With Victory Royale after Victory Royale, it's easy to overlook just how long *Fortnite* has been captivating gamers worldwide. Originally launched as a zombie survival game that evolved into a Battle Royale phenomenon, *Fortnite* has become a global sensation. Let's delve into the history of *Fortnite* and explore its age.
How Long Has Fortnite Been Around?
It may be hard to believe, but by July 2025, *Fortnite* will be celebrating its eighth birthday. The game is set to mark this milestone with celebrations that will honor its rich history while looking forward to the future.
Related: All Fortnite Season Start and End Dates
The Full Fortnite Timeline
Save the World – The Birth Of Fortnite
*Fortnite* first came into the spotlight with its survival mode, *Save the World*. This mode focused on building defenses with friends to fend off zombie-like creatures known as "husks." Initially, *Save the World* was the core of *Fortnite*, but Epic Games soon ventured into the Battle Royale genre, which would redefine the game's trajectory.
Entering the Battle Royale World
The introduction of the Battle Royale mode catapulted *Fortnite* into a household name. This mode brought a fresh twist to the genre with its building mechanic, which fueled *Fortnite*'s explosive growth in the gaming community.
The Evolution Of Fortnite Battle Royale
The Beginning
The original map of *Fortnite* remains one of the most cherished in its history, largely due to nostalgia and the beloved 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 captivated players. Memorable moments included the rocket event, Kevin the cube, a floating ice island, volcanoes, and the epic showdown between the mecha team leader and a monster at the end of the season. The notorious BRUTE mech also left a lasting impact, while the black hole event marked the dramatic conclusion of Chapter 1.
Taking Over the eSports World
*Fortnite* concluded Chapter 1 with a bang by hosting a $30 million World Cup, drawing competitors from around the globe to determine the ultimate champion. Bugha emerged as the victor, cementing his status as one of *Fortnite*'s top players. Following this success, Epic Games launched seasonal championships across various regions, providing aspiring eSports athletes with opportunities to shine. Today, major regions like NA East, NA West, Brazil, Oceania, Europe, and Asia host numerous 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 innovative mechanics such as swimming, boats, and fishing, along with new weapons and skins, expanding the *Fortnite* universe.
Carrying the Momentum
Chapter 3, released in 2022, introduced new mechanics like sliding and sprinting, and the Creative mode allowed players to craft and share custom maps. In March 2023, creators could monetize their maps, opening new revenue streams. To address the steep learning curve associated with building, Epic Games introduced Zero Build mode, catering to players who preferred a building-free experience.
Transitioning To Unreal Engine
Chapter 4, launched in 2023, utilized Unreal Engine, enhancing the game's graphics, physics, and overall performance for a more immersive 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*. The long-awaited first-person mode was also introduced, revolutionizing gameplay, alongside revamped movement and new features.
Worldwide Appeal
Ongoing updates to gameplay and story have kept *Fortnite* at the forefront of the gaming world. The game's collaborations with global icons like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg have kept it fresh and relevant. *Fortnite* has transcended the realm of gaming to become a cultural phenomenon.
And that's the comprehensive history of *Fortnite*.
*Fortnite is available to play on various platforms, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3.*
