Choose the device you already have and install Fortnite through its official store or launcher; the base game is free, so you can try it without buying anything. Once it launches, start with Battle Royale or Zero Build, then add friends if you want to play together.
Install Fortnite on a device you already use
Epic lists Fortnite for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, Nintendo Switch systems, Android, and iPhone and iPad, subject to device and regional availability. Check Epic’s compatibility information for current device requirements.
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On PC
- Install the Epic Games Launcher and sign in to an Epic account.
- Open Store, search for Fortnite, and select Get.
- Open Library, choose Fortnite, accept any terms shown, select an install location, and start the installation.
- When the download finishes, launch the game from the launcher.
Epic’s current PC requirements page lists supported Windows versions and hardware requirements; check it before installing if you are unsure whether your computer can run the game: Fortnite PC system requirements.
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On console or mobile
On PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, look for Fortnite in that platform’s official game store. On phones and tablets, the install route depends on your device and region. Epic currently directs iPhone and iPad users to the App Store in most regions, with Epic Games Store for iOS also available in the EU, Japan, and Australia; Android users can install through Google Play or Epic Games Store. Because mobile distribution rules and availability can change, follow Epic’s current mobile download instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Know what is free before you start
Fortnite is free to play, and optional in-app purchases are available. You do not need to buy an item or pass to launch the game and play its free experiences. Epic’s Fortnite store listing describes the game and its purchase options.
A compatible controller is supported, but buying one is not a general requirement: use the input method that works with your device. A second controller is relevant only for local multiplayer on supported PlayStation and Xbox setups, not for starting a regular session.
Rank #2
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Pick a simple first activity
Battle Royale
Choose Battle Royale if you want the standard Fortnite battle royale experience: compete in a match and try to be the last player or team standing.
Recommended Free Tools
Zero Build
Choose Zero Build if you would rather not build structures during a match. Building is not required in this mode, which uses a recharging Overshield instead. From the lobby, use Discover to browse for these or other available experiences; the playlist names and layout can change.
Rank #3
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
You do not need to decide on every mode before playing. Start with one of these two, learn the lobby and basic controls, and explore other Discover options later.
Add friends and play across platforms
To send a friend request, open Fortnite, select the profile icon, choose Add Friends, enter your friend’s Epic display name, and send the request. If you are not on PC or Mac and want to play with people on other platforms, cross-play needs to be enabled. Epic notes that in-game controls and labels can change, so check the current friend, account, and privacy settings if the steps look different. See Epic’s friend-add instructions.
Rank #4
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Set up an account with a younger player
Players who indicate they are under 13, or below their country’s age of digital consent if that age is higher, may receive a Cabined Account. They can still play Fortnite, but some features—such as voice or free-text chat and real-money purchases—may be unavailable until a parent or guardian provides consent. The exact permissions depend on age, region, and account setup. Epic explains the process in its Cabined Accounts information.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsGuardians can manage social features and purchases through Epic’s parental controls, and platform-level controls are also available on systems such as PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and mobile. Epic says time limits can apply across Fortnite and UEFN on multiple devices when the same account is used. Review Epic Parental Controls and the controls on the child’s platform.
Best Value
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Try cloud play if you do not want a local download
Epic lists Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW, and Amazon Luna as ways to access Fortnite without downloading the game locally. Availability, device support, and service requirements vary by provider and region. Check Epic’s current access options before choosing a service.
Quick Recap
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