Fortnite is adding Shohei Ohtani as its first MLB player character, bringing baseball’s biggest star to one of gaming’s biggest platforms.
The Dodgers superstar will be available in Fortnite’s in-game store starting Monday, March 17 — just one day before the 2025 Tokyo Series begins. It’s perfect timing as Ohtani and the Dodgers prepare to face the Cubs in MLB’s season-opening series in Japan.
Fortnite, less than a decade old but already one of the most successful video games ever, has built its empire partly through character “skins” that let players customize their appearance. While non-gamers might find the term strange, these skins simply change how your character looks while playing.
Players will be able to use Ohtani as a fully playable character, equipped with either his home or away Dodgers jersey. The two-way phenom joins an impressive roster of Fortnite characters that already includes movie icons like John Wick and musicians like Travis Scott.
What makes the Ohtani package unique is the additional items that come with it. Gamers can wield a special pickaxe featuring Ohtani’s number and — in a particularly charming touch — get “back bling” featuring his beloved dog, Decoy. The pup, who’s become a fixture at Dodgers games, now follows Ohtani into the virtual world too.
For fans of Fortnite’s LEGO mode, there’s even more good news — Ohtani will be available in LEGO form as well.
Next up to the plate in Fortnite March 17: Shohei Ohtani! pic.twitter.com/E2HQknzZ0X
— MLB (@MLB) March 10, 2025
The timing couldn’t be better. Ohtani’s Fortnite debut comes right before the Tokyo Series, which, like last year’s Seoul Series, counts toward the regular season standings despite being followed by additional spring training games back in the States.
It’s no surprise Fortnite chose Ohtani as MLB’s first representative in the game. He’s transformed baseball with his unprecedented two-way excellence, and his star power transcends the sport itself. The way things are going, he could retire tomorrow and still make the Hall of Fame.
Now he’s making history again — this time in the virtual world of Fortnite.
