The possible origins of Fortnite's Lizard Skin - Thunder, Explored

The 'Lizard Skin,' aka Thunder, was revealed following the Fortnite update v23.50. Although the official Outfit was not revealed then, he was featured via a Spray. Nevertheless, since Epic Games doesn't do things randomly, it was expected that Thunder would soon feature in-game, and true enough, he did.

Thunder can be obtained on page-5 of the Battle Pass, requiring nine Battle Stars to unlock. Although not considered the top skin in it, he has quickly gained popularity. Given his three different styles, many players are rushing seasonal levels to unlock him.

Despite his growing popularity, not much is known about the character in question. Who is Thunder? Whom does he work for? Most importantly, what is his role in this phase of the storyline?

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Who is Thunder in Fortnite?

Thunder is a lizard, and no speculation is needed there. But where does he come from? In all probability, he comes from a reality within Fortnite's metaverse, where lizards evolve much like humans. They gained access to technology and learned how to use rifts to jump from one reality to the other.

Thunder is more than just a typical bipedal reptile in Fortnite. He's voiced by Daisuke Tsuji and is rather ambitious for a cold-blooded sushi chef. According to the in-game lore, he's a restaurateur, entrepreneur, party-lizard, and well-loved man-about-town.

These traits are evident from the Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 2 trailer, where he can be seen impressing patrons with his knife skills. He's also writing a cookbook, of which the first draft may or may not have been stolen.

Moving on, based on the voice lines associated with the 'Syndicate' Quests, he's not easily impressed either. Having achieved so much, it's only natural that he would associate himself with others of the same caliber.

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What is Thunder up to in Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 2?

With the who's-who out of the way, next up comes the why. Why has this 'lizard skin' character left the comfort of his reality to travel to this one? Also, why insert an agent (Evie) in-game back during Chapter 3? While the latter question is still a mystery, the former can be answered to an extent.

Thunder is part of the Peace Syndicate (much like Evie). They are the same organization that helped The Seven fight back against the Imagined Order in Chapter 3. By the looks of things, they also keep tabs on The Last Reality. That said, what role he assumes within the organization is still unclear.

While the voice lines suggest that he's the head honcho, it doesn't explicitly mention the same. However, seeing as he gives out orders to other members such as Evie and now players as well, he's someone very important.

Since he's trying to stop an all-out 'gang-war' from taking place on the island, it can be assumed that he perhaps heads this division of the Peace Syndicate. It can also be assumed that Mega City is their head of operations or at least the division he oversees.

The POI and surrounding landmass were rifted into the island to help the Peace Syndicate establish a stronger foothold. That said, opposing syndicates and organizations are yet to be revealed or introduced to the lore.

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Speaking of syndicates in Fortnite, could this relate to Midas?

While it's true that Midas was the greatest criminal mastermind in Fortnite, it may not be related to him in any way. Since his disappearance at the start of Chapter 2 Season 3, he hasn't been seen or heard from since. While a darker, corrupted version of Midas was later introduced to the game, it's merely a snapshot.

On that note, it's far too early in the season to speculate on what could happen. The only thing that can be confirmed for now is that Mega City and the surrounding terrain will expand over time.

More buildings and structures will probably either be built or rifted in. Many new NPCs, and perhaps other syndicates and/or organizations that Thunder talks about, will also be showcased in more detail. With all that said, the Peace Syndicate is here to stay for some time in Fortnite Chapter 4, by the looks of it.