How to recruit AI Darth Vader in Fortnite

Time of India

16-05-2025

Image via Epic Games
Fortnite has embraced the Force like never before. As part of its ongoing Galactic Battle season, players now have the chance to recruit none other than Darth Vader - not just as a boss to defeat, but as a full-fledged AI teammate powered by voice interactions. Here's how you can bring the Sith Lord to your squad in Chapter 6 Season 3.
Where to find Darth Vader in Fortnite
The AI-powered Darth Vader appears as a boss at Vader Samurai's Solitude, one of two boss locations currently active in the game. To recruit him, players must first ensure Vader is defeated - but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to be the one to land the final blow.
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Once Darth Vader is defeated, a portal will appear. The first player or squad to interact with it and pick up the Sith Lightsaber will earn Vader's loyalty for the rest of the match. Be warned though - only one team per match can recruit him, so competition will be intense.
Players have already adopted stealth tactics, like letting other teams take Vader down and swooping in at the last second to claim the reward.
How to talk to Darth Vader in Fortnite
Fortnite's Vader isn't just a silent enforcer - he's also interactive, thanks to new Conversational AI technology. To speak with him, players must first enable the appropriate settings:
Open the Settings menu.
Navigate to Keyboard Controls.
Locate Conversational AI and assign a key or button.
Save changes and return to the game.
Once these steps are complete and Vader is on your team, you can press the assigned button to interact with him. From strategies to Sith wisdom, Vader will respond - although Epic has placed clear restrictions on what he'll talk about.
Powered by Google's Gemini AI and voiced using ElevenLabs' audio model, this version of Darth Vader has been programmed to avoid topics like V-Bucks, swearing, and sensitive lore - including his role in Revenge of the Sith's darkest moments.
Notably, the voice of Vader in-game pays homage to the legendary James Earl Jones, whose estate collaborated with Epic and Disney to preserve his iconic performance through AI.
This marks Fortnite's most ambitious AI incorporation to date. With parental permissions and strict content filters in place, the feature balances innovation with responsibility. Whether you're a long-time Star Wars fan or a Fortnite regular, teaming up with Darth Vader is an experience worth chasing - even if only one squad per match gets the honor.