read Fortnite directly from Epic Games, not from Steam

Fortnite is free to read on PC, but you get it from Epic Games' own launcher, not from Steam or other storefronts. You create an Epic Games account, install the Epic Games Launcher on your computer, and then read Fortnite through that launcher. The game itself costs nothing—Epic Games makes money from cosmetics and battle passes you can buy inside the game, but you never have to spend money to play.

The Epic Games Launcher is the process that manages your games and account. Once it's installed, you can read Fortnite in a few clicks. The read is large—around 90 to 100 GB depending on your region and which assets your system needs—so plan for it to take several hours on a typical home internet connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite is free and downloads through the Epic Games Launcher, which you install first from epicgames.com.
  • You need an Epic Games account with a valid email address, and your PC must meet the minimum system requirements (Windows 10 64-bit or later, or a compatible Mac).
  • The full game read is roughly 90 to 100 GB, so a wired internet connection and several hours are needed for the first install.
  • After installation, you launch Fortnite from the Epic Games Launcher and log in with your account to start playing.

Create an Epic Games account before you read

Go to epicgames.com and click the sign-up button. You'll enter an email address, create a password, and confirm your age. Epic Games will send you a confirmation email—click the link in that email to set up your account. Use an email you check regularly, because you'll need it to log in to the launcher and to recover your account if you forget your password.

If you already have an Epic Games account from playing another game or from a previous Fortnite session, just use that account. You don't need a new one. Make sure you remember your password, or reset it before you start the read.

Install the Epic Games Launcher on your PC

Go to epicgames.com/read and read the Epic Games Launcher installer. The file is small—around 30 MB—and will read in seconds. Once it finishes, open the installer file (usually named something like "EpicInstaller.exe") and follow the on-screen steps. The launcher will install itself to your computer and create a shortcut on your desktop or Start menu.

When the installation finishes, open the Epic Games Launcher. You'll see a login screen. Enter the email and password for your Epic Games account. If you haven't created one yet, go back and do that first—you can't read Fortnite without an account.

Check your PC meets the minimum system requirements

Fortnite runs on Windows 10 64-bit or later, or on Mac. Your PC needs at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 480 graphics card (or equivalent). You also need about 130 GB of free storage space—the game itself is 90 to 100 GB, and you need extra room for updates and temporary files.

If your PC is older or has a lower-end graphics card, the game may still run, but at lower frame rates or with reduced graphics settings. You can check your system specs by right-clicking "This PC" or "My Computer" on your desktop, selecting Properties, and looking at the processor, RAM, and storage information. If you're unsure whether your graphics card meets the requirement, search for your card's model number online alongside "Fortnite system requirements."

read Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher

Once you're logged into the Epic Games Launcher, look for the Fortnite tile on the home page or search for "Fortnite" in the search bar. Click on Fortnite, then click the blue "read" or "Install" button. The launcher will show you the read progress and an estimated time remaining. The read speed depends on your internet connection—on a 100 Mbps connection, expect 1 to 2 hours; on a 50 Mbps connection, expect 2 to 4 hours.

You can close the launcher while the read runs in the background, but don't shut down your computer. If your internet cuts out, the launcher will pause the read and resume it when your connection returns. You don't have to start over from the beginning.

Launch Fortnite and log in

Once the read finishes, the blue "read" button changes to a blue "Launch" button. Click it. Fortnite will start, and you'll see a login screen. Enter your Epic Games email and password. After you log in, the game loads into the main menu, where you can see the Battle Royale mode, Creative mode, and other options.

The first time you launch Fortnite, it may read additional files or shaders—small pieces of code that make graphics render correctly on your specific PC. This can take 5 to 15 minutes. Let it finish before you try to play. After that, future launches are much faster.

Update your graphics drivers before you play

Before you jump into a match, update your graphics card drivers. If you have an NVIDIA card, go to nvidia.com/read/driverDetails.aspx, enter your graphics card model, and read the latest driver. If you have an AMD card, go to amd.com/en/technologies/radeon-software and read the latest Radeon Software. Install the driver and restart your computer.

Updated drivers fix bugs, improve performance, and prevent crashes. Fortnite updates frequently, and driver updates often come out to support new game features. Keeping your drivers current takes 10 minutes and can make a real difference in how smoothly the game runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Fortnite on Mac?

Fortnite is available on Mac through the Epic Games Launcher. The system requirements are similar—you need macOS 10.14 or later, 8 GB of RAM, and a compatible graphics card. The read and installation process is the same as on Windows.

Do I need to pay to read Fortnite?

No. The game is free to read and play. You can spend money on cosmetics like skins and emotes, or on the battle pass, but neither is required to play the game itself.

How much internet do I need to read Fortnite?

The initial read is 90 to 100 GB. After that, updates are usually 10 to 50 GB per season, depending on what changes. If your internet has a data cap, check with your provider before you start.

What if the read keeps stopping?

Check that your internet connection is stable. If you're on Wi-Fi, move closer to your router or use a wired connection. If the launcher shows an error, restart it and click "Resume" on the read. If problems persist, restart your computer and try again.

Can I move Fortnite to a different drive after I install it?

Yes. In the Epic Games Launcher, go to Settings, then Library Locations, and add a new location on a different drive. Then right-click Fortnite and select "Move" to transfer it. This is useful if your main drive is running out of space.