Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 aims to join the genre with its new battle royale mode. But how does this new competitor differ from the two giants PUBG and Fortnite?
Three battle royale games compete for the top spot: The year 2018 has so far been dominated by two major battle royale games. PUBG and Fortnite attracted millions of players to their screens and became a huge hit thanks to influencers like Dr. Disrespect and Ninja on stream.
On October 12, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 will also want a piece of the pie with its new blackout mode. But which battle royale game offers what? How do they differ and which game is best suited for which player?
Fortnite – Silly but Challenging
What is Fortnite? Fortnite: Battle Royale is a colorful battle royale game by Epic Games. It originated as an experiment in September 2017 since Fortnite was initially a pure PvE title.
Since Fortnite initially resembled PUBG, there was a now-resolved lawsuit with PUBG developer Bluehole, which fueled Fortnite’s popularity. Over the next few months, Fortnite gained immense popularity and now has millions of players.
On which platforms does Fortnite run? Fortnite has the largest coverage among all BR games. It exists on all major systems, including PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, and even the Switch. On the PS4, crossplay with all other platforms is also possible for the first time.
Highlights and Items
What makes Fortnite special? The main highlight of Fortnite is the building system. As in the PvE mode, where you build fortifications against zombies, you can smash and rebuild almost the entire game world in Battle Royale.
A crucial tactic in the game is to find shelter immediately in a small, self-built fortress while using ramps and towers to gain a strategic position. Additionally, you can install traps in the fortresses or use trampolines for quick repositioning.
Building gives Fortnite a complex tactical dimension that separates professionals from beginners. The building function is Fortnite’s biggest distinguishing feature.
How does the item system work? Fortnite has a minimal inventory of 5 slots. There are no backpacks or bags to expand your storage. So, you need to think carefully about what to bring. You can choose from various firearms in different, color-coded rarity tiers. There are no mods for the guns.
In addition to weapons, you’ll find healing items, shields, and items that instantly create a powerful fortress, grenades that make opponents dance, or an item that teleports you into the sky.
Gameplay and Maps
How do the fights play out? Fortnite plays out quickly and dynamically. There are many weapons that promote mobile gameplay. The self-built fortresses slow down the gameplay a bit, but there are enough items that allow you to either blow up or bypass fortresses.
How many maps are there? Fortnite has been using the same map for a year. However, it changes constantly, often from week to week. The most significant changes occur whenever a new season begins.
The theme of the seasons determines how the map changes. So far, there have been knights, superheroes, and Halloween horror themes, leading to comets striking, cities being destroyed and rebuilt.
Currently, in season 6, a strangely glowing island is hovering over the map.
Game Modes and Costs
Are there alternative game modes? Fortnite regularly offers new game modes that are mostly time-limited, including 50vs50, a training mode, a heist mode, or game modes where you only have sniper rifles or only explosive weapons. Once, there was even a mode that transformed you into Thanos from the film Infinity War. Or a disco mode! So, there is always variety and new modes to discover.
What does Fortnite cost? Fortnite: Battle Royale is free to play. It finances itself through microtransactions. You can purchase cosmetic items and the current battle pass in the shop for real money.
Skins do not give you gameplay advantages. The battle pass, on the other hand, is a progress system where you gradually unlock additional rewards like skins and outfits.
Who should play Fortnite?
Who is Fortnite ideal for? Those who do not want to engage in building will likely not have much fun in Fortnite. The game is therefore optimal for players who enjoyed games like Minecraft and are quickly able to build massive towers from scratch.
Additionally, there is fast gameplay and a silly, colorful graphic style. If that doesn’t bother you, feel free to dive in.
