Epic Games just announced that Fortnite’s original PvE mode, Save the World, goes free-to-play on April 16. Epic says sales of the paid version stop on March 11 at 8PM ET. If you already own it, you keep access and get bonus rewards. If you don’t, you’ll be able to jump in for free next month.
What’s actually going free?
This is not the battle royale mode that made Fortnite a household name. Save the World is a co-op campaign focused on crafting, survival, and fighting off hordes of enemies. It’s been around since 2017, but always cost extra. That changes now.
After April 16, anyone can play on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and the upcoming Switch 2. The mode still won’t be available on the original Switch or smartphones. Pre-registration for the free launch is already live, and early birds get perks-though exactly what you’ll get depends on how many people sign up by launch day.
Perks for current players
If you bought Save the World before the free transition, you’re not getting left behind. Epic is handing out vouchers for V-bucks, gold bars, and high-end resources to boost your player and item levels. It’s a thank-you for supporting the mode before the paywall dropped.
Worried about V-bucks farming? Epic says you’ll still earn the currency through Daily Quests, Mission Alerts, Storm Shield Defense Missions, and existing Challenges. The grind for free V-bucks isn’t going anywhere.
Why does this matter?
For years, Save the World was a paid add-on that most players ignored in favor of battle royale. Making it free opens the door for a new wave of players who want a co-op experience or just want to farm V-bucks without dropping cash. The Switch 2 launch means even more players can join the fun-though if you’re on the original Switch or mobile, you’re still out of luck.
Speculation: The move could also be a way for Epic to boost engagement ahead of Switch 2’s launch and keep Fortnite’s PvE side alive as battle royale competition heats up.
The bottom line
- Save the World goes free April 16 on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch 2.
- Current players get exclusive rewards; new players can pre-register now for launch perks.
- V-bucks farming remains intact.