Following significant player backlash, Fortnite has reinstated the unlockable Matte Black style for the Master Chief skin. Epic Games reversed its earlier decision, ensuring players can once again unlock this popular cosmetic.
The Master Chief skin's return in December 2024, during the Winterfest event, was initially met with excitement. However, the subsequent announcement that the Matte Black style was no longer unlockable sparked considerable controversy within the Fortnite community. This decision was particularly frustrating given the skin's 2020 launch promise that the style would always be unlockable via Xbox Series X/S gameplay after purchase.
Epic Games' about-face, communicated via a tweet, confirms the Matte Black style's continued availability as originally intended. The reversal comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Epic Games' practices, including a recent FTC-mandated $72 million refund to players due to "dark patterns" in the game. The initial decision regarding the Matte Black style fueled concerns that similar tactics were being employed.
This isn't the only recent skin-related controversy. The return of the Renegade Raider skin also divided the player base, with some veteran players threatening to abandon the game. While the Matte Black style issue has been resolved, requests for an "OG" style for original Master Chief skin purchasers remain unlikely to be fulfilled by Epic Games. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between developer decisions and player expectations within the Fortnite community.
