Fortnite is making big changes to its ban policies, and while it's giving some penalised players a second chance, it's not all good news for battle royale sinners here's whyTech16:20, 28 Feb 2025Cheaters are going to see some big changes in FortniteFortnite Chapter 6 Chapter 2 is here, with the popular Battle Royale's new 'Lawless' update bringing plenty of fun for players as they work to complete a fresh new Battle Pass.While we recently reported on a Fortnite player that was essentially 'tarred and feathered' by having to pay prize money to charity and release an awkward apology video, Epic has softened its stance on first-time cheaters in a new update.If you were expecting to get away with it, though, be sure to read the small print here's why.Lawless brings Sub Zero and another Pickle to the Fortnite Universe(Image: Epic Games)Epic Games released a new blog post this week detailing updates to its crusade against cheaters. The post confirms that Epic has filed a new lawsuit against an account thief that was selling those he acquired, while another lawsuit was announced recently.Cronus, a device used to cheat in Fortnite (and other games, including Rocket League), will no longer offer Fortnite and Rocket League gamepacks.What's perhaps most interesting, however, is the section titled 'Offering a Second Chance'."While maintaining game integrity is our top priority, we also believe in allowing second chances for players who made a bad decision and have learned from it," Epic explains."Starting in April, well be moving to a one-year matchmaking ban for first-time cheating offenses, allowing former cheaters to learn from their mistakes while still punishing and deterring cheating. A second offense will result in a lifetime ban.""This means for the duration of their first ban, players will be able to log in and text/voice chat with other players, but wont be able to matchmake into Epic- or creator-made experiences, or spectate other players."To clarify, this update means that if you've been banned for cheating in Fortnite, you're allowed to log into the game and that's about it. It's the equivalent of the teacher keeping you in at lunchtime while your friends get to play on the playground.The new one-year ban applies to all Creator modes, tooYou can chat to your friends via text and voice chat, but you won't be able to play Fortnite, or even spectate your buddies or others, for an entire year."As part of rolling out this policy, existing lifetime cheating bans that have been in effect for more than a year will be lifted," the post adds.Article continues belowEpic giveth, and Epic taketh away, it seems, but it'll be interesting to see if this causes an influx of rehabilitated players, or if they've all moved on.This kind of update is in contrast with Call of Duty. Activision's RICOCHET team has been playing 'whack-a-mole' with cheaters for years, but they keep creating new accounts and getting right back to it.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.