Fortnite Adds Darth Jar Jar: Unlock After Earning 1M XP

Fortnite's Star Wars season has just unveiled one of its most anticipated skins yet, Darth Jar Jar, creating a buzz among fans. However, this iconic skin comes with a hefty requirement: players must first grind through 1.28 million XP before they can even purchase it. Even after reaching this milestone, the skin still costs 1500 V-Bucks, roughly equivalent to $13.

While Fortnite has previously locked skins behind XP requirements, this move is notable as it's only the second time in recent years, and especially significant given the high anticipation for this skin during the shortened Star Wars season. With the season set to end on June 7, players have limited time to accumulate the necessary XP, adding pressure to those who have already completed their battle pass.

Fan reactions on platforms like Reddit have been mixed. One player expressed frustration, stating, "I was so hyped for this skin and was fine with it being behind a paywall, after all, it is just another skin. But this whole locked behind an XP wall is ridiculous. You want me to earn the right to give you money? I immediately closed the game." This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the additional effort required just to spend money on a cosmetic item.

Adding to the controversy, Darth Jar Jar is available alongside a regular Jar Jar Binks skin, which does not require an XP grind but also costs 1500 V-Bucks. For those wanting to collect all Jar Jar-related items, including accessories for both Sith and Gungan versions, the total cost could reach up to 6,500 V-Bucks. One fan lamented, "Regular Jar Jar alone is 20 dollars. If you want both, that's 52 entire ass dollars for something that ought to have just been 1 skin with 3 styles."

On the other hand, some players have defended the approach, noting that cosmetics are optional. One player shared their experience, "It wasn't that hard to earn the XP; it took me around 8/9 hours. I had no plans on Saturday. I did it in 3 sittings, but all in one day. I played Rocket Racing and Ranked and did Alignment Challenges to farm as much XP as possible. Nothing is making anyone get every item in the Shop; you can just pick and choose, and the fact he was just 1500 V-Bucks when Deathstroke was 1,800 V-Bucks, I wasn't bothered at all by the price."

As Fortnite's Star Wars season progresses, the focus shifts to Mandalorian warriors, with a new customizable Mandalorian skin expected in the game's Shop soon. The season will culminate in a live narrative event on June 7, where fans speculate they might board the Death Star looming over the game's Island.

Amidst the excitement, Epic Games continues to face challenges outside the game, notably with its ongoing legal battle with Apple, which has resulted in Fortnite being blocked from returning to the iPhone App Store in the US.

Fortnite x Star Wars Watch Party Island Screenshots

View 7 Images