The Top 10 Rarest Fortnite Pickaxes

Fortnite thrives on limited-time collaborations, exclusive collectibles, and elusive cosmetics that elevate players’ sense of identity within the game. Amid skins, gliders, and emotes, pickaxes (or harvesting tools) hold a unique spot in every player’s arsenal. They’re not only essential for gathering resources to build and defend but also serve as a reflection of a player’s history, personal taste, and dedication to Fortnite’s rotating item shop and special promotions.

Over the years, Epic Games has introduced a wide array of pickaxes, from basic designs to extravagant crossovers. Some pickaxes have become legendary due to their scarcity, whether because they were locked behind promotional codes, limited-time events, or exclusively given to esports champions. Owning one of these rare pickaxes often bestows an unspoken badge of honor, reflecting a player’s veteran status or involvement in specific events.

In this extensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 rarest Fortnite pickaxes, highlighting their origins, the circumstances of their limited availability, and the stories behind their iconic designs. Whether you’re a collector keen on Fortnite’s history or just curious about the game’s most elusive items, you’ll find plenty of insight on the aesthetics, background, and current whereabouts (or scarcity) of these ten remarkable tools.

Why Rare Pickaxes Matter in Fortnite

Before listing these exclusive pickaxes, it’s worth understanding why they’re so sought after. Fortnite’s in-game cosmetic ecosystem is defined by continuous change—cosmetics rotate in and out of the item shop, often unpredictably. Some items see frequent returns, while others vanish for years, occasionally never to be seen again. Rarity in Fortnite is thus largely driven by:

• Time-Limited Collaborations: Partnerships with musicians, films, or other gaming franchises can yield items that only remain purchasable or redeemable for a short window.
• Exclusive Code Distribution: Some pickaxes are tied to physical merch or special game purchases, requiring players to redeem a code. Once those promotions end, the supply of valid codes disappears.
• Esports or Championship Rewards: The rarest of all are exclusive to winners of official tournaments, effectively gating them behind high competitive skill.
• Extended Absences from the Shop: Even a standard cosmetic can become extremely rare if it hasn’t reappeared for an extended period—sometimes multiple years.

Collectors and longtime players find these items symbolize not just style, but also dedication or historical ties to iconic Fortnite moments. Whether it’s an extremely limited promotional pickaxe or a tool that has quietly vanished, each is a trophy of Fortnite’s evolving legacy.

1. The Axe of Champions (Rarest Overall)

Availability: Only for FNCS Champions
Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 2
Release Date: April 25, 2020
Current Owners: Only 14 Players Worldwide

If you’re after the rarest pickaxe in Fortnite history, look no further than The Axe of Champions. Awarded exclusively to winners of the Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS), it’s not sold in the item shop, nor is it part of any collaboration or code redemption. Instead, it’s a direct testament to unparalleled skill.

Initially, the pickaxe was transferred between champions—meaning if you won an FNCS but later lost the next season, you had to relinquish The Axe of Champions to the new winners. However, Epic Games revised that policy so winners can keep it permanently, solidifying it as a near-mythic trophy.

When you see The Axe of Champions, you’re witnessing Fortnite’s apex—a symbol that you’re facing one of the best players in the game. With under 20 total owners to date (14 at present, though that may shift with new FNCS tournaments), this pickaxe sits at a tier of exclusivity no other cosmetic can match.

2. Psycho Buzz Axes

Price: 2,000 V-Bucks / or via Borderlands 3 purchase on Epic Games Store (pre-Dec 31, 2020)
Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 10
Release Date: May 31, 2020

Psycho Buzz Axes hail from an early Fortnite collaboration with Borderlands, featuring the striking cel-shaded style reminiscent of the Gearbox franchise. One could initially obtain them in two ways: purchasing a 2,000 V-Buck set in the item shop during a short window, or by buying Borderlands 3 through the Epic Games Store before a deadline.

The dual axes combine edgy industrial aesthetics with the bold coloration typical of Borderlands. Since it’s been around four years since their last known appearance, the Psycho Buzz Axes maintain a formidable level of scarcity. Their cross-promotional nature and unique stylized effect add to the pickaxe’s collector appeal. With no sign of a re-release, they remain a highlight for fans of both Fortnite and the Borderlands universe.

3. Widow’s Bite Pickaxe

Release Date: April 25, 2019
Price: 800 V-Bucks
Last Seen: May 6, 2019 (over 1,700 days ago)

Marvel crossovers are a mainstay in Fortnite, routinely rotating character sets like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, and more. Yet, the Widow’s Bite pickaxe from the original Black Widow set in 2019 has gone AWOL for more than four years.

Among Marvel-themed harvesting tools, Widow’s Bite stands out for its extended absence, overshadowed by repeated reappearances of other items. This pickaxe’s design exudes sleek stealth, aligning with Black Widow’s covert ops persona. Because it’s been away from the shop for so long, many Fortnite fans have labeled it among the rarest Marvel pickaxes. If it re-emerges, it would definitely cause a splash among collectors who missed it during its brief initial run.

4. Minty Axe Pickaxe

Release Date: November 6, 2019
Price: Redeemable Code (No V-Bucks Cost)
Last Seen: Never in Item Shop

The Minty Axe (often called the Minty Pickaxe) is a re-skinned variant of the Candy Axe, boasting vibrant green hues and a holiday flair. While it wasn’t locked behind a pricey bundle, players had to redeem a code from GameStop after purchasing official Fortnite merchandise. Because code distribution was finite and ended abruptly, the Minty Axe quickly ascended to rare status.

Admittedly, it’s somewhat more common than it used to be; quite a few people snagged codes during the promotional period. Still, it never entered the item shop, maintaining exclusivity that sets it apart from standard pickaxe rotations. For some, the Minty Axe’s glowing green design remains an especially festive touch—evoking holiday vibes even outside December.

5. Symbiote Scythe Pickaxe

Price: 2,000 V-Bucks (Bundle)
Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 8
Release Date: September 24, 2021

The Symbiote Scythe emerged during the wave of Marvel-Fortnite collaborations surrounding Venom and Eddie Brock. This dark, tendril-laden harvesting tool exudes the menacing vibe of Venom’s symbiote powers. Although certain Marvel items cycle through the store more frequently, the Symbiote Scythe remains among the less revisited picks.

Uniquely, the Symbiote Slasher is part of Venom’s default kit (usable only with that specific skin), whereas the Symbiote Scythe stands on its own, equippable by any character. Because it sold primarily within a 2,000 V-Buck set, and due to collaborations depending on external events like new Venom films, its reappearance is highly uncertain. Combine that with its distinctive, sinister design, and it’s no wonder the Symbiote Scythe quickly became a trophy among those lucky enough to have purchased it.

6. Leviathan Axe Pickaxe

Price: 1,000 V-Bucks
Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 5
Release Date: December 4, 2020

The Leviathan Axe, part of the God of War collaboration featuring Kratos, generated significant hype. Players eagerly snapped it up, partly fueled by the rumor it might have a faster swing speed than standard pickaxes. Though that rumor was dispelled, the Leviathan Axe’s sharp aesthetic and iconic tie to Kratos kept it in high demand.

Despite glimpses and speculation that Kratos and the Leviathan Axe might return (especially during special events that align with the Norse or mythical theme), they haven’t reemerged in the item shop for over three years. Fans remain hopeful that a future God of War-related hype cycle—perhaps a new game release or event—might bring it back. For now, its history as a limited cameo from the PlayStation icon cements its standing among Fortnite’s rarest.

7. Lazer Axe Pickaxe

Price: 800 V-Bucks
Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 10
Release Date: August 23, 2019

The Lazer Axe belongs to the Major Lazer set, marking one of Fortnite’s earlier major crossovers with the music industry. Styled as a glimmering gold battle axe with neon lighting, it was initially classified as a Rare pickaxe, but then upgraded to the Icon Series because of the collaboration’s significance.

However, Major Lazer items have rarely visited the item shop. After a short run in 2019, plus a couple of quick reappearances in 2020 and 2021, the entire set has gone dormant for nearly half a decade. Combine that absence with the pickaxe’s distinctive glowing effect, and Lazer Axe has evolved into a gem that dedicated Fortnite collectors keep on their wishlist.

8. Crowbar Pickaxe

How to Get: Complete The Getaway challenges
Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 5
Release Date: September 6, 2018

The Crowbar is a quintessential example of an item that looks mundane at first glance but is, in fact, incredibly rare. Tied to The Getaway LTM—Epic’s heist-themed limited-time mode—the Crowbar became a reward for finishing a set of event-exclusive challenges. The LTM returned in Season 8, giving some players a second chance, but that was around 2019, and Epic hasn’t revived it since.

Because it’s never appeared in the item shop, and the window for The Getaway challenges ended years ago, the Crowbar is an item that brand-new players can never obtain. Spotting a Crowbar user typically signals a longtime loyalist who hopped on that LTM event back in Fortnite’s earlier days.

9. Rockbreaker Pickaxe

Price: 800 V-Bucks
Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 8
Release Date: May 6, 2019

The Rockbreaker has an unorthodox design—multiple drill bits attached to a pole, reminiscent of a miner’s industrial tool. While some players initially found it visually odd or clunky, it has grown in prestige due to years of absence from the item shop.

Unlike certain rare pickaxes that were locked behind event participation or promotional codes, Rockbreaker’s scarcity is simpler: it just never came back. Many fans speculate that either Epic forgot to rotate it or deliberately withheld it for unknown reasons. Regardless, five years without a re-release transforms a once “meh” design into a rare collectible that veteran Fortnite item hunters revere.

10. Diamond Jack Pickaxe

Price: 800 V-Bucks
Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 2
Release Date: April 22, 2020

The Diamond Jack emerges from Fortnite’s 2020 Travis Scott collaboration, one of the game’s biggest music partnerships that introduced Astronomical events, a special set, and cosmetic items capturing Travis Scott’s bold style. The Diamond Jack is downright extravagant—covered in diamonds, gold embellishments, and a central ruby.

Past Icon Series items sometimes reappear, but Diamond Jack remains absent from the shop for four years running. This unusual dryness extends to the entire Travis Scott set, fueling speculation about licensing complexities. That extended gap cements its place among the rare picks, adored by collectors. If you spot a Diamond Jack on the battlefield, you’re glimpsing a slice of Fortnite x music history that many players missed or overlooked.

Honorable Mentions

• AC/DC: A Season 2 Battle Pass reward that remains highly prized, though overshadowed by the fact that it was in the BP (hence “unobtainable” now, but not necessarily an item-shop rarity).
• Raiders Revenge: A pickaxe from Fortnite’s earliest days locked behind Season 1 level progression. An absolute classic but strictly “impossible” to obtain if you didn’t play at the dawn of Fortnite’s life.
• Pot o' Gold: A St. Patrick’s Day pickaxe that hasn’t appeared in the store for many years. Its sporadic rotational schedule often leaves fans hanging.

While these honorable mentions hold a special place in the hearts of longtime players, they narrowly missed the top 10 for reasons such as being Battle Pass exclusives or overshadowed by more limited promotional items.

Why So Rare? Understanding Epic’s Approach

You might wonder why Epic Games doesn’t just reintroduce these items to satisfy player demand and profit from nostalgia sales. The reasons vary:

• Licensing Partnerships: For items like Diamond Jack (Travis Scott) or Symbiote Scythe (Venom), reappearance might depend on specific contractual windows or negotiations.
• Protecting Exclusive Status: Some cosmetics were intended to be event-specific. Reissuing them dilutes their value, frustrating those who earned or purchased them originally.
• Creating Demand via Scarcity: Fortnite’s rotating item model thrives on unpredictability and rarity, intensifying hype when a rare item finally returns. This fosters community excitement and “fear of missing out.”
• Esports Trophies: Items like The Axe of Champions reflect skill-based exclusivity, so it’s in Epic’s interest to keep them unattainable by normal means.

In short, Epic Games balances commercial interest with preserving the sense that some items define a moment in time, a special event, or a skill milestone.

Tips for Collectors & Returning Players

If you’re hoping to snag a rare pickaxe next time it resurfaces, here are some strategies:

• Keep an Eye on Official Announcements: Epic often signals collabs or item shop returns via social media or patch notes. If you see hints referencing Travis Scott or Marvel, for instance, watch the shop closely.
• Stay Updated with Data Miners: Reputable leakers sometimes discover references to returning sets within Fortnite’s API. While not guaranteed, it’s a clue that an item might be on deck for re-release.
• Leverage Item Shop Watcher Tools: Websites or apps that track daily shop rotations can instantly alert you if a rare pickaxe reappears. Speed is key—some items vanish in 24 hours.
• Be Prepared with V-Bucks: The short listing windows (and unpredictability) mean having V-Bucks on hand is crucial. If you see a rare pickaxe, you don’t want to scramble for funds last-minute.
• Accept Some Are Gone Forever: For pickaxes locked behind events or promotional codes (like Crowbar or Minty Axe), there’s no reliable path to re-obtaining them if you missed them. The best you can do is remain vigilant if Epic unexpectedly revives an LTM or code-based promotion.

On the flipside, if you already own a rare pickaxe, relish the nostalgic or bragging rights it confers. Not everyone gets to show off a Leviathan Axe or Lazer Axe in matches nowadays.

Final Thoughts

Rarity is part of Fortnite’s DNA, driving both in-game excitement and forging a marketplace of sought-after cosmetics. Among all collectibles, pickaxes hold a special place. They’re fundamental tools used constantly across matches, effectively doubling as aesthetic statements every time you break a wall or harvest materials. That persistent visibility transforms them into potent “status symbols,” whether it’s a simple crowbar from an LTM or a bedazzled Diamond Jack from a top-tier music collab.

Our top 10 rarest pickaxes reflect a range of Fortnite’s robust history: from Travis Scott’s glitzy Diamond Jack and Borderlands’ Psycho Buzz Axes to Venom’s Symbiote Scythe and Kratos’ Leviathan Axe. Each stands out for unique backstories, striking visuals, or extremely narrow distribution windows. Above them all, The Axe of Champions reigns as an unparalleled testament to FNCS-winning skill, tying in the esports side of Fortnite’s culture.

If you’re new to Fortnite or returning after a break, these pickaxes might be just out of reach or locked behind uncertain item shop rotations. But that’s part of the game’s allure—Fortnite is ephemeral, celebrating fleeting crossovers, limited-time modes, and event-specific prizes. This ephemeral nature keeps the community engaged, fosters an undercurrent of surprise, and ensures truly dedicated players are rewarded for their vigilance or skill.

Of course, Epic Games might always decide to reintroduce some of these pickaxes in the future, whether through re-releases or nostalgic events. But for now, fans can only admire them from afar, hoping to see that bright “New!” tag on a rare pickaxe in the daily rotation. And if you do manage to equip one of these 10 extremely rare picks, expect to turn heads in your next match—because in Fortnite, sometimes being different is just as satisfying as a Victory Royale.