Fortnite continues to operate primarily as a free-to-play title, with Save the World remaining the only paid mode. Monetization still revolves around cosmetic purchases, while players can earn limited amounts of V-Bucks through gameplay.
Free Battle Pass rewards allow players to earn up to 200 V-Bucks per season, reinforcing Fortnite’s long-standing balance between optional spending and progression-based rewards.
To attract new players, Epic Games introduced a targeted incentive during Chapter 7 Season 1. New accounts were offered a Starter Pack containing 1,000 V-Bucks for $4.49, a notable increase compared to the standard 600 V-Bucks usually available to existing players at a similar price point.
Kim Kardashian Skin Dominates Chapter 7
The Kim Kardashian cosmetic set quickly emerged as one of Fortnite’s biggest successes in 2025. Within seven days of release, the set became the most-used skin of Chapter 7 and broke into the Top 100 most-used Fortnite skins of all time.
Player engagement numbers underline the impact. More than 37 million matches were logged with players wearing Kim Kardashian cosmetics, placing the collaboration among Fortnite’s most successful celebrity crossovers to date.
The set launched with two distinct versions:
- Iconic Kim (1,800 V-Bucks), featuring extensive customization options including multiple jumpsuit styles and colors, interchangeable hairstyles, and optional sunglasses.
- Standard Kim (1,500 V-Bucks), offering a simplified version with fewer customization features.
The Kim Kardashian set is currently scheduled to leave the Item Shop on December 27 at 7 PM ET, reinforcing Fortnite’s limited-time purchase strategy.
Celebrity and Brand Collaborations Continue to Drive Engagement
The Kim Kardashian crossover was not the only collaboration to generate significant momentum in 2025. The return of Sabrina Carpenter cosmetics also proved successful, with approximately 7 million completed duos, trios, and squads tied to her in-game presence. Originally introduced through the Season 8 Festival Music Pass, the content later resurfaced during Winterfest, extending its lifespan and reach.
Meanwhile, the KPop Demon Hunters event and the revamped Demon Rush mode delivered massive participation. Players collectively defeated nearly 100 billion demons during October alone, highlighting Fortnite’s ability to scale themed gameplay events alongside cosmetic-driven updates.
Takeaway: Crossovers Remain Central to Fortnite’s Strategy
Fortnite’s 2025 highlights reinforce a familiar pattern. High-profile collaborations paired with deep cosmetic customization continue to fuel both player engagement and in-game spending. By combining recognizable celebrities, limited-time availability, and flexible free-to-play access, Epic Games maintains momentum among new players while keeping long-term veterans invested.
As Fortnite moves further into 2025, celebrity and brand integrations appear set to remain a cornerstone of its content and monetization strategy.
