Changing your character, or ‘skin,’ in Fortnite is one of the most fundamental ways to personalize your gaming experience and stand out on the battlefield. Fortnite offers a vast array of skins, from licensed characters from popular movies and games to original creations designed by Epic Games themselves. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to change your character in Fortnite, covering everything from the basics to more advanced customization options.
**Why Change Your Fortnite Character?**
Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s briefly touch on the ‘why.’ Changing your skin is purely cosmetic; it doesn’t affect your gameplay abilities. However, it significantly enhances your enjoyment and expression within the game.
* **Personalization:** Express your personality and style by choosing a skin that resonates with you.
* **Collection:** Many players enjoy collecting rare and exclusive skins.
* **Freshness:** Switching up your skin can keep the game feeling fresh and exciting.
* **Intimidation (or Fun):** Some skins are perceived as ‘sweaty’ or intimidating, while others are purely for comedic effect.
**Method 1: Changing Your Character from the Locker (The Standard Method)**
The most common and straightforward way to change your character in Fortnite is through the ‘Locker’ tab. This method allows you to select from any skin you own and equip it for your next match. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
**Step 1: Launch Fortnite**
Ensure you have Fortnite installed and launched on your chosen platform (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Android, or iOS). Log in to your Epic Games account.
**Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Locker’ Tab**
Once you’re in the Fortnite lobby, look at the top navigation bar. You’ll see several tabs: ‘Play,’ ‘Battle Pass,’ ‘Item Shop,’ ‘Locker,’ and sometimes event-specific tabs. Select the ‘Locker’ tab. It usually has an icon that resembles a clothing hanger.
**Step 3: Select the ‘Skin’ Slot**
In the Locker, you’ll see several customization options, including:,
* **Skin:** This is the primary character model. Choosing a skin here determines your appearance in-game.
* **Back Bling:** An accessory worn on your character’s back.
* **Pickaxe:** The harvesting tool you use to gather resources.
* **Glider:** The device you use when skydiving from the Battle Bus.
* **Contrail:** The visual effect that follows you when skydiving.
* **Emotes:** Dances and actions you can perform in-game.
* **Loading Screen:** The image displayed while the game loads.
* **Music Pack:** The lobby music you listen to.
* **Banner:** Your profile icon.
To change your character’s skin, select the ‘Skin’ slot. It will display the skin you currently have equipped.
**Step 4: Choose Your New Skin**
A screen will appear displaying all the skins you own. Scroll through the list to find the skin you want to use. Skins are usually organized alphabetically, but you can sometimes filter them by rarity, set, or recently acquired. You can use the arrow keys or scroll with your mouse (on PC) or use your controller’s joystick to navigate.
**Step 5: Select the Skin and Click ‘Equip’ or ‘Save’**
Once you’ve found the skin you want to use, select it. The skin will be highlighted or displayed in more detail. Depending on the version of Fortnite and the platform you’re playing on, you’ll either see an ‘Equip’ button or a ‘Save’ button. Click this button to apply the skin to your character.
**Step 6: Verify the Change**
After equipping the skin, return to the main Locker screen. You should see your character now wearing the newly selected skin. If you don’t see the change immediately, try backing out of the Locker and re-entering it. The change should be reflected in-game as well.
**Method 2: Changing Your Character During a Match (Limited Option)**
While you can’t fully change your skin during a match in the traditional sense, there are specific game modes and situations where your appearance can change temporarily.
* **Transform Emotes:** Some emotes, like the ‘Take the L’ emote with certain skins, might alter your character’s appearance for the duration of the emote.
* **Limited-Time Modes (LTMs):** Certain LTMs may have mechanics that temporarily change your skin based on specific conditions or actions. For instance, an LTM might turn you into a bush when you crouch in foliage.
* **Power-Ups/Items:** Occasionally, Fortnite introduces items that grant temporary cosmetic changes. These are often tied to specific events or collaborations.
**Important Note:** These in-match skin changes are usually temporary and limited to specific circumstances. They don’t permanently change your equipped skin.
**Method 3: Using Presets in the Locker**
Presets are a fantastic feature in Fortnite that allows you to save entire loadouts of cosmetics, including your skin, back bling, pickaxe, glider, and more. This makes switching between your favorite looks incredibly quick and easy.
**Step 1: Navigate to the ‘Locker’ Tab**
As before, start by launching Fortnite and navigating to the ‘Locker’ tab.
**Step 2: Create a New Preset (or Edit an Existing One)**
Look for the ‘Presets’ section at the top or bottom of the Locker screen. You’ll likely see a series of slots labeled ‘Preset 1,’ ‘Preset 2,’ etc. If you haven’t created any presets yet, these slots will be empty. To create a new preset, select an empty slot. To edit an existing preset, select the preset you want to modify.
**Step 3: Customize Your Loadout**
Once you’ve selected a preset slot, you can customize your loadout by choosing your desired skin, back bling, pickaxe, glider, contrail, emotes, loading screen, music pack, and banner. Equip each item as you normally would by selecting its respective slot and choosing from your available options.
**Step 4: Save the Preset**
After you’ve customized your loadout to your liking, look for a ‘Save’ button or a similar option (it might be an icon like a floppy disk or a checkmark). Click this button to save the preset. You might be prompted to give the preset a name, which can help you easily identify it later (e.g., ‘Superhero,’ ‘Casual,’ ‘Spooky’).
**Step 5: Switch Between Presets**
To switch between your saved presets, simply return to the ‘Presets’ section in the Locker and select the preset you want to use. The game will automatically equip all the items associated with that preset, including your skin. This is a very fast way to change your entire look with just a few clicks.
**Troubleshooting Common Issues**
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to change your skin in Fortnite. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Skin Not Appearing:**
* **Check Your Internet Connection:** A stable internet connection is essential for the game to load and display your skins correctly. Try restarting your router or switching to a wired connection if possible.
* **Restart Fortnite:** Sometimes, a simple restart of the game can resolve temporary glitches that might be preventing your skin from appearing.
* **Verify Game Files (PC):** If you’re playing on PC, you can verify the integrity of your game files through the Epic Games Launcher. This will check for and repair any corrupted files that might be causing issues.
* **Update Graphics Drivers (PC):** Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes cause visual problems in games. Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card.
* **Skin Not Saving:**
* **Server Issues:** Occasionally, Fortnite servers experience issues that can prevent changes from being saved. Check the Epic Games Status page or social media for updates on server outages.
* **Storage Space:** Ensure you have enough storage space available on your device. If your storage is full, the game might not be able to save your changes.
* **Game Bug:** If you suspect a bug, report it to Epic Games through the in-game feedback system.
* **Skin Not Showing in-Game:**
* **Game Mode Restrictions:** Some LTMs or events might temporarily restrict certain skins or cosmetic items. Check the game mode’s description for any restrictions.
* **Team Rumble Glitch:** In Team Rumble, there has been a glitch in the past where the selected skin doesn’t appear until you respawn. This might still occur sporadically.
**Acquiring New Skins**
Fortnite offers several ways to acquire new skins:
* **Item Shop:** The Item Shop is the primary source of skins. It rotates daily, featuring a selection of new and returning skins available for purchase with V-Bucks (Fortnite’s in-game currency).
* **Battle Pass:** The Battle Pass is a seasonal reward system that offers a variety of cosmetic items, including several exclusive skins, as you progress through the tiers by completing challenges and earning XP.
* **Bundles:** Fortnite often releases bundles that include multiple skins and other cosmetic items. These bundles are usually available for a limited time in the Item Shop.
* **Challenges and Events:** Occasionally, Epic Games hosts events or releases challenges that reward players with free skins upon completion.
* **Crew Pack:** The Fortnite Crew Pack is a monthly subscription service that provides subscribers with an exclusive skin, back bling, pickaxe, 1,000 V-Bucks, and access to the current season’s Battle Pass.
* **Promotional Events:** Keep an eye out for promotional events and collaborations that might offer exclusive skins. These are often tied to specific products, services, or real-world events.
**Tips for Choosing the Right Skin**
With so many skins available in Fortnite, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
* **Consider Your Playstyle:** Do you prefer a stealthy approach or a more aggressive style? Choose a skin that reflects your playstyle. Darker skins can be advantageous in shadowy areas, while brighter skins can make you more visible.
* **Think About the Season:** During winter, a snow-themed skin can blend in with the environment. During summer, a beach-themed skin can be a fun choice.
* **Match Your Back Bling and Pickaxe:** Creating a coordinated look by matching your skin with your back bling and pickaxe can make you stand out even more.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Try out different skins to see what you like best. The beauty of Fortnite is that you can always change your mind.
* **Consider Rarity (But Don’t Let It Dictate Your Choice):** While rare skins can be impressive, don’t feel pressured to use them if they don’t fit your style. The most important thing is to choose a skin that you enjoy using.
* **Read Reviews (If Available):** Some skins have reviews or community feedback associated with them. Check these out to see if other players have had positive or negative experiences with the skin (e.g., visual glitches, perceived visibility issues).
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
* **Can I trade skins with other players?**
* No, Fortnite does not allow skin trading between players.
* **Can I refund a skin if I don’t like it?**
* Yes, you can refund skins and other cosmetic items within 30 days of purchase, provided you haven’t used them in a match. You have a limited number of lifetime refund tokens.
* **How often does the Item Shop update?**
* The Item Shop typically updates every day at 00:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).
* **Do skins affect my gameplay?**
* No, skins are purely cosmetic and do not provide any gameplay advantages.
* **Can I use a skin on all platforms?**
* Yes, if you own a skin, you can use it on any platform where you play Fortnite, as long as you’re logged in to the same Epic Games account.
* **What are ‘sweaty’ skins?**
* ‘Sweaty’ skins are skins that are often associated with skilled or competitive players. These skins are often simple or minimalist in design.
**Conclusion**
Changing your character in Fortnite is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your gaming experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily switch between your favorite skins, create custom loadouts, and express your unique style on the battlefield. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, experimenting with different skins is a great way to keep the game fresh and exciting. So, dive into your Locker, explore the vast array of cosmetic options, and find the perfect skin to represent you in the world of Fortnite!
