Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2, called “Showdown,” introduces a major change to the game: a global faction war between two iconic characters—The Foundation and The Ice King. This season launched on March 19, 2026, and forces every player to pick a side.

The entire season is built around this decision. When you start playing, you must choose between Fortnite Team Foundation or Ice King, and your performance contributes to a global leaderboard that tracks which faction is winning.

This is not just a cosmetic choice. The winning team at the end of the season unlocks exclusive rewards, including special skin styles that the losing side may never get. 

Fortnite Team Foundation or Ice King: What’s the difference?

The main difference between Fortnite Team Foundation or Ice King comes down to playstyle, rewards, and philosophy.

Both teams are equally important in the story, but they offer very different gameplay experiences.

Fortnite Team Foundation guide

The Foundation is the leader of The Seven, a group trying to protect the Zero Point and break the Loop. He is one of the most important characters in Fortnite’s lore.

If you choose Fortnite Team Foundation, you will benefit from:

• Fast movement abilities
• High-damage weapons
• Aggressive pushes

Key items include:

• Seven Power Gloves (mobility and melee attacks)
• Foundation’s Rift Rifle (creates rifts on impact) 

This team is ideal for players who like:

• Close-range fights
• High kill games
• Constant movement

Fortnite Ice King guide

The Ice King is an ancient ruler who controls ice powers and focuses on containing dangerous forces. In this season, he returns as a central figure in the conflict.

Choosing Fortnite Team Ice King gives you:

• Area control abilities
• Defensive advantages
• Slower, tactical gameplay

Key item:

• Ice King’s Gauntlets (ice attacks and storm-like abilities)

This team is best for players who prefer:

• Strategic positioning
• Zone control
• Surviving longer fights

Rewards: Why your choice matters

The biggest reason to think carefully about Fortnite Team Foundation or Ice King is the reward system.

• The Ice King skin is unlocked instantly with the Battle Pass
• The Foundation is unlocked later in the pass
• Each team has an exclusive final style:
  • Frost-Ready Foundation
  • Exalted Frost Ice King

Only one of these styles will be given at the end of the season, based on which team wins globally. That means: You cannot unlock both styles in one season.

Current winner (So far)

At the moment, Team Ice King is leading the global event, with hundreds of millions of Rivalries won compared to Team Foundation.

However, this can change at any time as more players join and contribute.

Which should you choose: Fortnite Team Foundation or Ice King?

Many players are choosing Team Ice King because:

• The Ice King has fewer bonus styles at the start
• Winning gives a more exclusive reward

But ultimately, the best choice depends on your playstyle.

Rivalry Screen

The Rivalry Screen is the main hub for the new faction system in Chapter 7 Season 2. It lets you track, manage, and complete rivalries against other players.

• You start or accept rivalries during matches
• Eliminating your rival earns Rivalry Wins and Credits
• Your progress increases your rank and rewards
• Every win also helps your team (Foundation or Ice King) globally

In short: the Rivalry Screen tracks your performance and connects your matches to the season’s global faction battle.