Fortnite revealed Kicks’ prices and players aren’t happy

Fortnite unveiled prices for its new Kicks sneaker cosmetics, and players are not impressed. Some shoes cost a jaw-dropping 1,000 V-Bucks – equivalent to a full-on skin – and the internet is fuming.

Fortnite has all sorts of cosmetics. Battle Royale alone boasts gliders, back bling, emotes, and pickaxes. While color-coded rarity is no longer a thing in cosmetics, not all cosmetics are created equal.

Fortnite Kicks were re-announced after a delay, alongside the next chapter’s pricier Battle Pass. While fresh kicks in a virtual wardrobe sounded fun, players weren’t exactly begging for them.

On November 20, Fortnite dropped the bombshell: “Kicks arrive tomorrow with the release of v32.11!” – complete with a link revealing the hefty price tags.

Here’s the lineup for each of the two weeks of Kicks releases.

Week 1

• Nike Cortez Leather: 800 V-Bucks.
• Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Galaxy’: 1000 V-Bucks
• Nike Shox R4 ‘Comet Red’: 1,000 V-Bucks
• Chomp Stompers: 600 V-Bucks

Week 2

• Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘Palomino’ is 800 V-Bucks.
• Nike Air Jordan 3 ‘Black Cement-Gray’: 1000 V-Bucks
• Nike Air Jordan 3 ‘Black/Gym Red’: 1000 V-Bucks
• Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Manila’: 1,000 V-Bucks

Fortnite players upset at Kicks costs

Fans didn’t hold back. “1000 V-Bucks is insane,” one wrote. Another asked, “Why pay the same as a full-on skin for something barely noticeable?”

The fact that this cosmetic isn’t compatible with all skins, or even a majority of them, doesn’t make the pill any easier to swallow.

At launch, they’ll only work with about 500 skins, and full compatibility isn’t expected until spring 2025. So, in a way, you’re paying more for shoes that only fit a fraction of your locker.

Epic Games emphasized that Kicks are purely cosmetic and provide no gameplay advantage. But they’re also unusable in LEGO Fortnite, Save the World, or several other modes. Players can check compatibility using a new “Kicks Usability” button before buying.

This reveal raises questions about Fortnite’s future strategy. Cosmetic prices are soaring, players are frustrated, and compatibility issues only add fuel to the fire. While Fortnite thrives on its constant evolution, it’s clear Epic needs to tread carefully – or risk tripping over its own hype.