Fortnite has a new limited-time mode “Solo Showdown” where players can win V-Bucks. However, this mode has two big problems and the worst part is: it seems many simply do not enjoy it.
This is how the mode works: The new mode is called “Solo Showdown”, it started on Thursday and ends at 4:00 PM on May 21. In this mode, solo players in Fortnite: Battle Royale compete against each other. It’s all about winning. Points are awarded for placement at the end – nothing else. Whoever ranks highest after 50 matches wins up to 50,000 V-Bucks – about €500.
Why is Epic doing this? The idea here is to test how Fortnite would work as an eSports title for solo players. Normally, 4-man teams play such shooters as eSports teams. Fortnite wants to find out if it can also work as a competitive solo game. This would suit Fortnite better and the Twitch culture surrounding the game. Because there are lone wolves – no teams.
At least no reports of collapsed players
A problem preemptively addressed: A major issue that Epic anticipated and eliminated is the risk of addiction. Because only the first 50 games count. So it’s no use playing Fortnite for 24 hours straight in a few days to get ahead. Because after 50 rounds, further games do not count anymore. Epic foresaw a minefield and navigated around it. Otherwise, we would surely have seen reports like “Player plays for 4 days straight, collapses.”
But there is still a big problem: What is annoying players is that the mode is “actually” intended for solo players, yet there are teams playing together. Afterward, they share the points. On Reddit there are clips of teams, who clearly collaborate and don’t even bother to hide it.
Against a overwhelming force of coordinated opponents, you have no chance. This leads to frustration. Players demand that Epic should ban such “teams”. This is a problem that Fortnite has had for a long time. The new mode brings it fully into the spotlight.
New mode? Camp fest
Not very exciting: Another problem is that the mode does not count kills. This rewards a defensive playstyle that is solely focused on survival. Players mock: The most important items in “Solo Showdown” are the bush and the launch pad to hide and escape.
Win or look cool?: This is generally a problem of Fortnite, almost a matter of faith:
- While popular streamers are aggressive, seeking every conflict to entertain their viewers,
- those with the best stats tend to avoid conflicts, playing carefully and tactically. They often withdraw, waiting for the best opportunity.
Some find this clever, others cowardly and boring. In any case, the new mode is considered a “camp fest.” The mode is likely less enjoyable for most participants than normal gameplay – even though the thrill of the prize money is higher.
Is this now the eSports mode? No, Epic has already announced that they see this first competitive mode only as a trial run and will continue to experiment with it. Obviously, there are still some problem areas.
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