Absolutely not, this isn’t part of some bizarre hallucination or an intricate cross-media promotional scheme (though it’s definitely a savvy marketing move for the American footwear giant). Epic Games dropped a cosmetic finesse known as ‘Kicks’ in Fortnite this November. This innovative feature lets players jazz up their avatars by picking their character’s shoes. So yes, Zuko sporting Nike sneakers in a battle royale showdown is now a legitimate, legal reality.
Fortnite rolled out Kicks with an initial range of shoes, spread across two release waves. The first drop boasts four diverse pairs, each at different price points. If you’re eyeing the classic white leather Nike trainers, they’ll set you back 800 V-bucks, but if you’re into the swanky galaxy-patterned high tops, those clock in at 1,000 V-bucks. Personally, I’ve got a soft spot for the endearing Chomp Stompers shark slippers, which are easier on the virtual wallet at a fun 600 V-bucks.
In-game, Kicks can be quite a splurge. With 1,000 V-bucks priced at $8.99, players have been vocal about their concerns regarding the cost. Moreover, these stylish additions are currently only available for a select number of Fortnite characters. While you can strut your stuff by decking out Satoru Gojo and John Wick, styling Avatar Aang is off the table. Despite this restriction, there are enough mix-and-match possibilities to concoct some delightfully quirky fashion statements in the game.