The “coming soon” that lasted nearly a decade is finally here. Today, Epic Games officially transitioned Fortnite: Save the World (StW) to a free-to-play model as part of the massive v40.20 update.
For years, the original PvE (Player vs. Environment) campaign sat behind a paywall, often overshadowed by its younger, world-dominating sibling, Battle Royale. But as of this morning’s downtime, the gates have opened for everyone on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2.
What Changes for New Players?
Starting today, anyone can download Fortnite and jump straight into the cooperative campaign without purchasing a “Starter Pack.”
- The Core Loop: You’ll still be fighting off “Husks,” building elaborate trap tunnels, and levelling up a massive roster of Heroes.
- Accessibility: The mode is now fully integrated into the main Fortnite launcher alongside LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival.
- Rewards: New players can earn in-game cosmetics through gameplay, though the “infinite V-Buck” farm remains exclusive to a specific group (see below).
A “Founder’s” Farewell
Epic isn’t forgetting the veterans who kept the storm at bay since 2017. If you purchased Save the World before today’s update, you are officially a Founder.
Important Note: Only Founders retain the ability to earn V-Bucks through Daily Quests and Mission Alerts. New free-to-play users will instead earn a new currency (or X-Ray Tickets) to progress through the game’s llamas and upgrades.
To say thank you, all current owners were greeted today with a “Founders Farewell” bundle, including:
- Exclusive Hero: Snowstrike
- A cache of Superchargers and Vouchers
- A stack of in-game Gold to jumpstart the new season
Why Now?
The move coincides with a broader push for the “Fortnite Ecosystem.” With the v40.20 update also introducing AI-powered NPC conversations and the Showdown Act 2 event, Epic is clearly positioning Save the World as a foundational pillar rather than a forgotten side-project.
By removing the price tag, Epic is betting that a surge in player count will revitalise the co-op matchmaking, which has struggled with “ghost town” lobbies in higher-level zones like Twine Peaks for years.
The Verdict
Is it too little, too late? Some might say so—especially those who waited since the original 2018 free-to-play promise. However, for a new generation of players who only know Fortnite for its dances and crossovers, Save the World offers a surprisingly deep, strategic, and charming tower-defence experience that is well worth the $0 price tag.
Are you finally dropping into the Storm, or are you sticking to the Battle Bus? Let us know in the comments!
Find out more here – https://fn.gg/savetheworldftp
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