Epic Games have taken the unusual route of not launching the Fortnite Android beta on the Google Play Store.
And while Samsung customers can access the new Epic Games app through the phone’s dedicated store, other devices don’t have the same setup.
It has raised worries that malware sites will look to exploit those fans who are not clued up on what is the real place to download the game.
Wired and security software firm Lookout have shared the latest warnings on downloading the game from a malicious source.
According to the latest information, at least seven sites have already been found that are advertising Fortnite on Android but actually providing malware.
This could prove a massive problem for anyone who downloads the wrong app on their phone, as it could open the floodgates to all kinds of information being taken.
These sites have been found and flagged in just under a week of Fortnite being released in beta on Android, meaning more are likely on the way.
Security experts have warned that cybercriminals could capitalise on the absence of Fortnite Android from the Google Play Store to spread scams.
Speaking to The Guardian, Rob Shapland, principle cybersecurity consultant at Falanx Group, warned of the malware threat.
He said: “Epic Games’ decision to publish the Android version of Fortnite outside of the Play Store is a very poor choice for the security of their players.”
Shapland added: “Android devices are already far more susceptible to malware than Apple devices, with the greatest protection being to always download apps from the Play Store as these apps are screened for malware, which prevents most malicious apps from being installed.
“By encouraging users to download Fortnite outside of the Play Store, Epic Games leave their players vulnerable to malicious copycat apps being installed accidentally if they go to the wrong site.”
For those wanting to find the release version of the game, it can be found on the official Epic Games site and on the Galaxy App Store.
Fortnite players will have to click on the link on the website and download the full version of Fortnite to their device.
To get started, visit fortnite.com/android on an Android device.
Users who download apps through the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store can trust the file to be legitimate because Google is promoting it on their official store.
It has been confirmed that players browsing for the game on the Google Play Store have seen warning messages flash up that reveal it is not available.
While Fortnite is no longer a Samsung exclusive, there is a list of confirmed devices it will work on. And while it’s not huge at the moment, fans are hopeful it will expand over time.
The current list includes:
- Samsung Galaxy: S7 / S7 Edge, S8 / S8+, S9 / S9+, Note 8, Note 9, Tab S3, Tab S4
- Google: Pixel / Pixel XL, Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL
- Asus: ROG Phone, Zenfone 4 Pro, 5Z, V
- Essential: PH-1
- Huawei: Honor 10, Honor Play, Mate 10 / Pro, Mate RS, Nova 3, P20 / Pro, V10
- LG: G5, G6, G7 ThinQ, V20, V30 / V30+
- Nokia: 8
- OnePlus: 5 / 5T, 6
- Razer: Phone
- Xiaomi: Blackshark, Mi 5 / 5S / 5S Plus, 6 / 6 Plus, Mi 8 / 8 Explorer / 8SE, Mi Mix, Mi Mix 2, Mi Mix 2S, Mi Note 2
- ZTE: Axon 7 / 7s, Axon M, Nubia / Z17 / Z17s, Nubia Z11
Other phones that are not currently supported but sound like they will be next in line for the Android beta treatment includes:
- HTC: 10, U Ultra, U11 / U11+, U12+
- Lenovo: Moto Z / Z Droid, Moto Z2 Force
- Sony: Xperia: XZ/ XZs, XZ1, XZ2
