Want to add the sparkly new Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe to your collection without spending V-Bucks? Epic Games is giving away this festive cosmetic for free during Winterfest 2025, but you need to act fast and work with a squad. The pickaxe features a bright star design that matches perfectly with the Brite Bomber skin and Chapter 7’s Hollywood theme.
This guide shows you exactly how to unlock the Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe by completing Squad Up quests and collecting Shiny Llamas. You’ll learn the best farming methods, exact requirements, and important deadlines before the Winterfest event ends on January 5, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- What you get: Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe (free cosmetic item)
- How to unlock: Complete Squad Up quests by collecting 400 Shiny Llamas in squads
- Quest type: Milestone-based progression (collect 100, 200, 300, up to 1,000 llamas)
- Available modes: Battle Royale, Reload, OG, and Blitz (Squads only)
- Event deadline: January 5, 2026 at 9 AM ET
- Shared progression: All squad members’ collected llamas count for everyone
- Best farming method: Focus on combat zones and supply drops for rare chests
- Future availability: Will likely appear in Fortnite Item Shop after Winterfest
What Is the Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe?
The Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe is a free reward in the Fortnite Winterfest 2025 event. This cosmetic item features a large, colorful star on a wand-like handle. The design reminds players of the classic Star Wand pickaxe but with brighter colors that match the Brite Bomber skin.
The pickaxe fits perfectly with the Chapter 7 theme, which focuses on Hollywood stars and celebrities. You can use it in any game mode after unlocking it, and it works across all platforms where Fortnite is available.
As part of the Fortnite cosmetic items collection, this pickaxe doesn’t give you any combat advantage. It’s purely for style and showing off your Winterfest participation.
How Do Squad Up Quests Work for the Pickaxe Unlock?
Squad Up quests are special milestone quests in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1. These quests require you to play in squads and collect Shiny Llamas. Each time you reach a collection milestone, you earn rewards including XP and eventually the pickaxe.
Where to Find Squad Up Quests
Open Fortnite and look at the top bar in the lobby. Click the Quests tab next to the Winterfest snowflake tab. The Winterfest Lodge also shows your progress toward other Fortnite free rewards.
Shared Progression Explained
Here’s the best part: shared progression means every Shiny Llama collected by any squad member counts for your total. If your teammate finds one, you get credit too. This makes the grind much faster when playing with active friends.
Complete List of Squad Up Quest Milestones
The quest has 10 milestones. You need to reach the 4th milestone to get the Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe free.
TableCopy
| Llamas Needed | Reward |
| 100 | 12,000 XP |
| 200 | 10,000 XP |
| 300 | 8,000 XP |
| 400 | Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe + 6,000 XP |
| 500 | 4,000 XP |
| 600 | 2,000 XP |
| 700 | 1,000 XP |
| 800 | 1,000 XP |
| 900 | 1,000 XP |
| 1,000 | 1,000 XP |
Where to Find Shiny Llamas in Fortnite Chapter 7
Shiny Llamas are special loot items that appear during squad matches. You cannot see them on the map, but they drop from specific sources in Fortnite Battle Royale and other eligible modes.
Best Sources for Shiny Llamas
1. Eliminate Enemies and NPCs
Every time you eliminate a player or boss NPC, you have a chance to get a Shiny Llama. Focus on named locations with boss characters for better drops.
2. Open Rare and Legendary Chests
Blue (rare) and gold (legendary) chests have a higher chance of containing Shiny Llamas than regular chests. Land near POIs with many chests.
3. Supply Drops
These special drops contain high-tier loot and often include Shiny Llamas. Watch the sky for falling supply crates and rush to them quickly.
4. Boss Eliminations
Taking down bosses at specific locations guarantees better loot tables. While not a guaranteed llama drop, bosses have higher drop rates than regular players.
Best Locations for Farming Shiny Llamas
- Combat-heavy POIs: Areas like Ritzy Riviera and other named locations see more player fights, creating more elimination opportunities
- High-tier loot zones: Visit areas with many rare chests and supply drop spawn points
- Boss locations: Target areas with boss NPCs for elimination rewards
Can You Complete Squad Up Quests Without a Full Squad?
Yes, but with important limits. You must play in Fortnite Battle Royale Squads, Fortnite Reload, Fortnite OG, or Fortnite Blitz modes. The game mode automatically fills your squad with random players if you don’t have a full team of friends.
Progress doesn’t count in:
- Solo mode
- Duo mode
- Trio mode
You need at least one squad member, but random fill teammates count. Your entire squad’s collected llamas contribute to your progress through shared progression.
How Much Time Do You Have to Unlock the Pickaxe?
Fortnite Winterfest 2025 runs from December 18, 2025, to January 5, 2026, at 9 AM ET. This gives you 19 days total to collect 400 Shiny Llamas.
Important Deadline Details
The Winterfest event ends on January 5, 2026. After this date:
- Squad Up quests disappear
- You cannot earn the pickaxe for free
- Uncollected llamas will not carry over
- The pickaxe may appear in the Fortnite Item Shop later for V-Bucks
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock Your Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe
Follow these simple steps to get your free pickaxe before time runs out:
Step 1: Launch Fortnite and select Squads mode
Choose Battle Royale, Reload, OG, or Blitz. Turn on “Fill” to get random teammates if you’re playing alone.
Step 2: Land in a high-traffic area
Pick named locations with many chests and players. Ritzy Riviera or other POIs work well.
Step 3: Open every rare chest you see
Prioritize blue and gold chests over common ones for better Shiny Llama drop rates.
Step 4: Engage in combat
Eliminate enemy players and NPCs whenever safe. Each elimination gives you a chance at a llama.
Step 5: Watch for supply drops
Supply drops appear as blue smoke in the sky. Reach them quickly for high-tier loot and potential llamas.
Step 6: Stick with your squad
Stay near teammates so you benefit from shared progression when they collect llamas.
Step 7: Check your progress
Open the Quests tab after each match to see your current Shiny Llama count.
Step 8: Keep grinding until you hit 400
At 400 llamas collected, the Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe unlocks automatically.
Pro Tips for Efficient Quest Completion
Tip 1: Play with Active Friends
Friends who actively search for loot and engage enemies will help you progress faster than quiet random teammates.
Tip 2: Focus on Supply Drops
Supply drops have excellent loot and decent Shiny Llama drop rates. Build high to spot them easily.
Tip 3: Use Fortnite Tracker Apps
Apps like Fortnite Tracker can help you monitor your XP rewards and quest progress across sessions.
Tip 4: Play During Peak Hours
More active players means more elimination opportunities, especially in Fortnite Battle Royale Zero Build mode.
Tip 5: Don’t Ignore Bosses
Boss NPCs at specific locations often drop better loot, including Shiny Llamas.
Will the Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe Come to the Fortnite Item Shop?
Based on Epic Games’ recent patterns, yes. The Fortnite Item Shop typically adds event cosmetics like the Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe a few weeks after the event ends.
What This Means for You
- Free now: Earn it through Squad Up quests before January 5, 2026
- Paid later: Expect it in the Item Shop for around 800 V-Bucks if you miss the event
- No exclusivity: This isn’t a limited exclusive, so don’t panic if you can’t complete the quests in time
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Shiny Llamas and how do I find them?
Shiny Llamas are special event items that drop from rare chests, supply drops, and enemy eliminations. They only appear in squad-based modes. You can find them by playing Fortnite Battle Royale, Fortnite Reload, Fortnite OG, or Fortnite Blitz in Squads. Focus on combat zones and supply drops for the best farming results.
Can I complete Squad Up quests in solo or duo mode?
No, Squad Up quests only work in Squads mode. You cannot progress in solo, duo, or trio matches. However, you can use the “Fill” option to get random squad members if you don’t have friends online.
Do I need to play on Golden Coast island specifically?
No, Golden Coast island is just the setting for Fortnite Chapter 7. The quests work across all maps and modes that support squads, including Fortnite Reload and Fortnite OG.
How much XP can I earn from Squad Up quests?
You can earn 46,000 XP total by completing all milestones. The biggest XP drops come early: 12,000 XP at 100 llamas, 10,000 XP at 200 llamas, and 8,000 XP at 300 llamas. Even after getting the Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe at 400 llamas, you can keep earning smaller XP rewards up to 1,000 llamas.
What happens if I don’t finish before Winterfest ends?
If you don’t collect 400 Shiny Llamas by January 5, 2026, you lose the chance to get the pickaxe for free. However, Epic Games will likely add it to the Fortnite Item Shop later in the season for V-Bucks purchase.
Is the pickaxe available on all platforms?
Yes, the Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe unlocks across all platforms linked to your Epic Games account. Whether you play on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, or mobile, you’ll have access once unlocked.
Are there any bugs with the Squad Up quests?
Some players report occasional progress tracking delays. If your llamas aren’t counting:
- Leave and re-enter the Quests tab
- Restart your game
- Ensure you’re in the correct mode (Squads only)
- Check that the Winterfest event is still active
Conclusion
The Fortnite Starbrite Slasher Pickaxe is one of the best Fortnite free rewards this Winterfest event. By completing Squad Up quests and collecting Shiny Llamas, you can unlock this stylish cosmetic without spending V-Bucks.
Remember: you have until January 5, 2026, to collect 400 llamas. Use shared progression to your advantage by playing with active squads, focus on supply drops and rare chests, and check the Quests tab regularly.
If you miss the deadline, watch the Fortnite Item Shop in late January or February for a chance to purchase it. For now, jump into Fortnite Chapter 7, grab your squad, and start farming those llamas today.
