I would like to ask Epic Games to consider developing a new, secure account merge system for Fortnite.
I started playing Fortnite in Chapter 1, Season 7, on Nintendo Switch. My original account had Battle Pass skins, a Samsung-exclusive skin, and other cosmetics I earned over time. Around early Chapter 2, I lost access to that account and created another Epic Games account, which I continued using.
In 2024, I managed to recover my original account with the help of Epic Games Support. I was happy to get it back, but I now have my cosmetics divided between two separate accounts.
I understand that account merging was discontinued for security reasons, and I recognize that account theft, fraud, and account buying and selling are serious concerns.
However, I believe there could be a better solution: a completely redesigned account merge system with strict ownership verification and modern security measures. I am not asking Epic to simply bring back the old 2019 system. I am asking Epic to consider creating a safer alternative for legitimate players who have their inventories divided between accounts.
-
The Problem: Divided Accounts
Some players have cosmetics, purchases, and progress spread across separate accounts because of lost access, platform changes, or circumstances that occurred over the years.
Even when the original owner eventually recovers their account, their inventory may remain divided.
This can be frustrating for players who want to use their favorite cosmetics together, create combinations with items from both inventories, or simply enjoy Fortnite without constantly switching accounts.
For players in this situation, recovering an account does not necessarily solve the underlying problem.
A secure merge system could help legitimate players bring their eligible inventories together while maintaining strict protections against abuse.
-
My Proposal: A New and Secure Account Merge System
I propose that Epic consider introducing a redesigned account merge feature, initially available for a limited time or through a controlled rollout.
The system could include the following safeguards:
A. Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Both accounts would need to have 2FA enabled before a merge request could be submitted.
This would add an additional layer of protection and make it harder for someone with only a stolen password to initiate a merge.
B. Proof of Account Ownership
Players would need to demonstrate that they legitimately own both accounts.
This could involve a support-style submission process in which players explain their circumstances and provide relevant evidence, such as eligible purchase receipts, transaction IDs, or other information Epic can use to verify ownership.
Automated checks could help process straightforward cases, while suspicious or complicated cases would be reviewed by trained support staff.
C. Security and Account Activity Checks
Before approving a merge, Epic could examine relevant security signals, including:
-
Recent email address changes.
-
Recent password or display name changes.
-
Unusual login activity or significant changes in access patterns.
-
Other indicators of suspicious account activity.
These signals should be evaluated together rather than treated as automatic proof of wrongdoing. Legitimate players can change devices, travel, use different networks, or update their account information.
If something appears suspicious, the request could be delayed for further verification or rejected if ownership cannot be established. This can be checked with a bot or AI, or unless there’s a department for this area. But if it’s done with AI it could be automated, though this is up to the team.
D. A 7–14 Day Pending Period
Once a merge request passes its initial checks, it could enter a pending period of 7–14 days.
During this period:
-
Both accounts would receive email notifications, with additional in-game notifications where possible.
-
The owner could review the pending request and cancel it if they did not authorize it.
-
Changes to critical account information or suspicious activity could trigger additional checks or extend the waiting period.
This would give legitimate owners time to react if someone attempted to merge their accounts without permission.
E. Strict Eligibility Rules and Anti-Fraud Protections
Epic could establish clear eligibility requirements and prevent the system from being used to duplicate or improperly transfer items.
For example, the system could prohibit merges involving accounts identified as stolen or fraudulently acquired, and establish rules for handling previously merged accounts, purchases, currencies, platform-exclusive content, and other items that may require special treatment.
The goal would not be to let anyone combine any accounts without restrictions. It would be to create a controlled process for verified owners with legitimate reasons.
-
-
Why Could This Benefit Epic Games?
I believe this feature could offer benefits to both players and Epic Games.
A better player experience: Players with divided inventories could enjoy their eligible cosmetics together instead of managing separate accounts.
Potentially increased engagement and spending: Having more cosmetics available together could encourage players to experiment with new combinations and, for some, purchase additional cosmetics that complement their collections.
Reconnecting with former players: Some players who stopped playing regularly might have another reason to return if they could finally resolve a long-standing account issue.
A stronger relationship with the community: Exploring a carefully designed solution would demonstrate that Epic is willing to reconsider difficult problems when a safer approach may be possible.
A controlled implementation: Starting with a limited-time event or a restricted rollout would allow Epic to evaluate demand, identify potential weaknesses, and improve the process before deciding whether to make it a permanent feature.
These are potential benefits, of course, and I understand that Epic would need to evaluate the technical, financial, and security implications.
-
Addressing the Security Concerns
I understand why Epic discontinued the original account merge feature. A system that allows inventories to be combined can create serious risks if ownership cannot be verified reliably.
That is precisely why I believe a new version should be designed around security from the beginning.
Mandatory 2FA, evidence of ownership, account activity checks, human review when necessary, a pending period, and the ability to cancel suspicious requests could work together to reduce the risk of unauthorized merges.
No system can guarantee that every fraudulent attempt will be detected. However, I believe a carefully designed process deserves consideration, even if it requires strict eligibility rules or a limited rollout.
-
My Request to Epic Games
I am asking Epic Games to reconsider whether a secure, modern account merge system could be developed for Fortnite.
I am not asking for security requirements to be ignored or for support to make exceptions to the current rules. I am asking for the possibility of a new feature that addresses legitimate player needs while respecting the reasons the original system was discontinued.
For me, this is personal because I recovered an account that I thought I had lost, but I still cannot enjoy everything I earned across both accounts together. I also believe other players may be facing similar situations.
I would appreciate it if the Fortnite team could review this proposal and consider whether it could be explored further.
What additional safeguards would you suggest to make a new account merge system safer? And would you support a limited-time version if Epic could verify account ownership and establish strict security requirements?
Thank you for taking the time to read my proposal.
All of this are proposals I’ve thought about, I’m not offering it as something final because at the end of the day, the ones who know about security and development are the Epic Games team, that is, you guys. But with this, I’m laying out some foundations that I think could be useful to you!
Protecting Existing Epic Games Store Purchases
There is another important consideration: some players may have games and purchases linked to one of their Epic Games accounts, while their Fortnite cosmetics are divided between two separate accounts.
For example, one account may contain games purchased through the Epic Games Store, while the other contains Fortnite cosmetics that the player wants to reunite with their main account. Players should not have to risk losing their purchased games, purchases, or other legitimate entitlements just to resolve this issue.
Ideally, the system should merge eligible Fortnite inventories into an existing account while preserving its games, purchases, and other account-linked content. If a full account merge is technically possible, Epic should ensure that all eligible entitlements from both accounts are handled correctly and that nothing is lost.
If Epic instead considers creating a new account or using another technical approach, preserving access to existing purchases and entitlements should remain a priority. Players should be clearly informed of any limitations before approving the process.
The goal is to reunite divided Fortnite inventories without forcing players to sacrifice the content they have legitimately acquired on either account.
I don’t know if my ideas can solve all the problems, but I know that initially, they could generally reduce them, both before and after implementing the new account merger.
I got motivated to share my ideas in the forums because I think it’s a great opportunity, and even now that the Epic Games launcher is being updated… I think it’s the best time to implement that!
I created an image with a diagram so you can see how it would look. I turned to AI to do it since I’m not good at creating designs to lay everything out well. I hope my ideas can be useful to you.
I’m open to hearing your feedback, hoping that you can implement the new account merge, for me and the community that needs it!
Here’s a GitHub link that will take you to a prototype of the account merging system! I hope it’s useful to you. Here
