When Did Fortnite Stop Account Merging?
Fortnite officially stopped its account merging feature on May 6, 2019. This decision impacted many players who had hoped to consolidate their accounts and bring all their skins, V-Bucks, and progress under one umbrella. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this decision and answer some common questions about it.
The End of Account Merging: Why Did It Happen?
The account merging feature was initially introduced to help players consolidate multiple Fortnite accounts, often stemming from playing on different platforms before cross-progression became fully seamless. However, like many well-intentioned features, it became subject to abuse, which ultimately led to its removal.
The Rise of Account Trading
The primary reason Epic Games discontinued account merging was the rampant account trading and selling. The feature, intended for legitimate users, was being exploited by individuals who would buy and sell accounts, circumventing the game’s terms of service.
Breaking the Rules: Epic’s Stance on Account Sales
Epic Games has a strict policy against selling and purchasing accounts or using an account under a different identity than the original owner. These activities violate their terms of service and disrupt the fairness of the game. As the account merging feature facilitated these illicit transactions, Epic Games had to take action to protect their community and the integrity of Fortnite.
The Exploit: Merging for Profit
The process was simple: individuals would acquire accounts with rare skins or high levels of progress, then merge them into a primary account to boost its value. This practice not only violated the game’s rules but also created an unfair advantage for those participating in these transactions.
The Consequences: Bans and Removal
As word spread about the widespread account trading, Epic Games began issuing bans to those involved. However, the ultimate step was the complete removal of the account merging feature to prevent further exploitation and maintain a level playing field for all players.
Is Account Merging Ever Coming Back?
As of today, there is no indication that Epic Games plans to reinstate the account merging feature. They have focused on improving cross-progression and account linking to provide a seamless experience for players across different platforms without the risks associated with merging.
Alternatives: Linking and Cross-Progression
While account merging is no longer available, players can still benefit from cross-progression by linking their accounts across different platforms. This allows them to access their skins, V-Bucks, and progress on any device where they play Fortnite, as long as the accounts are linked to the same Epic Games account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Still Merge Accounts on Fortnite?
No, there is currently no way to merge two Epic Games accounts. The feature was removed on May 6, 2019, due to exploitation and violation of the game’s terms of service.
2. Why Did Epic Get Rid of Account Merging?
Epic Games removed account merging because it was being used to facilitate the selling and purchasing of accounts, which is against their rules. This practice created an unfair advantage and disrupted the game’s integrity.
3. What is Account Merging?
Account merging was a feature that allowed players to combine all the information and transactions from one account into another. This included skins, V-Bucks, progress, and other in-game items.
4. Can You Have 2 Epic Games Accounts With the Same Email?
No, each Epic Games account can only be associated with a single email address. You cannot create two Fortnite accounts with the same email address.
5. Does Epic Delete Inactive Accounts?
Epic Games doesn’t typically delete inactive accounts. However, they reserve the right to do so at their discretion, although it is not a common practice.
6. Will I Lose Everything on Fortnite If I Delete My Epic Account?
Yes, if you delete your Epic Games account, you will lose all of your data and information, including your games, purchases, in-game content, game progress, and other data tied to your account.
7. Why is All My Fortnite Stuff Gone?
If your Fortnite items are missing, it usually happens due to a refund request or a chargeback with your payment provider. Epic Games automatically removes items purchased within 30 days to cover the cost of the refunded V-Bucks.
8. Will I Lose My Skins If I Delete Fortnite?
No, deleting and reinstalling Fortnite will not cause you to lose your skins. Your skins and progress are tied to your Epic Games account, not the local installation of the game.
9. How Do I Transfer My Fortnite Account to Another Email?
You can change the email address associated with your Epic Games account by:
- Logging into your Epic Games account and going to the Account portal.
- Clicking the Edit button to the right of your email address.
- Entering your new email address and clicking Confirm.
10. Can I Have 2 Accounts on Epic Games?
Yes, you can have multiple Epic Games accounts, but each account must be associated with a unique email address. You cannot use the same email address for more than one account.
11. Why Is Fortnite Asking For My Birthday?
Fortnite asks for your birthday to provide a “tailored experience that is safe and inclusive for younger players while maintaining access to the gameplay you love.” This information helps Epic Games ensure compliance with regulations and provide age-appropriate content.
12. Can You Unlink and Relink Epic Games Account?
Yes, you can unlink and relink your console accounts (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo) from your Epic Games account. This can be done through the Connected Accounts page in your Epic Games account settings.
13. How Do I Unlink My Fortnite Account From Another Account?
To unlink your Fortnite account:
- Verify your email address.
- Visit your Connected Accounts page.
- Click Remove below the console or platform account you want to unlink.
14. Will Fortnite Refund Skins?
In certain cases, Fortnite may offer refunds for unwanted in-game purchases, especially if a regulator finds that Epic Games has engaged in deceptive practices. Keep an eye on official announcements for refund opportunities.
15. What Happens If I Accidentally Deleted My Account Fortnite?
If you accidentally deleted your Epic Games account, your account will be deleted 14 days after you submitted your deletion request. If it has not been 14 days you can log back in to cancel the request. If you have deleted your Epic Games account, gather as much information as you can and contact Epic Games customer support.
The Legacy of Account Merging
While the account merging feature is no longer available, its brief existence serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining a fair and secure gaming environment. Epic Games has since focused on other ways to enhance the player experience without compromising the integrity of Fortnite.
For those interested in the broader context of gaming and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. It offers valuable insights into the educational aspects of gaming and how games can be used as effective learning tools.