After nearly half a decade of absence, Fortnite has made its dramatic return to the U.S. App Store — and it didn’t just tiptoe back in. Within hours of relisting on May 20, 2025, the battle royale giant surged to the top of the iOS free games chart, reclaiming its place as a mobile powerhouse and reigniting a fight that’s far bigger than just gaming.
This isn’t just a comeback; it’s the climax of a years-long tech standoff. Epic Games’ feud with Apple began in 2020, when it circumvented the App Store’s 30% commission by introducing its own payment system — triggering Apple to remove Fortnite from iOS devices. The legal battle that followed wasn’t just about one game; it questioned the core rules of app store monopolies and digital commerce.
Legal Victory Forces Apple’s Hand
The turning point came in late April 2025, when Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple had violated a 2021 injunction by failing to allow alternative payment systems. The ruling labeled Apple’s stance as a “willful violation,” effectively dismantling the company’s ability to restrict third-party payment options. With the ruling came the inevitable: Apple had to let Fortnite back in — and with Epic’s own checkout system in place.
For players, this means more choice. You can now buy V-Bucks through Apple’s standard IAP method or directly through Epic, with a 20% bonus reward if you opt for the latter. This is a direct challenge to the App Store’s historic grip on app-based revenue.
Tim Sweeney Declares Victory, Players Respond Loudly
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney posted a simple but thunderous “we back fam” on X, and within hours, the game shot up the charts. Despite years off the App Store, Fortnite’s return proved there’s still a massive appetite for the game on mobile, especially among younger players who grew up with the platform.
With over 116 million iOS users prior to the ban, Fortnite‘s mobile footprint had been enormous. While some critics argued that the game’s mobile heyday had passed, the immediate surge to the #1 spot disproved that theory in dramatic fashion.
A Perfectly Timed Return: Star Wars Crossover and Content Boom
The timing couldn’t have been better. Fortnite is currently in the middle of its “Galactic Battle” mini-season — a Star Wars-themed update loaded with high-profile additions:
| Character/Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Chewbacca | NPC ally with a Wookiee Bowcaster you can pick up and use |
| General Grievous | Battle Pass skin with custom animations and accessories |
| Darth Jar Jar | Fan-theory inspired skin, complete with dark-side lore references |
| AI Darth Vader | Voice-interactive NPC using real-time AI, now patched for safe use |
| Mandalorian Return | Launching May 22 with more customization options than previous versions |
These aren’t just cosmetic add-ons — several characters change gameplay, offer themed weapons, or create dynamic map encounters. It adds serious value for returning iOS players diving back in after years away.
Fortnite Creative and UEFN: Building the Future
In tandem with the core game, Epic is doubling down on Fortnite’s UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite). Recent updates added:
- Gunfight-style FPS templates (ideal for creators of Valorant- or Counter-Strike-inspired maps)
- Enhanced destructible environments and physics tools
- Expanded AI scripting support
- New monetization tools for creators
Plus, leaks suggest Godzilla could soon be stomping into Creative mode, signaling even bigger crossovers.
Fortnite Festival and Ballistic Modes Add New Layers
Fortnite Festival, the music game mode developed by Harmonix, also received an update with Solo Jam Loops and the new Battle Stage — a musical elimination mode where 16 players compete until one musician remains. It’s Rock Band meets Fall Guys, and it’s resonating with rhythm game fans.
Meanwhile, Fortnite Ballistic, a new 5v5 tactical FPS mode still in early access, introduces weapon purchasing, round-based objectives, and highly competitive gameplay. It’s designed to appeal to players who enjoy the structured intensity of games like Valorant or Rainbow Six Siege — all within the Fortnite ecosystem.
Fortnite’s return to the App Store isn’t just a win for Epic; it’s a pivotal moment in mobile app history. With its player base already rallying, its legal battle setting precedent, and its game content firing on all cylinders, Fortnite is proving that even in 2025, it still has game.
When Is Fortnite’s Birthday
Fortnite fans around the world love to celebrate the game’s birthday each year with special events and rewards. With different dates floating around online, it can be confusing to know exactly when Fortnite’s birthday is celebrated. Fortnite Battle Royale’s official birthday is September 26th, with the celebratory events typically running from September 24th to October 1st.
While Battle Royale mode celebrates its birthday in September, some sources mention July 24th as another Fortnite birthday date. This confusion exists because Fortnite has multiple game modes that were released at different times. The Battle Royale mode, which is the most popular version of the game, is what most players celebrate in September.
Epic Games typically marks these birthday celebrations with limited-time challenges, free rewards, and festive decorations throughout the game. For Fortnite’s 7th birthday in 2024, players can participate in birthday-themed activities and earn special cosmetic items like the Birthday Cake Back Bling to commemorate another year of this cultural phenomenon.
Key Takeaways
- Fortnite Battle Royale celebrates its birthday on September 26th with events typically running for about a week.
- Epic Games offers special challenges and free rewards during the birthday celebration period.
- Different Fortnite game modes have separate release dates, causing some confusion about the official birthday.
Fortnite celebrates its birthday each year with special in-game events and rewards that players eagerly anticipate. These celebrations have become an important tradition in the game’s community.
Historical Overview and Significance
Fortnite’s birthday is celebrated on July 24th, marking the day when the original Save the World mode was released in 2017. While Battle Royale mode, which later became more popular, was released in September 2017, Epic Games chose to celebrate the entire Fortnite franchise’s birthday in July.
The birthday celebrations began with the first anniversary in 2018. Epic Games introduced special birthday challenges and decorations throughout the game map. The Battle Bus received a festive makeover with balloons and music.
These celebrations are significant because they recognize the game’s longevity in an industry where games often fade quickly. Fortnite has maintained its relevance through continuous updates and innovations.
Annual Birthday Events and Traditions
During Fortnite birthday events, players can find birthday cakes scattered across the map. Interacting with these cakes typically rewards players with health, shields, or other bonuses.
Epic Games creates special birthday challenges each year. Completing these challenges earns players exclusive cosmetic rewards like back blings, pickaxes, emoticons, and loading screens. The “Fortnite Birthday!” emoticon was one of the rewards from the 1st Birthday Challenges.
Birthday events usually last about a week. The seventh birthday celebration in 2024 ran until October 1st, giving players plenty of time to participate.
Players often enjoy throwing birthday presents during these events, which is sometimes included as a quest requirement. The community comes together during these celebrations, sharing experiences and showcasing their birthday rewards on social media.
Fortnite Birthday Content and Features
Fortnite celebrates its birthday each year with special in-game content that players can enjoy for a limited time. These birthday celebrations typically include exclusive challenges, themed cosmetics, and gameplay additions.
Special Birthday Challenges and Rewards
During Fortnite’s birthday events, Epic Games releases special challenges for players to complete. For the 7th birthday celebration running until October 1, 2024, players can earn exclusive rewards by completing birthday-themed quests.
These challenges often include activities like:
- Finding and eating birthday cake slices across the map
- Using special items like the Flare Gun to set off celebratory fireworks
- Eliminating opponents with birthday-themed weapons
Rewards typically include unique cosmetics that commemorate the anniversary. Players have previously earned items like Back Blings, Pickaxes, and Emoticons featuring the iconic Llama with birthday decorations.
The challenges are designed to be accessible to players of all skill levels, ensuring everyone can participate in the celebration.
Birthday-Themed In-Game Additions
Epic Games transforms Fortnite’s island during birthday events with festive decorations and special items. Birthday cakes appear at various locations across the map, providing health and shield when players consume slices.
The Battle Bus gets a makeover with balloons and party decorations. The bus’s usual horn sound is replaced with a celebratory birthday tune that plays as players drop into matches.
Birthday presents can be found throughout the island, containing valuable loot and sometimes special weapons. Party balloons and confetti effects add to the festive atmosphere in various locations.
The Item Shop often features returning birthday-themed cosmetics or new items created specifically for the celebration.
Gameplay Enhancements During Celebrations
Fortnite birthday events sometimes introduce temporary gameplay changes that add excitement to matches. Special limited-time modes may become available, offering unique rule sets or featuring birthday-themed elements.
The loot pool is often adjusted to include:
- Increased spawn rates for high-tier weapons
- Birthday-themed weapon wraps
- Unvaulted fan-favorite items from previous seasons
Some celebrations have introduced temporary buffs like increased material gathering or adjusted drop rates for rare items. In past events, birthday presents have contained powerful weapons like the Compact SMG.
Battle Royale and other game modes like Creative and Save the World all participate in the celebration with their own unique birthday elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fortnite’s birthday celebrations have become popular annual events with special rewards, quests, and in-game activities. These celebrations typically include limited-time items and challenges for players to enjoy.
What is the date of Fortnite’s anniversary celebration?
Fortnite’s birthday celebration typically takes place around September 24th each year. For 2024, the seventh birthday event for Battle Royale began on September 24th and will run until October 1st, 2024, at 2 AM ET.
This date marks the anniversary of when Fortnite Battle Royale was released to the public, not the original Save the World mode.
Which special events are planned for Fortnite’s upcoming birthday?
The Fortnite birthday celebration typically includes a variety of special in-game events. For the 7th birthday in 2024, Epic Games added a special Birthday Event to Battle Royale.
The event features birthday-themed items like a special medallion, firework flare guns, and festive balloons. These items are only available during the celebration period.
What new rewards can players expect for Fortnite’s next birthday?
During Fortnite birthday events, players can earn exclusive cosmetic rewards through challenges and quests. Typical rewards include birthday-themed back bling, sprays, emotes, and loading screens.
For Save the World players, birthday llamas are distributed once per day during the event. These special llamas contain birthday-exclusive items and other rewards.
In which year was Fortnite originally released?
Fortnite was originally released in 2017. The Save the World mode launched first as an early access game in July 2017.
The more popular Battle Royale mode was released on September 26, 2017, which is why the birthday celebrations occur in late September each year.
What kind of quests are typically released during Fortnite’s birthday festivities?
During Fortnite birthday events, players receive special birthday quests. These quests often involve birthday-themed activities like collecting cake slices around the map or using birthday items in matches.
In Save the World mode, players get one birthday quest per day during the event. Completing these quests rewards players with an additional birthday llama.
Is the Fortnite birthday celebration considered a rare or unique event?
The Fortnite birthday celebration is a recurring annual event, making it not particularly rare. However, each year’s rewards and activities are unique and time-limited.
Once the birthday event ends, the exclusive cosmetics and items from that particular celebration typically don’t return to the game. This makes each year’s birthday rewards collectible and special for players.
