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Choose a device you already have, then get Fortnite through its official store or launcher. The base game is free to play, so you can try it without buying anything. Start with Battle Royale for the standard format or Zero Build if you would rather play without building.
1. Choose a 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 iPhone or iPad, subject to device and regional availability. Check Epic’s current compatibility list for your specific device.
On PC
- Download and install the Epic Games Launcher.
- Open the launcher and sign in to an Epic account, or create one if needed.
- Open Store, search for Fortnite, and select GET.
- Open Library, choose Fortnite, accept any terms shown, and select an installation location.
- Start the installation. When it finishes, launch the game from the launcher.
These are the steps in Epic’s PC installation guide; launcher labels can change over time.
On console or mobile
On PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, find Fortnite in that platform’s official game store and follow its install prompts. On iPhone or iPad, Android, and other supported devices, the official installation route can vary by region. Epic currently lists the App Store for iPhone and iPad worldwide except Australia, with Epic Games Store for iOS also available in the EU, Japan, and Australia. On Android, Epic lists Google Play or Epic Games Store worldwide. Confirm the latest steps on Epic’s mobile page before installing.
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- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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For Windows PC, Epic’s requirements page lists minimum specifications of Windows 10 64-bit, Intel HD 4000 or AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics, and 8 GB RAM. Requirements can change, and the recommended specifications are higher; check Epic’s current PC requirements if you are unsure whether your computer is ready.
2. Start with a mode that suits you
When you reach Fortnite’s lobby, use Discover to browse available experiences. The lobby and playlist names may change, so look for the mode rather than relying on a particular menu layout.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Battle Royale
Choose Battle Royale for Fortnite’s standard battle royale experience. It is a straightforward place to begin if you want the familiar last-player-or-team-standing format.
Zero Build
Choose Zero Build if you do not want building to be part of the match. Epic describes it as a no-building mode with a recharging Overshield. You can explore other experiences in Discover later, once you are comfortable navigating the lobby.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
3. Know what is free—and what is optional
Epic describes Fortnite as free to play, with optional in-app purchases. You do not need to buy a cosmetic item or other digital purchase to install the game and start playing. See Epic’s store listing for its current product details.
Fortnite supports controllers, but that does not mean you need to buy one: use a compatible controller you already own or the usual input for your device. A second controller applies to local multiplayer on supported PlayStation and Xbox setups, not to starting the game in general.
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
4. Add friends and check cross-play settings
If you want to play with someone, Epic’s friend guide says to open Fortnite, select the profile icon, choose Add Friends, enter the person’s Epic display name, and send a request. The exact labels may shift, so look for the current friend and account privacy controls in-game.
Epic says players on platforms other than PC or Mac need cross-play enabled to play with people on other platforms. If you cannot join a friend, check the cross-play setting on the relevant platform and account before troubleshooting anything more complicated. Follow Epic’s friend instructions for current details.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
5. If a child is setting up an account
Age rules and permissions vary by country and account setup. Epic says an account is a Cabined Account when the player indicates they are under 13 or below their country’s age of digital consent, whichever is higher. A player with a Cabined Account can still play Fortnite, but some features may be unavailable until parental consent is provided or the applicable age threshold is reached. Epic lists voice or free-text chat and real-money purchases among features that may be disabled while consent is pending.
A parent or guardian can provide permissions and manage social features and purchases through Epic’s Parental Controls. Platform-level controls are also available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and mobile. Epic says time limits can apply across Fortnite and UEFN on devices where the same account is used. The controls available to a particular player depend on age and account configuration; see Epic’s Cabined Accounts information for the applicable details.
6. Consider 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. Each service has its own device, account, network, and regional availability requirements, so check Epic’s current access instructions and the service’s own availability before choosing this route.
What to expect from the live event
Fortnite events and their follow-up content vary. Without knowing which event you watched, there is no reliable way to say that its experience, reward, or related quest is still available. Install the game, explore the current Discover options, and check Fortnite’s in-game announcements for what is available now.
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