Epic Games announced that Fortnite will undergo a significant restructuring process in 2026. This situation includes not only unfortunate layoffs but also the closure of three game modes: Ballistic, Festival Battle Stage, and Rocket Race. This has caused players to worry about their investments in the game and to consider how the closure of Fortnite modes will affect in-game cosmetic lockers. If you're wondering the same thing, everything you need to know is here.

List of All Fortnite Game Modes Closing in 2026

Epic Games officially announced that the following Fortnite modes will be closing in 2026:

  • Ballistic: Fortnite’s 5v5 tactical shooter mode went offline on April 16, 2026, with the 40.20 update.
  • Festival Battle Stage: The competitive PvP element of the Fortnite Festival was also removed on April 16, 2026.
  • Rocket Race: This arcade racing mode will remain active longer than the others and is planned to be removed in October 2026.

This sudden announcement has led players to ask many questions regarding Fortnite lockers and skins. Here’s what will happen to the mode-specific cosmetics you own in Fortnite after the closures.

Will My Purchased Skins and Cosmetics Disappear?

Image Source: Epic Games

No, all your Fortnite skins will remain safe, and your locker will form the foundation of your Epic account. Epic Games has confirmed that although certain game modes will be lost, the cosmetics you purchased or used in those modes will not be deleted.

All skins, back bling, and pickaxes are considered assets across the platform. Whether you purchased a skin or earned it through the Fortnite Battle Pass, that skin will remain in your global Locker for use in other modes, even after the upcoming Fortnite mode closures. You don’t need to worry about transferring your Fortnite Locker; your inventory will remain exactly as it is.

All Guitars, Keytars, Drums, and Microphones will also stay in your locker and will be fully playable in the remaining Festival modes. Additionally, you can continue to use the Jam Track Player in Fortnite Battle Royale.

What Will Happen to Rocket Race Vehicles and Vehicle Skins?

Image Source: Epic Games

Many players have made significant investments in Rocket Race vehicles and expensive vehicle packs like McLaren, so there are major concerns about vehicle skins. However, there’s no need to worry.

Epic has stated that all the vehicles you own are part of the Fortnite vehicle transfer system. After the closure of the Rocket Race mode, your Vehicle Body will remain in your Locker. Since vehicles are cross-game assets, any vehicle you own in Fortnite will also be available in Rocket League through your linked Epic Games account (and vice versa).

Are My V-Bucks Safe After the 2026 Mode Closures?

Image Source: Epic Games

Yes, the security of your V-Bucks is guaranteed. Fortnite V-Bucks are tied to the balance in your Epic Games account and are not tied to any individual game mode. The upcoming Fortnite mode closures will not affect your currency in 2026. You will keep your balance, and there is currently no universal V-Bucks refund plan because the currency is fully expendable for Battle Royale and LEGO content in the Fortnite Item Shop.

How Can I Use Rocket Race Vehicles in Fortnite Battle Royale?

Image Source: Epic Games

The end of the Rocket Race mode does not mean the end of your Vehicle Body collection in Fortnite. You can continue to use vehicles in Battle Royale and other island experiences with special vehicles. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  • Go to the Locker tab from the main Fortnite lobby.
  • Click on the Vehicle tab from the menu on the left side.
  • Here, select your preferred vehicle body and decals.
  • Save your changes.

In Battle Royale, when you enter a standard sports car in Season 7, Map 2, it will automatically transform into the special vehicle body you equipped. This vehicle compatibility ensures the functionality of your high-quality vehicle skins on the main island, even after the 2026 Fortnite mode closures.

Fortnite Refund Policy for Closed Game Modes

If you are looking for a Fortnite refund in 2026, the standard policy applies. Epic Games does not offer automatic refunds for free-to-play modes. However, if you have recently purchased certain items, you may have the chance to use your Fortnite refund tickets through the in-game Refund menu.

Is LEGO Fortnite and Battle Royale Closing?

Image Source: Epic Games

Since the Fortnite mode closures, some misinformation has been circulating online, but to be clear: Battle Royale is not closing, and the LEGO Fortnite situation remains active. These modes are currently cornerstones of the Fortnite ecosystem. The 2026 closures are particularly aimed at lower-performing tertiary modes.

This will allow Epic to focus on the core Fortnite experience, meaning that Battle Royale, LEGO Fortnite, and the Main Stage of the Fortnite Festival are safe for the future.

How to Access Closed Fortnite Modes with Creative (UEFN)?

If you are a regular player of Rocket Race or Ballistic and do not want to give up these gaming experiences, you can continue to play these experiences through Fortnite Creative modes. Although Epic will remove the UEFN Rocket Race map template, creators can continue to use their custom tracks and vehicles on independent UEFN islands after Rocket Race closes. Here are the steps you need to follow to access similar modes after the mode closures:

  • Launch Fortnite and scroll down from the main lobby to reach the Discover menu.
  • In the Discover search bar, search for modes with keywords like FPS or Race.
  • Select your preferred map.

Additionally, Epic Games will retain FPS vehicles in Fortnite UEFN, allowing players to create similar tactical shooter experiences like Ballistic even after the closures.

The removal of these three Fortnite modes is certainly a heartbreaking situation; we hope Epic uses this moment to recalibrate the future direction of the game. Do you regularly play any of the closed modes? Let us know in the comments below!

Which Fortnite modes are closing in 2026?

Epic has closed Ballistic and Festival Battle Stage, and Rocket Race is planned to close in October 2026.

Will the 2026 mode closures affect my Fortnite locker?

No, all the skins and other cosmetics you own will not be affected by the closures.

Will the 2026 Fortnite mode closures affect my V-Bucks?

No, your V-Bucks are safe and will not be affected by the mode closures.