As Epic announced in a blog post, Fortnite: Battle Royale is set to change in the coming weeks: More play styles should lead to success than just building, shotguns, and rocket launchers. But how do they plan to do that? One thing is clear to our author Robert: Epic must perform a balancing act that may not please everyone.
This is what the typical endgame in Fortnite: Battle Royale currently looks like: The last players have taken refuge in self-built fortresses. A war of attrition begins, usually revolving around destroying enemy fortresses using rocket launchers.
Once the fortress is destroyed, the kangaroo act follows – a shotgun fight consisting of many jumps. After that, a new fortress is built – and the last player is safely eliminated, who is hiding in a bush.
Although victories as a bush camper are still possible, they are far less common than in the early days of the game. The endgame is dominated by
- Shotguns,
- rocket launchers, and
- the reckless building of cover and fortifications.
Initial changes did not have the desired effect: Epic has already made adjustments to the three dominating tools. That these changes have had the desired effect is highlighted in the blog post. Because it announces more profound changes in the coming weeks.
But how will Epic reshape the game to create more promising play styles in the endgame? We will look at four theories!
Theory 1: The building mode will be further restricted
Admittedly, this would be a significant change. Fortnite: Battle Royale stands out not only with its comic graphics and fun skins. The building mode is THE argument for or against Fortnite: Battle Royale.
Less resources mean less building? It’s assumed that Epic will continue to make resource gathering more challenging. Found resource bundles could yield fewer units, and harvesting resources might result in lower returns.
A mode without building? That Epic will abolish the building mode is considered unlikely. However, the developer has a powerful tool at its disposal that allows for various game modes: Limited-time modes. One feasible path could be the permanent introduction of a game mode that completely dispenses with building.
Theory 2: The weapon meta will be completely thrown out
Currently, three weapon categories dominate in Fortnite: Battle Royale:
- Assault rifles
- Shotguns
- Rocket launchers
Previous meta adjustments fizzled out: Epic has made great efforts in the past to bring fresh wind into the game through new weapon types – unsuccessfully. Many weapons are mere gimmicks that can only be effectively used in specific situations.
One must be clear: Except for an assault rifle, a shotgun, and a (rarer) rocket launcher, nothing is needed in combat. All combat situations and ranges are covered with this gear.
This phalanx could be broken with the following measure: Tailor weapons to their niche! This could achieve the use of more than just 3 weapon types, as other guns could also be used for special cases.
What speaks against it: Sounds easier than it is. In theory, the weapons are already separated by starting situation, but they only differ slightly from each other.
No one uses a submachine gun in close combat when shotguns can potentially be deadly with a single hit. No one resorts to an assault rifle with a scope when normal assault rifles can accomplish the task much more reliably.
If weapons are separated even more strictly by area of use, it would encourage the player to think carefully about which equipment to take – tailored to their individual play style.
Theory 3: Adjustments to movement speed, health, shields
Are we too fast in Fortnite: Battle Royale? An uncomfortable question, but one that is warranted. How else can one explain that the shotgun is the best weapon? After all, it requires the least distance to the opponent.
If we were slower, the shotgun would immediately lose its significance. Opponents would have more time to take aim at incoming enemies. Specifically, aggressive players would have to adjust here.
Would more health points help? However, the dominance of the shotgun would also suffer if players’ health points or shields were increased. If the base damage of weapons is not changed, this adjustment would create more room for maneuver – on both sides.
These changes would naturally also raise critical questions: Does Fortnite lose its appeal, especially when watched? Do the battles become too long and thus boring? Valid questions that Epic will surely also consider.
Theory 4: The matchmaking will be changed
Currently, all players are thrown into one pot: Whether pro or complete newbie – anyone can end up in a lobby. It goes without saying that the newbie will likely have little chance of winning the game.
Fortnite: Battle Royale has been playable for about nine months, and most players have advanced and become better. Thus, starting as a complete newbie has become increasingly difficult.
Through skill-based matchmaking, Epic could divide the player base – thus ensuring fair conditions. Beginners could practice among their peers and compete with better players upon successes.
However, skill-based matchmaking also has disadvantages: Specifically, better players will have to stretch themselves in every round to achieve an epic victory.
Changing the balance in Fortnite will be a tightrope act
Whatever Epic does, parts of the player base will not be pleased. Epic has a tightrope act ahead, one that must promote dynamic gameplay while still being easily accessible.
Players who join new and become frustrated after a few rounds have a negative impact on the overall numbers. Epic has faced a similar balancing act before: Paragon. The outcome is known. Paragon was able to gain more players in the short term, but alienated the veterans and was ultimately discontinued.
Without wanting to sound pessimistic: It won’t be easy. I am curious to see what measures Epic will surprise the players with.
What do you think of the theories? Do you have any ideas on how Epic could change Fortnite: Battle Royale?
