Fortnite fans are once again rallying around a common request—this time, calling on Epic Games to finally introduce a universal flying glider. While a few skins like Superman and Captain Marvel feature built-in animations that let them soar heroically, these are locked to specific outfits, leaving most players grounded with generic gliders. With crossovers expanding and customization at the core of the game, players are asking: why can’t any hero fly?
What’s the Issue with Gliders Right Now?
Currently, only a handful of Fortnite skins—like Superman, Captain Marvel, and Thor—feature built-in flying gliders that give the illusion of the character gliding without a visible device. But these animations are restricted. If you don’t equip the matching skin, you can’t use the glider. For example, Superman’s flying animation won’t work on another superhero like Omni-Man or Magneto—even if it visually fits.
Even within the same character family, such as the original Chapter 2 Superman and the Chapter 6 version, gliders are locked down. Players can’t mix and match even if both are technically Superman skins.
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Thor’s Stormbreaker glider is currently the only near-universal option, but it forcibly adds a cape to every skin—even those that don’t normally wear one—leading to jarring visual inconsistencies.
What Players Are Asking For
Across Reddit threads and Fortnite forums, fans are asking Epic to:
- Add a universal flying animation as a separate glider option
- Detach glider visuals from specific outfits so animations can be reused
- Offer a purchasable or Battle Pass-unlockable glider that gives the flying effect to all skins
Many fans also want an option to toggle special effects like glow trails or motion streaks for the glider to match different themes—such as red trails for Superman, icy effects for Shimo, or no trail at all for stealth-based skins.
What Would a Universal Glider Look Like?
Based on the feedback, players envision a modular glider with selectable animations and cosmetic trails. Ideal features would include:
- Flying pose style (arms forward, cape glide, hover stance)
- Color trail customization (glow color, no trail, smoke, etc.)
- A toggle to hide visual attachments like wings or capes
This flexibility would allow players to use a flying effect with any outfit while still giving Epic the chance to monetize variations.
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Why It Matters to Players
Players don’t just want cool effects—they want creative freedom. Having a flying glider animation available universally would:
- Enhance immersion for superhero, anime, or futuristic characters
- Reduce cosmetic restrictions, especially for those who missed older Battle Passes
- Encourage more in-game roleplay and personalization
And it’s not just about gliders—Reddit is also full of players asking for universal pickaxes that let characters “throw hands” instead of swinging hammers or swords.
Not Just Gliders—Players Want to Throw Hands
Alongside the glider discussion, players are also rallying for a universal unarmed pickaxe option—essentially letting characters “punch” instead of wielding a tool.
Popular suggestions include:
- Turning off visual effects on Zeus’s pickaxe to mimic bare fists
- Using Shaq fists, which are already recolorable, for Hulk, Superman, or Colossus builds
- Hoping future collabs like Saitama (One Punch Man) introduce non-exclusive red gloves as universal fists
Epic has already built punch animations into other modes, like punching a boxing bag in Fortnite’s Among Us mini-game—so the tech clearly exists.
Player Workarounds for Now
While Fortnite doesn’t currently offer official universal options, some in-game items come close to fulfilling the fantasy:
- Zeus’s Pickaxe (with visual effects disabled) provides a clean, minimal animation that closely resembles unarmed combat.
- Stylized fist-based pickaxes, like the oversized red gloves from earlier Battle Passes, allow for color customization and work well with superhero builds.
- Parachute-style gliders, such as the one from the Lara Croft set, offer a streamlined descent animation that feels more immersive than typical winged or mechanical gliders.
These existing tools aren’t perfect substitutes, but they highlight the growing appetite for more flexible and theme-consistent cosmetics.
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Broader Cosmetic Limitations
The universal glider debate also sparked renewed interest in other restricted cosmetics:
- Built-in emotes not usable outside the original skin
- No solid color wraps available for weapons
- Older gliders and umbrellas locked to single-event access
Players are asking Epic to lean more into modularity and cross-skin compatibility to make the most of their collection.
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The Fortnite player base isn’t asking for game-breaking advantages—just more expressive, flexible cosmetics that let them feel like the heroes (or villains) they envision. A universal flying glider and fist-based pickaxe could unlock whole new layers of creativity, while also opening up new monetization opportunities for Epic.
With Chapter 6 Season 4 approaching and player interest peaking again, now may be the perfect time for Epic Games to listen.
