With Victory Royale after Victory Royale, it's easy to forget just how long *Fortnite* has been around. Initially launched as a zombie survival game that later evolved into a Battle Royale phenomenon, it has become a global sensation. Here's a comprehensive look at the history of *Fortnite* and its age.
How Long Has Fortnite Been Around?
Believe it or not, by July 2025, *Fortnite* will be celebrating its eighth birthday. The game is set to mark the occasion with celebrations that will not only look to the future but also honor its rich history.
The Full Fortnite Timeline
Save the World – The Birth of Fortnite
*Fortnite* first came into the spotlight with its survival mode, *Save the World*, where players teamed up to build defenses and 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 Battle Royale mode transformed *Fortnite* into a household name. It brought a fresh twist to the genre by incorporating building mechanics, which fueled the game's explosive growth within the gaming community.
The Evolution of Fortnite Battle Royale
The Beginning
The original map from Chapter 1 remains one of the most cherished in *Fortnite* history, with much of its appeal rooted in nostalgia. Featuring iconic Points of Interest (POIs) like Titled Towers and Retail Row, the map provided a simple yet effective setting for the game's early seasons. The live events during this chapter were particularly memorable, including the rocket event, Kevin the Cube, a floating ice island, volcanoes, and the epic end-of-season showdown between a mech team leader and a monster. Gameplay challenges like the notorious BRUTE vehicle also left a lasting impact, culminating in the iconic black hole event that marked the end of Chapter 1.
Taking Over the eSports World
*Fortnite* concluded Chapter 1 with the $30 million World Cup, a global competition to determine the ultimate player. Bugha emerged as the winner, cementing his status as one of the game's first top players. Following the World Cup, Epic Games launched seasonal championships across various regions, providing opportunities for players to compete and pursue professional eSports careers. Today, major regions such as NA East, NA West, Brazil, Oceania, Europe, and Asia host multiple tournaments, including FNCS and cash cups, with the Global Championship capping off each competitive season in cities worldwide.
A New Chapter
Chapter 2 introduced a fresh map and new mechanics like swimming, boats, and fishing, along with a range of new weapons and skins, expanding the *Fortnite* universe further.
Carrying the Momentum
Chapter 3, released in 2022, brought new mechanics such as sliding and sprinting, and introduced the Creative mode, enabling players to craft and share their own custom maps and games. By March 2023, creative map creators could monetize their designs, opening a new revenue stream for players. To address the steep learning curve associated with building, Epic Games introduced Zero Build mode, allowing players to enjoy the game without the need for building.
Transitioning to Unreal Engine
Chapter 4, launched in 2023, utilized Unreal Engine to enhance the game's graphics, physics, animations, and overall performance, delivering a more detailed and vibrant gaming experience. Chapter 5, released in 2024, further showcased the capabilities of Unreal Engine with new game modes like *Rocket Racing*, *LEGO Fortnite*, and *Fortnite Festival*. Additionally, the long-awaited first-person mode was introduced, along with revamped movement and new features.
Worldwide Appeal
*Fortnite*'s continuous updates to gameplay and story, coupled with its impressive collaborations, have kept it one of the world's most-played games. Live events and concerts featuring global superstars like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg have helped maintain the game's relevance, transforming *Fortnite* from just a game into a global cultural phenomenon.
And that's the comprehensive history of *Fortnite*. The game remains available on various platforms, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3.
