Fortnite v37.20 Ecosystem Update: What UEFN Creators Need to Know
The Fortnite v37.20 ecosystem update represents a meaningful evolution in how creators design interaction, onboarding, and gameplay systems inside Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). While previous updates focused heavily on stability and enforcement, v37.20 shifts attention toward player input control, learning resources, and experimental systems that signal where UEFN is heading next.
This release introduces experimental Verse-based character input subscriptions, a playful new Roly Poly Spawner device, expanded debug commands, multiple learning-focused templates and tutorials, and a wide range of ecosystem, physics, and tooling fixes. For creators building systems-driven gameplay, competitive modes, or physics-heavy experiences, v37.20 offers both immediate utility and long-term opportunity.
Below is a complete breakdown of what’s new, why it matters, and how UEFN creators should adapt.
Experimental Verse Character Input Events
One of the most forward-looking additions in v37.20 is the ability to subscribe directly to player input actions through Verse.
Supported Input Actions (Experimental)
Creators can now listen for the following character inputs:
- Jump
- Crouch
- Shoot (Weapon Primary)
- Target (Weapon Secondary)
- Sprint
These inputs are currently marked as Experimental, meaning Epic plans to expand functionality and supported actions over time.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Direct access to input events through Verse opens the door to:
- Custom control schemes
- Advanced movement mechanics
- Context-sensitive abilities
- Cleaner abstraction between player intent and gameplay logic
This represents a major step toward treating UEFN experiences more like full Unreal Engine gameplay systems, while still respecting Fortnite’s control model.
Important Known Limitation
Input consumption is currently broken when using Creative Custom Inputs (Custom 1–5). The recommended workaround is to use and consume standard input equivalents. Epic has confirmed these will map properly in a future release.
Deprecation of Creative Custom Input Keybinds
To reduce confusion and improve consistency for players, Epic is deprecating Creative Custom Input keybinds from the Settings menu.
Why Creative Inputs Are Being Removed
Although Creative inputs referenced actions like Shoot or Jump, they were tied to default keybinds rather than player-customized bindings. This caused:
- Mismatched expectations for players
- Inconsistent behavior across devices
- No reliable way for creators to guarantee correct input alignment
What Changes for Creators
- Creative Custom Inputs are removed from player settings
- They remain available through the Input Trigger device
- Functionally, creators should see little difference if using standard inputs
This change improves long-term input reliability and aligns cleanly with the new Verse input subscription model.
New Learning Templates & Tutorials
Epic continues investing heavily in creator education, and v37.20 adds several notable learning resources.
My First Island: Feature Example
A new example inside My First Island showcases:
- A carnival shooting gallery
- Custom Verse logic for scoring
- Positive and negative scoring outcomes
- HUD Message device integration
This example builds on the Build Your First Island documentation series and demonstrates real-world Verse usage in a digestible format.
Coordinate Battle Tutorial
This advanced learning island explores:
- Two- and three-dimensional coordinate systems
- Competitive gameplay design using spatial reasoning
- A two-player coordinate-based battle experience
The island code will be released soon, making this a strong educational reference for creators interested in math-driven gameplay systems.
Verse Combo System Tutorial
A new beginner-friendly Verse tutorial teaches creators how to:
- Build a point combo system
- Add timers and bonus multipliers
- Implement weapon progression
- Refactor code for maintainability
These tutorials reinforce Epic’s push toward sustainable, system-based island design.
New Debug Commands
The Debug Command menu continues to expand in v37.20 with three new options:
- Pause Round Timer – Pause or resume the island round timer
- End Round – Immediately end the current round
- End Game – Immediately end the active game
These commands significantly speed up testing for round-based and multi-phase experiences.
New Gameplay Devices and Items
Roly Poly Spawner Device
The Roly Poly Spawner introduces a whimsical but mechanically flexible gameplay element:
- Spawns a rolling bug that wraps around players
- Enables bounce-heavy movement and physics interactions
- Fully customizable for creative game modes
This device is ideal for party games, obstacle courses, and experimental physics-driven experiences.
Hive Stash Chest
The Hive Stash Chest adds an organic, mysterious loot container to the Chest & Ammo gallery, reinforcing narrative-driven and biome-specific island themes.
New Prefabs & Galleries
v37.20 introduces environment assets from O.X.R. Base and The Hive, including:
- O.X.R. Destroyed Base
- O.X.R. Comms Building
- O.X.R. Base
- O.X.R. Wall, Roof, Floor & Stairs Galleries
- O.X.R. Prop Gallery
- The Hive Gallery
- The Hive Nature Gallery
These assets support sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and alien-inspired island designs.
Ecosystem, Device, and Physics Improvements
v37.20 includes a wide-ranging set of fixes across:
- Island Settings
- Weapons and consumables
- Devices (Trigger, Teleporter, Carryable Spawner, Voting, Bank Vault)
- Proximity Chat responsiveness
- Editor stability and crash prevention
Physics Experimental Highlights
- Terminal velocity increased to 500 m/s
- Improved player collision and movement
- Better prop interaction and gravity behavior
- Skydive Volume and gliding improvements
Several known physics issues remain and are slated for future updates.
Scene Graph and Revision Control Updates
Scene Graph
- Drag-and-drop support for entities in Outliner and Prefab Editor
- Experimental in-place prefab editing setting
Unreal Revision Control (URC)
- Reduced save times
- Improved status syncing
- Crash fixes and lock-state reliability improvements
These changes improve collaboration and large-project workflows.
Final Thoughts
Fortnite v37.20 signals a clear shift toward input-driven gameplay, structured learning, and experimental systems that bring UEFN closer to full-scale game development workflows. The introduction of Verse input subscriptions, paired with the deprecation of legacy Creative inputs, establishes a more reliable foundation for future mechanics.
Creators who begin experimenting now, especially with Verse-based input handling and physics systems will be well positioned as Epic continues to expand these capabilities.
