Optimize Fortnite Islands for Mobile with New Tools in UEFN
Recent updates to Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) make it easier to build, test, and optimize islands for players on mobile devices.
Focusing on mobile development is a growing opportunity to reach new audiences in Fortnite, and with Fortnite now available on Google Play in the US, now is a good time to design projects with mobile gameplay in mind.
New Mobile Development Tools in UEFN
Mobile Preview (v39.00)
You can now playtest islands on PC using mobile UI and simulated touch input directly in the UEFN editor. Mobile Preview accelerates iteration and helps raise the quality of mobile experiences by letting you evaluate layout, responsiveness, and input behavior without deploying to a separate device.
Clicking and dragging the mouse to preview touch movement inputs for mobile.
Custom Input & Touch Control (v39.00)
You can now customize button layouts, scaling, and UI visuals — including distinct pressed and released states — and use the Input Trigger device to subscribe to a player’s directional inputs, such as virtual controllers.
This flexibility strengthens touch gameplay options and helps lay the groundwork for more fine-tuned UI customization across Fortnite experiences, from shooters and tycoons to role-playing and puzzle games.
Using the Input Trigger device to subscribe to directional input.
UI Enhancements (v39.10)
You now have additional tools to hide or show specific UI elements and inputs, resulting in cleaner interfaces for players on mobile devices.
For example, a new setting in the Cinematic Sequence device hides unused mobile inputs during active cinematics. This setting is off by default.
Mobile gameplay inputs (jump, crouch, fire) can also be hidden while players interact with popups.
Additionally, two new settings in the HUD Controller device let you hide or show vehicle UI. Fuel, speed, boost and Vehicle HP have also been added to the Verse API, giving you the option to build custom vehicle UI through Verse.
Check out the new Mobile Development in UEFN page to learn more:
Mobile Design in Action: SpongeBob Islands Development
This summer, Epic partnered with Paramount and ZONED to collect pitches for mobile-first, SpongeBob SquarePants games. Three teams were selected to create islands specifically optimized for mobile performance, and their feedback has helped inform ongoing improvements to UEFN’s mobile tools.
Read how each team approached mobile-first design:
- The DevHouse Agency on getting your favorite SpongeBob characters to hang out with you in SpongeBob Party (1793-1571-3656)
- Pure Moxi Games on creating fun vehicle-focused mayhem to experience with your friends in Drive Bikini Bottom (5218-8692-0070)
- Puzzler Creations will let you become a chaotic wrecking ball of destruction in SpongeBob Roguelike. Anticipated release coming in Q1 2026–stay tuned for more details
These case studies highlight practical workflows and considerations for developing mobile-friendly experiences in UEFN.
In 2026, we’ll continue rolling out new mobile features and reducing Fortnite’s Android and iOS install sizes through Thin Client – keep an eye on the public roadmap.