With Victory Royale after Victory Royale, it's easy to forget just how long *Fortnite* has been a staple in the gaming world. Initially launched as a zombie survival game, it evolved into a Battle Royale phenomenon, capturing hearts and screens worldwide. This article delves into the rich history of *Fortnite* and celebrates its upcoming eighth birthday in July 2025.
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It's astonishing to realize that by July 2025, Fortnite will be celebrating its eighth anniversary. This milestone will undoubtedly be marked with festivities that look forward to the future while paying homage to the game's storied past.
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Fortnite burst onto the scene with its Save the World mode, a cooperative survival experience where players built defenses against zombie-like creatures known as "husks." This original concept set the stage for Fortnite's journey, before the pivot to the now-iconic Battle Royale mode.
The introduction of Battle Royale mode catapulted Fortnite into a global sensation. With the unique addition of building mechanics, Fortnite distinguished itself in the crowded Battle Royale genre, fueling its meteoric rise in popularity.
Fortnite has continually evolved since its release, introducing new weapons, mechanics, and features to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
The original map from Chapter 1 holds a special place in players' hearts, largely due to nostalgia and the beloved Points of Interest (POIs) like Titled Towers and Retail Row. The early seasons of Chapter 1 were marked by memorable live events, such as the rocket launch, Kevin the Cube, a floating ice island, volcanoes, and the epic showdown between a mecha team leader and a monster. The infamous BRUTE vehicle also left a lasting impact, while the black hole event concluded Chapter 1 in spectacular fashion.
Fortnite concluded Chapter 1 with a bang, hosting a $30 million World Cup, where players from around the globe competed for the title of the world's best. Bugha emerged as the champion, cementing his status as a top player. Following this success, Epic Games introduced seasonal championships across various regions, offering aspiring eSports athletes a platform to shine. Today, major regions like NA East, NA West, Brazil, Oceania, Europe, and Asia host multiple tournaments, including FNCS and cash cups, culminating in the prestigious Global Championship held in different cities worldwide.
Chapter 2 brought a fresh map and innovative mechanics such as swimming, boats, and fishing. Alongside new weapons and skins, Epic Games expanded the Fortnite universe, keeping players engaged with evolving storylines.
Chapter 3, launched in 2022, introduced sliding and sprinting, while the Creative mode empowered players to design and share their own custom maps. In March 2023, creators could monetize their maps, adding a new revenue stream. To address the steep learning curve of building, Epic Games introduced the Zero Build mode, welcoming new players into the fold.
With the release of Chapter 4 in 2023, Fortnite adopted Unreal Engine, enhancing the game's graphics, physics, and overall performance for a more immersive experience. Chapter 5, released in 2024, further leveraged Unreal Engine to introduce new game modes like Rocket Racing, LEGO Fortnite, and Fortnite Festival, along with the long-awaited first-person mode and revamped movement mechanics.
Fortnite's continuous updates and compelling storylines have kept it at the forefront of the gaming world. The game's collaborations with global icons like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg, along with live events and concerts, have transformed Fortnite into a cultural phenomenon.
And that's the remarkable journey of Fortnite so far.
Fortnite is available to play on various platforms, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3.