Fortnite Island Creators Can Now Test Selling Items Within Their Islands, Including Loot Box Style Random Rewards
Shortly after a report from Insider Gaming pointed to a leak claiming that Epic Games would allow Fortnite Island creators to add gambling style mechanics to their experiences, Epic published an official blog confirming that creators can now begin testing in island transactions. In the announcement posted on the Fortnite Newsroom, Epic detailed that creators will be able to sell permanent items, consumables, bundles, and even loot box style “paid random items” which give players a chance to receive a random reward.
This system is currently in a preview phase within UEFN and testing is limited to unpublished projects. Epic stated that the ability to include in island transactions within published islands will arrive at a later date, though no exact timeline has been confirmed.
The move marks Fortnite’s latest step toward a platform style ecosystem more closely aligned with Roblox, especially as it continues to expand monetization opportunities for user generated content. Once the feature is fully live, players will be able to purchase items through V Bucks within creator built islands. Ahead of the rollout, Epic has updated its developer rules, including new documentation regarding how in island transactions must be implemented and where the boundaries are.
Epic outlined the following types of items creators are allowed to sell within their islands:
Durable items that players can purchase once and that persist across sessions within a single island
Consumable items that deplete when used, some of which may retain persistence
Items that include gameplay elements and those with visual overlap with approved Fortnite cosmetics categories
Bundles or collections of durable items, consumables, and gameplay items
Paid random items that offer the chance to receive a random reward
Custom passes, progression systems, and paid areas within an island
Alongside these new rules, Epic introduced updated parental controls that allow parents to block their children from acquiring paid random items in regions where such mechanics are allowed. Among the listed features, random rewards remain the most controversial inclusion, as they effectively function as loot boxes. Epic’s approach offers an opt in requirement, as players with parental restrictions will not be allowed to purchase these items by default.
Epic also clarified which items cannot be sold in island. These restrictions include cosmetic items, items that visually mimic official Fortnite cosmetics, items priced to undercut Epic’s own cosmetics, physical goods, experience points, and any items that redirect players outside of Fortnite for external purchases.
Even with these restrictions, the introduction of in island monetization marks one of the most significant updates for creators since the launch of UEFN. The ability to directly sell items within player created experiences could dramatically reshape the economic and creative landscape of Fortnite Islands. While concerns remain around the inclusion of loot box style mechanics, Epic appears to be taking a gradual and controlled approach during this early testing phase.
As creators begin experimenting with the new monetization tools, it will be important to observe how these systems influence player behavior, community culture, and the evolving relationship between creators and the broader Fortnite ecosystem.
What do you think about Epic allowing creators to sell loot box style rewards within Fortnite Islands? Is this a natural step forward or a risky turn for the platform? Share your thoughts below.
