Fortnite players are fuming after Epic Games put a fresh coat of paint on an old skin – and slapped on a price tag. Many believe it should have been a free update.
The original skin debuted in Chapter 2, Season 3, in August 2020. It quickly became a fan favorite. Inspired by the axolotl amphibian, it featured a vibrant design and a toggleable tail.
Players could buy it for 1,200 V-Bucks whenever it appeared in the shop. Over the years, it popped up 52 times, last seen on December 12, 2024.
Epic just released a recolored version of the skin for 800 V-Bucks. The problem is many fans argue it should have been a free style update, not a separate purchase.
Should the Wave Axo Rider skin be sold separately?
“Why am I paying again for the same skin?” one player asked.
Another pointed out Fortnite’s pattern of reselling skins instead of updating them. “This happens a lot. But people keep buying, so they keep doing it.”
The frustration isn’t just about the price – it’s about inconsistency. Some skins, like Azuki, get multiple free style variants. Meanwhile, others just get repackaged and resold. “Azuki has six styles, all free,” one player noted. “Why do some skins get constant love while others get monetized again?”
Another player vented about Fortnite’s expensive cosmetics. “A lot of the audience is kids who can’t afford to spend $30 a week on skins.”
The debate goes beyond just one skin. Many players feel Epic has shifted toward prioritizing profits over player goodwill. Some argue that monetization is necessary to keep the game running, while others believe the balance has been lost. With more recolors being sold instead of added for free, frustration continues to grow.
Epic’s monetization tactics have been under fire for years. Battle Passes, bundles, and overpriced cosmetics have drawn criticism. Players love the game, but the business model keeps testing their patience.