Epic Video games launched its battle royale hit Fortnite on Android units in 2018 with an enormous catch: it was exclusive to Samsung-made phones for a few days as a manner to assist market the then-new Samsung Galaxy Notice 9.
On the time, would-be gamers needed to cope with a ready record and / or a restrictive record of certified Android telephones. As of late, it’s rather a lot simpler — however you continue to have to obtain it instantly from Epic. (Epic CEO Tim Sweeney mentioned that is mainly to avoid paying Google’s 30 percent cut on in-app purchases.) Epic is utilizing its personal web site and a Fortnite Installer program to distribute the sport extra broadly on all appropriate Android units.
Right here’s a step-by-step breakdown to be sure you’re ready and perceive one of the best ways to begin enjoying Fortnite on Android. However earlier than we get to the nitty-gritty, a quick warning:
Keep away from the Play Retailer
At first, don’t obtain something from the Google Play Retailer or from a third-party internet supply. Epic has made it clear that it’s solely distributing Fortnite on Android by way of its personal web site and thru Samsung’s Galaxy Retailer. Trying to find the sport on the Play Retailer will get you a easy “No outcomes” message. (Initially, searches would return a special warning from Google studying, “Fortnite Battle Royale by Epic Video games, Inc shouldn’t be out there on Google Play” due to worries about malware-laden pretend variations.)
Obtain the installer after which the sport
Due to the distinctive distribution mannequin right here, you’ll should obtain two separate purposes. The primary would be the Fortnite Installer, which is the official APK file that then installs the sport.
As a way to do that, you could want to show off particular permissions in your Android settings that permit you to obtain third-party purposes, relying on which model of Android you’ve and what your current safety settings are. After that, you’ll have to undergo a collection of obtain sequences which can be a bit extra concerned than your normal app set up.
Right here’s a blow-by-blow of the steps you’ll undergo:
- When you’ve got a Samsung telephone, you’ll be able to go to the the Galaxy Retailer to download the installer for Epic Games. You’ll be able to then skip to step 6.
- In any other case, go instantly to Epic’s site. You’ll discover a web page suggesting that you simply both go to fortnite.com/android in your telephone or scan a QR code.
- Whichever methodology you select, you’ll be despatched to a web page that provides you some instruction on what to anticipate. You’ll additionally get a pop-up for the installer; faucet “Open.”
- You’ll most likely get a safety discover saying that your telephone isn’t allowed to put in unknown apps from that supply. Faucet on “Settings.” A web page labeled “Set up unknown apps” will allow you to toggle on “Permit from this supply.”
- You’ll then be requested if you wish to set up the app. Faucet on “Set up.” While you get the “App set up” pop-up, faucet on “Achieved.”
- The installer will seem in your homepage and in your telephone’s app record as Epic Video games. You may additionally get a obtain notification for the APK. Faucet on the icon or on the APK notification.
- You’ll land on a web page with the Fortnite graphic. Faucet on that, after which on “Set up.”
- You’ll most likely get that message once more about putting in unknown apps. As soon as once more, faucet on Settings and toggle on “Permit from this supply.”
- The app will then set up, load any updates, and open.
As soon as it’s accomplished, you need to have the ability to boot up Fortnite, log into your account, and begin enjoying. Prior to now, Epic has suggested customers to maintain the Fortnite Installer program, because it’ll be answerable for updating the sport with new patches.
Replace October twentieth, 2021, 11:50AM ET: This text was initially printed on August thirteenth, 2018; the method of putting in the sport has been up to date.