Fortnite Makes Another Big Change to Master Chief Skin

Following significant player backlash, Fortnite has reinstated the unlockable Matte Black style for the Master Chief skin. Epic Games reversed its initial decision to remove the style, making it once again attainable.

The December Fortnite Winterfest event has generally been well-received, but the return of certain skins, and subsequent changes, has sparked controversy. The Master Chief skin, initially popular upon its 2020 debut and re-released in 2024, saw its Matte Black style unexpectedly removed on December 23rd. This contradicted earlier statements promising its permanent unlockability for Xbox Series X/S players who owned the skin. Epic Games swiftly corrected this, confirming players can still unlock the Matte Black style as originally intended.

The Master Chief Skin's Controversial Return

The initial announcement regarding the Matte Black style's removal drew considerable criticism, with some players citing potential FTC violations. This follows a recent $72 million refund issued by the FTC to Fortnite players due to Epic Games' use of "dark patterns." The controversy stemmed from the impact on both new and existing Master Chief skin owners, as even those who purchased the skin in 2020 were initially prevented from unlocking the style.

This isn't an isolated incident. The recent return of the Renegade Raider skin also caused friction, with veteran players threatening to abandon the game. Currently, some players are advocating for an "OG" style for original Master Chief skin purchasers, though Epic Games seems unlikely to implement this. While the Matte Black style issue has been resolved, the controversy highlights ongoing sensitivity around skin availability and perceived fairness within the Fortnite community.