royale.

The mode started with 12 Pursuit supply drops, increased harvesting by 50 percent and limited regular loot to Rare quality or better. Update v5.40 also added the Epic-rarity Grappler with 15 charges. Rifts, Rift-To-Go items and Launch Pads were disabled in The Getaway.

High Stakes challenges and rewards

The official event overview listed three challenges:

• Play 10 matches to earn 5,000 XP.
• Deal 500 damage to opponents carrying a jewel to unlock the Suited Up spray.
• Pick up a jewel in five matches to unlock the Cash Flow contrail.

Completing all three challenges awarded the Crowbar pickaxe. The event shop rotated the Wildcard outfit with four mask styles, the Cuff Case back bling and the Safecracker glider. The Ace Pack contained the Ace outfit, Swag Bag back bling and 600 V-Bucks.