The Galaxy Skin in Fortnite: The Ultimate Guide
The Galaxy Skin in Fortnite is arguably the most iconic, legendary, and culturally significant skin ever released in the game’s history. From its eye-catching animated design to its exclusive, hardware-gated availability, the Galaxy Outfit has earned a mythical status among Fortnite fans. Even years later, players still ask how to get it, what it cost, why it’s so rare, and if it will ever come back.
This guide explains what makes the Galaxy Skin so popular, how it was released, what it costs, and why it’s still one of the most talked-about and recognizable skins in Fortnite.
Why is Fortnite Galaxy Skin so Famous?
The Galaxy Skin is a rare cosmetic and a genuine status symbol, known throughout the Fortnite community as the pinnacle of exclusive marketing partnerships. When it launched in 2018, it immediately stood out for its cutting-edge, animated galaxy shader effect that covered the entire player model with a swirling, living starfield. This dynamic design was unlike anything in the game at the time, showcasing Epic Games’ technical artistry while pushing graphics to their limit.
What really made it special was its scarcity. Unlike typical Item Shop skins, you couldn’t just spend V-Bucks to unlock it. The Galaxy Skin was only available through a tightly controlled promotion requiring the purchase of specific high-end Samsung devices. This real-world barrier turned it into a flex—proof you had not only invested serious money in hardware but had also been “there” during Fortnite’s introduction of it.
Additionally, the outfit became instantly recognizable in lobbies. Players sporting the Galaxy Skin showed everyone else that they were committed fans, collectors, and early adopters willing to go the extra mile. Over time, this reputation only grew as new players arrived and the skin’s availability permanently closed, sealing its legacy as one of Fortnite’s ultimate collector’s items.
How was the Galaxy Skin Originally Released?
The Galaxy Skin first became available in August 2018 as part of a marketing collaboration between Epic Games and Samsung. At the time, Fortnite was dominating global gaming culture, and Samsung capitalized on this momentum by offering an exclusive, high-profile cosmetic that would drive hardware sales and showcase the capabilities of their new flagship devices.
The promotion required players to buy either the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4. Once they owned a qualifying device, players had to install Fortnite on it, log in with their Epic Games account, and complete the in-game redemption process. The promotion was available in most regions from August 2018 until early 2019, with a few regional or carrier-specific extensions that continued briefly into mid-2019.
This partnership was more than a simple cross-promotion; it was a strategic masterstroke. Samsung leveraged Fortnite’s popularity to push thousands of high-margin devices, while Epic Games benefited from showcasing Fortnite’s graphics on powerful mobile hardware.
At the time, few cosmetics in Fortnite carried this level of real-world prestige, and the Galaxy Skin stood as proof that gaming marketing had evolved into a space where cosmetics could measurably drive actual consumer electronics sales.
Also Read: Fortnite Download Size: PC, Xbox, PS, Android, Switch
How Much Did the Fortnite Galaxy Skin Cost?
Unlike most Fortnite skins that have a clear V-Buck price in the Item Shop, the Galaxy Skin’s cost was indirect but significantly higher. It was never sold for V-Bucks at all. Instead, players had to buy one of Samsung’s devices to redeem it.
In 2018, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launched at around $999, while the Galaxy Tab S4 retailed for approximately $649. This made the Galaxy Skin one of the most expensive cosmetics in gaming if you consider its real-world cost.
Players who purchased the device didn’t just get the phone or tablet, but also got access to one of Fortnite’s rarest and most spectacular outfits, along with bragging rights that remained for years later. This pricing model intentionally made the skin an exclusive luxury item, reinforcing the idea that not everyone could (or would) be able to get it.
Because Epic Games never released it in the Item Shop or in bundles, and has not offered any comparable promotion since, the Galaxy Skin has maintained its scarcity and value in the eyes of collectors. It remains one of the clearest examples of Fortnite blending in-game cosmetics with real-world commerce in a highly effective and memorable way.
Can You Still Get the Galaxy Skin in Fortnite?
A question asked constantly in the Fortnite community is: can you still get the Galaxy Skin? Unfortunately for new players, the answer is no. The original Samsung promotion ended years ago, and Epic Games has never brought back the skin through any official means.
Players who claimed the Galaxy Skin during the original promotion keep it permanently in their lockers. But for everyone else, it’s effectively gone forever. Unlike Item Shop skins that rotate back in after months or years, hardware-tied exclusives like the Galaxy Skin are treated by Epic as permanently limited-time.
Also Read: How to Refund Skins in Fortnite: Step-by-Step Guide
Will the Galaxy Skin Ever Come Back to Fortnite?
Many players hold out hope that Epic Games will eventually bring back the Galaxy Skin, especially given how often older Item Shop skins get unvaulted. But Epic’s track record suggests that the Galaxy Outfit is likely to remain permanently exclusive.
Epic has never re-released skins that were tied to specific hardware or real-world promotions, out of respect for the terms of those deals and the players who invested in them. Similar hardware exclusives like the Ikonik, Wonder, and Glow skins have also remained locked to their original methods of redemption.
This approach is important to Epic’s relationship with partners like Samsung, as well as with players who expect that their exclusive rewards will stay special. While Epic has surprised players in the past by bringing back old Item Shop skins, there is no credible evidence, leak, or announcement suggesting the Galaxy Skin will ever be reissued.
Alternative Galaxy-Themed Skins in Fortnite
Though you can’t get the original Galaxy Skin anymore, Fortnite has introduced several excellent galaxy-themed cosmetics that let players channel the same cosmic vibe in-game.
The most famous alternative is the Galaxy Scout Outfit, released in 2020. It features the same dynamic starfield effect and is considered the female counterpart to the original Galaxy Skin. Unlike its predecessor, Galaxy Scout is sold in the Item Shop for around 2,000 V-Bucks and rotates back in periodically, making it widely accessible to modern players.
Other cosmic-themed items include the Galaxy Grappler, Galaxy Crossfade, and matching accessories like the Star Scout Wrap, Celestia Glider, and Galaxy Starblades pickaxe. These items allow players to build elaborate, cohesive galaxy-themed loadouts that capture the spirit of the original skin without violating its exclusivity.
While none of them are identical to the original Galaxy Skin, they carry the same aesthetic DNA and are celebrated for keeping the cosmic theme alive in Fortnite’s rotating catalog.
Also Read: Top 10 Rarest Fortnite Gliders (And How to Get Them)
Conclusion
The Galaxy Skin stands as one of the ultimate symbols of Fortnite’s creative and cultural power. It’s a cosmetic that fused art, technology, marketing, and gaming in a way few others ever have. For those who own it, it remains an irreplaceable badge of honor. For new players, it serves as a reminder of Fortnite’s evolution and its ability to turn a simple in-game skin into a global phenomenon.
While you can’t currently get the Galaxy Skin, its spirit lives on in every galaxy-themed cosmetic Fortnite continues to produce, ensuring that its cosmic legacy will never truly fade.
“ GameBoost - ”
