You customize your Fortnite character through the Locker menu before you start a match

Open Fortnite and go to the main menu. Look for the Locker button — it usually appears as a clothing icon on the left side of your screen. Once you click it, you'll see all the cosmetic items you own or have access to. From here you can change your character's skin (the full outfit), backpack, pickaxe, glider, and emotes. The changes take effect the next time you load into a match.

You don't need to own items to see what they look like. Most cosmetics in the Locker show a preview when you hover over them, so you can plan your look before spending money. If you're playing on console, use the right stick or D-pad to navigate the menu. On PC, use your mouse or keyboard arrow keys.

Key Takeaways

  • The Locker menu is where you equip skins, backpacks, pickaxes, gliders, and emotes — access it from the main menu before starting a match.
  • Most cosmetic items must be purchased with V-Bucks (Fortnite's in-game currency) or earned through the Battle Pass, though some free skins come with your account.
  • You can preview any item in the Locker before buying it to see how it looks on your character.
  • Cosmetics are purely visual and do not change how your character plays or give you any advantage in matches.

What each cosmetic slot does

Your character's appearance is made up of several separate pieces. The skin is the main outfit — it covers your character's body and is the most visible part of your look. A backpack (also called a back bling) sits on your character's back and is purely decorative. The pickaxe is the tool you use to break objects in the game, and it changes appearance based on what you equip. Your glider is the parachute you use when dropping from the battle bus at the start of a match.

Emotes are animations your character performs — dances, gestures, or other actions. You can set multiple emotes and switch between them during a match by opening the emote wheel. None of these items affect how you play or give you any competitive advantage. They're purely for how your character looks and acts.

Where to get new cosmetics

The main way to get cosmetics is the Item Shop, which you access from the main menu. The Item Shop rotates its inventory daily, showing different skins and items each day. Items cost V-Bucks, which is Fortnite's currency. You can buy V-Bucks with real money, or earn a small amount through the Battle Pass.

The Battle Pass is a seasonal progression system that costs 950 V-Bucks (roughly $10) and gives you cosmetics as you level up by playing matches. Each season lasts about 10 weeks and comes with a new Battle Pass. You don't have to buy it — you can play without one — but it's the most consistent way to earn free cosmetics if you play regularly.

Some cosmetics are limited-time offers tied to events or holidays. If you miss them when they're in the Item Shop, they may not return for months or longer. Fortnite occasionally brings back old items, but there's no may provide when or if a specific cosmetic will be available again.

How to equip cosmetics you own

Open the Locker from the main menu. Navigate to the category you want to change — skins, backpacks, pickaxes, gliders, or emotes. Highlight the item you want and press the button to equip it (this is usually Enter on PC, X on PlayStation, A on Xbox, or the confirm button on your device). The item will now be active and will appear on your character in your next match.

You can mix and match cosmetics from different sets. A skin from one collection can be paired with a backpack from another, or a pickaxe from a third. There are no restrictions on combining items, so you can create a unique look that's entirely your own.

Free cosmetics and starter skins

When you first create a Fortnite account, you get access to a few free skins to customize with. These are basic character models that come with the game. As you progress through the free tier of the Battle Pass (yes, there's a free version), you'll unlock additional cosmetics without spending money.

Fortnite also runs occasional promotions where you can claim free cosmetics if you link your account to other services — for example, linking to a PlayStation Network account or claiming items through Amazon Prime Gaming. Check the Item Shop and the main menu for notifications about free offers.

Cosmetics on different devices

Your cosmetics are tied to your Epic Games account, not to a specific device. If you play Fortnite on your phone, your PC, and your console, you'll see the same skins and items across all of them. Any cosmetics you buy or earn will be available everywhere you play.

The Locker menu works the same way on every platform, though the buttons you press to navigate will differ. On mobile, you tap items to select them. On console, you use the controller. On PC, you use your mouse or keyboard. The process is the same regardless of where you're playing.

Why cosmetics cost money

Fortnite is free to read and play. The game makes money by selling cosmetics — skins, emotes, pickaxes, and other visual items. None of these items give you an advantage in matches. A player wearing a $20 skin plays exactly the same as a player wearing a free skin. Cosmetics are purely about how your character looks.

This is how Fortnite stays free for everyone. If you never spend money, you can still play the full game and compete fairly. Spending money only changes your appearance, not your ability to win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my character's appearance during a match?

No. You can only change cosmetics from the Locker menu before you start a match. Once you're in a game, your appearance is locked until that match ends. After you finish, you can go back to the Locker and change your look for the next match.

Do skins give me any advantage in the game?

No. All skins are purely visual. A rare or expensive skin does not make you play better or give you any competitive edge. Your skill and strategy determine how well you do, not what your character looks like.

What happens to my cosmetics if I stop playing?

Your cosmetics stay in your account forever. If you take a break from Fortnite and come back months or years later, all the skins and items you bought or earned will still be there and ready to use.

Can I get V-Bucks without spending real money?

Yes, but only a small amount. The paid Battle Pass gives you 1,000 V-Bucks if you complete it, which is slightly more than the 950 V-Bucks it costs. If you buy the Battle Pass once and complete it, you can use those V-Bucks to buy the next season's Battle Pass without spending more money. The free Battle Pass does not give V-Bucks.

What's the difference between a skin and a back bling?

A skin is your character's full outfit. A back bling is a separate item that sits on your character's back — things like wings, jetpacks, or decorative objects. You equip them separately in the Locker, so you can use any back bling with any skin.