Fortnite is an absolute sensation that has taken the world by storm (pun intended). Epic Games’ free-to-play title has largely redefined the gaming landscape, and it continues to attract millions of gamers. It is synonymous with having fresh, exciting content that includes crossovers with major franchises.
But what is Fortnite exactly? And why is it so freakishly popular? That’s what we’re here to answer. This guide is your golden ticket to uncovering everything about Fortnite, including how the game is played, the different game modes, seasonal updates, and supported gameplay platforms.
What is Fortnite?
What Is Fortnite And How Is It Played?
Fortnite is an online video game developed by Epic Games. It was released in 2017 and features six game modes (as of September 2024), one of which is a free-to-play battle royale called Fortnite: Battle Royale. In the mode, 100 weaponless players drop onto an island, where they must scavenge for guns and resources while fighting to be the last person standing.
Over time, the Storm gradually shrinks the playable area, intensifying combat by forcing players to converge on one another—much like in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. Any player caught in the Storm will take damage and risk dying. What sets Fortnite apart is its unique building element.
Collecting materials to construct walls, ramps, etc., is a core aspect of Fortnite’s gameplay, and it allows players to defend themselves from enemies. Players can also dismantle in-world structures or destroy enemy buildings throughout the matches.
Why Is Fortnite So Popular?
There are many reasons why Fortnite is so popular. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that it’s free to play and widely accessible. You can play it on nearly every modern device and it has relatively low skill requirements. Plus, Fortnite is just incredibly fun to play, especially with friends!
Another reason is that Fortnite boasts a rich, vibrant color palette with high-quality graphics for greater immersion. The overall vibe is also playful and borderline cartoonish, with a rich menu of skin and outfit customization options for gamers to personalize the game to their liking! But that’s not all.
Epic Games skillfully maintains player interest with updates every two weeks, bringing new items and features and expanding the Fortnite narrative. This includes collaborating with music artists as well as TV and film franchises to bring various characters and sometimes even live concerts into the game!
What Are The Different Fortnite Game Modes?
Fortnite offers a huge selection of game modes, with more expected to be added in the future. You can find these in the Discover section under the “By Epic” submenu, with other creator-built content. Nearly every mode is free to play and caters to different playstyles and experiences.
In the next sections, we’ll go over some of the most popular game modes in Fortnite:
Fortnite: Battle Royale
Whenever someone mentions “Fortnite,” they’re most likely referring to Fortnite: Battle Royale. In this wildly popular game mode, 100 players drop onto an island. They then loot the various locales for gear and weapons, build structures, and fight to be the last ones standing—all while the Storm constricts the battlefield over time.
In addition to having Ranked and Unranked (“Classic”) play options, this mode offers players the option to play Solo or as part of a Duo, Trio, or Squad.
Fortnite: Zero Build
Zero Build is identical to Fortnite: Battle Royale, but it eliminates the ability to build defensive structures. This forces fast-paced, action-heavy gameplay and instead relies on a recharging Overshield for defense. It more closely resembles PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, which inspired Fortnite: Battle Royale.
LEGO Fortnite
LEGO Fortnite is a relatively new addition to the Fortnite experience. It is an open-world multiplayer survival game similar to Minecraft, but the main difference is that everything in the world, including the bricks, critters, and characters, is made of LEGO. There is a strong emphasis on crafting and exploration, with some PvE combat.
Fortnite: Creative
Creative is a sandbox mode that allows players to create unique maps and experiences using the Unreal Editor in Fortnite. Thanks to the advanced customization features and assets available, there is practically no limit to what players can create. This has led to countless player-built creations in Creative, including The Pit, Murder Mystery, and Bed Wars.
Fortnite Save The World
Save The World was the original concept and story mode of Fortnite. It’s a co-op PvE mode where you collect resources, craft weapons, and defend buildings against a Husk (zombie) invasion. The game mode has been described as a blend of Left 4 Dead and Minecraft, making it vastly different from the battle royale mode. It is also the only pay-to-play mode.
What Is The Latest Fortnite Season?
As of this writing, Fortnite is currently in Chapter 5, Season 2 (v29.10). The season began on March 8, 2024, and is expected to run for ~77 days before the next season kicks off on May 24, 2024. Most seasons run for two to three months, with some featuring special live events to wrap things up.
While each new season or chapter brings a flurry of new content to Fortnite, Epic Games also releases hotfixes every two weeks to keep things fresh. These updates add various new quests, weapons, vehicles, cosmetics, map reworks, and other quality-of-life or balance changes to the game.
What Are V-Bucks In Fortnite?
The V-Buck is Fortnite’s in-game currency. You can use them to buy cosmetic skins, items (e.g., pickaxes, wraps, and emotes), or the Battle Pass, released at the start of every season. These items and cosmetics don’t provide any advantages in the game.
You can earn V-Bucks for free through the Free Pass, by redeeming codes, or by completing certain Save The World quests, but the most direct way to obtain them is through real money purchases. Also, Fortnite Crew subscription members ($11.99/month) can also get 1,000 V-Bucks monthly.
Here are the latest V-Bucks prices in the U.S.:
- 1,000 V-Bucks: $8.99
- 2,800 V-Bucks: $22.99
- 5,000 V-Bucks: $36.99
- 13,500 V-Bucks: $89.99
Note: The price of V-Bucks varies by country and is based on economic factors such as inflation and currency fluctuations.
Where Can I Play Fortnite?
You can play Fortnite on nearly every platform. Here is a list of compatible platforms as of September 2024:
- Windows PC and MacOS
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, and PlayStation 5
- Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and Xbox Series X|S
- Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite
- Android and iOS *
* Fortnite has not been available on Apple iOS devices since August 2020 following a removal from the App Store for violating the store’s policies. However, it will return to Europe’s App Store in late 2024, according to an update posted by Epic Games on X.
Welcome To Fortnite
Fortnite is more than just a game; it’s a global phenomenon that brings together millions of players in its vibrant, ever-changing universe. The frequent adjustments and updates are just part of what make this one of the biggest games in the world. There’s also the various game modes, endless user-made content, the social aspect, the rush of winning a round, and many other aspects that keep people coming back.
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