Starting Fortnite as a new player can feel overwhelming, especially when most skins seem locked behind the Item Shop or difficult challenges.
The good news is that Epic Games currently offers several free Fortnite skins that new players can unlock without competitive grinding or limited-time events.
Below are the best permanent free Fortnite skins available right now, including LEGO collaboration rewards, PlayStation Plus packs, and promotional outfits that can still be claimed today.
Table of Contents
1. Explorer Emilie (The LEGO Link Reward)
The Explorer Emilie skin is a celebration of the massive LEGO x Fortnite collaboration. It’s one of the easiest skins to get because it requires zero gameplay—just a few clicks.
How to Claim:
Create a LEGO Account: Visit the official LEGO website and sign up for “LEGO Insiders.”
Link to Epic Games: Go to your Epic Games account settings under Apps and Accounts.
Connect: Find the LEGO option and click “Connect.”
Check Your Locker: Launch Fortnite, and Emilie will be waiting for you.
2. Mr. Dappermint (The LEGO Account Bonus)
Originally a premium Item Shop skin worth 1,200 V-Bucks, Mr. Dappermint is now a permanent free gift for anyone who connects their Epic and LEGO identities. This dapper candy-cane gentleman is a fan favorite for his unique holiday aesthetic and his detailed LEGO style.
How to Claim:
The steps for Mr. Dappermint are the same as Explorer Emilie. Once your accounts are linked, you get both skins simultaneously.
Sign in to Epic Games: Go to the Epic Games Portal.
Navigate to Apps & Accounts: Select the LEGO option.
Authorize the Link: Log in to your LEGO Insiders account and click “Allow.”
3. Shinji (PlayStation Plus Celebration Pack)
If you play on PS4 or PS5, you have access to the Virtual Warrior Pack. This pack features the Shinji outfit, an Epic-rarity skin with a sleek, futuristic look.
How to Claim:
Requirement: You must have an active PlayStation Plus subscription (any tier).
The Process: Go to the PlayStation Store, search for “Fortnite Celebration Pack,” and “purchase” it for $0.00.
Cross-Platform Tip: Once you claim Shinji on your PlayStation, you can wear the skin on PC, Xbox, or Mobile as long as your accounts are linked!
4. Clive (The Backbone Pro Exclusive)
Clive is a unique promotional skin tied to the Backbone Pro mobile controller. While it requires a hardware connection, it is a permanent reward for anyone using this device to play Fortnite on the go.
How To Claim:
Connect your Backbone Pro controller to your phone.
Open the Backbone app and find the Perks section.
Redeem your unique code on
fortnite.com/redeem.Complete a simple “Clive Quest” in-game (usually earning 100,000 XP) to fully unlock the skin.
5. Trailblazer Tai (The True Explorers Quest)
Trailblazer Tai was the first major skin introduced through LEGO Fortnite quests. While Epic occasionally rotates these offers, the account-linking process usually keeps these types of “Starter Packs” available for new users who haven’t completed the “True Explorers” challenges.
The Quests Include:
Inviting an NPC to live in your village.
Crafting a short sword in a Survival World.
Building a spinning wheel.
Pro Tip: Keep your Epic Games account linked to LEGO, Sony, and even your Discord. These “linking rewards” are the most reliable way to get high-quality skins without spending money.
FAQ
Are these Fortnite skins really free?
Yes. These skins can be unlocked without buying them from the Item Shop using V-Bucks. Some require linking accounts, redeeming platform rewards, or completing simple steps.
Do I need to complete challenges or ranked matches?
No. The skins listed in this guide are beginner-friendly and do not require competitive or ranked gameplay.
Can new Fortnite accounts unlock these skins?
Yes. New players can unlock all of these skins as long as their Epic Games account meets the basic requirements for each reward.
Can I use these skins on all platforms?
In most cases, yes. Once a skin is added to your Epic Games account, it can be used on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and supported cloud platforms.
Do these free Fortnite skins expire?
The skins included in this guide currently have no confirmed expiry dates. However, promotional rewards can change, so it’s best to claim them as soon as possible.
Which free skin is easiest for new players?
Account-link rewards such as Mr. Dappermint and Explorer Emilie are usually the easiest, as they only require linking your Epic Games account with LEGO.
Can these skins appear in the Item Shop later?
Possibly. Some promotional skins may return in the Item Shop in the future, but there is no guarantee or confirmed date.
Will I lose the skin if I cancel a subscription?
No. Once a skin is added to your Epic Games locker, it stays permanently—even if you later cancel a subscription like PlayStation Plus.
