Fortnite v38.00 Ecosystem Update: What UEFN Creators Need to Know
Fortnite v38.00 marks a major step forward for Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), especially for creators building long‑running, system‑driven experiences. This release deepens the connection between Verse, UI, monetization, and scalable gameplay systems, while also improving creator workflows directly inside the editor.
With Verse Fields now available in UMG, creators can finally drive UI widgets dynamically using Verse logic. Combined with a new Tycoon Feature Example, an updated engagement payout formula, and tighter integration of the Epic Developer Assistant into the editor, v38.00 reinforces Epic’s vision of UEFN as a full‑fledged live‑service development platform.
Below is a high‑level breakdown of what’s new, why it matters, and how creators should approach these changes. For complete technical details, Epic recommends reviewing the official v38.00 documentation.
Verse Fields in UMG: Building Dynamic UI with Verse
The most impactful addition in v38.00 is the introduction of Verse Fields in UMG, unlocking true data‑driven UI workflows inside UEFN.
What Verse Fields Enable
Creators can now:
- Define Verse‑backed fields directly inside UMG User Widgets
- Dynamically update UI data, materials, animations, and widget properties
- Bind Verse fields to widget properties using View Bindings
- Reference UI fields directly from Verse via the asset digest
Supported field types include:
- logic
- int
- float
- message
- material
- texture
This allows UI elements such as progress bars, meters, inventory indicators, and animated widgets to reflect live gameplay state without brittle workarounds.
Current Limitations
In this initial release, communication is one‑way (Verse → User Widget). Widget‑driven events such as button clicks will be supported in a future update.
Creators looking to adopt this system should start by opening the Variables window in the UMG Designer and reviewing Epic’s guidance on using Verse Fields in a UMG User Widget.
New UI Materials for Rapid Prototyping
To complement Verse‑driven UI, Epic added a new set of UI materials under the Fortnite/UI/Materials folder.
These include:
- Radial meters
- Pip meters
- Linear meters
- Texture meters
- Texture effects
- Texture masks
These materials accelerate UI prototyping and pair naturally with Verse‑powered data binding.
Updated Engagement Payout Formula with User Acquisition Rewards
v38.00 officially activates the updated engagement payout formula, first announced in September.
What’s Changed
The new formula introduces User Acquisition Rewards, which:
- Reward creators for bringing new players into Fortnite
- Incentivize re‑engaging lapsed players
- Expand payout signals beyond raw engagement time
When This Takes Effect
- The updated formula applies to November 2025 earnings
- Payouts reflecting these changes begin December 30, 2025
This adjustment aligns monetization more closely with creator‑driven growth and long‑term ecosystem health.
New Tycoon Feature Example Using Scene Graph
Epic has added a new UEFN Tycoon Feature Example that demonstrates best practices for building interconnected, scalable tycoon‑style gameplay systems.
What the Example Demonstrates
- Scene Graph‑driven entity relationships
- Modular systems design
- Persistent progression patterns
- Expandable mechanics suitable for live updates
This example is designed both as a learning resource and as a foundation creators can customize for their own Tycoon experiences.
Epic Developer Assistant Now Integrated into the Editor
The Epic Developer Assistant is now available directly inside the UEFN editor via a dedicated slide‑out panel.
Key Improvements
- Ask questions or generate Verse code without leaving the editor
- Contextual help by hovering over UI elements and pressing F1
- Increased prompt size from 4,000 to 20,000 characters
This enables creators to include larger Verse code samples and receive more detailed guidance while staying focused on development.
Scene Graph and Entity System Updates
v38.00 includes several important changes to the Scene Graph and entity model.
Notable Changes
- Entities are now presented to all players by default
- New functions allow per‑player control over entity visibility
- Prefab overrides of prefabs now function correctly in cooked builds
- Improved prefab editing workflows and autosave reliability
Agent and Entity Type Changes
- Agent and Player are now subclasses of entity
- Overloaded Verse functions using both
entityandagentparameters must be updated
Creators should review and refactor affected Verse code before republishing islands.
Content Additions: Weapons, Prefabs, and Galleries
New Weapons
- Suppressed Assault Rifle (Common, Uncommon)
- Tactical Shotgun (Epic, Legendary)
- Infantry Rifle (Epic, Legendary)
- Compact SMG (Common → Mythic)
Canyon Crossing Prefabs & Galleries
- Canyon Crossing Cuddle Buns Street Prefab
- Canyon Crossing Madbuns Prefab
- Floor, Wall, Roof, Foundation, and Prop Galleries
These assets support stylized desert and canyon‑themed environments.
Device and Gameplay Improvements
Highlights from device updates include:
- Increased spawn limits for Guard, NPC, and Wildlife Spawners (up to 90)
- New Changing Booth player enter/exit events
- Expanded HUD Controller customization
- New Teleporter options for conserving prop momentum
- Additional ViewModel data for UI and quickbar systems
These changes enable larger‑scale encounters and richer UI feedback.
Stability, Tools, and Workflow Enhancements
v38.00 delivers extensive quality‑of‑life improvements across:
- FBX importing via the new Interchange Framework
- Fortnite tools (3D Select, Scatter, Find Overlap, Create Volume)
- Landscape editing and blending workflows
- Modeling tools, collision handling, and mesh stability
- Unreal Revision Control performance and reliability
Collectively, these improvements reduce iteration friction on large, collaborative projects.
Known Issues to Be Aware Of
Creators should note several known issues in v38.00:
- Verse VS Code extension connection issues (resolved in 38.10)
- UMG compilation errors involving child widgets with View Bindings
- Temporary removal of certain Creative templates due to stability issues
Epic has confirmed fixes are coming in follow‑up releases.
Final Thoughts
Fortnite v38.00 represents a maturity milestone for UEFN. Verse‑driven UI, refined monetization signals, scalable tycoon systems, and editor‑embedded AI tools all point toward a future where creators build, operate, and monetize sophisticated live experiences inside Fortnite.
Creators who invest early in Verse‑powered UI, Scene Graph‑based systems, and player acquisition strategies will be well positioned as the ecosystem continues to evolve.
For full release notes, API details, and implementation guidance, creators should review Epic’s official v38.00 documentation : 38.00 Fortnite Ecosystem Updates and Release Notes
