Fortnite is free to download on every major platform — PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Android — but the exact place you get it depends on where you play. This guide walks you through each platform so you can jump into the game in minutes.
What you need before you download
No matter which platform you use, you will need a free Epic Games account. If you do not have one yet, you can create one at epicgames.com — the process takes about two minutes. Linking your console or mobile account to your Epic account also lets you carry your progress across platforms.
How to download Fortnite on every platform
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Step 1: Download on PC or Mac via the Epic Games Launcher
The Epic Games Launcher is the official home of Fortnite on desktop. Open your browser and go to epicgames.com/fortnite, then click "Download Free". This downloads the launcher installer. Once the launcher is installed, sign in to your Epic Games account, find Fortnite in your library (it may already be there), and click Install. The game itself is roughly 35 GB so allow some time for it to download. Minimum requirements are Windows 10/11 64-bit or macOS 10.14.6, a Core i5 or Ryzen 5 CPU, and 8 GB of RAM.
Click "Download Free" on epicgames.com/fortnite to install the Epic Games Launcher, which then installs Fortnite. -
Step 2: Download on PlayStation 4 or 5 via the PlayStation Store
On your PS4 or PS5, open the PlayStation Store from the home screen. Use the search function to look up "Fortnite", then select the result from Epic Games. The listing shows the game as free, so tap "Add to Library" (or "Download"). You do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to download or play Fortnite — it is free-to-play regardless. The game will download and appear in your library when it is ready.
Search for "Fortnite" in the PlayStation Store and select "Add to Library" — no subscription required. -
Step 3: Download on Xbox or Windows PC via the Microsoft Store
On an Xbox console, press the Xbox button to open the guide and navigate to the Microsoft Store. Search for "Fortnite", select the Epic Games listing, and press Get. On a Windows 10 or 11 PC you can also use the Xbox app (formerly the Game Pass app) or the Microsoft Store to find Fortnite and install it — though the Epic Games Launcher method in Step 1 is more commonly used on PC. No Xbox Game Pass membership is needed; Fortnite is free.
On Xbox, search the Microsoft Store for "Fortnite" and press Get — it is free and optimized for Xbox Series X/S. -
Step 4: Download on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop
On your Nintendo Switch, select the Nintendo eShop from the home screen. Tap the magnifier icon to search, type "Fortnite", and select the result from Epic Games. Tap "Free Download" to start the installation. You do not need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to download the game, though online play does require a subscription. Fortnite supports cross-play on Switch, so you can play with friends on other platforms.
Open the Nintendo eShop, search for "Fortnite", and tap "Free Download" to install it on your Switch. -
Step 5: Download on Android via the Epic Games App
Fortnite is not available on the Google Play Store due to Epic's dispute with Google. To get it on Android, open your mobile browser and go to epicgames.com, then tap "Get Fortnite". This downloads the Epic Games App installer (an APK file). If prompted, allow installation from unknown sources in your Android security settings. Open the APK to install the Epic Games App, then use it to download and install Fortnite. Finally, sign in with your Epic account or create one to start playing.
On Android, download the Epic Games App directly from epicgames.com — Fortnite is not on the Google Play Store.
Useful tips
- One account, all platforms. Your Epic Games account carries your V-Bucks, skins, and progress across PC, consoles, and mobile. Link your accounts in your Epic account settings.
- Storage space. Fortnite needs around 35 GB of free storage on any platform. Clear space before you download to avoid interruptions mid-install.
- iOS users. Fortnite is not currently available on the iOS App Store in all regions. Check the official Epic Games website for the latest status.
- Slow download? If the Epic Games Launcher download is slow on PC, pause and resume it, or change the download region in Settings > Epic Games Launcher > Downloads.
- Always free. Fortnite Battle Royale has been free to play since 2017. You only spend money if you choose to buy cosmetics or the Save the World co-op mode.
Troubleshooting
The Epic Games Launcher won't install on my PC
Make sure your Windows is up to date and that you are running a 64-bit version. Try running the installer as Administrator (right-click the file and choose "Run as administrator"). If problems persist, download the launcher directly from the Epic Games website rather than a third-party source.
Fortnite isn't showing up on the PlayStation or Xbox Store
Make sure your console's region matches your account region. If the search shows no results, try browsing to the "Free-to-Play" section of the store — Fortnite is usually listed there. A console system update may also be needed.
My Android device won't allow the Epic Games App to install
Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Special app access > Install unknown apps, find your browser, and toggle it on. Then tap the downloaded APK again to install it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fortnite free to download?
Yes. Fortnite Battle Royale is completely free to download and play on all platforms. There are no upfront costs — optional cosmetics are sold separately through the in-game shop.
Where do I download Fortnite on PC?
Visit epicgames.com/fortnite, click "Download Free" to get the Epic Games Launcher, then install Fortnite from inside the launcher. It does not require Steam or any other store.
Can I download Fortnite on my phone?
On Android, yes — download the Epic Games App from epicgames.com (not from the Google Play Store). For iPhone and iPad, availability depends on your region and current App Store policies; check the Epic Games website for the latest update.
Do I need a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription to play Fortnite?
No. Fortnite is free to download and play online without any paid subscription on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch (though Nintendo Switch Online is required for online play on Switch).
Can I use the same Fortnite account on multiple platforms?
Yes. One Epic Games account works across PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and Android. Your purchased cosmetics and V-Bucks carry over everywhere, though some progression (like Save the World progress) is platform-specific.
Ready to drop in
Getting Fortnite is straightforward on any platform — find the official store for your device, search for the game, and hit download. The whole process usually takes under five minutes, and within half an hour you will be on the Battle Bus. For the latest patch notes and seasonal updates, check the official Fortnite website.
