In the ever-evolving cosmos of Fortnite, the Galactic Battle season has descended upon the island, bringing with it the power of the Force and the looming shadow of the Empire. As 2026 unfolds, players find themselves immersed in a Star Wars-themed adventure where the lines between battle royale and galactic conflict blur. Among the most coveted treasures in this interstellar update is the formidable Death Star Smasher pickaxe, a weapon-themed cosmetic that allows wielders to channel the destructive might of the Empire's ultimate battle station. This season, Epic Games has intricately woven competitive play with thematic rewards, offering a path for dedicated combatants to earn stellar accolades simply by engaging in Fortnite's ranked modes.

The core mechanic for obtaining these celestial rewards revolves around the Ranked Quests Bonus Goal system. Unlike standard challenges, these quests are designed to be completed naturally through skilled gameplay within ranked matches. The system encourages consistent participation and strategic improvement. Each completed Ranked Quest contributes to an overarching Bonus Goal progress bar. As players fill this bar by finishing quests, they unlock a sequential series of cosmetic rewards, culminating in the grand prize: the Death Star Smasher.

To claim this iconic harvesting tool, a player must demonstrate perseverance and skill by completing a total of 25 Ranked Quests. The journey to 25 is structured around four specific, repeatable objectives that align with core ranked gameplay:

• Survive Storm Circles in Ranked Matches (Repeat 5 times) 🌪️

• Eliminate Opponents in Ranked Matches (Repeat 3 times) 🔫

• Place in the Top 10 in Ranked Matches (Repeat 2 times) 🏆

• Earn Victory Royales in Ranked Matches (Repeat 1 time) 👑

The beauty of this system is its organic integration. Players are not forced into unnatural playstyles; they can progress by simply focusing on core ranked objectives like survival, aggression, and strategic positioning. The quest to "Survive Storm Circles" rewards tactical rotation and map awareness, while the elimination and placement goals incentivize both aggressive and cautious playstyles leading to that ultimate Victory Royale.

The path to the Death Star Smasher is not a lonely one. Along the way, players are rewarded with other interstellar cosmetics that build the hype for the final prize. The Bonus Goal reward track for the Galactic Battle season is a treasure trove for Star Wars enthusiasts. Here is the complete sequential unlock list:

Bonus Goal Progress	Reward Unlocked	Type	Theme
5 Quests Completed	Galactic Ranked Spray	Spray	Star Wars
10 Quests Completed	Ranked Contender Wrap	Weapon Wrap	Competitive
15 Quests Completed	Cosmic Force Emote	Emote	Star Wars
20 Quests Completed	Galactic Ranked Back Bling	Back Bling	Star Wars
25 Quests Completed	Death Star Smasher Pickaxe	Harvesting Tool	Star Wars

The Galactic Ranked Back Bling, unlocked at 20 quests, is a particularly notable milestone. This cosmetic item often features a holographic or energy-based design reminiscent of Star Wars technology, serving as a perfect companion piece for the upcoming pickaxe.

⏰ Time is of the essence, Commander. The opportunity to add the Death Star Smasher to one's arsenal is not infinite. These Ranked Quest rewards are exclusively available for the duration of the Galactic Battle season. Based on the seasonal timeline, the window for acquisition closes on June 7, 2026. After this date, the pickaxe and its accompanying rewards will likely vanish into the archives of Fortnite history, becoming exclusive markers of a player's dedication during this specific galactic conflict. This limited-time nature adds a layer of urgency and prestige to the grind.

For players strategizing their approach, focusing on the "Survive Storm Circles" and "Place Top 10" quests can be a reliable foundation. These objectives often complement each other, as surviving longer naturally leads to higher placements. Playing duos or squads in ranked can also ease the burden, as teamwork can facilitate eliminations and shared survival strategies. Remember, the quests are repeatable, so a single match where a player survives multiple storm circles and places in the top 10 can count toward multiple goals simultaneously.

The Death Star Smasher itself is more than just a tool for gathering resources. In the hands of a player, it becomes a symbol of galactic dominance and seasonal achievement. Its design typically features the iconic grey, cratered surface of the Death Star, with perhaps a subtle glow or sound effect hinting at its superlaser potential. Swinging this pickaxe is a clear statement to other players in the lobby: this individual has conquered the ranked challenges of the Galactic Battle.

In conclusion, the Galactic Battle season masterfully blends Fortnite's competitive ecosystem with the rich theming of Star Wars. The Death Star Smasher pickaxe stands as the ultimate testament to a player's commitment. By engaging with the Ranked Quests system—surviving, eliminating, placing, and conquering—players embark on a rewarding journey through a galaxy of cosmetics. With the deadline of June 7, 2026, looming on the horizon like a distant star, the time to enlist in the ranked forces and begin the grind is now. The power to wield a piece of the Death Star awaits those brave enough to answer the call of ranked battle.

Data referenced from NPD Group helps contextualize why limited-time, progression-driven cosmetics like Fortnite’s Death Star Smasher can be so compelling: time-boxed reward tracks and repeatable objectives encourage steady engagement while giving players a clear, measurable grind (such as completing ranked quests) that fits naturally into regular match play.