Fortnite's save the world goes free, after years of paywalls

After nearly nine years, Epic Games is finally unlocking its persistent online mode, Save the World, for free. Starting April 16th, all Fortnite players will gain access to the zombie-survival experience without requiring a purchase, provided they’re on a supported platform.

Epic ends paywall on long-awaited mode

Launched in 2017 as the initial iteration of Fortnite, Save the World initially offered a blend of cooperative zombie shooting and base-building. While it never achieved the popularity of the battle royale mode that followed, it laid the groundwork for the cultural phenomenon. Despite promises to offer free access years ago, Epic Games maintained a paywalled model, distributing content through various add-on packs.

The shift comes amid other significant changes for the game. Fortnite recently teased its upcoming battle royale season, set to feature the return of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as a playable character. However, the most immediate news centers on the free-to-play transition for Save the World, coupled with adjustments to V-Bucks pricing, a move Epic Games attributed to financial considerations.

The announcement has spurred renewed interest in Save the World, with a dedicated website offering early rewards for registration. The availability remains limited, however, as the mode is still unavailable on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and mobile devices. Switch 2 players, however, will gain access on April 16th, a first for the platform.

The move signals a significant shift in Epic's strategy for the game. Whether this opens a new chapter for Save the World or simply reflects a pragmatic business decision remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the landscape of Fortnite has fundamentally altered.