Fortnite Kicks Feature Faces Delay, Impacting Iconic Skins
Fortnite players were eagerly anticipating the launch of Fortnite Kicks, a revolutionary cosmetic feature that would allow them to swap out the footwear of their favorite skins. This feature, which was teased as a game-changer for character customization, was poised to drop on November 13, 2024, alongside update v32.10. The update also promised exciting collaborations with well-known brands like Nike and Jordan. However, fans’ excitement quickly turned into frustration when Epic Games announced a delay to the highly-anticipated feature.
Fortnite Kicks Feature Delayed, Causing a Stir
Epic Games’ delay of the Fortnite Kicks launch came just one day before the scheduled release, on November 12. The delay was attributed to a visual issue, frustrating players who were eager to personalize their characters further with the footwear feature. Adding to the frustration was the fact that some promotional items for the feature were already made available, leading many players to believe that the delay was sudden and unexpected.
Epic Games had promised a major shift in player customization with Fortnite Kicks. The feature would allow players to modify the footwear on their character skins, something never before seen in the game. This new level of self-expression was a key selling point for the update, which featured exciting partnerships with global brands such as Nike and Jordan, making the delay feel all the more disappointing.
The Unexpected Twist: Compatibility Issues with Popular Skins
Following the v32.00 update, a surprising twist emerged when Fortnite dataminers discovered that 35 of the game’s most popular skins had lost compatibility with the Fortnite Kicks feature. This development added another layer of confusion to the situation. Fans quickly took to social media to express their disappointment, and FNAssist, a trusted Fortnite dataminer, revealed that the removal of Kicks compatibility was a last-minute decision made by Epic Games. This change impacts some of the most beloved skins in the game, including characters like Solid Snake, Goku Black, John Cena, and Aang. The loss of Kicks support for these iconic characters sparked further frustration within the Fortnite community, with many players questioning why such a drastic move was made so close to the feature’s release. Here’s a list of the affected skins:
Solid Snake
Davy Jones
Frieza
Sakaaran Champion Hulk
Katara
Captain Barbossa
Aang
Avatar State Aang
Goku Black
Dabi
Ochaco Uraraka
Katsuki Bakugo
All Might
Puppet Master Robert
Puppet Master Lars
Puppet Master James
Puppet Master Kirk
Ciri
Turanga Leela
Wolverine Pen and Ink
Chromatica Armor Gaga
Korra
Jack Skellington
Wastelander Magneto
Philip Fry
Jack Sparrow
Shoto Todoroki
Elizabeth Swann
Bagorah Luke
Kylo Ren
Snake Eyes
Arcane Vi
Anderson .Paak
Ali-A
John Cena
Is This a Temporary Setback or a Bigger Problem?
Despite the disappointment surrounding this update, FNAssist and other dataminers have speculated that this could be a temporary setback. According to their findings, it’s likely that these skins will regain compatibility with Fortnite Kicks once the feature is fully launched. Epic Games may still be fine-tuning permissions or resolving technical adjustments before they add the feature back to the affected skins. However, some fans have pointed out the possibility of copyright issues or licensing conflicts with specific collaboration skins. Characters like Frieza wearing Jordans might not make sense from a thematic or legal perspective, leading some to wonder whether the removals are related to these complications. As one fan jokingly remarked, "Frieza with Jordans would’ve made space and time collapse anyway."
The Unpredictability of Fortnite’s Updates
Fortnite’s frequent updates are part of what keeps the game fresh and exciting, but they can also be unpredictable. The delay of Fortnite Kicks, combined with the removal of compatibility for popular skins, highlights just how volatile Fortnite’s update schedule can be. Players have already experienced sudden changes and unexpected twists in previous updates, such as the recent removal of the Reload game mode due to persistent bugs.
While Fortnite Kicks remains in limbo, players are left wondering what Epic Games has in store next. Will the feature live up to expectations when it eventually launches? Or will there be more surprises in store as the game continues to evolve?
The Future of Fortnite’s Customization Features
The delay and compatibility issues with Fortnite Kicks don’t change the fact that Fortnite’s ongoing customization features are a core part of the game’s appeal. As the game evolves, Epic Games will continue to refine and add new features that allow players to express themselves in unique ways. The Fortnite Kicks delay is just one chapter in the ever-changing story of Fortnite, but it’s a reminder of how rapidly the game can shift, leaving players both excited and frustrated in equal measure. For now, the future of Fortnite Kicks remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Fortnite will continue to be a platform for innovation and surprises, keeping its community engaged and guessing about what comes next. Whether the Kicks feature will live up to its promise when it finally arrives, or whether there will be more bumps along the way, players will no doubt be watching closely as Epic Games rolls out future updates.
Fortnite’s Future With Kicks Is Still Unpredictable
As Epic Games continues to innovate with Fortnite, players can expect more twists and turns, like the unexpected delay of Fortnite Kicks and the removal of compatibility for popular skins. The game's rapid evolution keeps it fresh and exciting, but it also brings challenges and frustrations. The future of Fortnite’s customization features remains thrilling, but players will need to wait and see how Epic resolves the current issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why was the Fortnite Kicks feature delayed?
The Fortnite Kicks feature was delayed due to a visual issue, as confirmed by Epic Games on November 12, 2024. Although players were eagerly anticipating the feature, Epic decided to postpone the launch to ensure the quality of the experience. This delay was frustrating for fans, especially since some promotional items had already been made available. Epic Games' commitment to providing a smooth and high-quality update led to this last-minute decision to ensure that the feature worked as intended when it finally launched.
Q2. Which Fortnite skins lost Kicks compatibility after the update?
After the v32.00 update, 35 popular skins lost their Kicks compatibility tags, including well-known characters such as Solid Snake, Goku Black, Aang, and John Cena. This change took fans by surprise, as these skins were highly anticipated to support the new footwear customization feature. FNAssist, a reputable Fortnite dataminer, clarified that this might be a temporary setback. The skins may regain compatibility once the Kicks feature officially releases, as Epic Games is likely still working on technical adjustments or permissions related to these specific skins.
Q3. Will the affected skins ever support Fortnite Kicks?
While it’s unclear when the affected skins will support Fortnite Kicks, FNAssist suggests that this is likely a temporary issue. The Kicks feature may still be undergoing technical adjustments or facing permission challenges, especially with collaboration skins. Fans are hopeful that Epic Games will re-enable the compatibility for these skins in the future, once the necessary fixes and approvals are made. The delay could be linked to issues related to copyright or visual alignment, with some skins, like Frieza, making unusual combinations with certain footwear.
Q4. Can I still use Fortnite Kicks with other skins?
Yes, Fortnite Kicks is still available for use with a wide range of skins not affected by the recent update. While some popular skins lost compatibility, many others can still be customized with the new footwear feature. Players can enjoy swapping out their character's shoes for a fresh look, especially with the exciting brand collaborations involving Nike and Jordan. As Epic Games continues to refine the feature, it's expected that the compatibility issues with specific skins will eventually be resolved.
Q5. What is Fortnite Kicks and how does it work?
Fortnite Kicks is a new cosmetic feature that allows players to customize their character’s footwear, marking the first time players can change shoes in Fortnite. The feature, introduced alongside brand collaborations with Nike and Jordan, allows for increased personalization. Players can mix and match different footwear options, adding a fresh level of customization to their skins. This new feature was highly anticipated for its potential to enhance self-expression in the game, giving players more control over how their character looks during battle royale gameplay.