Fortnite returns to Android devices worldwide through Google Play starting March 19, ending a nearly six-year absence from the platform that began with Epic Games' deliberate violation of app store rules in 2020. The global rollout coincides with the launch of Fortnite's next season, bringing the battle royale game back to Android users everywhere after its initial U.S.-only return in December. Epic Games confirmed the news through official social media channels, announcing "Fortnite is back on Google Play" with a March 19 release date.
This marks the final chapter in Epic's multi-year campaign against what it called the "Apple and Google duopoly" over mobile app distribution. The company famously attempted to bypass both platforms' 30 percent commission on in-app purchases by implementing its own payment system within Fortnite, leading to its removal from both stores.
The return follows recent settlements between Epic and both tech giants. Earlier this month, Google agreed to reduce its standard commission from 30 percent to between 10 and 20 percent for most transactions, with an additional 5 percent fee for developers who use Google's billing system. Similar reductions came from Apple after legal pressure in both Europe and the United States.
Fortnite previously returned to Apple's App Store in Europe during 2024 and in the U.S. last year following separate legal resolutions. The game's absence from official Android distribution channels lasted longer due to ongoing litigation between Epic and Google over antitrust concerns.
As part of their settlement agreement, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney reportedly agreed not to publicly criticize Google's Play Store until 2032. The deal also includes reduced prominence for security warnings about third-party app installations, which Epic had previously characterized as "scare screens."
Android users will now be able to download Fortnite directly through Google Play without needing sideloading workarounds or third-party stores. The simplified installation process arrives alongside price increases for Fortnite's V-Bucks currency announced by Epic earlier this month.
Google continues rolling out changes to its developer programs, including a revamped Level Up initiative that lets developers save up to five percent more by making their games run well on multiple form factors like tablets, PCs, and TVs.
