MeinMMO author Robert stopped playing Fortnite: Battle Royale a few months ago to focus on other games. The wait for Anthem brought him back. What is Fortnite like as a casual player after being away for a long time? A report.
I have played Fortnite: Battle Royale extensively since its launch in 2017. Initially, I played on the Playstation 4, and after the release, also on the Nintendo Switch. My gaming performance has been and still is rather average.
Here and there, I managed to achieve an epic victory, but I never could deal with builders and snipers. Like many other players, I eventually reached the point where the gaming experience became more frustrating than enjoyable.
Why are so many players frustrated with Fortnite? As a game’s lifespan increases, so does player experience. Generally, players tend to remain loyal to a game if they are successful.
Fortnite developer Epic has since implemented many measures to ensure that Fortnite: Battle Royale can remain a game for everyone, regardless of personal skill. So far, these measures have been rather moderately successful.
The increasing difficulty eventually deterred me as well. Successes became too rare, and opponents became too strong.
What drove me back to Fortnite? Mainly the wait for Anthem. In general, I hadn’t been excited about much new recently. The anticipation for BioWare’s latest creation was too great.
So why not just play a round of Fortnite: Battle Royale? The update downloaded quickly, and I found myself in the lobby in no time. What caught my attention immediately was the apparent abundance of new cosmetic items.
You can now select music and even customize weapons with special skins. However, I don’t care much about that. I start with my most recently earned skin, the Executor (yes, it’s been that long).
How does Fortnite play after a long break? To my surprise, I quickly re-internalized the controls. I do have some difficulties with building mode, but I expected that. The coordination of elements and weapons can only be relearned somewhat through practice.
I choose a relatively deserted spot near Paradise Palms as my landing place. I avoid the still existing snowy area, as I am completely unfamiliar with it.
I immediately feel the adrenaline and instantly recall why I held on to Fortnite for so long. I play defensively and carefully. Bushes are also among my preferred hiding spots. The thrill of not being discovered or taking out careless players is a big appeal of the game for me.
It is all the more remarkable that I take out the first opponent with a hunting rifle. Kill number 2 happens with a player hiding under a pine tree.
When a third player also fell due to a trap, my confidence in victory grew. Only one more player was left. But that also ended my lucky streak.
My grin froze in the face of a young god who swiftly dismantled me according to all the rules of the game. Despite this, I’m happy about a successful comeback and a good second place.
These new features caught my eye: I had so much fun that I played a few more rounds right away. I came across all sorts of new gadgets, such as
- Airplanes,
- ropes that allow for long distances,
- the Driftboard and
- new weapons
In fact, I mostly left the new items behind and focused on what I know. In the next step, I will try all the new things that Fortnite has to offer.
Is it worth returning to Fortnite: Battle Royale? In my opinion, definitely. Those who play defensively can indeed achieve success. Those who have forgotten the building mode can quickly regain their old skills.
Despite the many new features, I quickly found my bearings and had fun even without an epic victory. Anyone who turned their back on Fortnite: Battle Royale – give the game a new chance. The gaming experience is well worth it.
Why don’t I just play Apex Legends? In fact, I downloaded Apex Legends and tried the tutorial. However, the simple fact that Apex Legends is not playable solo deters me.
If a solo mode is added to the game in the near future it could also become a suitable candidate. Now, however, I must hurry, the Battle Bus is about to take off!
Have you also considered revisiting Fortnite: Battle Royale?
