Epic Games has confirmed a Fortnite V-Bucks price increase, with players receiving fewer V-Bucks for the same amount of money starting March 19, 2026. The change affects every major purchase tier in Fortnite’s virtual currency system, alongside adjustments to the Battle Pass, other seasonal passes, and the Fortnite Crew subscription.
Epic explained the decision directly in its announcement, saying that the cost of running Fortnite has increased significantly and that the pricing adjustments are intended to help cover those operational costs.
Fortnite V-Bucks Packs Are Shrinking Across All Tiers
The biggest change is to Fortnite’s V-Bucks bundles. Starting March 19, players will receive fewer V-Bucks in each pack even though the price of the bundles themselves remains the same.
Here is how the bundles are changing:
| Pack Price | Previous Amount | New Amount | Epic Rewards Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $8.99 Pack | 1,000 V-Bucks | 800 V-Bucks | +$1.79 |
| $22.99 Pack | 2,800 V-Bucks | 2,400 V-Bucks | +$4.59 |
| $36.99 Pack | 5,000 V-Bucks | 4,500 V-Bucks | +$7.39 |
| $89.99 Pack | 13,500 V-Bucks | 12,500 V-Bucks | +$17.99 |
Epic also confirmed that the “exact amount” option for buying small amounts of currency is increasing in price. Previously, players could purchase 50 V-Bucks for roughly $0.50. Under the new system, that same amount will cost $0.99.
Existing Fortnite V-Bucks gift cards are not affected by the update and will continue to redeem at their printed value.
Epic Rewards Credits Offer Partial Cashback
At the same time, Epic is highlighting its Epic Rewards system as a way to offset some of the cost.
Players who make purchases using Epic’s payment system on PC, iOS, Android, web, or through the Epic Games Store will receive 20 percent back in Epic Rewards credit. That credit can later be used on Fortnite purchases, other Epic titles such as Fall Guys or Rocket League, or games on the Epic Games Store.
This reward only applies when purchases are made through Epic’s own payment system rather than third-party storefronts.
Battle Pass Rewards Structure Is Changing
The upcoming Battle Pass for Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2 is also being reworked.
The price of the Battle Pass is dropping from 1,000 V-Bucks to 800. However, the total amount of V-Bucks players can earn from completing it is also being reduced.
Previously, players could earn back 1,000 V-Bucks from the pass itself and an additional 500 through Bonus Rewards. Under the new structure, completing the Battle Pass will award exactly 800 V-Bucks, with the Bonus Rewards V-Bucks removed entirely.
The Battle Bundle option, which includes the Battle Pass and the first 25 levels unlocked instantly, is also decreasing in cost from 2,800 V-Bucks to 2,600.
OG, Music And LEGO Pass Prices Are Adjusted
Other Fortnite passes are changing as well.
Starting with their next release cycle, the OG Pass will cost 800 V-Bucks instead of 1,000. Meanwhile, the Music Pass and LEGO Pass will both decrease from 1,400 V-Bucks to 1,200.
Although those passes appear cheaper on paper, the reduced value of V-Bucks means the overall purchasing power of the currency is still shifting.
Fortnite Crew Monthly V-Bucks Are Being Reduced
The Fortnite Crew subscription is also being updated.
Subscribers previously received 1,000 V-Bucks each month as part of their membership benefits. Going forward, the monthly grant will decrease to 800 V-Bucks.
Epic says Fortnite Crew members will receive emails explaining when the changes will apply in their region.
Epic Points To Rising Costs For The Change
Epic Games has been clear about the reason behind the pricing adjustments.
In its official statement, the company said the cost of operating Fortnite has increased and that the updated pricing structure helps support the ongoing development and operation of the game.
The broader gaming industry has also seen rising costs in recent years, with new game prices gradually moving toward US$80 and hardware prices increasing in several regions.
Epic Games Store general manager Steve Allison previously acknowledged that the Epic Games Store operates with relatively thin profit margins due to revenue splits on third-party games and the ongoing cost of its free game promotion programme.
Developer Response To Community Criticism
The announcement triggered debate within the Fortnite community, particularly among players who regularly buy cosmetics or complete every seasonal pass.
Some players argued that the in-game Item Shop appears to receive more attention than gameplay updates. Responding to those comments on X, Epic Games Senior Director of Ecosystem Growth Andre Balta said that the criticism “hits really hard” and does not reflect how the team prioritises development.
Hey @LEGOMoonNite – Seeing comments like “the Item Shop is the main focus instead of the game” hits me really hard. It’s not the impression we want to give nor how we focus our efforts. We put a ton of work and care into Fortnite’s gameplay and this focus is only growing. Paying… https://t.co/1ibGyvFBag
— Andre Balta (@AndreBaltaEpic) March 10, 2026
Balta added that the team continues to focus heavily on Fortnite’s gameplay and that maintaining the financial side of the game allows developers to keep building new experiences and stories for players.
When The Fortnite V-Bucks Price Increase Begins
The new Fortnite V-Bucks pricing structure takes effect on March 19, 2026.
The change arrives alongside the launch window for Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2 after server maintenance concludes. Once the update goes live, all new V-Bucks purchases will reflect the updated bundle values.
For players planning to buy V-Bucks, the current bundles remain available until the update takes effect.