How to install Fortnite
Fortnite is one of the most popular battle royale games available today. If you want to install Fortnite on PC, the process is straightforward thanks to the Epic Games launcher. Like PUBG and Apex Legends, it has its own loyal player base that’s invested hours and hours of gameplay. Like other popular titles, Fortnite also offers paid items in the game.
How to Install Fortnite on PC and Mobile
Fortnite has been booted from both the App Store and the Google Play store. The reason behind it is that Epic Games has moved purchases to its own store, which means no app store can take a cut from it. With the apps removed from the iOS and Android app stores, you may want to know how you can still install Fortnite on your preferred device.
Install Fortnite on PC
Fortnite was never in the Microsoft Store. If you’re looking to play this game on a Windows PC, you can download it directly through the Epic Games Launcher. Before you begin, make sure your PC meets the current system requirements. Because Epic updates these specs as the game evolves, always check Epic’s official system requirements page before downloading. As a general guide, here is what to expect:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- CPU: Core i5-7300U or AMD Ryzen 3 3300U
- RAM: 8GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 960, AMD R9 280, or Intel HD 630 (DirectX 11 compatible)
- Storage: Varies — the install size changes with updates, so check Epic’s current requirements before downloading
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- CPU: Core i7-8700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- RAM: 16GB
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 or AMD RX 6700 XT
- Storage: Ample free space recommended — Epic’s official page lists the latest figure
A stable internet connection is also recommended for the initial download, as the game files are quite large. Here is the full install process:
- Create or sign in to an Epic Games account. Go to epicgames.com and register for a free account, or sign in if you already have one.
- Download the Epic Games Launcher installer from the Epic Games website (click the download button at the top right).
- Run the installer file and choose where you want to install the Epic Games Launcher on your PC.
- Open the Epic Games Launcher once installation is complete, and sign in to your Epic Games account.
- Go to the Store tab in the Launcher and search for Fortnite, or browse to the Fortnite tile directly.
- Open the Fortnite tile and click Get. Because Fortnite is free, no payment information is required at this step.
- Accept the Terms of Service if prompted.
- Choose an install location and click Install to begin the download.
- Wait for the download and installation to complete. This can take some time depending on your internet connection speed.
- Launch Fortnite from your Library. Open the Library tab in the Epic Games Launcher and click Launch next to Fortnite.
You can also browse to the Fortnite page on the Epic Games Store website, click Get, and the Launcher will handle the installation from there. It’s a good idea to install Fortnite on a drive with plenty of available storage, as future updates can increase the total size further. Once installed, you can launch the game directly from the Epic Games Launcher at any time.
Is Fortnite Free to Install on PC?
Yes — Fortnite is completely free to download and install on PC through the Epic Games Launcher. You do not need to purchase anything to install the game or start playing the main free modes, including Battle Royale and Zero Build.
That said, Fortnite does include optional paid content. This includes V-Bucks (the in-game currency used to buy cosmetic items), the Battle Pass (a seasonal paid tier that unlocks additional rewards), and Crew-style subscription options. Some experiences, such as Save the World, may also require a separate purchase. None of these are required to download, install, or enjoy the free-to-play modes of the game.
Install Fortnite on Android
On Android, apps can easily be side-loaded. This makes it possible to get Fortnite running on your Android device even without the Google Play Store.
- Visit the Fortnite download page for Android on your Android phone, or scan the QR code on the page.
- Download the EpicGames.APK file.
- Once the download is complete, open the Settings app on your phone.
- Go to Storage>Files>Download.
- Tap the APK, and select the install option.
- Once installed, open the Epic Games app from the app drawer.
- Select Fortnite and it will install.
Phone requirements: Android 8.0+, 64-bit processor, and 4GB RAM. Make sure you have enabled installation from unknown sources in your Android settings before attempting to install the APK file.
Install Fortnite on iOS/iPhone
iPhone availability for Fortnite has changed over time and continues to depend on Epic’s current distribution options as well as regional platform rules. Rather than rely on any fixed guidance here, we recommend checking Epic’s official Fortnite mobile page for the most up-to-date information on supported download methods for iPhone. Epic updates this page as availability changes, so it is always the most reliable source before you attempt to install.
If you already have the game on your iPhone, you can still play it but it will not receive updates.
Conclusion
The boot from two major app stores is a setback, but with Android, side-loading is always an option. With iPhones, users have hit a brick wall. If you’re also struggling to access Fortnite on certain networks, here’s how to unblock Fortnite at school or work using a VPN.
The only good news at this point is that Epic Games has instigated litigation against Apple and Google. Let’s see where it goes and if an alternative method for playing the game on an iPhone is made available. In the meantime, the best way to enjoy the full experience remains to install Fortnite on PC using the Epic Games launcher.
