Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

How to play Fortnite on your PC

Fortnite Season 5
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Fortnite is one of the most popular battle royale games on the market. Players can join in on the fun from their console, Android device, or even home computer. However, there's only one official way to play Fortnite on your PC -- and that's through the Epic Games Store. The good news is that getting everything set up to run Fortnite is a breeze. All you need to do is create an Epic Games account, download the Epic Games Store client, and install Fortnite. Here's a detailed walkthrough on how it all works.

Further reading

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

  • PC

  • Internet connection

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Create an Epic Games account

The first thing you’ll want to do is create your personal Epic Games account. This is a completely free process, and you’ll be walked through every step by on-screen instructions — and even have the chance to link Fortnite accounts from other systems. To get started, follow these steps:

Step 1: Head over to the official Fortnite webpage.

Step 2: Click on the Sign In button at the top-right of the screen.

Step 3: Follow the simple instructions until you’ve got your own username and password.

Download the Epic Games Store client

Now that you’ve created an account, move to the Download section of the Fortnite webpage. It’s located right next to the sign-in button from the previous step, but you can also start your download from this Fortnite link. As usual, follow the on-screen prompts to install the Epic Games Store client on your system. If you’re going to be using it frequently, it’s worth setting up a desktop shortcut.

Install Fortnite

Step 1: After the client is finished installing, load up the Epic Games Store and log in with your brand new account.

Step 2: From the Home screen, head to the Store tab found on the left-hand side of the page. This will allow you access to a search bar. Type the word 8Fortnite* into the search bar, and it should take you to the game’s listing on the marketplace.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: Now, you should be able to add it to your library and begin the installation process. If, for some reason, the download pauses (maybe due to a weak or lacking connection), you always have the option to return to the Library menu and try restarting the process again.

Run Fortnite

Downloading the game may take an extended amount of time, as the current file size comes in a little bit above 80GB.

Step 1: After the installation process has ended, go to your library.

Step 2: You can use the same menu on the left side of the page. Once you’re there, click the Fortnite symbol.

Step 3: Doing so will initiate the game. Now, you’re ready to start playing.

how to play fortnite pc via dexerto 768x768
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Adjust your settings

The first thing you need to do before you join a game is to change all your settings. You can adjust numerous things, such as the mouse sensitivity level, the graphics quality, and key binds.

Step 1: When you’re on the main menu, go to Settings and visit all of the submenus, making adjustments along the way.

Step 2: After you’ve made all your modifications and everything is the way you like it, go back to the main menu.

Step 3: From here, you can select your game mode and dive into the action.

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
3 new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (November 1-3)
xbox game pass recommendations november 1 throne and liberty

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was a monumental addition to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate last week, so no week of additions to the service will live up to that for a while. Still, that didn't stop some more games from trickling onto Microsoft's subscription service in the wake of the latest Call of Duty. In fact, the games that came to the service were quite good. If you're wondering what you should be checking out next as a Game Pass subscriber after you're done with Black Ops 6, consider trying one of these games.
Ashen
ASHEN | Gamescom 2018 Gameplay

In July, A44 released Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, and it was part of Xbox Game Pass from day one. Now, the studio has brought its previous Soulslike to the subscription service. Originally released in 2018, Ashen stood out from the crowd at the time thanks to its distinct, grayish cel-shaded look and open-world design years before Elden Ring came out. Ashen still stands as one of the best indie Soulslikes ever released, so those who have never played it before should give it a shot now that it's on Xbox Game Pass. It'll also make for an enjoyable Game Pass Soulslike double-feature with Flintlock.

Read more
How to upgrade weapons and armor in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Key art for Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

What kind of RPG would Dragon Age: The Veilguard be without plenty of loot? After you've picked your class, customized your character, and gotten into the thick of the adventure, you will start accumulating plenty of new armors, weapons, and accessories for your Rook. How powerful your gear is, no matter what type, comes down to two factors: its rarity and its level. The former you have little control over, but upgrading is something you need to do yourself. It takes a surprising amount of time before the option becomes available, and you need to know where to even look to start the process, so we'll give you the blueprints on how to upgrade your gear in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Read more
How to battle your friends in Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
Moltres and Zapdos cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Battling against an AI opponent isn't the same as battling against real players online in Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket. Better yet, you can fight against your friends. Pokémon TCGP is Nintendo's biggest mobile game in its franchise since Pokémon Go, and just like how you can play with friends in Pokémon Go, you can do the same in TCGP.

Read more