Fortnite: Epic Games Announces #FreeFortnite Cup

Epic Games announces the final all-inclusive platform tournament before Apple shuts down Fortnite forever on iOS.

In case you missed it, Epic Games and Apple Inc. have been at each other’s throats for the past couple of weeks. It all started with the Fortnite developers attempting to bypass Apple’s in-app purchase fee. Apple responded swiftly with the removal of Fortnite from the App Store. Google, too joined the cause, nixing Fortnite from the Google Play Store. Since then, Epic Games has filed several lawsuits against Apple.

Most recently, Apple stated that it planned to cut ties with any mobile game or application related to North Carolina-based video game developers. As a result, Epic filed another lawsuit alleging the irreparable damage that Apple will inflict on the Fortnite developers consider several apps use Epic Games’ Unreal Engine.

The Epic Games vs. Apple Inc. dispute grabbed headlines like no other story of recent memory. Epic launched a #FreeFortnite campaign, enlisting Fortnite fans worldwide to use the hashtag on all social media in protest against Apple. With Apple set to sever ties with Epic Games on August 28, the Fortnite developers organized a multi-platform tournament including mobile one last time before Apple drops the hammer.

#FreeFortnite Cup

All of your friends. Fabulous prizes. And one bad apple. We’re droppin the #FreeFortnite Cup on August 23.

Check out our blog for full info: https://t.co/BFpiMQoWID

— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) August 21, 2020

In a blog post earlier this evening, the Fortnite Team detailed the #FreeFortnite Cup:

“These are the final days of the entire Fortnite community’s ability to play together. Apple has blocked Fortnite from the App Store, preventing players from updating to new versions. Players on iOS devices will be left behind on Chapter 2 – Season 3 while everyone else jumps into the Chapter 2 – Season 4 launch on August 27.”

Those with Fortnite still installed on their Apple iOS devices will always be able to participate in the tournament. Once the new season releases on August 27, mobile players on Apple devices will not receive the latest update.

“Celebrate the quest for one more Victory Royale with friends across all platforms in the #FreeFortnite Cup this Sunday, August 23. Drop in for an opportunity to win more prizes than ever before including the new Tart Tycoon Outfit, gaming hardware, and exclusive apparel.”

Epic Games is venturing into uncharted territory with this tournament, offering up in-game prizes and apparel to those who place inside a specific threshold.

Tournament Dates and Format

The #FreeFortnite Cup will take place for most competitive regions on Sunday, August 23. It is a solo competition, which will take place across a four-hour time limit. During that time, participants will have 12 matches to accumulate as many points as possible.

Scoring System

Along with the announcement, The Fortnite Team released its ruleset for the #FreeFortnite Cup. The scoring system for this tournament is as follows:

• Victory Royale: 10 points
• Each Elimination: 1 point
• Each three (3) minutes spent in a match while not eliminated: 1 point

The #FreeFortnite Cup’s scoring system is much different from what most competitive Fortnite are familiar with seeing. Players will earn one point for every three minutes alive in each match. The only other placement point awarded in the #FreeFortnite Cup is ten points for a Victory Royale.

Prizes

Like the Raise The Cup tournament from earlier this week, the #FreeFortnite Cup does not feature any monetary prizes. Instead, players can earn an in-game skin, a #FreeFortnite hat and even an Xbox One X, PlayStation 4 Pro or other platforms compatible with Fortnite. Refer to the full prize breakdown per region below:

Event Prizes – Europe

• 1st – 8,000th #FreeFortnite Swag – Hat
• 10 points earned “Tart Tycoon” In-game Cosmetic Outfit
• Top 240 players with the most apples eaten across the session Gaming Hardware
• Top 240 players with the most apples eaten in a single match Gaming Hardware

Event Prizes – NA East

• 1st – 5,000th #FreeFortnite Swag – Hat
• 10 points earned “Tart Tycoon” In-game Cosmetic Outfit
• Top 150 players with the most apples eaten across the session Gaming Hardware
• Top 150 players with the most apples eaten in a single match Gaming Hardware

Event Prizes – NA West

• 1st – 2,000th #FreeFortnite Swag – Hat
• 10 points earned “Tart Tycoon” In-game Cosmetic Outfit
• Top 60 players with the most apples eaten across the session Gaming Hardware
• Top 60 players with the most apples eaten in a single match Gaming Hardware

Event Prizes – Brazil

• 1st – 2,000th #FreeFortnite Swag – Hat
• 10 points earned “Tart Tycoon” In-game Cosmetic Outfit
• Top 60 players with the most apples eaten across the session Gaming Hardware
• Top 60 players with the most apples eaten in a single match Gaming Hardware

Event Prizes – Asia

• 1st – 1,000th #FreeFortnite Swag – Hat
• 10 points earned “Tart Tycoon” In-game Cosmetic Outfit
• Top 30 players with the most apples eaten across the session Gaming Hardware
• Top 30 players with the most apples eaten in a single match Gaming Hardware

Event Prizes – Oceania

• 1st – 1,000th #FreeFortnite Swag – Hat
• 10 points earned “Tart Tycoon” In-game Cosmetic Outfit
• Top 30 players with the most apples eaten across the session Gaming Hardware
• Top 30 players with the most apples eaten in a single match Gaming Hardware

Event Prizes – Middle East

• 1st – 1,000th #FreeFortnite Swag – Hat
• 10 points earned “Tart Tycoon” In-game Cosmetic Outfit
• Top 30 players with the most apples eaten across the session Gaming Hardware
• Top 30 players with the most apples eaten in a single match Gaming Hardware

All players who earn at least ten points across all seven competitive regions will win the Apple character skin that first appeared in Epic’s 1984 parody video.

It’s undoubtedly one of the strangest times to be a Fortnite fan as Epic Games continues their ongoing legal battle with Apple Inc. For all information on the #FreeFortnite Cup, see the official ruleset on Epic’s website.

Stay tuned to ESTNN for more Fortnite news and updates!