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 accessible to players.
The Master Chief skin's return in December 2024, during Fortnite's Winterfest event, was met with excitement. However, the subsequent announcement on December 23rd that the Matte Black style would be unavailable sparked considerable controversy. This contradicted earlier statements that the style could be unlocked at any time after purchasing the skin and playing on Xbox Series X/S. Epic Games has since corrected this, confirming the Matte Black style remains unlockable as originally promised.
This reversal follows criticism from fans who expressed concerns about potential FTC repercussions. This comes on the heels of a recent $72 million refund issued by the FTC to Fortnite players due to alleged "dark patterns" employed by Epic Games. The community's dissatisfaction stemmed from the impact on both new and existing Master Chief skin owners.
The Master Chief situation isn't the only recent skin-related controversy. The return of the Renegade Raider skin also caused a stir, with some veteran players threatening to abandon the game. Currently, some fans are petitioning for an original (OG) style for those who purchased the Master Chief skin at launch, though Epic Games seems unlikely to implement this. While the Matte Black style issue has been resolved, the ongoing debate highlights the sensitivity surrounding skin availability and player expectations within the Fortnite community.
