Fortnite isn’t just an entertaining game—it can also be a source of income. Whether it’s through creating popular maps or winning competitive matches, there are several ways to turn your gaming skills into profit. Finding legitimate ways to make money playing Fortnite can be challenging, though. Most reliable methods require effort, while the easier ones aren’t always trustworthy. However, recent changes to Creative mode have made it a better time than ever to give it a shot.
Since the release of the UnrealFN Editor, Epic Games has been distributing significant payments to players who create Fortnite maps. These payments come in addition to the prize money awarded in competitive tournaments.
There are multiple ways to earn money in Fortnite. The amount you make depends on how well you master these methods and gain popularity or excel in competitions. It’s no longer just professional Fortnite players making money—more opportunities are now available to a wider range of players.
Earning Money by Creating Fortnite Maps
With the introduction of Unreal for FN, Epic Games has changed the way Fortnite is monetized. They’re now sharing more revenue from Fortnite skin purchases than ever before.
Since March 2023, a new economy has been introduced to Creative mode. Players now have advanced tools to develop more complex maps and games. Epic Games monitors the time spent on each map, and the most-played ones receive financial rewards based on engagement. A significant portion of Fortnite’s total revenue is allocated to creators who make successful maps.
Fortnite (image via Getty)If you develop a map that attracts consistent players, you can earn a share of Fortnite’s cosmetic sales. The payout system is structured to favor maps with high playtime. According to Epic Games, many creators are on track to earn over $1 million in 2024, demonstrating the financial potential in this area.
How to Succeed as a Fortnite Map Creator
Building a successful map requires effort. Unreal for FN offers tools that rival those available to full-fledged game developers. If you create a hit map, the financial rewards can be significant.
While the tools are accessible to everyone, the most successful maps generate the highest earnings. With fierce competition, you’ll need either an original idea or an innovative take on an existing popular concept. Some creators succeed by designing unique gameplay experiences, while others refine and improve well-loved formats, such as variations of the Fortnite Pillars maps.
The payout depends on how long players stay engaged with your map. Retaining players is crucial—simply attracting them to visit isn’t enough. Designing an engaging experience is key to maximizing earnings.
Making Money Through Competitive Fortnite
Aside from Creative mode, another way to earn money is through Fortnite’s competitive scene. Epic Games hosts frequent tournaments, and unlike many other esports, these events are open to all players.
Fortnite’s competitive tournaments offer prize pools that reach into the millions. While the biggest prizes go to elite players who qualify for the FNCS Majors, there are numerous smaller competitions where average players can also win money. Events like Cash Cups provide earning opportunities for those at different skill levels.
Although these tournaments are lucrative, the number of events has declined recently due to concerns over cheating. Some players exploited the system for cash rewards, leading Epic Games to scale back certain competitions.
Despite this, there are still plenty of tournaments with lower entry barriers. If you continue to improve, you could potentially earn money by competing in Fortnite.
Fortnite (image via Getty)Additional Ways to Make Money in Fortnite
While Unreal for FN and competitive tournaments are the most direct methods, they’re not the only ways to make money in Fortnite. With dedication, you can also build a following and monetize your gameplay in other ways.
One approach is streaming on Twitch. If you can create engaging content and grow an audience, streaming can become a viable income source. However, success as a streamer depends on your ability to entertain and attract viewers consistently.
Another option is the Support-a-Creator program. Before the introduction of Unreal for FN, this was the primary way Epic Games rewarded the community. With this program, players who use your affiliate code in the item shop contribute to your earnings. Any purchases made with V-Bucks—even free ones—generate a percentage of revenue for you.
However, this method requires a significant following. The more players who use your code, the more you can earn. Building an audience through content creation or social media can help maximize this opportunity.
