With Victory Royale after Victory Royale, it's easy to overlook just how long *Fortnite* has been captivating gamers worldwide. Initially launched as a zombie survival game that evolved into a Battle Royale phenomenon, *Fortnite* has become a global sensation. Let's dive into the history of *Fortnite* and explore its age.
How Long Has Fortnite Been Around?
By July 2025, *Fortnite* will celebrate its eighth birthday, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The game's eighth anniversary promises to be a celebration that looks to the future while paying homage to its rich history.
The Full Fortnite Timeline
Save the World – The Birth Of Fortnite
*Fortnite* first emerged into the spotlight with its survival mode, *Save the World*, where players teamed up to build defenses and fend off zombie-like creatures called "husks." This was the original vision for *Fortnite* before Epic Games ventured into the Battle Royale genre.
Entering the Battle Royale World
The game truly became a household name with the introduction of its Battle Royale mode. This mode brought a fresh twist to the genre with its building mechanic, which propelled *Fortnite* to astronomical heights in the gaming community.
The Evolution Of Fortnite Battle Royale
The Beginning
The original map of *Fortnite* remains one of its most cherished, fueled by nostalgia and the iconic Points of Interest (POIs) like Titled Towers and Retail Row. The early seasons of Chapter 1 featured a simple yet effective map, but it was the live events that truly captured players' imaginations. Memorable events included the rocket launch, Kevin the cube, a floating ice island, volcanoes, and the epic showdown between the mecha team leader and a monster. The infamous BRUTE mech also left a lasting impact, while the black hole event marked a thrilling end to Chapter 1.
Taking Over the eSports World
*Fortnite* concluded its first chapter with a $30 million World Cup, attracting competitors from around the globe. Bugha emerged as the champion, becoming one of the game's first top players. Following this success, Epic Games introduced seasonal championships across various regions, enabling players to compete professionally. Major regions like NA East, NA West, Brazil, Oceania, Europe, and Asia now host numerous tournaments, including FNCS and cash cups, culminating in the Global Championship held in different cities worldwide.
A New Chapter
Chapter 2 brought a fresh map and innovative mechanics like swimming, boats, and fishing, along with new weapons and skins, expanding *Fortnite*'s narrative and gameplay.
Carrying the Momentum
Chapter 3, introduced in 2022, added sliding and sprinting to the mix. The Creative mode allowed players to craft and share custom games and maps, opening up new possibilities. In March 2023, map creators could monetize their creations, providing another avenue for income. To address the steep learning curve associated with building, Epic Games introduced the Zero Build mode, catering to players who preferred a different style of play.
Transitioning To Unreal Engine
Chapter 4, released in 2023, utilized Unreal Engine to enhance *Fortnite*'s graphics and physics, resulting in smoother animations and a more vibrant gaming experience. Chapter 5, launched in 2024, continued this trend, introducing new game modes like *Rocket Racing*, *LEGO Fortnite*, and *Fortnite Festival*, alongside the long-awaited first-person mode, which transformed the game's perspective and gameplay dynamics.
Worldwide Appeal
Continuous updates to gameplay and story, along with impressive collaborations, have kept *Fortnite* at the forefront of the gaming world. Live events and virtual concerts featuring global superstars like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg have further solidified *Fortnite*'s status as more than just a game—it's a global phenomenon.
And that's a comprehensive look at *Fortnite*'s history.
*Fortnite is available to play on various platforms, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3.*
