Fortnite players can now do more than battle Darth Vader—they can talk to him. Thanks to a collaboration between AI voice startup ElevenLabs, Epic Games, and the estate of James Earl Jones, players in Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode will be able to engage in fully interactive conversations with the Dark Lord of the Sith.

AI-Powered Conversations with a Galactic Icon

This announcement marks the latest expansion of Fortnite’s in-game experience blending entertainment, gaming, and now advanced AI voice interaction. Vader has returned to the Battle Royale map, replacing the previous Darth Vader Samurai boss, but this time with a twist. Once defeated and recruited, players can activate a special "Darth Vader" button, allowing them—and their entire squad—to talk directly to him. Vader will answer back using ElevenLabs’ conversational AI technology, speaking in the unmistakable deep tones of James Earl Jones.

Players can ask him about the Force, strategies for surviving the final Storm circle, or musings on the Galactic Empire. According to Epic’s blog, “The Sith Lord has opinions.”

A Glimpse of AI’s Future Role in Gaming

For ElevenLabs, this partnership is a headline moment. Known for its cutting-edge generative voice AI, the startup has quickly become one of the leaders in synthetic voice technology, capable of replicating nuanced performances from human speech samples. This deal signals a high-profile integration of their tech into one of the world’s most popular games, and perhaps more importantly, into the cultural fabric of a younger gaming audience.

It also demonstrates the growing appetite—and commercial potential—for interactive character experiences in games, where AI voices can bring depth and dynamism to familiar IP. ElevenLabs’ ability to reproduce James Earl Jones’ legendary voice, with the blessing of his estate, pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in licensed AI performances, and may open doors for similar collaborations with other iconic characters in the future.

For Epic Games, this move enhances Fortnite’s position as more than just a game—it’s an entertainment platform where IP, player creativity, and now AI converge. The Vader feature comes as Epic continues to evolve Fortnite into an ecosystem where players don’t just fight battles but participate in immersive, story-rich worlds.

The move also arrives at a time when AI-generated voices are raising new questions in entertainment and licensing. By working directly with Jones’ estate, Epic and ElevenLabs are signaling a model for ethical use of AI voice tech, setting a precedent others may follow.

Will players love talking to Vader as much as fighting him? That remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: the Force—and the future of AI-powered gaming—has arrived in Fortnite