In a move that has thrilled *Fortnite* enthusiasts, Epic Games has reinstated the unlockable Matte Black style for The Master Chief skin following a wave of community backlash. Initially, *Fortnite* announced that this coveted style would no longer be available, a decision that sparked widespread discontent among fans. However, the gaming giant has now reversed its stance, allowing players to unlock the Matte Black style once again.
December marks a bustling period for *Fortnite* players, with the Winterfest event bringing a plethora of new NPCs, quests, and items to the game. While this year's event has been largely celebrated, the reintroduction of certain skins has not been universally welcomed. Amidst the festivities, Epic Games provided an important update regarding The Master Chief skin.
Through a recent tweet, *Fortnite* shared exciting news for fans eager to acquire The Master Chief skin. Originally introduced in 2020, the skin quickly became a fan favorite. Although it was last seen in the Item Shop in 2022, the anticipation for its return in 2024 was high. However, on December 23, Epic Games announced that the Matte Black style would be removed, a decision that contradicted their earlier promise from 2020. At that time, Epic had assured players that the style could be unlocked by anyone who purchased the skin and played on Xbox Series X/S. Fortunately, the company has now reversed this decision, reaffirming that players can unlock the Matte Black style as originally intended.
The Master Chief Skin Had a Controversial Return to Fortnite
The initial announcement regarding the Matte Black style's removal drew significant ire from the *Fortnite* community, with many expressing concerns about potential legal issues with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This concern is heightened by the recent $72 million in refunds issued by the FTC to *Fortnite* players due to Epic Games' use of "dark patterns." Fans were particularly upset because the change impacted not only current buyers but also those who had previously purchased the skin. Even owners from 2020 would have been unable to unlock the style had the decision not been reversed.
The controversy surrounding The Master Chief skin is not isolated. For example, the reintroduction of the Renegade Raider skin recently led to threats from veteran *Fortnite* players to quit the game. Additionally, some fans are now calling for an original (OG) style for those who bought The Master Chief skin at its launch. While Epic Games has addressed the issue of the Matte Black style, the addition of an OG style seems unlikely at this point.
