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's unlockability, making it once again attainable for players.
The Master Chief skin's return in December 2024, during Fortnite's Winterfest event, was met with both excitement and controversy. While the event itself was generally well-received, the announcement on December 23rd that the Matte Black style would be permanently unavailable sparked widespread outrage. This was particularly contentious given prior assurances that the style could be unlocked at any time after purchasing the skin and playing on Xbox Series X/S. Epic Games subsequently corrected this, confirming that the Matte Black style remains unlockable as originally promised.
This reversal follows recent controversies surrounding Fortnite's handling of skins. The decision to remove the Matte Black style's unlockability drew comparisons to Epic Games' past use of "dark patterns," leading to concerns about potential FTC scrutiny. The FTC recently issued $72 million in refunds to Fortnite players due to these practices. Furthermore, the reintroduction of the Renegade Raider skin caused a rift within the community, with some veteran players threatening to leave the game. Current calls for an "OG" style for original Master Chief purchasers are unlikely to be met by Epic Games. While the Matte Black style issue has been resolved, the incident highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding skin availability and player expectations.
