Use the device you already have and install Fortnite through its official store or launcher. The base game is free to play; you can start without buying anything. Once it launches, try Battle Royale for the standard battle royale format or Zero Build if you’d rather not build during matches.
Choose your device and install Fortnite
Epic lists Fortnite for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, Nintendo Switch family consoles, Android, and iOS/iPadOS, subject to device and regional availability. Check Epic’s current download and compatibility information before installing, especially on mobile.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
On PC
- Install the Epic Games Launcher from Epic’s official download page.
- Open the launcher and sign in to an Epic account, or create one if needed.
- Open Store, search for Fortnite, and select GET.
- Go to Library, select Fortnite, accept any terms shown, and choose an install location if prompted.
- Start the installation. When it finishes, launch the game from the launcher.
Epic’s documented PC minimums include Windows 10 64-bit, Intel HD 4000 or AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics, and 8 GB of RAM. Requirements can change, so check Epic’s current PC requirements if you are unsure whether your computer is supported.
On console or mobile
On PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, find Fortnite in that platform’s official game store. Mobile installation options vary by operating system and region: Epic lists Google Play or the Epic Games Store for Android, and App Store availability for iPhone and iPad with additional Epic Games Store availability in certain regions. Follow Epic’s current mobile instructions for your device and location rather than relying on an old installation guide.
#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
Start with a mode that fits you
Fortnite includes multiple experiences, and the lobby’s Discover area is a place to browse what is currently available. For a first session, begin with one of the two familiar options below rather than trying to learn every playlist at once.
Battle Royale
Choose Battle Royale for Fortnite’s standard battle royale experience: players compete in a match until one player or team remains.
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
Zero Build
Choose Zero Build if you do not want building to be part of your first matches. Epic describes it as a mode that does not require building and includes a recharging Overshield. You can explore other experiences later, after you have had a chance to get comfortable with the lobby and controls.
You do not need to buy the game to begin
Epic lists Fortnite as free to play, with optional in-app purchases. Those purchases are not required to install the game or try its modes. Fortnite supports controllers, but that does not mean you need to buy one: use the input device you already have that works with your platform.
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- 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
Play with friends if you want to
To add someone, open Fortnite, use the profile icon and Add Friends control, enter their Epic display name, and send a request. In-game labels can change, so look for the current friends and account privacy settings if the controls differ from these instructions. Epic says cross-play must be enabled for players on platforms other than PC or Mac to play with people on other platforms; check the relevant settings if you cannot join a friend.
What younger players and guardians should know
Epic may create a Cabined Account when a player indicates they are under 13 or below the age of digital consent in their country, whichever is higher. A player with a Cabined Account can still play Fortnite, but some features may be unavailable until a parent or guardian gives permission or the applicable age threshold is reached. Epic lists voice or free-text chat and real-money purchases among features that can be restricted.
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
Guardians can manage social features and purchases through Epic’s parental controls and through controls offered by platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and mobile. Exact permissions depend on age, region, and account setup. Epic also says time limits can apply across Fortnite and UEFN on devices where the same account is used. See Epic’s parental controls information for the available settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.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, requirements, and access differ by service and region, so check the service and Epic’s current instructions before choosing this route.
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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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
