How to Buy Fortnite: A Comprehensive Guide for New and Returning Players
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So, you want to get into Fortnite? Great choice! It’s a dynamic and ever-evolving gaming experience with something for everyone. But with so many different modes and platforms, figuring out how to actually buy Fortnite (or what parts of it you need to buy) can be a little confusing. Let’s break it down.
The core gameplay of Fortnite Battle Royale and Fortnite Creative are free-to-play. You do not need to purchase these modes to enjoy them. You can download them on a variety of platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Android, and sometimes iOS) and jump right in. The revenue model revolves around optional in-game purchases like cosmetic items (skins, emotes, etc.) and the Battle Pass.
The Save the World mode, however, is a premium PvE campaign. This mode is not free and requires a separate purchase to access.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to acquiring either mode:
For Free-to-Play (Battle Royale & Creative):
- Choose Your Platform: Decide where you want to play – PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or Android. (iOS availability can be limited, check for current status.)
- Go to the Platform’s Store: Each platform has its own digital store:
- PC: Epic Games Store (essential!)
- PlayStation: PlayStation Store
- Xbox: Microsoft Store
- Nintendo Switch: Nintendo eShop
- Android: Epic Games App (available on Samsung Galaxy Store or epicgames.com).
- Search for Fortnite: Use the search bar in the store and type “Fortnite.”
- Download and Install: Find the Fortnite listing and click the download/install button. It’s usually large and prominently displayed.
- Launch and Play: Once installed, launch the game. You’ll likely need to create or log in to an Epic Games account. Follow the in-game prompts to start playing Battle Royale or Creative.
For Save the World (Premium PvE Campaign):
- Navigate to the Save the World Web Page: Visit the official Fortnite website or search within the Epic Games Store (on PC) or the platform store of your choice.
- Click Buy Now: Look for a button or link that says “Buy Now” or similar, specifically for Save the World.
- Select Your Platform: Make sure the platform you’re buying for matches the device you want to play on.
- Complete the Purchase: You’ll be redirected to your platform’s secure checkout process. Follow the instructions to enter your payment information and finalize the purchase.
- Download and Access: Once purchased, Save the World will be added to your Fortnite account. Launch the game and select the “Save the World” mode from the main menu.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Fortnite
Is Fortnite free to play?
Yes, the Battle Royale and Creative modes of Fortnite are entirely free to play. You can download them on almost any platform and enjoy the core gameplay without spending any money.
What parts of Fortnite do I have to pay for?
Only the Save the World mode requires a purchase. Everything else is optional, including cosmetic items like skins, emotes, and the Battle Pass, which offers a progression system with exclusive rewards.
Where can I download Fortnite on PC?
Fortnite is available for download exclusively through the Epic Games Store. You’ll need to install the Epic Games Launcher on your PC to download and play the game. It is not available on Steam because Epic Games is the publisher.
Can I play Fortnite on my phone?
Yes, Fortnite is available on Android devices through the Epic Games App, which can be downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store or directly from epicgames.com. Due to ongoing disputes, iOS availability can fluctuate, so check the official Fortnite website for the latest information.
Is Fortnite available on Steam?
No, Fortnite is not available on Steam. You can only download and play it through the Epic Games Store on PC.
Is Fortnite safe for kids?
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) rates Fortnite “T” for Teen (ages 13+). Common Sense Media also recommends the game for kids 13 and up due to action violence and open chat. However, parental discretion is advised. Factors to consider include your child’s maturity level and your comfort level with online interactions. The Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ provides resources and discussions about the educational and social aspects of gaming for different age groups.
Why are V-Bucks so expensive?
The pricing of V-Bucks, Fortnite’s in-game currency, is determined by Epic Games. Price adjustments can occur due to economic factors, such as inflation and currency fluctuations, impacting the game’s overall revenue model.
Why is Fortnite rated 12+?
Fortnite is rated 12+ due to its frequent scenes of mild violence. While the violence is cartoonish, some characters and scenes might be disturbing to younger players. The PEGI (Pan European Game Information) rating system assigns this age rating based on the game’s content.
Is Fortnite addictive?
Like many popular online games, Fortnite can be addictive for some individuals. The game uses various behavioral psychology techniques to keep players engaged, such as rewards systems and social interaction. It’s important to establish healthy gaming habits and be mindful of the time spent playing.
Is Fortnite good for kids?
Whether Fortnite is “good” for kids depends on various factors, including the child’s age, maturity level, and the content of the game. While it can offer social interaction, strategic thinking, and creativity, parents should be aware of the potential for exposure to violence and online interactions with strangers.
Is Fortnite easy for beginners?
Fortnite can be challenging for beginners due to its complex mechanics, building system, and competitive nature. However, with practice, tutorials, and observation of more experienced players, new players can gradually improve their skills and understanding of the game.
Is Epic Games safe?
Epic Games employs various security measures to protect user accounts and data. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is highly recommended to add an extra layer of security to your account. This requires a code from your email, SMS, or an authenticator app each time you log in.
Can my PC run Fortnite?
To run Fortnite, your PC needs to meet the minimum system requirements. These include a specific operating system, processor, RAM, and video card. Check the Epic Games website or the game’s page on the Epic Games Store for the latest system requirements.
Is Fortnite online only?
Yes, Fortnite is an exclusively online experience. There is no offline mode available. You need an internet connection to play any of the game modes.
Can a normal PC run Fortnite?
Even a basic gaming PC can run Fortnite. As long as it meets the minimum system requirements, you should be able to play the game with decent performance. However, for optimal graphics and frame rates, a more powerful PC with a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
How Do In-Game Purchases Work?
In both the free-to-play Battle Royale and the paid Save the World modes, you can purchase V-Bucks (Fortnite’s in-game currency) with real money. These V-Bucks can then be used to buy cosmetic items, such as outfits (skins), gliders, pickaxes, emotes, and the Battle Pass. The Battle Pass is a seasonal progression system that unlocks exclusive rewards as you play and complete challenges.
What is the Fortnite Crew Subscription?
Fortnite Crew is a monthly subscription service that offers exclusive benefits, including:
- Battle Pass access: You get the current season’s Battle Pass included in the subscription.
- 1,000 V-Bucks per month: This allows you to purchase additional cosmetic items.
- Exclusive Crew Pack: Each month, you receive a unique outfit and cosmetic items that are exclusive to Crew members.
Understanding Cross-Platform Play
Fortnite offers cross-platform play, meaning you can play with friends who are using different devices. For example, someone on a PlayStation can play with someone on a PC or Xbox. To enable cross-platform play, you and your friends need to have Epic Games accounts and add each other as friends within the Epic Games ecosystem.
Staying Updated with Fortnite News
Fortnite is constantly evolving with new seasons, events, and updates. To stay informed, follow the official Fortnite social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), subscribe to the Fortnite newsletter, and regularly check the Fortnite website for announcements and news. The GamesLearningSociety.org also provides useful analysis of the constantly-evolving gaming landscape.
Getting into Fortnite is a great idea. Enjoy your gaming!