Epic Games is offering a second chance to Fortnite cheaters

Epic Games is offering a second chance to Fortnite cheaters with a new, more lenient ban policy—provided their offenses weren't severe or illegal. Starting in April, first-time offenders will receive a one-year matchmaking ban instead of a permanent one, unless their actions were particularly egregious.

A New Approach to First-Time Offenders

Epic acknowledges that players sometimes make bad decisions but believes in the power of redemption—after an appropriate punishment.

“While maintaining game integrity is our top priority, we also believe in allowing second chances for players who made a bad decision and have learned from it,” Epic stated in a Fortnite anti-cheat update.

Under the revised policy:

• First-time cheating offenses will result in a one-year matchmaking ban rather than a lifetime ban.
• A second offense will result in a permanent ban from Fortnite.
• Existing lifetime bans for cheating that have been in effect for over a year will be lifted.

Players under a matchmaking ban will still be able to log in, chat via voice or text, and interact socially, but they will not be able to enter matches or spectate other players.

How the New Ban Policy Works

Epic’s new system differentiates between different levels of cheating and rule-breaking:

1. Using cheats in general gameplayFirst offense: One-year matchmaking ban.
2. Second offense: Permanent ban.
3. Using cheats in tournamentsOne-year matchmaking ban.
4. Immediate lifetime tournament ban.
5. Potential loss of past tournament winnings.
6. Second offense: Permanent ban.
7. Selling cheats or engaging in other serious violationsLifetime ban remains in effect—no second chances.

Legal Consequences for Serious Violations

Epic also warns that some offenses could result in legal action, particularly in cases involving account theft and resale.

One such case involves Isaac Strock, whom Epic has sued for allegedly stealing and selling Fortnite accounts. The lawsuit accuses Strock of:

• Using compromised email-password combinations to hijack accounts.
• Tricking Epic’s support team into granting him access to stolen accounts.
• Selling stolen accounts through his now-defunct website, with at least 482 reported sales.

Epic isn’t just targeting account thieves—it recently settled a case involving a player who shared his account to qualify for the 2024 Fortnite Championship Series grand finals. The player was forced to return unfairly won prize money, issue a public apology, and vow never to repeat the offense.

While Epic is willing to offer redemption for certain offenders, it remains firm against those who engage in more serious infractions.