Epic Games wants up to $150 for paid Early Access to free-to-play Fortnite

Update: We received confirmation that the game will be free-to-play in 2018.

Epic Games today announced that Fortnite, its often delayed third-person action-building game, will be available in paid Early Access for Xbox One and PC starting on July 25. Fans can preorder or preregister now on the official website. For those who don’t remember Fortnite, it was supposed to be a free-to-game. However, it seems that Epic Games is charging people for “paid Early Access” and when it launches the title will be available for free? This is definitely bizarre.

In Fortnite, players team up to build massive forts and battle against hordes of monsters, all while crafting and looting within giant worlds where no two games are ever the same. Epic Games debuted a new gameplay trailer today highlighting Fortnite’s unique mix of exploration, building, defense, and combat.

“Bringing Fortnite to life has been a true labor of love by a talented and dedicated team over many years,” says Darren Sugg, Creative Directorof the game. “We’re excited to share the experience and start playing along with more gamers in Early Access this summer.”

Fortnite Founder’s Packs give players entry to the Early Access Season, access to exclusive in-game events in 2017, and offers a huge value on stuff like Heroes, loot, weapons, and in-game boosts. Players who preorder a Founder’s Pack will get a 4-day head start beginning on July 21, along with the exclusive Storm Master Weapon Pack. Additionally, Epic Games has partnered with Gearbox Publishing to distribute a boxed retail version of the game for Xbox One. The Founder’s Packs go up to $150 so be prepared for your wallet to bleed. Frankly speaking, asking $150 for “paid Early Access” to a potentially free-to-play game is ridiculous.