Fortnite: Save the World becomes free to play

Fortnite Save the World has officially made the switch to a free-to-play model, marking the end of an era for players. Since launching in early access in 2017, gamers had to pay to access this PvE co-op survival game. For the first time, players can now jump into Save the World at no cost.

History of Fortnite Save the World

Fortnite Save the World launched in 2017 as a paid title. The plan was originally for it to become free in 2018, but that was delayed. Instead, the game was released as a paid product in 2020. The launch timeline ultimately led to nearly nine years in early access before it went free.

New changes and features

The move to a free-to-play model also brought a restructuring of Save the World’s Homebase. This area is now fully explorable and expands as players progress through the game. There are multiple levels and recognizable characters to discover. Players who registered before April 16 will receive access to various community rewards, while earlier buyers will get additional in-game currency.

Events celebrating the free release

To celebrate the launch of the free version, Epic Games is hosting a crossover event between Save the World and Fortnite Battle Royale. Until June 5, players can earn XP and unlock cosmetic items, including a free skin, by completing specific tasks on the Battle Royale island.

The future of Save the World

Despite the shift to a free model, there is some concern about the future of Fortnite Save the World. Epic Games has recently made major staff cuts and ended some Fortnite modes. That raises questions about continued support and development efforts for Save the World. At the moment, the mode does not work on several platforms, including mobile devices and the original Nintendo Switch, which could limit its potential expansion.

Conclusion

With the move to a free-to-play model, Epic Games hopes to attract a new wave of players to Fortnite Save the World. The changes are meant to give both longtime and new players a chance to experience the mode. However, it remains to be seen how much ongoing support the mode will receive as Epic Games focuses more on the popular Battle Royale experience.