Epic Games announced a change to Fortnite's in-game pricing on March 10, with the new system taking effect on March 19. The short version: some V-Bucks packs will deliver fewer coins for the same price, while the Battle Pass and a handful of progression passes will cost less in V-Bucks. Yes, this is confusing and yes, we are all mildly offended.

V-Bucks packs now give fewer coins

Epic said the adjustments reflect higher operating costs for the free-to-play game, so it reshuffled how its premium currency is sold. Here are the updated pack amounts:

  • $8.99 pack: 800 V-Bucks (was 1,000)
  • $22.99 pack: 2,400 V-Bucks (was 2,800)
  • $36.99 pack: 4,500 V-Bucks (was 5,000)
  • $89.99 pack: 12,500 V-Bucks (was 13,500)

The small denomination also changes: 50 V-Bucks will cost $0.99, up from about $0.50 previously. If you buy V-Bucks through the Epic Games Store or Epic's payment flow, you will still get 20 percent back in Epic Rewards, which can be spent in Fortnite and the Epic Games Store.

Battle Pass price drops to 800 V-Bucks

To soften the blow of pricier V-Bucks, Epic is lowering the price of the Battle Pass. It will now cost 800 V-Bucks, down from 1,000. Completing the pass will reward exactly 800 V-Bucks, which covers the cost of the next season's pass.

But before you celebrate, note the sting: Epic removed the extra V-Bucks that used to appear in the pass' Bonus Rewards pages. In previous seasons players could earn up to 1,500 V-Bucks from the pass if they pushed through bonus tiers. Under the new setup you will earn enough to buy next season's pass, and not much beyond that.

Other passes and bundles get cheaper too

Several progression passes will also see lower V-Bucks prices starting with their next releases:

  • OG Pass: 800 V-Bucks (was 1,000)
  • Music Pass: 1,200 V-Bucks (was 1,400)
  • LEGO Pass: 1,200 V-Bucks (was 1,400)

The Battle Bundle, which includes the Battle Pass plus 25 unlocked levels, will drop from 2,800 V-Bucks to 2,600 V-Bucks.

What about Fortnite Crew subscribers?

Fortnite Crew members currently get 1,000 V-Bucks each month. Under the new pricing that monthly grant will be reduced to 800 V-Bucks. Epic said subscribers will receive email notifications with timing details for their region.

One small mercy: existing V-Bucks gift cards remain redeemable for the value printed on them, so pre-bought cards are safe from this shuffle.

So yes, you might spend the same or a bit more money and end up with fewer virtual coins, but some of the things you buy with those coins cost less now. It is not a heist, exactly. It is more like a shuffle where the house keeps most of the chips and pats you on the head with the rest.