It is the big time for Battle Royale games. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PC, Xbox One) started furiously, and Epic followed up with its Fortnite variant (PC; PS4, Xbox One). But which game is better? Read here the ultimate comparison of the two giants!
Battle Royale is likely one of the dominating gaming buzzwords in the past year 2017. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) made a huge impact, achieving fantastic sales figures and driving the charts of concurrent shooter fans on Steam to dizzying heights.
But shortly after the groundbreaking success of PUBG, a new competitor entered the market: Epic gave its fun zombie shooting game with tower defense elements Fortnite a dedicated Battle Royale mode. This mode is free to play and was particularly well received on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It even provoked a dispute with PUBG developer Bluehole.
However, Fortnite: Battle Royale is not a simple clone of PUBG. There are significant differences between the two games. Do you want to dive into the epic Battle Royale battle, but don’t know which game is better for you? After this article, you will be wiser. Promise!
Battle Royale – What is it anyway?
The game principle is based on the film adaptation of the novel “Battle Royale” from Japan. In this dark future vision, students must slaughter each other on an island. The last survivor wins the game and comes away with their life.
As controversial as the setting of the film seemed back then, it is fascinating for game designers. Thus, modder Brendan “PlayerUnknown” Greene took up the theme and created mods for Arma 2 and 3, later working for Sony on the Battle Royale mode of H1Z1, which later became known as H1Z1: King of the Kill.
Meanwhile, Greene is the lead developer at PUBG.
The fundamental game principle is always the same: Both in PUBG and Fortnite, you are dropped on an island with 99 other players. You own (almost) nothing. All weapons and other items must be found or looted after defeating an opponent. However, in Fortnite, you at least have a pickaxe with which you can hit opponents and gather resources.
To ensure that the individual rounds don’t drag on indefinitely, the available map area is gradually reduced. Be it in the form of an electric high voltage field or a merciless raging storm. Those who don’t get out in time will be grilled!
The game principle is thus identical in PUBG and Fortnite. However, there are significant differences in implementation and the available tools, starting with the location of the epic battles – the map!
Fortnite versus PUBG – the map
Even with the map, noticeable differences between the two rivals reveal themselves – starting with the size. While the PUBG map measures 8x8km, the battlefield in Fortnite is significantly smaller.
This leads to PUBG players having to cover much more distance to secure their safety. While various vehicles are available in PUBG, they must first be found and have limited fuel. In Fortnite, there are no motorized means of transportation. You have to run on foot or propel yourself through the air with trampolines. However, you are significantly faster on foot, and the map is more manageable. Therefore, you should not have any major problems when the area shrinks.
The structure of the locations is also different. In Fortnite, you deal with only one main island, while PUBG’s map Erangel offers, in addition to the large main island, smaller islets where good loot can be found.
If you want to land at the military base Sosnovka, you have good chances of grabbing awesome loot there. However, if the safe map section is far away, you have a problem because you will first have to get from the small island to the main island. Additionally, there are only two long bridges connecting the island to the mainland. A feast for snipers!
When comparing the maps between Fortnite and PUBG, it all comes down to your preferences. PUBG offers a high risk/reward potential with nerve-wracking house fights and deadly hide-and-seek games, while Fortnite is easier to reach the safe map section without sacrificing good loot.
However, PUBG has the great advantage that with the new desert map Miramar, there are now even two maps available – a plus point for PUBG over Fortnite.
Fortnite versus PUBG – The player base
Multiplayer games thrive on a large player base, and Fortnite and PUBG are no exception. Well-filled lobbies ensure a seamless gaming experience and short matchmaking times.
For a long time, player numbers were a neck-and-neck race, but the pendulum has now swung in favor of Fortnite. 40 million registered players speak a clear language; PUBG is not far behind. This is reflected in the times you have to wait to start a new game. Just click “Play,” and in a few moments, the fun begins!
Both games perform at a high level here, and waiting times are short. Regardless of which game you prefer, the player base is excellent for both titles.
Fortnite versus PUBG – The weapons and items
No Battle Royale without the right firearms! Both games indeed offer a different arsenal of weapons. In principle, you can choose between accessibility (Fortnite) and complexity (PUBG).
In PUBG, you have access to a wide range of realistic weapons and items. There are 23 different long guns, 38 attachments, four pistols, four types of grenades, and four melee weapons. To get the best gear, you must also take risks. Top loot is only found in supply drops, which are dropped by aircraft audible from a distance. Therefore, the locations of supply crates are always hotly contested death traps!
The weapon arsenal in PUBG expands on the new Miramar map. There are exclusive weapons like this Winchester that match the desert style of the map.
The weapons and items are categorized by rarity – common, uncommon, and rare. However, this is not as overtly represented by colors as in Fortnite. So you will need to research whether an M16 is better than a SCAR.
The available arsenal shows it: PUBG is a military simulation, modeled after ArmA. You can even adjust quirky settings like the “zeroing” on your scope. When shooting at long distances, you need to consider bullet speed and gravity. So, if you’re into a deep and complex weapon system, you will be happy with PUBG.
The weapons in Fortnite are distinctly simpler and more accessible than in the competitor. You grab a gun and start shooting joyfully! You can also immediately tell by the color if you have found a better weapon, as it indicates the rarity level – gray, green, blue, purple, and orange signify common, uncommon, rare, epic, and legendary, respectively.
There are also significantly fewer weapons and items in Fortnite that you can collect. No weapon class offers more than four different types, and you don’t have to worry about modifications or ammunition types because there is precisely one ammo type for each weapon class.
The risks you take for the best equipment are considered differently in both games. In PUBG, you have to loot the dangerously risky airdrop deliveries for top loot, while in Fortnite you can find the best gear practically anywhere.
Although Fortnite also offers supply drops with above-average loot, they are not a “must-have.” In fact, a legendary assault rifle can be found in any corner store behind the counter.
Thus, Fortnite offers significantly better accessibility. If you are new to the world of shooters or prefer action-packed arcade gameplay, then Fortnite will make your entry significantly easier.
Fortnite versus PUBG – The graphics
The graphic styles of the two games could not be more different. On one side, the military and realistically barren aesthetics of PUBG, on the other, the colorful comic look of Fortnite.
Due to the many colors, players in Fortnite are easier to spot, but which look is better depends largely on personal preferences.
Fortnite versus PUBG – The gameplay
Even though the formula for success of both games seems identical: Epic has integrated a mechanic that sets Fortnite apart significantly from PUBG – the building mode. In Fortnite, you have access to three resources that you can gather to build forts on your own.
Wood, stone, and metal can be used to build walls, ceilings, and stairs. The sturdier the material, the harder it is to bring your dwelling down.
The building mode brings an additional layer of depth to the game, allowing for many tactical tricks. Players must always weigh whether building a fortress is worthwhile, as the chance of being discovered is high.
In individual encounters, the building mode can also determine victory or defeat. A strategically placed staircase can provide the crucial height advantage to catch the opponent off guard. Moreover, you can smash and shoot all buildings – both self-built and existing ones. Cover is therefore not permanent.
This luxury is not available in PUBG. You have to make do with the map’s environment, and only a few elements are destructible. However, you have more options for movement. You can vault over low obstacles and slide across the ground when prone. This makes you nearly invisible and hard to hit from a distance.
Fortnite versus PUBG – Which is the better game?
Fundamentally, PUBG and Fortnite: Battle Royale are quite similar. In both games, you can dive into the epic battle solo, with a partner in a duo, or even as a squad of four.
In both games, you land on the island without weapons or items and have to secure your way into the ever-shrinking map sections. The last surviving player or team wins the game!
And yet there are huge differences:
- Fortnite is bright, colorful, and comic-like, while PUBG exudes sober military aesthetics
- Fortnite is fast, accessible, and thus offers an easier entry. PUBG, on the other hand, is a bit slower and more tactical. It also has the more complex gunplay.
- In Fortnite, the building mode and destructible game world add extra zest to the game. In contrast, PUBG offers vehicles, dynamic movement through vaulting, and the ability to slide through the underbrush while prone.
But what factors make a better game? Both titles have a broad player and fan base – and there’s a good reason for that: They are both excellent games. Hence, we don’t answer the question of the better game, but rather the right target audience!
“Arcade” players who prefer a simple weapon system and quick rounds will enjoy Fortnite. There is also no reason not to at least try the Battle Royale mode of Fortnite – as it is completely free to play.
Meanwhile, shooter fans who have a blast optimizing their gear, appreciate realistic gunplay, and enjoy less frantic shooting will undoubtedly have fun with PUBG.
The excellent cover image comes from YouTuber DukeSloth. You can find the corresponding video here!
Now you are asked. Which game is the better one? And why? Let us know in the comments!
