Rivian is getting ready to hit the arena. Following a string of leaks earlier this week, we now have our best look yet at the Rivian R1S performing aerials and scoring goals in Rocket League. While the vehicle was first spotted in Fortnite's backend files, new footage has surfaced showing the flagship SUV fully rendered and playable within the high-octane soccer-with-cars game.
The newly surfaced video showcases the R1S zipping around the arena, and accompanying screenshots show that it will be available in multiple configurations. It isn’t just a basic white SUV; the footage reveals multiple color schemes and detailing options. As we recently reported, the vehicle will also feature a custom "R.A.D." variant. This stands for the Rivian Adventure Department, which is Rivian’s real-world performance division tasked with pushing their electric vehicles to their absolute limits.
One of the most interesting aspects of this digital launch is the cross-game compatibility between Epic Games’ titles. Recent sightings of the R1S in the Fortnite Item Shop indicate that buying the car there will also unlock it in Rocket League. This means you can use your R1S to traverse the island in Fortnite's Battle Royale or Rocket Racing modes, and then hop over to Rocket League to use that same "car body" in a competitive match.
Rivian Wave
The leaked footage shows the R1S with its signature "stadium" headlights and sleek light bar, which makes it one of the most recognizable silhouettes to enter the game. While the flagship R1S is a great start, many fans are hoping this "Rivian Series" eventually expands to include the upcoming R2 or even the rally-inspired R3X.
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Marketing the Future of Adventure
The timing for this virtual debut couldn't be better. Rivian is currently finalizing the rollout for its highly anticipated R2 midsize SUV. The $57,990 R2 Performance is set to reach the first customers later this spring. While the R1S is the current "greatest hits" model, bringing the R2 into the gaming world right as physical deliveries begin would be a massive marketing win for the brand.
Rivian Wave
Rivian famously avoids traditional TV commercials, choosing instead to focus on community events like SXSW 2026 earlier this month and digital partnerships. By putting its vehicles in front of millions of young, tech-savvy gamers, Rivian is building brand affinity with the next generation of car buyers. It’s the same strategy Tesla used when it brought the Cybertruck to Fortnite last year.
There’s still no official word on the exact release date or price for the Rivian R1S bundle, but with footage now appearing of the vehicle in action, it’s likely just a matter of days before it hits the shop. Whether you're an EV enthusiast or just looking for a unique new car body for your next tournament, the R1S is looking like a solid addition to the Rocket League roster.
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Rivian is finally putting an end to one of the most persistent gripes in its community. After years of owners complaining about phones sliding around and failing to charge, the automaker has officially started shipping new vehicles equipped with a factory MagSafe-compatible wireless charging pad.
According to a Reddit post on r/Rivian from user CollectionAutomatic1, the new hardware is already appearing in the latest R1T and R1S Gen 2 builds. "I picked up my new R1T this morning, and to my surprise, it was equipped with the new factory MagSafe charging pad," the user shared. They noted that the new solution works well, charging fairly quickly without making the phone hot. The built-in magnets reportedly hold the device securely with no movement, even during driving.
Solving a Decade-Old Problem
For years, Rivian owners have had to grapple with a subpar inductive charging experience. The original Qi-standard chargers in the R1 series were notoriously finicky; despite having 30 internal coils, they often failed to maintain a connection. Phones would frequently overheat or slide off the "sweet spot" during cornering, prompting many owners to buy third-party 3D-printed mounts just to get their devices to charge.
Rivian tried to remedy the situation in 2024 with a replacement pad, but even that second attempt received negative feedback for being inconsistent. By moving to the MagSafe/Qi2 standard, Rivian is using magnets to perfectly align the phone's coils with the charger. This reduces wasted energy and keeps the phone locked in place, solving the two biggest issues with in-car wireless charging.
Standard on the Upcoming R2
While the new pad is a welcome surprise for current R1 buyers, it was originally announced as a key feature for the upcoming R2 midsize SUV. The R2 is expected to start deliveries later this spring, beginning with the $57,990 R2 Performance Launch Package.
Rivian Wave
Rivian is banking on the R2 to be a high-volume seller, and getting the small details right — like a functional phone charger — is critical for its success. While the R2 and newer R1 units will share this charging tech, they are very different vehicles in terms of size, price, and power.
Retrofit Potential?
For owners of older Gen 1 Rivian vehicles and Gen 2 builds without the new wireless charging solution, there is a glimmer of hope. Photos of the underside of the new MagSafe pad suggest the hardware is a prime candidate for a retrofit.
CollectionAutomatic1 (via Reddit)
Rivian recently withdrew the older Gen 2 Wireless Charger from its Gear Shop, which often hints that a newer, better part is about to go on sale as a standalone accessory. If Rivian does offer this as a retrofit, it would resolve one of the few remaining "drama" points for long-time owners. As the company prepares for a massive year with the R2 launch, finally getting inductive charging right is a small but significant win for the user experience.
Rivian’s digital debut is officially moving past the rumor stage. After initial leaks earlier this week suggested the electric automaker was headed to Epic Games’ massive ecosystem, we now have a fleshed-out look at the vehicle in-game. While we originally speculated the upcoming R2 would be the star, it is actually the flagship R1S SUV that is preparing to drop into the island.
According to longtime Rivian watcher Chris Hilbert (@Hilbe), the R1S has been spotted within Fortnite’s interface. Screenshots shared by Hilbert showcase a standard white R1S alongside a custom "R.A.D." variant, which stands for Rivian Adventure Department — Rivian’s specialized skunkworks division focused on pushing performance to the absolute limit.
@Hilbe
Adventure Approved: The R.A.D. R1S
The in-game Rivian R1S isn't just a static model; it is part of a dedicated "Rivian Series" that includes custom decals and color schemes. The R.A.D. decal features a retro-inspired orange and yellow stripe over a teal body, giving the high-tech SUV a rugged, classic adventure look.
@Hilbe
The item will be cross-game compatible, meaning if you purchase the R1S in Fortnite, it will automatically become available in your Rocket League garage. Players will be able to drive the SUV in both Battle Royale and Rocket Racing modes. While a leaked shop date mentions it will be available until June 12, 2025, this is almost certainly a placeholder (or someone simply got the year wrong while putting it into the game). All signs point to an official release within the next few weeks.
Expanding the Rivian Digital Lineup
The fact that this is listed as a "Series" in the in-game shop is particularly interesting. It implies that Epic Games and Rivian may have plans to add more vehicles in the future. While the R1S is the current "greatest hits" model for the brand, it would be a missed opportunity not to include the R2 midsize SUV or the rally-inspired R3X eventually.
The R2 is critical for Rivian’s future, with the $57,990 Performance trim set to reach customers later this spring. Introducing its vehicles to the gaming world right as physical R2 deliveries begin would be a massive marketing win, similar to how Tesla brought the Cybertruck into Fortnite to reach younger audiences.
A New Way to Market EVs
Rivian doesn't do traditional TV commercials, so partnering with Fortnite is a high-impact way to embed the brand into pop culture. When a player wins a match or sets a lap record in an R1S, it builds a level of brand affinity that a billboard simply can’t match.
As we wait for the official item shop drop, the R1S is set to become one of the most unique "car bodies" in the game. It’s a smart move that familiarizes millions of potential future buyers with the Rivian nameplate. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the shop for the official price and release date.
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