With Victory Royale after Victory Royale, it's easy to overlook just how long *Fortnite* has been a staple in the gaming world. Initially released as a zombie survival game that evolved into a Battle Royale phenomenon, it has captured the hearts of gamers globally. Here's a comprehensive look at the history of *Fortnite* and its age.
How Long Has Fortnite Been Around?
It might come as a surprise, but by July 2025, *Fortnite* will celebrate its eighth anniversary. This milestone will undoubtedly be marked with celebrations that honor its rich history while looking forward to future developments.
The Full Fortnite Timeline
Save the World – The Birth of Fortnite
*Fortnite* initially burst onto the scene with *Save the World*, a survival mode centered around building defenses with friends to fend off zombie-like creatures known as "husks." This was the original vision for *Fortnite* before Epic Games ventured into the Battle Royale genre.
Entering the Battle Royale World
The introduction of the Battle Royale mode transformed *Fortnite* into a household name. This mode introduced a unique twist with its building mechanic, which propelled *Fortnite* to unprecedented heights within the gaming community.
The Evolution of Fortnite Battle Royale
The Beginning
The original map of *Fortnite* holds a special place in players' hearts, largely due to nostalgia and its iconic points of interest (POIs) that fans adore. The early seasons of Chapter 1 featured a straightforward yet captivating map with legendary locations like Titled Towers and Retail Row. The live events during this period, including the rocket event, Kevin the Cube, a floating ice island, volcanoes, and the epic showdown between the mecha team leader and a monster, were particularly memorable. The introduction of the overpowered BRUTE and the dramatic black hole event marked the end of an unforgettable chapter.
Taking Over the eSports World
*Fortnite* concluded its first chapter with a groundbreaking $30 million World Cup, attracting competitors from around the globe to vie for the title of the world's best player. Bugha emerged as the champion, becoming one of the first prominent figures in *Fortnite*'s eSports scene. Following this success, Epic Games established seasonal championships across various regions, providing players with opportunities to showcase their skills and pursue careers as professional eSports athletes. Today, regions such as 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.
A New Chapter
Chapter 2 brought a fresh map and new mechanics such as swimming, boats, and fishing, alongside a range of new weapons and skins, further expanding the *Fortnite* universe.
Carrying the Momentum
Chapter 3, released in 2022, introduced additional mechanics like sliding and sprinting. The Creative mode empowered players to design and share custom games and maps, with the potential to monetize their creations starting in March 2023. To address the steep learning curve associated with building, Epic Games introduced Zero Build mode, catering to players who prefer a building-free experience.
Transitioning to Unreal Engine
Chapter 4, launched in 2023, utilized Unreal Engine to enhance the game's graphics, physics, and overall performance, delivering a more immersive and vibrant gaming experience. Chapter 5, released in 2024, continued to leverage Unreal Engine, introducing new game modes such as *Rocket Racing*, *LEGO Fortnite*, and *Fortnite Festival*, along with the long-awaited first-person mode and revamped movement mechanics.
Worldwide Appeal
Ongoing updates to gameplay and storylines have solidified *Fortnite*'s position as one of the world's most-played games. Collaborations with global icons like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg, along with live events and concerts, have kept the game at the forefront of popular culture. *Fortnite* has transcended the realm of gaming to become a global phenomenon.
*Fortnite* is available on various platforms, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3, ensuring that players can enjoy the game across multiple devices.
