No V-Bucks? No Problem! How to Get Free Fortnite Skins
Updated July 17, 2023.
For over a decade, there's been a love-hate relationship around in-game cosmetics like character skins. You might be familiar with that internal struggle when you see that amazing skin that really suits you but has a fat price tag. So, you think to yourself, "Am I willing to spend more money on this game to look cool?"
Well, Fortnite is one of those games that have such an awesome variety of skins that you're almost always tempted to top-up your V-Bucks for the next battle pass or themed character. Thankfully though, you can add more V-Bucks and skins to your account without putting any extra strain on your wallet—and here's how.
» See how you can earn money by playing Fortnite
1. Download Buff
Buff, if you haven't heard of it yet, allows gamers to claim gift cards for their favorite apps and shops just by playing their favorite games. Basically, while Buff is open (Buff is an Overwolf partner and works like an overlay), it lets you earn points on their app by playing your games and completing extra challenges that Buff assigns to you in their app. After you've gathered enough points, you can trade them in for an available gift card of your choice. V-Bucks gift cards are on the market here and there, so keep an eye out for them!
We've previously written an article on exactly how Buff works if you'd like to know all the details.
2. Participate in Official Events and Challenges
Every year, Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, host a variety of exciting events and challenges that provide players with opportunities to earn V-Bucks and other enticing rewards. These events range from in-game tournaments to community-driven competitions and special limited-time modes.
By participating in these events, players can showcase their skills while earning V-Bucks, exclusive cosmetic items, emotes, sprays, loading screens, and even unique character skins. You'll often see themed challenges during seasonal events, such as Halloween or winter holidays, allowing players to immerse themselves in the festive spirit while earning valuable in-game currency.
3. Refer a Friend
Fortnite's refer-a-friend system provides players with another opportunity to earn V-Bucks. The system is currently not active, but when it does come up again, it's good to be prepared. By getting your friends on board, you can receive rewards after meeting certain criteria, like reaching specific gameplay milestones or making in-game purchases. They'll get rewards, too!
You just have to:
- Sign up for the "Refer A Friend" program on Epic Games when it goes live again.
- Invite your friends (up to 5 last time) to play Fortnite via the link you get from the sign-up in step 1.
- Complete in-game tasks together, like leveling up, getting wins, and playing different modes.
- Track your goals with the Points Page on the sign-up page and claim your rewards, from V-Bucks to unique character outfits.
4. Pay Attention to Free Giveaways and Promotions
Epic Games is known for the obscenely large amount of free games they give away to their users every year. Sometimes, Epic Games extends their generosity even further by handing out free in-game rewards and cosmetics and even discount gift cards!
These extra goodies usually come around when the company hosts an event, such as the Fortnite World Cup, or during seasonal events, like Christmas or Halloween. There are also loads of other events in between these major ones, so pay attention to updates to get some free goodies! You can stay up-to-date by keeping an eye on your notifications. You'll get updates all the time if you set the Epic Launcher to start when you boot up your Windows and if you set your notifications to "on" in the settings.
5. Have Twitch Prime or PlayStation Plus
We know both Twitch Prime and PS+ aren't exactly free... but the rewards you get for having them are! Both of these services offer so much more than just occasional free skins and cosmetics, so we suggest reading up on everything they have to offer. The rewards for each subscription are different, so you can sign up for both if you own a PlayStation console.
If you're a PS+ user, you'll occasionally be rewarded with free in-game items. On top of that, you can find a free Fortnite bundle in the PS store that contains a few cosmetic goodies. Check the store occasionally for when more free bundles come out!
If you're a Twitch Prime user, you can link your Epic account to your Twitch account, and you'll receive your rewards automatically. There's a good chance you'll receive some V-Bucks at some point, along with all the other cosmetics that Twitch likes to hand out.
Unlock Your Fortnite Style for Free
Now, armed with this guide, you now have the insider knowledge to rock the coolest Fortnite skins without spending a dime. Start collecting your free skins today so you can stand out on the battlefield and become the envy of your friends and opponents.
» Read more about Fortnite's 50v50 mode and why it's so popular
