Gamers are buzzing but not in a good way new Fortnite price hikes from Epic Games that are set to ripple through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. With Fortnite Crew now baked into the service, This Epic move can jack up ingame costs could make that “free” perk feel like a raw deal for millions.
Reports confirm Epic is bumping up prices on V-Bucks packs and Battle Pass extras, the first major tweak since Crew joined Game Pass Ultimate back in November 2025. This hits harder for Ultimate users who thought they snagged a steal at $29.99 a month.
Xbox players relying on the bundle for monthly 1,000 V-Bucks, exclusive skins, and Battle Pass access now face shelling out more for top-ups. It’s sparking backlash online, with Reddit threads lighting up over “greedy” timing amid Microsoft’s own sub woes.
Epic’s Stealthy Increases
Epic isn’t shouting from rooftops, but data shows V-Bucks bundles rising 10-20% across platforms. A 1,000 V-Bucks pack? Up from $8.99 to $10.99. Larger 13,500 packs jump to $89.99 from $79.99—ouch for squad fillers.
Fortnite Crew itself holds at $11.99 standalone, but since it’s included in Ultimate (post-50% hike to $29.99/month), Epic’s hikes indirectly inflate the bundle’s value proposition. No more “discount” feels when extras cost a fortune.
Why now? Analysts point to Chapter 6 inflation from new seasons, collabs like Marvel crossovers, and rising dev costs. Epic’s revenue dipped post-Apple win, so monetization squeeze makes sense—but gamers cry foul.
Game Pass Ultimate Impact
Since November 18, 2025, Ultimate packs Fortnite Crew perks: Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks/month, Crew Pack skin, plus EA Play, cloud gaming upgrades, and 75+ day-one titles.
Pre-hike, it was a no-brainer vs. separate subs ($19.99 Ultimate + $11.99 Crew = $31.98). Now at $29.99, savings were slim—post-Epic hikes, many question if it’s worth it over standalone Fortnite (free base game).
Microsoft justifies the jump with Ubisoft+ Classics and better streaming, but Fortnite mains feel pinched. “Pay $30 for Crew I could get cheaper? Nah,” one Redditor fumed.
Gamer Backlash Builds
Social media’s on fire. r/FortNiteBR and r/XboxGamePass threads explode with “vote with your wallet” calls. Some cancel Ultimate, sticking to free Fortnite or PS Plus alternatives.
Tim Sweeney praised the Crew deal initially, but fresh hikes draw “hypocrite” jabs amid Xbox’s 50% Ultimate surge.
Casuals win—free-to-play stays accessible—but whales dropping $100+/month on cosmetics? They’re hit hardest. Cross-play means PC/PS users see same hikes, but console bundles amplify the sting.
What’s Next for Fortnite?
Expect more tweaks: Rocket League passes and Fall Guys perks in Crew could follow suit. Epic eyes $20B revenue goal, but alienating Game Pass crowd risks churn.
Xbox might counter with promos or tier tweaks—watch Black Friday deals. For now, hoard V-Bucks before March sales end.
Pure Xbox warns: This could redefine “value” in subs. Gamers, crunch numbers—your squad’s loot depends on it.
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