((Short description|2017 video game))
((pp|small=yes))
((Use American English|date=February 2019))
((Use mdy dates|date=August 2022))
((Infobox video game
| title = Fortnite Battle Royale
| image = Fortnite BR 2022 Logo with black text.svg
| alt = 
| caption = 
| developer = [[Epic Games]]
| publisher = Epic Games((efn|Retail versions published by [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]].))
| director = Donald Mustard<ref>((cite web | last1 = Watts | first1 = Steve | title = The Game Awards 2018: All The Games And News To Expect | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2018-all-the-games-and-news-to-exp/1100-6463684/ | website = GameSpot | access-date = December 6, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206222338/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2018-all-the-games-and-news-to-exp/1100-6463684/ | archive-date = December 6, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>
| composer = [[Rom Di Prisco]]<br>[[Pinar Toprak]]
| series = ''[[Fortnite]]''
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 5]]((efn|Used Unreal Engine 4 before the release of Chapter 3 on December 5, 2021.))
| platforms = ((ubl|[[macOS]]((efn|name="apple lawsuit"))|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[iOS]]((efn|name="apple lawsuit"|The iOS and Android clients were removed by Apple and Google respectively on August 13, 2020, as Epic had changed how one could buy V-bucks with the client, leading Epic to file a lawsuit against Apple. The macOS version will be unable to be updated. See ''[[Epic Games v. Apple]]''. The game remained playable if one had already downloaded it. On Android, while it is no longer available on Google Play, it remains available via the [[Samsung Galaxy Store]] on Samsung Galaxy devices as well as directly from the Epic Games App on all other Android devices.))|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]((efn|name="apple lawsuit"))|[[Xbox Series X/S]]|[[PlayStation 5]]))
| released = ((Collapsible list|title=((Nobold|September 26, 2017))|'''macOS''', '''PlayStation 4''', '''Windows''', '''Xbox One'''|September 26, 2017|'''iOS'''|April 2, 2018|'''Nintendo Switch'''|June 12, 2018|'''Android'''|August 9, 2018| '''Xbox Series X/S'''|November 10, 2020 |'''PlayStation 5'''|November 12, 2020))
| genre = [[Third-person shooter]], [[Battle royale game|battle royale]]
| modes = [[Multiplayer]]
))

'''''Fortnite Battle Royale''''' is a [[free-to-play]] [[Battle royale game|battle royale video game]] developed and published by [[Epic Games]]. It is a companion game to ''[[Fortnite: Save the World]]'', a cooperative [[survival game]] with construction elements. It was initially released in [[early access]] on September 26, 2017, for [[macOS]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox One]], followed by ports for [[iOS]],((efn|name="apple lawsuit")) [[Nintendo Switch]], and [[Android (operating system)|Android]].((efn|name="apple lawsuit")) Epic dropped the early access label for the game on June 29, 2020. Versions for the [[Xbox Series X/S]] and [[PlayStation 5]] were released as launch titles in late 2020.

The concept of the game is similar to previous games of the genre: 100 players skydive onto an island and scavenge for gear to defend themselves from other players. Players can fight alone, or with up to four other players. As the match progresses, the playable area within the island gradually constricts, giving the players less and less room to work with; outside this safe zone is "the Storm", which inflicts damage on those caught inside it, with the amount of damage growing as the Storm itself does. The last player or team alive wins the match. The main distinction from others in the genre is the game's construction elements, letting players build walls, obstacles, and other structures from collected resources to take cover from incoming fire or give one a strategic view advantage. ''Battle Royale'' uses a seasonal approach with [[battle pass]]es to introduce new character customization content in the game, as well as limited-time events, some of which correspond with changes to the game map. Since its initial release, several other game modes have been introduced, including "Battle Lab" and "Party Royale".

The idea for ''Battle Royale'' arose following the release of ''[[PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds]]'' in 2017, a similar battle royale game that was highly successful but noted for its technical flaws. Originally released as part of the early access version of ''Save the World'', Epic later transitioned the game to a [[free-to-play]] model funded by [[microtransaction]]s. Following its rise in popularity, Epic split the development team, with one focusing on ''Battle Royale'' and the other on ''Save the World''.

''Battle Royale'' received positive reviews from critics, who praised its learning curve, gameplay, art style, multiplayer and progression system, while receiving criticism regarding parental and security concerns. The game quickly rose in popularity following its release, eventually surpassing ''Battlegrounds'' in overall player count and revenue. Player count had exceeded 350 million by May 2020. The game has gone on to become a cultural phenomenon, with promotion through social media and several celebrities, such as [[Ninja (streamer)|Ninja]], [[Marshmello]], and [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], contributing to the game's popularity, achieving record-high viewership on streaming platforms in the process.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Building in Fortnite.png|left|thumb|The player can build structures as defense, buildings, or to gain the high ground over enemies.]]
The main gameplay for ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' follows the standard format for the [[Battle royale game|battle royale genre]]. The game normally is played either with each player on their own, or in a squad of two, three or four players, with up to 100 players participating each round. The round starts with players, weaponless, skydiving from a flying "Battle Bus", then landing onto the game's map, simply known as The Island. The Island's fixed layout includes several landmarks and locations (mostly named in an [[Alliteration|alliterative fashion]], such as "Lazy Lake", "Pleasant Park", and "Retail Row") that are mostly [[ghost town]]s during matches, while a random distribution of weapons, shields, and other combat support features can be found either as "floor loot" or by searching chests scattered in buildings and other sites. In addition, hostile NPCs were introduced in February 2020, which can be fought for additional and (typically) improved items, as well as friendly NPCs in December 2020, which can sell items such as weapons or consumables, or provide services such as acting as bot teammates or healing players.

The primary goal is to be the last player or team alive by eliminating or avoiding other players. When playing in solo modes, players are immediately eliminated when they exhaust their health. In squad modes, downed players can crawl around while losing health; they can be eliminated immediately by an opponent or revived by a squadmate to help them up. Initially, when the game launched, eliminated players were out of the match, but starting with an update in April 2019, players can attempt to respawn an eliminated teammate at various "Reboot Vans" scattered around the map, which are few and far between and in the open, making it a risk to respawn a squadmate.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/4/5/18297126/fortnite-squad-respawn-reboot-van | title = Fortnite introducing Apex Legends-style respawns in next patch | first = Austin | last = Goslin | date = April 5, 2019 | access-date = April 5, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190405214147/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/4/5/18297126/fortnite-squad-respawn-reboot-van | archive-date = April 5, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Over time, the game's safe zone (representing the [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] of a storm), decreases in size, and players caught outside the zone will take damage by a specific amount per second, with the amount of damage per second increasing as the match progresses. This directs the surviving players into tighter spaces, forcing player encounters. Supply drops will spawn in random locations during a match, providing random, higher-quality weapons and items. Like in the original ''[[Fortnite: Save the World|Fortnite]]'' game, ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' is primarily played in a [[Third-person (video games)|third-person perspective]].

''Fortnite Battle Royale''(('))s primary distinction from other battle royale games is the building system, which originated from the original ''Fortnite: Save The World'' survival game. Nearly all objects in the environment can be [[Destructible environment|destroyed]] and harvested for materials (wood, stone, and metal), which can then be used to build fortifications of limited durabilities, such as walls, ramps, floors, and roofs, which can be used to help traverse the map, protect the player from gunfire, or slow down progression of other players. Weaker pieces can be destroyed in a few hits, but can be built quickly, while stronger pieces can withstand more damage, but take longer to build. In addition, these pieces can be "edited" by players in order to alter their shapes in several (albeit limited) ways. A special Zero Build game mode was introduced in March 2022 which eliminated all building aspects in the Battle Royale mode, and became a permanent secondary mode in the game by April 2022.<ref name=":0">((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/fortnite-building-battle-royale-mode-165925141.html?src=rss | title = Epic brings building back to Fortnite's casual queue | first = Igor | last = Bonifacic | date = April 2, 2022 | access-date = April 2, 2022 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = April 3, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220403070118/https://www.engadget.com/fortnite-building-battle-royale-mode-165925141.html?src=rss | url-status = live ))</ref>

[[File:Battling in fortnite.jpg|right|thumb|The game also revolves around players eliminating their opponents to be the last one standing.]]
The game is [[free-to-play]], supported by [[microtransactions]] that allow players to buy "V-Bucks," the game's internal currency. V-Bucks are also shared with the ''Fortnite: Save the World'' game, which offers players the opportunity to earn V-Bucks by completing missions or daily quests in said game.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fortnite-battle-royale-save-the-world-v-bucks-grinding | title = Fortnite's V-Bucks Currency is Another Battleground for a Community at Odds | first = Matt | last = Kim | date = March 1, 2018 | access-date = March 22, 2018 | website = [[USGamer]] | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031201/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fortnite-battle-royale-save-the-world-v-bucks-grinding | archive-date = March 23, 2018 ))</ref> V-Bucks can then be used to buy cosmetic improvements to the player (outfits, pickaxes, gliders, backblings, and [[emote]]s). The game is run in chapters with a number of seasons, each season lasting about 2-3 months. Each season introduces an exclusive set of cosmetic items that can be obtained. These are offered through a [[battle pass|"Battle Pass"]], which features a number of tiers that players climb through by earning experience through playing the game or completing in-game objectives, called "Quests", while acquiring cosmetic rewards or other items in the process. Each player has access to a handful of free rewards in the Pass, while players can also purchase the full Battle Pass with V-Bucks,<ref name="nymag"/> which offers full access to all rewards, and grants prizes for every tier the player advances. Players can use V-Bucks to purchase tiers as well once they have bought the Battle Pass.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/16/17129578/fortnite-v-bucks-premium-battle-pass-tier-ranking-spend-money | title = Should you spend money on Fortnite? | first = Russ | last = Frushtick | date = March 16, 2018 | access-date = March 20, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180320163503/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/16/17129578/fortnite-v-bucks-premium-battle-pass-tier-ranking-spend-money | archive-date = March 20, 2018))</ref> Starting in December 2020, Epic added the "Fortnite Crew" monthly subscription plan; those on the plan gain access to the latest Battle Pass, a monthly allocation of V-Bucks, and access to exclusive cosmetics only available to subscribers.<ref name="verge fortnite crew">((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/24/21612524/fortnite-crew-subscription-chapter-2-season-5-price-release-date | title = Fortnite is getting a monthly $12 subscription for exclusive in-game items | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = November 24, 2020 | access-date = November 24, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = November 24, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201124150052/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/24/21612524/fortnite-crew-subscription-chapter-2-season-5-price-release-date | url-status = live ))</ref> Later benefits were also added to this subscription, such as access to ''[[Rocket League]]''(('))s "Rocket Pass Premium".

Since release, Epic Games has added many more features, such as new weapons, items and vehicles. Epic is also able to deploy [[hotfix]]es to the game to adjust aspects like weapon attributes and distribution, pushing these out in minutes if necessary should they or players discover critical issues or [[Glitch#Video game glitches|glitches]], as well as removing older or not well received items from the game in a process called "vaulting".<ref name="ign devvideo"/><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/21/17489040/fortnite-shopping-cart-glitch-under-map-epic | title = Here's why Fortnite shopping carts are giving Epic Games such a big headache | first = Patrica | last = Hernandez | date = June 21, 2018 | access-date = July 6, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180701155511/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/21/17489040/fortnite-shopping-cart-glitch-under-map-epic | archive-date = July 1, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> With the release of the standalone ''[[Fortnite Creative]]'' gameplay mode in December 2018, an area of the ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' map called "The Block" was added, and featured a rotating selection of user-made creations developed in ''Creative'' mode and approved by Epic - this area did not return with the launch of Chapter 2 however.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/6/18129738/fortnite-the-block-trailer-creative-mode-season-7-map-epic-games-tga-2018 | title = Epic Games announced The Block, a new Fortnite in-game community spotlight | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = December 6, 2018 | access-date = December 6, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181207072411/https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/6/18129738/fortnite-the-block-trailer-creative-mode-season-7-map-epic-games-tga-2018 | archive-date = December 7, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> A "Battle Lab" mode was added in December 2019 for players to create their own custom battle royale games<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2019/12/18/fortnite-v11-31-battle-lab-create-game-modes/ | title = Fortnite's Battle Lab lets you create your own game modes | first = Sharif | last = Saed | date = December 18, 2019 | access-date = May 3, 2020 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-date = April 8, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200408041239/https://www.vg247.com/2019/12/18/fortnite-v11-31-battle-lab-create-game-modes/ | url-status = live ))</ref> - this was later removed with the release of Chapter 4 Season 1 due to players now being able to do the same in Creative. In April 2020, a new "Party Royale" mode was added, taking place on a small map where combat and construction was disabled though non-lethal gameplay items can be acquired like paint guns and vehicles; this map was aimed to be used as a social space, as well as to host in-game events like concerts.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/29/21241414/fortnite-party-royale-ltm-mode | title = Fortnite's new experimental mode is about partying, not fighting | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = April 29, 2020 | access-date = May 1, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = May 1, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200501164752/https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/29/21241414/fortnite-party-royale-ltm-mode | url-status = live ))</ref>

Prior to September 2019, ''Fortnite'' did not have specialized matchmaking, outside of platform and regional limits. With a later patch, the game introduced [[skill-based matchmaking]], based on internal metrics that judge a player's skill in the game. Furthermore, with Chapter 2 Season 1, the game added in special matches against computer-controlled bots to help players practice the game.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/23/20880354/fortnite-update-matchmaking-bots-season-11 | title = Fortnite is adding skill-based matchmaking and bots | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = September 23, 2019 | access-date = September 23, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = September 23, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190923190300/https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/23/20880354/fortnite-update-matchmaking-bots-season-11 | url-status = live ))</ref>

===Limited time and competitive modes===
Epic has the ability to include limited-time modes (LTM) within the game, which provides Epic with experimental capabilities and gain feedback from players to improve upon.<ref name="gamasutra march2018"/> One of its earliest additions was a 50-v-50 mode, placing players randomly on one of two teams and dropping them on opposite sides of the map, giving the two teams time to gather resources, create fortifications, and hunt the other team before the storm moved in.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-fortnite-battle-royale-limited-time-modes-and-/1100-6456692/ | title = New Fortnite: Battle Royale Limited-Time Modes And Items Teased | first = Kevin | last = Knezevic | date = July 6, 2018 | access-date = July 6, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706191228/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-fortnite-battle-royale-limited-time-modes-and-/1100-6456692/ | archive-date = July 6, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> A sandbox Playground LTM was introduced in June 2018, which allows up to four players to explore and build anything anywhere on the battle map, while being able to fight each other and respawn upon defeat until the storm covered the map after an hour and eliminated them all; Epic later made this a permanent mode in the game,<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/07/06/fortnite-plans-make-playground-permanent-mode/ | title = Fortnite has plans to make Playground a permanent mode | first = Marshall | last = Lemon | date = July 6, 2018 | access-date = July 6, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706172810/https://www.vg247.com/2018/07/06/fortnite-plans-make-playground-permanent-mode/ | archive-date = July 6, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> but it was removed with the release of Battle Lab in 2019.
A preliminary competitive mode, Solo Showdown, ran for a limited time starting in May 2018, ranking players by their final placement in matches and rewarding the top-placing competitors with V-Bucks.<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/17/17364708/fortnites-new-solo-showdown-ltm-mode-vbucks | title = Fortnite's new Solo Showdown mode is for players who want to get competitive | last = Goslin | first = Austen | date = May 17, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180517185811/https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/17/17364708/fortnites-new-solo-showdown-ltm-mode-vbucks | archive-date = May 17, 2018 | url-status = live | access-date = May 17, 2018))</ref> Following this, a proper rank-based competitive mode known as Arena was released in March 2019, which was later replaced with a revised competitive mode known as Ranked in May 2023.

Fortnite released a new game mode called Zero Build on March 29, 2022.<ref>((Cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Jorge |date=2022-07-14 |title=Fortnite Zero Build Arena: End date, Rewards, and more |url=https://dotesports.com/fortnite/news/fortnite-zero-build-arena-end-date-rewards-and-more |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US))</ref> This game mode was introduced as a change to the main Battle Royale game mode, which lasted for the first week of Chapter 3 Season 2, before both Zero Build and standard Battle Royale were released as separate modes.<ref>((Cite web |last=Warby |first=Nathan |date=2022-04-04 |title=Is building back in Fortnite? |url=https://charlieintel.com/when-is-building-returning-to-fortnite/167490/ |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=Charlie INTEL |language=en-US |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806185345/https://charlieintel.com/when-is-building-returning-to-fortnite/167490/ |url-status=live ))</ref> This game mode features no building mechanics - making it less competitive than standard Battle Royale - as well as an "Overshield", which adds an additional, regenerating 50 HP on top of standard health and shields, to help supplement the change in gameplay due to players not being able to build to protect themselves. On April 10, 2022, Fortnite released the Zero Build Trials. Signing up for this, and completing the challenges, would allow players to be rewarded with in game rewards.<ref>((Cite web |title=Play Fortnite Zero Build Today! |url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/zero-build |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=Epic Games' Fortnite |language=en-US |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808193916/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/zero-build |url-status=live ))</ref> On July 12, 2022, Epic released an Arena mode for Zero Build, for competitive gameplay of the mode.

===Seasonal changes===
''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has created a larger loose narrative that is exhibited through changes in the game map, which generally correlated to the start and end of the in-game [[Season (sports)|season]]. For example, in the lead up to the fourth season of the first chapter which started in May 2018, players saw a number of [[Meteoroid|shooting stars]] cross the skies, followed by a giant comet that neared the ground; upon the start of that season, the comet had hit one of the locations on the map, leaving a giant crater, among other changes. This tied into several new cosmetic outfits related to superheroes and super-villains that were available that month.<ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/fortnite-comet-hits-dusty-depot-map-and-gravity-altere-1825676044 | title = Fortnite Comet Hits Dusty Depot, Altering Map and Gravity For New Season | first = Patrica | last = Hernandez | date = May 1, 2018 | access-date = July 3, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220343/https://kotaku.com/fortnite-comet-hits-dusty-depot-map-and-gravity-altere-1825676044 | archive-date = July 3, 2018))</ref> Epic has the ability to create custom events that occur across all game servers simultaneously as well; the first example of such was a countdown leading to a giant rocket's launch in June 2018 which, in the aftermath, left cracks in the skies that have grown since that event.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/2/17525200/fortnite-storytelling-rocket-launch | title = Fortnite has the most interesting video game story in years | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = July 2, 2018 | access-date = July 3, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180702220927/https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/2/17525200/fortnite-storytelling-rocket-launch | archive-date = July 2, 2018))</ref>

The game initially launched without any seasonable schedule, but starting with the release of Chapter((nbsp))1 Season((nbsp))2 in December 2017, Epic has provided new content, which includes new cosmetics, new gameplay elements, and changes to the game's map, on a roughly 10-week basis. This also introduced the use of the battle pass for players to obtain some of this new content by completing challenges and gaining experience.

====Chapter 1====

{| class="wikitable"
! width=10% | Season
! Period
! width=70% | Description
|-
| Season((nbsp))1
| September ((endash)) December 2017
| Retroactively considered the 1st season of the 1st chapter upon the start of the second season. 
|-
| Season((nbsp))2
| December 2017 ((endash)) February 2018
|[[Medieval]] themed. Introduction of the [[battle pass]], which initially had 70 tiers. 
|-
| Season((nbsp))3
| February ((endash)) April 2018
| Space exploration themed. Battle Pass increased from 70 tiers to 100.
|-
| Season((nbsp))4 ("Brace for Impact")
| May ((endash)) July 2018
| [[Superhero]] themed. Leading up to the start of Season 4, players had observed shooting stars crossing the game's map during Season 3, which later became small meteorites that hit the ground and caused some damage. Across all games a large meteor also started to appear, on pace to hit the game map to coincide with the start of Season 4, completely and utterly destroying one of the major landmarks, "Dusty Depot".<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/4/30/17302064/fortnite-comet-update-tilted-towers | title = Fortnite's comet is hitting tomorrow | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = April 30, 2018 | access-date = July 14, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714221903/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/4/30/17302064/fortnite-comet-update-tilted-towers | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/1/17305572/fortnite-season-4-battle-royale-reveal-comet-meteor-superheroes-surprise | title = Fortnite season 4 arrives with an answer to the mystery of the meteor | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = May 1, 2018 | access-date = July 14, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180701155511/https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/1/17305572/fortnite-season-4-battle-royale-reveal-comet-meteor-superheroes-surprise | archive-date = July 1, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> Furthermore, superhero and villain bases appeared on the Island, which turned out to be for a "movie" being filmed on the island. However, in the remnants of the meteor, a mysterious pod was found, and later opened up to reveal a character simply known as "The Visitor". Here, the Visitor traveled to the villain lair, containing a prop rocket, and modified the rocket for his usage. Finally, on June 30, 2018, the rocket fired, and created a massive interdimensional rift above the Island.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/30/17521122/fortnite-rocket-launch-epic-games-dimensional-rift | title = Fortnite's rocket launch created a spectacular dimensional rift in the sky | first = Patricia | last = Hernandez | date = June 30, 2018 | access-date = July 14, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180701155454/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/30/17521122/fortnite-rocket-launch-epic-games-dimensional-rift | archive-date = July 1, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> The first collaboration with Marvel included a limited-time event where players could play as [[Thanos (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Thanos]].
|-
| Season 5 ("Worlds Collide")
| July ((endash)) September 2018
| After the rocket launch event, the rift grew larger over the next few days, with some in-game objects vanishing and new objects from other realities spawning.<ref>((cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/07/09/fortnite-rifts-are-now-spawning-new-items-into-the-game | title = Fortnite Rifts Are Now Spawning New Items Into The Game | first = Nick | last = Santangelo | date = July 9, 2018 | access-date = July 14, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714222159/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/07/09/fortnite-rifts-are-now-spawning-new-items-into-the-game | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> As part of its marketing, Epic planted a real-world version of the "Durrr-Burger" restaurant sign in the California desert, with clues alluding to locations of real-world version of the game's loot llamas located globally.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/12/fortnite-epic-games-microsoft-halo-arg-gaming-fans.html | title = 'Fortnite' Season 5 is being played in real life | first = Darren | last = Geeter | date = July 13, 2018 | access-date = July 14, 2018 | website = [[CNBC]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714001005/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/12/fortnite-epic-games-microsoft-halo-arg-gaming-fans.html | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> The season began with changes of the map due to this rift, with a large Viking village appearing on a hill, and the entire southeastern section of the map being replaced with a desert. Smaller rifts remained as a gameplay element within the season, teleporting the player to a high elevation and to re-land elsewhere in the map.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-season-5-out-now-with-map-changes-new-ski/1100-6460345/ | title = Fortnite Season 5 Out Now With Map Changes, New Skins, And Battle Pass | first = Tamoor | last = Hussan | date = July 14, 2018 | access-date = July 14, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714221858/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-season-5-out-now-with-map-changes-new-ski/1100-6460345/ | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref>

|-
| Season 6 ("Darkness Rises")
| September ((endash)) December 2018<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-season-6-start-date-confirmed/1100-6461955/ | title = Fortnite Season 6 Start Date Confirmed | first = Kevin | last = Knezevik | date = September 21, 2018 | access-date = September 21, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]]))</ref>
| [[Halloween]] themed, also known as "Darkness and the Cube". Near the end of the 5th season, another one-time event occurred in which the rifts created by the rocket launch closed up, leaving a large purple cube with glyphs on its surface in the game world, which players nicknamed "Kevin". "Kevin" moved on its own volition throughout the season, creating anomalies and corruption in its wake, eventually sinking into Loot Lake and emerging at the start of the season as a large floating island, containing the island once in the centre of Loot Lake, which moved around the map slowly, before returning to Loot Lake and opening a portal in the sky. This portal allowed beings known as "Cube Monsters" to appear across the map and attack players. Ultimately, Kevin overloaded and exploded, temporarily teleporting all players into a white, bottomless void known as the In-Between, where a Rift-shaped butterfly briefly appeared and transported players back to the map. On return to the map, Loot Lake had returned to normal, but with many smaller islands made up of the "remains" of Kevin.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/24/17779836/fortnite-lightning-rift-purple-cube-event | title = Fortnite's lightning rift has created a purple interdimensional cube | first = Patricia | last = Hernandez | date = August 24, 2018 | access-date = August 24, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180825001839/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/24/17779836/fortnite-lightning-rift-purple-cube-event | archive-date = August 25, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/27/17785756/fortnite-mystery-cube-obsession | title = Fortnite's mysterious cube keeps moving, and I can't stop following it | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = August 27, 2018 | access-date = August 27, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180827163709/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/27/17785756/fortnite-mystery-cube-obsession | archive-date = August 27, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fornite-loot-lake-purple-cube | title = Fortnite's cube made its last stop – now Loot Lake is purple and bouncy | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = September 19, 2018 | access-date = September 19, 2018 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011229/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fornite-loot-lake-purple-cube | archive-date = September 20, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/9/27/17909112/fortnite-season-6-v6-0-patch-notes-guide-battle-pass-weekly-challenges-shadow-stones-pets | title = 5 things to know about Fortnite Season 6 | first = Austin | last = Goslin | date = September 27, 2018 | access-date = September 27, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180927090812/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/9/27/17909112/fortnite-season-6-v6-0-patch-notes-guide-battle-pass-weekly-challenges-shadow-stones-pets | archive-date = September 27, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnites-floating-island-is-up-to-something/ | title = Fortnite's floating island is up to something | first = James | last = Davenport | date = October 18, 2018 | access-date = October 18, 2018 | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181019021518/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnites-floating-island-is-up-to-something/ | archive-date = October 19, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | last1 = Tassi | first1 = Paul | title = Fortnite's Cube Island Just Blew Up, Cube Monsters Spawning For 'Fortnitemares' Event | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/10/24/fortnites-cube-island-just-blew-up-cube-monsters-spawning-for-fortnitemares-event/#5ab68b3231bc | website = Forbes | access-date = October 29, 2018 | date = October 24, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181029072320/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/10/24/fortnites-cube-island-just-blew-up-cube-monsters-spawning-for-fortnitemares-event/#5ab68b3231bc | archive-date = October 29, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | last1 = MacLeod | first1 = Riley | title = Fortnite's Cube Exploded, Briefly Transports Players To New Dimension | url = https://kotaku.com/fortnites-cube-explodes-briefly-transports-players-to-1830209756 | website = Forbes | access-date = November 4, 2018 | date = November 4, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012231/https://kotaku.com/fortnites-cube-explodes-briefly-transports-players-to-1830209756 | archive-date = November 5, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>
|-
| Season 7 ("You Better Watch Out")
| December 2018 ((endash)) February 2019
| Winter / Holiday / Arctic themed, with the slogan "You Better Watch Out". As the sixth season concluded, a snow cloud appeared over one corner of the map, followed by a large iceberg dubbed "Polar Peak" at the onset of Season 7 that collided with the island and covered a third of the map in snow with other new features, including a large castle on top of Polar Peak that had been buried deep in the snow. Initially, the map's features celebrated [[Christmas]]. Later, a large ice sphere appeared above the castle, warning of an upcoming winter storm. Soon, the Ice King, who had been trapped in the castle, emerged to cast a spell that unleashed a winter storm across the whole map, and summoned Ice Fiends (similar to the Cube Monsters) to attack players.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/19/18188401/fortnite-ice-monsters-sphere | title = Fortnite's floating sphere exploded, leaving the island covered in snow and zombies | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = January 19, 2019 | access-date = January 19, 2019 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190120075206/https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/19/18188401/fortnite-ice-monsters-sphere | archive-date = January 20, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>
|-
| Season 8 ("X Marks the Spot")
| February ((endash)) May 2019
| Tropical / Pirate themed. In the final days of the 7th season, the island was rocked by [[earthquakes]] that formed cracks on the ground,<ref>((cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=Fortnite's island is being rocked by earthquakes |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/15/18226060/fortnite-earthquakes-tremors-island-season-8 |website=The Verge |access-date=March 2, 2019 |date=February 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227144819/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/15/18226060/fortnite-earthquakes-tremors-island-season-8 |archive-date=February 27, 2019 |url-status=live ))</ref> eventually heralding the appearance of a large [[Volcano]] on the northeast corner of the map, created by a Prisoner of the Ice King, with an affinity for fire. The Volcano eradicated the nearby features and replaced them with a large jungle, containing a [[lagoon]](named Lazy Lagoon) and an [[Aztec]]-like temple complex (named Sunny Steps). The Volcano also created dangerous [[lava]] flows surrounding it.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-season-8-map | title = The Fortnite Season 8 map replaces Wailing Woods with a volcano | first = Ali | last = Jones | date = February 28, 2019 | access-date = February 28, 2019 | work = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074517/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-season-8-map | archive-date = March 1, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Over the course of the season, digging sites began appearing across the island, before uncovering a large, vault-like structure underneath Loot Lake, known as the Vault. The Vault eventually began to power up over time, through the usage of 5 runes that powered through their own means. Near the end of the season on May 4, a special event called "The Unvaulting" took place, which allowed players to enter the Vault into a dimension of the same name. This dimension gave players the ability to vote for 1 of 6 removed items to be reintroduced into the game. It also is what housed the Zero Point, an orb of pure, powerful energy created by and as old as the Big Bang, serving as the beating heart of the entire Omniverse and all Reality, guarded by one person, known as Singularity. After the [[Thompson submachine gun|Drum Gun]] won the vote, the Volcano erupted, and volcanic rocks flew out of it. These huge rocks struck and destroyed [[Tilted Towers (Fortnite)|Tilted Towers]] and Retail Row, as well as severely damaging Polar Peak.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/4/18529463/fortnite-unvaulting-volcano-eruption-tilted-towers-destroyed-season-9 | title = Fortnite's volcano has erupted, destroying Tilted Towers | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = May 4, 2019 | access-date = May 9, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = May 10, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190510060026/https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/4/18529463/fortnite-unvaulting-volcano-eruption-tilted-towers-destroyed-season-9 | url-status = live ))</ref>
|-
| Season 9 ("The Future Is Yours")
| May ((endash)) July 2019
|[[Future|Futuristic]] / Cyberpunk themed. This marks as the penultimate season of Chapter 1. At the start of this season, the locations destroyed by Season 8's Unvaulting had been reconstructed and revitalized in a "futuristic" fashion, with Tilted becoming Neo Tilted.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/9/18531057/fortnite-season-9-trailer-battle-pass-neo-tilted-towers | title = Fortnite season 9 turns Tilted Towers into a sci-fi city | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = May 9, 2019 | access-date = May 9, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = May 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190509161450/https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/9/18531057/fortnite-season-9-trailer-battle-pass-neo-tilted-towers | url-status = live ))</ref> This was done through the usage of the Zero Point's power, through a massive cable attached to the Vault. After a while, the damage sustained to Polar Peak revealed a monster - known as the Devourer - living inside, which eventually escaped and began swimming around the island, leaving footprints in other locations. Drones in the Volcano's caldera, converted into a factory after previously becoming a power plant, concurrently started to construct a giant mech called the "Mecha Team Leader", under the control of Singularity. At an event at the end of the season held on July 20, the Mecha Team Leader activated and attacked the Devourer, rampaging across the island. The Mecha Team Leader, severely damaged, was forced to pull the Zero Point out of the Vault, using its power to best the Devourer, before killing it with a giant sword held in Tilted under a statue of Singularity, before flying off, leaving the monster's corpse and sword behind as well as the now severely-damaged Zero Point.<ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/fortnites-giant-monster-and-robot-finally-fought-1836560993 | title = Fortnite's Giant Monster And Robot Finally Fought | first = Riley | last = MacLeod | date = July 19, 2019 | access-date = July 19, 2019 | work = [[Kotaku]] | archive-date = July 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190720184635/https://kotaku.com/fortnites-giant-monster-and-robot-finally-fought-1836560993 | url-status = live ))</ref> The Zero Point continued to destabilize over the latter part of the season and, as seen in the Season X teaser trailer, it created an interdimensional blast, causing the events of the following season.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fortnite-season-10-trailer-is-an-ode-to-fortnite | title = Fortnite Season X Trailer is an Ode to... Fortnite | first = Erik | last = Van Allen | date = July 31, 2019 | access-date = July 31, 2019 | work = [[USGamer]] | archive-date = July 31, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190731201744/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fortnite-season-10-trailer-is-an-ode-to-fortnite | url-status = dead ))</ref>
|-
| Season X ("Out of Time")
| August ((endash)) October 2019
| Time Travel / Throwback themed. This marks as the final season of Chapter 1. The remnants of the Zero Point's explosion in Season 9 caused a shift in time and space on the Island, leading to the return of Dusty Depot (from an alternate universe), with the meteor that struck it frozen in time above.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/8/6/20756815/fortnite-tilted-town-rules-no-building-no-breaking-season-x|title=Fortnite's Tilted Town is an exciting place to fight|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=August 6, 2019|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=November 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110110952/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/8/6/20756815/fortnite-tilted-town-rules-no-building-no-breaking-season-x|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/1/20739457/fortnite-season-x-10-mech-suit-rift-zone-meteor-battle-pass-trailer | title = Fortnite season X adds mech suits, a meteor, and 'volatile rift zones' | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = August 1, 2019 | access-date = August 1, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = April 16, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220416124258/https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/1/20739457/fortnite-season-x-10-mech-suit-rift-zone-meteor-battle-pass-trailer | url-status = live ))</ref> Inside the meteor contained a character known as The Scientist, who was a part of a group known as "The Seven" - a group which The Visitor was also a part of. In order to bring the other members of The Seven to the Island, the Scientist created rift zones across the Island, which brought in past locations and locations from other universes, such as Pandora from ''[[Borderlands (series)|Borderlands]]'' and [[Gotham City]] from the ''[[DC Universe]]''. The season culminated in a live event known as "The End". First, The Scientist launched a rocket from Dusty Depot, with the rifts above each rift zone opening to allow the 6 other rockets of The Seven to travel through. Then, the 7 rockets unfroze the meteor and took it through a rift, before positioning it above the frozen-in-time Zero Point, in order to strike and explode it, so that it could be re-contained. This created a [[black hole]], which consumed the entire game itself. Subsequent to this event, the game was unplayable for roughly 36 hours with the game's screens only showing the black hole.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/10/13/20911691/fortnite-season-10-event-black-hole-map-disappears | title = Fortnite's entire map just got sucked into a black hole | first = Austin | last = Goslin | date = October 13, 2019 | access-date = October 13, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = October 13, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191013182935/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/10/13/20911691/fortnite-season-10-event-black-hole-map-disappears | url-status = live ))</ref> During this period, players could enter the [[Konami code]] to play a mini-game.<ref>((Cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/theres-a-konami-code-in-fortnites-black-hole-1839013491 | title = There's A Konami Code In Fortnite's Black Hole | first = Riley | last = MacLoed | date = October 13, 2019 | access-date = October 13, 2019 | work = [[Kotaku]] | archive-date = October 13, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191013231647/https://kotaku.com/theres-a-konami-code-in-fortnites-black-hole-1839013491 | url-status = live ))</ref>
|}

==== Chapter 2 ====
{| class="wikitable"
! width=10% | Season
! Period
! width=70% | Description
|-
| Season 1 ("New World")
| October 2019 ((endash)) February 2020<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-chapter-2-season-1-has-been-extended-to-february/ | title = Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 1 has been extended to February | first = Fraser | last = Brown | date = November 20, 2019 | access-date = November 20, 2019 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = January 8, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200108075401/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-chapter-2-season-1-has-been-extended-to-february/ | url-status = live ))</ref>
| A new season that revamped the game's mechanics and introduced a new map following the destruction of the old map from the black hole at the end of Chapter 1 Season X.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/10/15/20914523/fortnite-chapter-2-change-list-patch-notes | title = Fortnite Chapter 2 overhauls the game's map, mechanics, items and more | first = Tom | last = Phillips | date = October 15, 2019 | access-date = October 15, 2019 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = October 15, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191015135216/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/10/15/20914523/fortnite-chapter-2-change-list-patch-notes | url-status = live ))</ref> After the 36 hour downtime, the black hole collapsed and reorganized the Island's matter, creating the new map and recontaining the Zero Point. This Season introduced multiple new mechanics, such as picking up downed teammates (or enemies) and either carrying them to different locations or throwing them, and also the ability to swim and [[Fishing|fish]] for loot. Boats were also added to the game, which increased mobility in water. In addition, players controlled by [[artificial intelligence]], known as "bots" were added, and are present in some matches as "filler" players. In November 2019, the season was extended until February 2020, which included a winter-themed event, a live [[Star Wars]] event, and rewards for everybody. On December 14, the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' came to Fortnite island for a live event, which served as a teaser for ''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker]]'', and [[Rey (Star Wars)|Rey]], [[Finn (Star Wars)|Finn]], [[Kylo Ren]], [[Zorii Bliss]], [[Stormtrooper (Star Wars)|Stormtrooper]], and Sith Trooper were added as outfits. On December 24, the map was covered with snow, making snowstorms appear and reduce visibility either lightly or largely. The season was extended twice, once to February 8, and another time to February 20.
|-
| Season 2 ("Top Secret")
| February ((endash)) June 2020
| Secret agent themed. Following Season 1, a mysterious group known as the Agency, led by a man named Midas [[Midas|with the associated "golden touch"]], takes control of the island, under two competitive divisions: Shadow (black) and Ghost (white). These two factions competed against each other in spy games. Various landmarks conceal small [[safe house]]s for agents of either faction that can be raided for loot. Several large secret bases are established across the coasts and center of the Island, where the Agency's main base is, each heavily guarded by many henchmen and a powerful unique elite agent armed with a powerful weapon, all controlled by artificial intelligence. Players were given certain methods of compromising the bases' defenses, such as adopting disguises and disabling the defense system's power source, and were able to raid a base's vault and obtain valuable loot upon defeating its elite agent in a boss battle. The season's battle pass allowed players to unlock outfits based on these elite agents, complete missions on their behalf to eventually unlock a mutually exclusive, faction-specific version of them (Ghost or Shadow) through one final mission per outfit, and also obtain the Marvel antihero [[Deadpool]].<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-chapter-2-season-2-is-here-and-turns-you-into-a-spy/ | title = Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 2 is here and turns you into a spy | first = Chris | last = Priestman | date = February 20, 2020 | access-date = February 20, 2020 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = February 20, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200220134517/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-chapter-2-season-2-is-here-and-turns-you-into-a-spy/ | url-status = live ))</ref> Other collaboration skins included [[Psylocke]], [[Domino (character)|Domino]], and [[Cable (character)|Cable]]. Players could also "shakedown" downed enemies to briefly expose the location of their allies. The season was originally planned to end in late April 2020, but was delayed to June 4,<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52289373 | title = Epic Games delays the release of Fortnite's new season | date = April 15, 2020 | access-date = April 25, 2020 | publisher = [[BBC]] | archive-date = April 16, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200416090839/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52289373 | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/fortnite-chapter-2-season-2-extended-until-early-june-2020 | title = Fortnite Chapter 2 - Season 2 Extension | date = April 14, 2020 | access-date = May 18, 2020 | publisher = [[Epic Games]] | archive-date = May 17, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200517214139/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/fortnite-chapter-2-season-2-extended-until-early-june-2020 | url-status = live ))</ref> then June 11, and finally June 17 due to events surrounding the [[2020–2021 United States racial unrest|racial unrest in the United States]].<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/update-from-epic-games | title = Update from Epic Games | date = June 3, 2020 | access-date = May 19, 2021 | publisher = [[Epic Games]] | archive-date = May 19, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210519134956/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/update-from-epic-games | url-status = live ))</ref>
|-
| Season 3((efn|Due to the [[Epic Games v. Apple]] lawsuit, iOS and macOS players via the [[App Store (Apple)|App Store]] and the [[Epic Games Store]], respectively, as well as Android players via the [[Google Play|Google Play Store]], will continue to play Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 3, but the iOS and macOS clients via App Store and Epic Games Store, respectively, as well as the Android client via the Google Play Store, will no longer update.)) ("Splashdown!")
| June ((endash)) August 2020
| Aquatic-themed, codenamed "Splashdown!" In a live event for transitioning from the last days of Season 2 to 3, Midas activated a device that he and been constructing under the Agency's main base; this was in an attempt to destroy the Storm, but failed and ended up creating a large wall of water, held back only by a weakening shield. Furthermore, the device seemed to also temporarily break the Loop (see Season 5 below), and it teleported players to what then seemed to be an Agency office, where a brief interaction with a character resembling the default outfit "Jonesy" occurred (later revealed to be the IO HQ and Agent Jones respectively, again see Season 5 below). In-game, the water acted as the storm front, as it still constricted the "play-area" on the map, and players trapped within it took damage, though players are able to swim with better mobility while within the wall of water.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/fortnite-device-event-map-storm-flooded-193210564.html | title = 'Fortnite' is flooding | first = Kris | last = Holt | date = June 15, 2020 | access-date = June 15, 2020 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = June 15, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200615202115/https://www.engadget.com/fortnite-device-event-map-storm-flooded-193210564.html | url-status = live ))</ref> Part of the season included cross-promotional content with [[Arthur Curry (DC Extended Universe)|Aquaman]] and [[Black Manta]], and during the season the water levels started to subside, later revealing part the map named Coral Castle, seemingly inspired by the city of [[Atlantis]].<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-01-atlantis-is-finally-in-fortnite-and-its-called-coral-castle | title = Atlantis is finally in Fortnite - and it's called Coral Castle | first = Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = August 1, 2020 | access-date = August 1, 2020 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = August 3, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200803135831/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-01-atlantis-is-finally-in-fortnite-and-its-called-coral-castle | url-status = live ))</ref>
|-
| Season 4 ("Nexus War")
| August ((endash)) December 2020
| [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] themed. This season contained a [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] themed battle pass and POIs. As seen in an in-game, readable comic Season 3, it was shown that [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] and [[Galactus]] were transported to the Island by a rift, after [[Galactus]] was tempted by the energy of the Zero Point coming from the rift. In order to stop Galactus from consuming the Zero Point, Thor summoned numerous superheroes and supervillains from the Marvel universe,<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-season-4-trailer/ | title = Fortnite season 4 is the Marvel-themed Nexus War, watch the trailer here | first1 = Joseph | last1 = Knoop | first2 = Shaun | last2 = Prescott | date = August 27, 2020 | access-date = August 27, 2020 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = August 31, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200831194106/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-season-4-trailer/ | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/27/21402707/fortnite-chapter-2-season-4-marvel-nexus-war-thor-iron-man | title = Fortnite's new season pits Marvel's biggest heroes against Galactus | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = August 27, 2020 | access-date = August 27, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = October 18, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211018145523/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/27/21402707/fortnite-chapter-2-season-4-marvel-nexus-war-thor-iron-man | url-status = live ))</ref> including [[She-Hulk]], [[Groot]], [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]], [[Dr. Doom]], [[Mystique (comics)|Mystique]], [[Tony Stark|Iron Man]], and [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]] as the "secret"/bonus outfit in the Battle Pass. A non-Marvel collab outfit, occurring during the Halloween event, was [[J Balvin]]. In the season finale, a live event titled "The Devourer of Worlds". Galactus finally approached the island to consume the Zero Point, threatening a total collapse of all reality. To prevent him from doing so, the superheroes gathered a massive fleet of Battle Buses loaded with green bombs, to lure Galactus into inhaling them all, which would send him back to his own reality. After Galactus sent waves of drones to counter this attack, the heroes managed to get the buses inside Galactus, causing a massive explosion. Galactus was then sucked into a rift, sending him back to his reality. However, earlier in the event, the Zero Point had been pulled out of the center of the Island by Galactus and was severely damaged, leading to the events of the following season.<ref name="C2S4 finale">((cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=Fortnite's Galactus event was a giant arcade shooter — and now the game is down |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/1/21747893/fortnite-galactus-event-chapter-2-season-5-release-date |website=[[The Verge]] |date=December 2020 |access-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201213527/https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/1/21747893/fortnite-galactus-event-chapter-2-season-5-release-date |url-status=live ))</ref>
|-
| Season 5 ("Zero Point")
| December 2020 ((endash)) March 2021
| Hunter themed. Coming off the back of the previous season this season<ref name="C2S4 finale"/> marked the first iteration of the ''Fortnite Crew'' subscription.<ref name="verge fortnite crew"/> After the events of the Season 4 finale, the Zero Point had created a massive desert in the centre of the island and had brought some old locations back, and stood hovering high above the island. An agent of the Imagined Order, or IO - a millennia-old organization (based in the underground of the Island) dedicated to controlling and experimenting on the Zero Point and the Island, to eventually achieve perfect "order" across all realities (as well as the implied controllers of the Agency prior to the Season 2 event) named John "Jonesy" Jones, was tasked with recruiting various hunters from different realities (serving as this season's promotional segment, featuring tie-in characters such as [[The Mandalorian (character)|The Mandalorian]] and [[Grogu]] from ''[[The Mandalorian]]'', [[Kratos (God of War)|Kratos]] from ''[[God of War (video game series)|God of War]]'', [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]] from ''[[Halo (franchise)|Halo]]'', [[Michonne]] and [[Daryl Dixon]] from ''[[The Walking Dead (TV series)|The Walking Dead]]'', the [[Terminator (character)|T-800]] and [[Sarah Connor (Terminator)|Sarah Connor]] from ''[[Terminator (franchise)|The Terminator]]'', [[Snake Eyes (G.I. Joe)|Snake Eyes]] from ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero|G.I. Joe]]'', [[Chun-Li]] and [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]] from ''[[Street Fighter]]'', [[Ellen Ripley|Ripley]] and the [[Alien (creature in Alien franchise)|Xenomorph]] from ''[[Alien (franchise)|Alien]],'' and [[Ant-Man (Scott Lang)|Ant-Man]]) in order to keep every player within the Loop, the 22-minute cycle of combat which every player, or "Looper", is trapped in, while trying to avoid drawing attention of The Seven,<ref name="verge ch2s5">((cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=Fortnite's latest season adds new locations and weapons, along with Baby Yoda and the Mandalorian |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/2/21831926/fortnite-chapter-2-season-5-battle-pass-trailer-mandalorian-baby-yoda |website=[[The Verge]] |date=December 2, 2020 |access-date=December 2, 2020 |archive-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228030717/https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/2/21831926/fortnite-chapter-2-season-5-battle-pass-trailer-mandalorian-baby-yoda |url-status=live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/3/22151470/fortnite-god-of-war-kratos-skin-now-available | title = God of War's Kratos is now available in Fortnite | first = Jay | last = Peters | date = December 3, 2020 | access-date = December 4, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = December 4, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201204004543/https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/3/22151470/fortnite-god-of-war-kratos-skin-now-available | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-season-five-gets-a-story-trailer-teasing-the-return-of-the-seven/ | title = Fortnite season five gets a story trailer teasing the return of the Seven | first = Rich | last = Straton | date = December 3, 2020 | access-date = December 3, 2020 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = December 3, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201203145854/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-season-five-gets-a-story-trailer-teasing-the-return-of-the-seven/ | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web |last1=Dedmon |first1=Tanner |title=Fortnite Season 5 Adds Halo's Master Chief |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/fortnite-season-5-adds-halo-master-chief/ |website=Comicbook |date=December 10, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211021953/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/fortnite-season-5-adds-halo-master-chief/ |url-status=live ))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2020/12/11/fortnite-moves-past-master-chief-leak-with-surprise-walking-dead-skins/?sh=36f9d75a36aa|title='Fortnite' Moves Past Master Chief Leak With Surprise 'Walking Dead' Skins|last=Tassi|first=Paul|website=[[Forbes]]|date=December 11, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020|archive-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412000138/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2020/12/11/fortnite-moves-past-master-chief-leak-with-surprise-walking-dead-skins/?sh=36f9d75a36aa|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-terminator-skin/ | title = The Terminator and Sarah Connor are in Fortnite now | first = Joseph | last = Knoph | date = January 21, 2021 | access-date = January 21, 2021 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = January 22, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210122024737/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-terminator-skin/ | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/30/22256564/fortnite-gi-joe-snake-eyes | title = G.I. Joe's Fortnite collaboration includes a Snake Eyes skin and action figure | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = January 30, 2021 | access-date = January 30, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = January 31, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210131000042/https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/30/22256564/fortnite-gi-joe-snake-eyes | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/19/22291805/chun-li-ryu-fortnite-street-fighter-mortal-kombat | title = Street Fighter icons Chun-Li and Ryu are joining Fortnite | first = Jay | last = Peters | date = February 20, 2021 | access-date = February 20, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = February 20, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210220013412/https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/19/22291805/chun-li-ryu-fortnite-street-fighter-mortal-kombat | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/ripley-and-the-alien-xenomorph-join-fortnite | title = Ripley and the Alien Xenomorph Join Fortnite | first = Adam | last = Bankhurst | date = February 25, 2021 | access-date = February 25, 2021 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = February 26, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210226015216/https://www.ign.com/articles/ripley-and-the-alien-xenomorph-join-fortnite | url-status = live ))</ref> who are later revealed to be working against the IO, wanting to break the Loop to set every Looper free. Jones is shown to be the source of all the "Jonesy"-based outfits in the game, each of which is a "Snapshot" of Jones - semi-perfect clones created by someone escaping the Loop, which also suggests that Jones has entered and left the Loop many times, as an IO agent. A new gameplay feature called "Bars" was introduced, an in-game currency earned by looting, completing quests from newly introduced [[NPCs]], or completing "bounties" - quests requiring you to eliminate a certain player - that are saved between matches and can be used to buy items and/or weapons from NPCs or "vending machines", to "hire" NPCs to join your team as AI players, as well as for other things.<ref name="verge ch2s5"/> In this season, the [[Predator (fictional species)|Predator]] from the [[Predator (franchise)|Predator]] franchise made an appearance as an unlockable outfit, as well as a hostile NPC.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2021/1/20/22240676/fortnite-predator-battle-pass-chapter-2-season-5-unlock | title = The Predator comes to Fortnite | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = January 20, 2021 | access-date = January 20, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = January 20, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210120162338/https://www.polygon.com/2021/1/20/22240676/fortnite-predator-battle-pass-chapter-2-season-5-unlock | url-status = live ))</ref> Players could also unlock a [[Flash (DC Comics character)|Flash]] character outfit,<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-flash-skin-is-coming-to-fortnite-today/1100-6487238/ | title = The Flash Skin Is Coming To Fortnite Today | first1 = Kevin | last1 = Knezevic | first2 = Steven T. | last2 = Wright | date = February 10, 2021 | access-date = February 11, 2021 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = February 10, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210210205351/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-flash-skin-is-coming-to-fortnite-today/1100-6487238/ | url-status = live ))</ref> as well as obtain items, outfits and other cosmetics based on the film ''[[Tron: Legacy]]''.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/11/22276283/fortnite-tron-crossover-skins-light-cycles | title = Tron invades Fortnite with Light Cycles and new skins | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = February 11, 2021 | access-date = February 11, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = February 12, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210212001250/https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/11/22276283/fortnite-tron-crossover-skins-light-cycles | url-status = live ))</ref> Near the end of the season, the Zero Point started to gradually destabilize, becoming visibly unstable with pulsating effects appearing around it. Additionally, certain NPCs began to express concern with dialogue about the Zero Point.
|-
|Season 6 ("Primal")
|March ((endash)) June 2021
|Wilderness themed. After abandoning the IO due to them doing nothing to stabilise the Zero Point, Jones summoned and got help from the leader of the Seven known as The Foundation (voiced and "played" by [[Dwayne Johnson|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]]), to help stabilize the Zero Point in exchange for information on the Imagined Order's leader, Geno, and the whereabouts of two members of The Seven, known as "The Sisters". This was offered as a single-player experience, for the first time in the game's history. Once completed, a new location called The Spire was created at the center of the island in order to seal off and stabilize the Zero Point, with The Foundation trapped within the Spire and Jones trapped in the Loop. However, a "reality wave" created by the Zero Point replaced the surrounding area's modern technology with primitive tools, forming a "Primal" biome and sending the Island to a primal age. Furthermore, wild animals were added, which roam throughout the island. Licensed tie-in crossover characters that were new in this season included [[Lara Croft]] from ''[[Tomb Raider]]'', [[Raven (DC Comics)|Raven]] and [[Beast Boy]] from ''[[Teen Titans]]'', and [[Aloy]] from ''[[Horizon Zero Dawn]]'', Kelsier from ''[[Mistborn]]'', and [[Neymar Jr.]] arriving as the secret outfit of the Battle Pass.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/16/22332371/fortnite-chapter-2-season-6-primal-battle-pass-tomb-raider-neymar | first = Andrew | last = Webster | title = Fortnite season 6 adds animals, crafting, Lara Croft, and Neymar | date = March 16, 2021 | access-date = March 16, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = March 16, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210316082929/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/16/22332371/fortnite-chapter-2-season-6-primal-battle-pass-tomb-raider-neymar | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22381588/fortnite-aloy-horizon-zero-dawn-limited-time-mode-lara-croft | title = Fortnite is adding Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = April 13, 2021 | access-date = April 13, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = April 13, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210413134211/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22381588/fortnite-aloy-horizon-zero-dawn-limited-time-mode-lara-croft | url-status = live ))</ref>
|-
|Season 7 ("Invasion!")
|June ((endash)) September 2021
|Alien invasion themed. Near the end of the previous season, UFO encounters began randomly occurring on the Island - players would be abducted and teleported to other areas of the map.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/2/22465577/fortnite-epic-games-ufos-aliens-abducted-teaser-season-7 | title = If you play Fortnite right now, you might get abducted by aliens | first = Jay | last = Peters | date = June 2, 2021 | access-date = October 15, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = October 15, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211015223445/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/2/22465577/fortnite-epic-games-ufos-aliens-abducted-teaser-season-7 | url-status = live ))</ref> The aliens, known as the Last Reality, then invaded the Island, resulting in the Imagined Order returning to the Island and beginning reconstruction underground, led by their military leader Doctor Slone - the season focused on the conflict between the Imagined Order and the Aliens. As soon as they arrived, the Last Reality's Mothership fired a large beam at the Spire, destroying it and unintentionally setting the Foundation free, who ended up getting rifted to a mysterious ocean - later revealed to be in [[Gotham City]].<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22522501/fortnite-chapter-2-season-7-patch-notes-changes-aliens-rick-morty-superman-battle-pass | title = Fortnite's new season? It's aliens | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = June 8, 2021 | access-date = October 15, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = October 15, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211015213415/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22522501/fortnite-chapter-2-season-7-patch-notes-changes-aliens-rick-morty-superman-battle-pass | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/batman-fortnite-foundation-universes-collide-again-in-new-limited-edition-comic-landing-october-26 | title = Batman/Fortnite: Foundation - Universes collide again in new limited-edition comic landing October 26! | date = October 15, 2021 | access-date = October 16, 2021 | work = [[Epic Games]] | archive-date = October 15, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211015210512/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/batman-fortnite-foundation-universes-collide-again-in-new-limited-edition-comic-landing-october-26 | url-status = live ))</ref> In the season finale, Slone hatched a plan to sneak bombs upon the Mothership, hoping to end the Invasion. After the bombs were brought onto the Mothership with the help of several Loopers, it was then revealed that the Mothership was carrying, and was powered by, several Cubes just like Kevin from Season 6, and that the Last Reality were both the controllers and people of the Cubes. As the Mothership exploded, with Slone leaving the Loopers to die, large debris and several Cubes came crashing down onto the Island, ending the Invasion but causing chaos on the Island.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22664920/fortnite-event-time-operation-sky-fire-release-date-season-7-end | title = Fortnite's end-of-season event takes servers offline until season 8 | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = September 10, 2021 | access-date = October 15, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = October 15, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211015222509/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22664920/fortnite-event-time-operation-sky-fire-release-date-season-7-end | url-status = live ))</ref> Tie-in crossover characters offered through the Battle Pass included [[Superman]], fashion icon Guggimon, and [[Rick Sanchez (Rick and Morty)|Rick Sanchez]] from ''[[Rick and Morty]]''.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22523290/fortnite-new-season-7-batte-pass-rick-sanchez-morty-superman-alien | title = Fortnite's new battle pass includes Rick Sanchez and Superman | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = June 8, 2021 | access-date = June 8, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = June 8, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210608132629/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22523290/fortnite-new-season-7-batte-pass-rick-sanchez-morty-superman-alien | url-status = live ))</ref>
|-
|Season 8 ("Cubed")
|September ((endash)) December 2021
|Darkness / Cube themed. This marked the final season of Chapter 2. The Cubes that crashed on the Island were all scattered across the Island, alongside the mysterious appearance of a Golden Cube. The season followed the Cubes' corruption of the Island, wreaking havoc across it and opening portals to a monster-filled reality called the Sideways.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/whats-new-in-fortnite-battle-royale-chapter-2-season-8-cubed | title = What's New in Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 2, Season 8: Cubed | date = June 8, 2021 | access-date = September 13, 2021 | work = Epic Games | archive-date = September 13, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210913094325/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/whats-new-in-fortnite-battle-royale-chapter-2-season-8-cubed | url-status = live ))</ref> Near the end of the season, beginning with the Halloween-themed "Fortnitemares" event, the Cube Queen - leader of the Cubes - appeared out of the Golden Cube. Her main goal being to destroy all realities, she went dormant in a golden sphere for over a month, slowly converging all the Cubes in the centre of the map, and constructing a large frame called The Pyramid. Eventually, in the season and chapter finale event titled "The End", she burst out of the sphere, and used the Pyramid to summon a portal to the Last Reality, causing several UFOs and Motherships to enter and rain down destruction on the Island. However, the Foundation, who had escaped Gotham City, manages to arrive on the Island and rescue Jones (who had been in Slone's captivity following Season 6). In an attempt to save the Island, The Scientist and The Visitor appeared and rescued the Loopers, whilst the Foundation manipulated IO technology in order to make the Zero Point flip the Island - revealing another Island, known as the Flipside, that had been on the underside of this one all along. As the Island was slowly flipped, the Last Reality were forced to retreat due to their weakness to water, and a large wave created by the flipping knocked out the player as downtime started.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/4/22815391/fortnite-the-end-event-chapter-2-recap-highlights-news | title = The Fortnite island flipped over during Chapter 2's final event | date = December 4, 2021 | access-date = December 4, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = December 4, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211204220640/https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/4/22815391/fortnite-the-end-event-chapter-2-recap-highlights-news | url-status = live ))</ref> Tie-in crossover characters offered through the Battle Pass and in-game Item Shop included [[Carnage (character)|Carnage]] from [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]], [[Paul Atreides]] and [[Chani (character)|Chani]] from ''[[Dune (2021 film)|Dune]],''<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/paul-atreides-and-chani-travel-from-planet-dune-to-the-fortnite-item-shop | title = PAUL ATREIDES AND CHANI TRAVEL FROM PLANET DUNE TO THE FORTNITE ITEM SHOP | date = October 20, 2021 | access-date = October 20, 2021 | work = [[Epic Games]] | archive-date = October 20, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211020023652/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/paul-atreides-and-chani-travel-from-planet-dune-to-the-fortnite-item-shop | url-status = live ))</ref> [[Chris Redfield]] and [[Jill Valentine]] from the ''[[Resident Evil]]'' series,<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/chris-redfield-jill-valentine-fortnite-resident-evil/ | title = Resident Evil's Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine join Fortnite in latest crossover | date = October 23, 2021 | access-date = October 24, 2021 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = October 24, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211024001431/https://www.pcgamer.com/chris-redfield-jill-valentine-fortnite-resident-evil/ | url-status = live ))</ref> [[Jinx (League of Legends)|Jinx]] from ''[[League of Legends]]'' (based on her appearance in ''[[Arcane (TV series)|Arcane]]''),<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/from-league-of-legends-and-arcane-jinx-brings-her-aura-of-anarchy-to-fortnite | title = FROM LEAGUE OF LEGENDS AND ARCANE, JINX BRINGS HER AURA OF ANARCHY TO FORTNITE | date = November 4, 2021 | access-date = November 11, 2021 | work = [[Fortnite]] | archive-date = November 11, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211111145534/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/from-league-of-legends-and-arcane-jinx-brings-her-aura-of-anarchy-to-fortnite | url-status = live ))</ref> and [[Naruto Uzumaki]], [[Sasuke Uchiha]], [[Sakura Haruno]] and [[Kakashi Hatake]] from ''[[Naruto|Naruto: Shippuden]]''.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/22775204/naruto-fortnite-epic-battle-royale-new-character | title = Yep, Naruto is coming to Fortnite | date = November 11, 2021 | access-date = November 11, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = November 11, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211111000657/https://www.polygon.com/22775204/naruto-fortnite-epic-battle-royale-new-character | url-status = live ))</ref>
|}

==== Chapter 3 ====
{| class="wikitable"
! width=10% | Season
! Period
! width=70% | Description
|-
| Season 1 ("Flipped")
| December 2021 ((endash)) March 2022
| This season marked the start of Chapter 3 of Fortnite Battle Royale. After "The End" live event, the players began to slowly drift back towards the Island, before reaching it once downtime ended. A short cutscene involving The Foundation played, where it was revealed that the Fortnite world was a two-sided, flat piece of hollow land centred around the Zero Point, encased in an orb floating in space. The new map brought many new locations, as well as returning old ones, such as [[Tilted Towers (Fortnite)|Tilted Towers]] and Shifty Shafts. It was noted that this map bore a striking resemblance to the Chapter 1 map, with a volcano in the same place as the Chapter 1 volcano, the desert in the southeast, Tilted Towers and Loot Lake in the same place and more. New features included knee-sliding, new consumables/weapons/items and new tents, which could be used to store items between matches. Tie-in crossover characters offered through the Battle Pass and in-game Item Shop include The Foundation/Dwayne Johnson,<ref>((Cite web|title=What's New in Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 3 Season 1: Flipped|url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/whats-new-in-fortnite-battle-royale-chapter-3-season-1-flipped|access-date=December 5, 2021|website=Epic Games' Fortnite|language=en-US|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205151731/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/whats-new-in-fortnite-battle-royale-chapter-3-season-1-flipped|url-status=live))</ref> [[Spider-Man]], [[MJ (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|MJ]] and the [[Green Goblin]] from Marvel (including outfits based on ''[[Spider-Man: No Way Home]]''),<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22816585/fortnite-chapter-3-new-map-trailer-locations-minimap-spider-man | title = Fortnite Chapter 3 brings a new map, Spider-Man, and web-swinging | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = December 5, 2021 | access-date = December 5, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = December 5, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211205160545/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/22816585/fortnite-chapter-3-new-map-trailer-locations-minimap-spider-man | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/spider-man-no-way-home-fortnite-tom-holland-zendaya-mj | title = Spider-Man: No Way Home Skins are Coming to Fortnite | first = Matt | last = Kim | date = December 16, 2021 | access-date = December 17, 2021 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = September 23, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220923155613/https://www.ign.com/articles/spider-man-no-way-home-fortnite-tom-holland-zendaya-mj | url-status = live ))</ref> [[Hawkeye (Clint Barton)|Clint Barton]] and [[Hawkeye (Kate Bishop)|Kate Bishop]] based on their appearances in ''[[Hawkeye (miniseries)|Hawkeye]]'',<ref>((cite web |title=THE TWO HAWKEYES: CLINT BARTON AND KATE BISHOP TAKE AIM IN FORTNITE |url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/the-two-hawkeyes-clint-barton-and-kate-bishop-take-aim-in-fortnite |website=epicgames.com |access-date=22 January 2022 |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229053149/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/the-two-hawkeyes-clint-barton-and-kate-bishop-take-aim-in-fortnite |url-status=live ))</ref> [[Marcus Fenix]] and [[Kait Diaz]] from ''[[Gears of War]]'',<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/12/09/gears-of-war-marcus-fenix-and-kait-diaz-skins-coming-to-fortnite-today | title = Gears of War: Marcus Fenix And Kait Diaz Skins Coming To Fortnite Today | first = Wesley | last = LeBlanc | date = December 9, 2021 | access-date = December 9, 2021 | magazine = [[Game Informer]] | archive-date = December 9, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211209152819/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/12/09/gears-of-war-marcus-fenix-and-kait-diaz-skins-coming-to-fortnite-today | url-status = live ))</ref> [[Boba Fett]] based on his appearance in ''[[The Book of Boba Fett]]'',<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/every-galaxy-has-an-underworld-boba-fett-navigates-his-way-into-fortnite | title = EVERY GALAXY HAS AN UNDERWORLD - BOBA FETT NAVIGATES HIS WAY INTO FORTNITE | first = Fortnite | last = Team | date = December 25, 2021 | access-date = December 25, 2021 | magazine = [[Epic Games]] | archive-date = December 25, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211225000003/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/every-galaxy-has-an-underworld-boba-fett-navigates-his-way-into-fortnite | url-status = live ))</ref> Vi from ''[[League of Legends]]'' (based on her appearance in ''[[Arcane (TV series)|Arcane]]''), [[Nathan Drake (Uncharted)|Nathan Drake]] and [[Chloe Frazer]] from ''[[Uncharted]]'',<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/uncharted-movie-and-video-game-characters-are-headed-to-fortnite | title = Uncharted Movie and Video Game Versions of Nathan Drake and Chloe Frazer Are Headed to Fortnite | first = Adam | last = Bankhurst | date = February 13, 2022 | access-date = February 13, 2022 | magazine = [[IGN]] | archive-date = February 13, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220213045239/https://www.ign.com/articles/uncharted-movie-and-video-game-characters-are-headed-to-fortnite | url-status = live ))</ref> and [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] from ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''.<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.epicgames.com/help/en-US/fortnite-c75/assassin-s-creed-ezio-auditore-set-for-fortnite-a9701 | title = Assassin's Creed Ezio Auditore set for Fortnite | first = Epic | last = Games | date = March 3, 2022 | access-date = March 6, 2022 | magazine = [[Epic Games]] | archive-date = March 6, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220306200903/https://www.epicgames.com/help/en-US/fortnite-c75/assassin-s-creed-ezio-auditore-set-for-fortnite-a9701 | url-status = live ))</ref> Near to the end of the season, earthquakes began to happen across the Island, revealed to be due to the IO drilling to the Flipside. They then set up a new base in the mountains, known as Covert Cavern, and began to expand their drilling across the Island, as they and The Seven prepared for war.
|-
| Season 2 ("Resistance")
| March ((endash)) June 2022
| Following the drilling, the Imagined Order found their way onto the island via the drills and launched a large-scale invasion, fighting the Seven's and the Looper's forces to reclaim the Island and Zero Point for themselves. Three new members of The Seven were introduced - The Origin, The Seven's tactician and army general, and former Cube King - having left the Cubes after witnessing their destructive nature - and the previously mentioned Sisters, The Imagined and The Order - Geno's twin daughters, who he had thrown into the Loop, before then being replaced by their Snapshots. Tie-in crossover characters offered through the Battle Pass and Item Shop included [[Stephen Strange (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Doctor Strange]] and [[Prowler (Marvel Comics)|The Prowler]] from Marvel, [[Moon Knight (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Moon Knight]]/ [[Mr. Knight (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Mr. Knight]] based on their appearances in [[Moon Knight (miniseries)|''Moon Knight'']],<ref>((Cite web |date=April 22, 2022 |title='Moon Knight' Skins are Now Available in 'Fortnite' to Play as Steven and Marc |url=https://collider.com/moon-knight-fortnite-skins/ |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=Collider |language=en-US |archive-date=May 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515163520/https://collider.com/moon-knight-fortnite-skins/ |url-status=live ))</ref> [[Wanda Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Scarlet Witch]] based on her appearance in ''[[Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness]]'',<ref>((Cite web |title=SHOW CHAOS MAGIC AS THE SCARLET WITCH IN FORTNITE |url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/show-chaos-magic-as-the-scarlet-witch-in-fortnite |access-date=May 6, 2022 |website=Epic Games |language=en |archive-date=May 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506004359/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/show-chaos-magic-as-the-scarlet-witch-in-fortnite |url-status=live ))</ref> [[RoboCop (character)|RoboCop]],<ref>((Cite web |title=Fortnite RoboCop Skin |url=https://progameguides.com/fortnite-cosmetic/robocop/ |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=Pro Game Guides |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405073533/https://progameguides.com/fortnite-cosmetic/robocop/ |url-status=live ))</ref> American snowboarder [[Chloe Kim]],<ref>((Cite web |title=Chloe Kim |url=https://progameguides.com/fortnite-cosmetic/chloe-kim/ |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=Pro Game Guides |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818053055/https://progameguides.com/fortnite-cosmetic/chloe-kim/ |url-status=live ))</ref> [[Twitch streamer]] Chica,<ref>((Cite web |title=Confirmed: Streamer Chica Is Getting Her Own Fortnite Skin! |url=https://earlygame.com/fortnite/chica-skin-icon-series |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=EarlyGame |language=en |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523183141/https://earlygame.com/fortnite/chica-skin-icon-series |url-status=live ))</ref> and [[YouTuber]] [[Ali-A]] all received icon series skins.<ref>((Cite web |date=May 15, 2022 |title=YouTube star Ali-A teases new Fortnite Icon Series skin |url=https://www.ginx.tv/en/fortnite/ali-a-fortnite-icon-series-skin-teased |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=GINX |language=en |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702205631/https://www.ginx.tv/en/fortnite/ali-a-fortnite-icon-series-skin-teased |url-status=live ))</ref> For the first few days of the season, the building mechanic was removed. Eventually, a "Zero Build" mode was added was a permanent playlist alongside the core building modes.<ref>((Cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=March 29, 2022|title=Fortnite introduces new Zero Build mode|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/29/23001300/fortnite-zero-build-mode|access-date=March 29, 2022|website=The Verge|language=en-US|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329133323/https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/29/23001300/fortnite-zero-build-mode|url-status=live))</ref> Epic Games announced that they would donate all proceeds from V-Bucks to [[Ukraine]] in light of the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]] on Sunday, March 20. The following Monday, Epic claimed they had already raised $36 million worth of relief.<ref>((Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=March 21, 2022 |title='Fortnite' Raises $36 Million for Ukraine Humanitarian Relief |url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/fortnite-36-million-ukraine-relief-1235210405/ |access-date=March 22, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US))</ref> Near the end of the season, after the Seven had retaken most of the island, the IO drained out part of Loot Lake, constructing a large, towering device known as The Collider. Through in-game quests, it was revealed that its purpose was to destroy the Island, so that the IO could take full control of the Zero Point. In a last ditch attempt to save the Island, the Seven decided to locate and rebuild the Mecha Team Leader from Chapter 1 Season 9 - through tie-in Marvel "Zero War" comics, it was revealed that another member of the Seven, the Paradigm (voiced and "played" by [[Brie Larson]]), had been the pilot of the Mecha Team Leader, and had presumably betrayed the Seven by conspiring with the IO to construct it back in Season 9. Following the Final Showdown event that season, it was revealed that the Mecha Team Leader had crash-landed on the Ice Moon - a frozen moon orbiting the Island that is also the source of the iceberg from Chapter 1 Season 7 - sending Paradigm into a dormant state. After the Seven located and reawoke her on the moon, she explained that had she not conspired with the IO to build the mech, they would have developed a Doomsday device much like the Collider to protect the Zero Point from the Devourer. Following this, as the Season neared its end the Seven began to reconstruct the Mech to launch a final attack on the IO. In the season finale event titled "Collision", the player (and any squadmates) were transported to the Ice Moon, and into the head of the Mecha Team Leader (now called the Mecha Strike Commander). Led by Paradigm at the controls, the Mecha Strike Commander flew towards the island as the Collider began its final activation. The Mecha Strike Commander then began to approach the Collider, and players could shoot IO tanks and vehicles throughout the event. As the Mecha Strike Commander reached the Collider and prepared to destroy it with a laser sword, the ground beneath the Collider was detonated, sending the Mecha Strike Commander into a large pit and revealing the underground scale of the Collider, as well as its power source - the IO-reclaimed Zero Point, overcharged and approaching the base of the Collider slowly, ready to cause the destruction. In a short gameplay segment following the fall, the players, led by Jones and The Foundation, fought IO forces as they climbed up the Collider's base, with the objective of destroying the crystals atop it that would cause the detonation once the Zero Point touched them. As they progressed, several things occurred; as shown by the Zero War comics, both The Imagined and Geno - present at the Collider - fell into the Zero Point, and as players progressed up the base, they were stopped by Slone in a tank - the Mecha Strike Commander, reactivated but weakened, managed to slam its fist down on the tank, seemingly killing Slone in the process. Following this, the Zero Point centered on Geno's new location, and Jones and The Foundation jumped in to pursue Geno. In the end, the players succeeded in destroying the crystals and the Collider as a result, freeing the Zero Point and defeating the IO forces. Afterwards, as shown by the Zero War comics, Jones and The Foundation found both The Imagined and Geno seemingly disintegrating - a consequence of touching the unfocused Zero Point, causing their matter to be scattered across realities. Barely holding himself and The Imagined together, Geno warned the two of the dangers the Island may face without the IO's control/order, before both he and The Imagined fully disappeared. With Geno gone and their forces defeated, it appears that the IO has been vanquished once and for all - however, as shown by the very last page of the final Zero War comic, Geno was able to reassemble himself in some alternate reality.
|-
|Season 3 ("Vibin'")
|June ((endash)) September 2022
|Party themed. After the defeat of the Imagined Order, the Zero Point has caused a large tree called the Reality Tree to blossom, and had covered a large corner of the Island with large mushrooms and flora. With the Island and Zero Point free, the Loopers were free to celebrate and enjoy their freedom, despite the Loop not yet being destroyed. Yet as they celebrate, a sinister, unknown entity seems to watch over the Island, seen in the season's trailer. Tie-in crossover characters offered through the Battle Pass included [[Darth Vader]] from ''Star Wars'', [[Indiana Jones (character)|Indiana Jones]],<ref>((Cite web |date=5 June 2022 |title=What's New in Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 3 Season 3: Vibin' |url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/whats-new-in-fortnite-battle-royale-chapter-3-season-3-vibin |access-date=June 5, 2022 |website=Epic Games' Fortnite |language=en-US |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605120344/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/whats-new-in-fortnite-battle-royale-chapter-3-season-3-vibin |url-status=live ))</ref> [[Hinata Hyuga]], [[Gaara]], [[Itachi Uchiha]], and [[Orochimaru (Naruto)|Orochimaru]] from ''[[Naruto]]'', [[Starfire (Teen Titans)|Starfire]] from ''[[Teen Titans]]'', [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]] superstar [[John Cena|"The Greatest of All Time" John Cena]], and [[Goku|Son Goku]], [[Vegeta]], [[Bulma]], and [[Beerus]] from ''[[Dragon Ball Super]]''.<ref>((Cite web |date=16 August 2022 |title=Fortnite x Dragon Ball Features Son Goku, Vegeta, and More |url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/goku-powers-up-fortnite-x-dragon-ball-your-power-is-unleashed |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=Epic Games' Fortnite |language=en-US |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816154903/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/goku-powers-up-fortnite-x-dragon-ball-your-power-is-unleashed |url-status=live ))</ref>
|-
|Season 4 ("Paradise")
|September ((endash)) December 2022
|"Chrome"/Infection/Corruption themed. This marked the final season of Chapter 3. Throughout Season 3, the Zero Point began summoning artifacts to the island - through in-game story quests, it was later learned that these were somewhat serving as distress beacons for the Zero Point - the freedom of the Zero Point had exposed it to new threats, one of which imminent; the same sinister entity from the trailer. Near the season's end, more in-game quests revealed a trace amount of a strange substance known as "Chrome" - which infects and converts anything it touches into itself - appearing across the island, presumably having came through the freed Zero Point. At the very end of the season, all the members of the Seven disappeared, except Paradigm - as shown in the Season 4 trailer, it is shown that the Visitor, Scientist, and Origin retreated to an underground lab to study the Chrome, before being infected and consumed by it, with the Foundation and the Sisters' locations still being unknown. The Paradigm was able to escape, aligning to the Zero Point and flying into it, being transported to another reality. Following this, the sinister entity from before appeared from the Chrome - a figure known as The Herald, the controller of the Chrome. The Chrome then infected a large portion of the eastern side of the Island, forming a base for the Herald, and leading into the season. Tie-in crossover characters offered through the game included [[Spider-Woman (Gwen Stacy)|Gwen Stacy]] from ''[[Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse]]'', Twitch streamer and YouTuber [[SypherPK]], [[Black Adam]] based on his appearance from the eponymous [[Black Adam (film)|DCEU film]],<ref>((Cite web |date=20 October 2022 |title=Fight Alongside Your Squad with Black Adam in Fortnite |url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/fight-alongside-your-squad-with-black-adam-in-fortnite |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=Epic Games' Fortnite |language=en-US |archive-date=October 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024004652/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/fight-alongside-your-squad-with-black-adam-in-fortnite |url-status=live ))</ref> and [[Ash Williams]] from the ''[[Evil Dead]]'' franchise.<ref>((Cite web |date=22 October 2022 |title=Ash Williams Defends The Knowby Cabin During Fortnitemares 2022 |url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/ash-williams-defends-the-knowby-cabin-during-fortnitemares-2022 |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=Epic Games' Fortnite |language=en-US |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023061510/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/ash-williams-defends-the-knowby-cabin-during-fortnitemares-2022 |url-status=live ))</ref> In addition, as mentioned before, [[Brie Larson]] plays The Paradigm. As the season progressed, the Chrome began to spread across the Island from the east, and locations began to separate from the ground via large balloons and hovering platforms, to escape the Chrome below - except most of Tilted Towers and Coney Crossroads, which became Tainted Towers and Chrome Crossroads respectively. Through in-game quests, the player established communication with the Paradigm, who informed the player that there is nothing they can do to prevent the impending doom of the Island, yet that she also has a plan for after this occurs. Furthermore, in-game quests revealed that The Herald and the Chrome were in fact a force of the Last Reality, seeking to attack the island once more following the failure of the Cubes. The leader of the entire Last Reality is also (presumably) revealed - not as the Cube Queen or Herald, but as an unseen entity simply known as The Nothing. In the season and chapter finale event, titled "Fracture", the Chrome managed to infect the entire island and the Loopers, and The Herald fused with the Reality Tree, destroying the entirety of both sides of the Island, and the protective orb/field around it - leaving the Zero Point fully exposed. Following this, the Zero Point began to pull chunks of land from other realities - as well as the Loopers stranded in space - towards it, in order to construct a new Island. Guided by the Paradigm communicating through the Zero Point, the Loopers aided this process by completing minigames in a 40-minute long segment, to collect "shards" of the Zero Point in order to accelerate the process, known as "Zero Fusion". After this segment, the Paradigm seemingly sacrificed herself - the Zero Point pulls a chunk of land from the reality she is in, and - as the new Island finished Zero Fusion - she disappeared, presumably having fused with the Zero Point to ensure the Zero Fusion completed. The Zero Fusion completes, forming an entirely new, one-sided island floating in space.
|-
|}

==== Chapter 4 ====
{| class="wikitable"
! width=10% | Season
! Period
! width=70% | Description
|-
|Season 1 ("Oathbound")
|December 2022 ((endash)) March 2023
|Medieval themed. Following the Fracture event, an entirely new Island, made of pieces of other realities fused together, had been constructed, consisting of three biomes - a modern, grassy biome, a frozen, mountainous biome, and two medieval, autumn-like areas covered in yellow grass, and occupied by an advanced medieval organization known as the Oathbound. Leading the Oathbound is The Ageless, heavily implied to be a younger Snapshot of Geno by both appearance and the display of banners with symbols similar to the IO's logo around his main fortress, The Citadel. Furthermore, serving him is Stellan, who holds the title "Rift Warden". Tie-in crossover characters offered through the game included the [[Doom Slayer]] from ''[[Doom (franchise)|DOOM]]'', [[Geralt of Rivia]] from ''[[The Witcher (video game series)|The Witcher]]'', the [[Hulk]] from [[Marvel Comics]], [[Izuku Midoriya]], [[Katsuki Bakugo]], [[Ochaco Uraraka]], and [[All Might]] from ''[[My Hero Academia]]'', [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] player [[Giannis Antetokounmpo]] from the [[Milwaukee Bucks]], [[YouTuber|YouTube personality]] [[MrBeast]], [[Isaac Clarke]] from ''[[Dead Space]],'' [[Gohan|Son Gohan]] and [[Piccolo (Dragon Ball)|Piccolo]] from ''[[Dragon Ball Super]],'' [[Sam Wilson (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Sam Wilson]] from the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (based on his appearance in ''[[The Falcon and the Winter Soldier]]''), and [[Adonis Creed]] from ''[[Creed III]]''.<ref>((Cite web |date=4 December 2022 |title=WELCOME TO FORTNITE BATTLE ROYALE CHAPTER 4 SEASON 1 |url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/welcome-to-fortnite-battle-royale-chapter-4-season-1 |access-date=2022-12-04 |website=Epic Games |language=en-US |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208032644/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/welcome-to-fortnite-battle-royale-chapter-4-season-1 |url-status=live ))</ref><ref>((Cite web |date=7 December 2022 |title=Fortnite x My Hero Academia: everything we know about the upcoming collaboration |url=https://en.as.com/meristation_en/2022/12/08/news/1670454454_946754.html |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=Meristation |language=en-US |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208033505/https://en.as.com/meristation_en/2022/12/08/news/1670454454_946754.html |url-status=live ))</ref><ref>((Cite web |date=23 January 2023 |title=Fortnite Dead Space Skin Out Now With Isaac Clarke And Exclusive In-Game Challenges |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-dead-space-skin-out-now-with-isaac-clarke-and-exclusive-in-game-challenges/1100-6510800/ |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=Gamespot |language=en-US |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124044922/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-dead-space-skin-out-now-with-isaac-clarke-and-exclusive-in-game-challenges/1100-6510800/ |url-status=live ))</ref> As the season progressed, the player could complete in-game quests to follow Stellan, and another character called AMIE - an [[artificial intelligence]] created by The Scientist during Chapter 3 Season 3 - who had also played a part during Chapter 3 Season 4 - who is determined to find out what happened to The Scientist and the remainder of The Seven (except Paradigm) following the events of Chapter 3 Season 4. Throughout the season, Stellan began construction of a portal device known as the "Rift Gate" at his tower in The Citadel, under orders of The Ageless. He also talked about a "Shapeless Man" who he sees in his dreams, and who also commanded him regarding the rift gate - this "Shapeless Man" is implied to be the reformed Geno, communicating with him and The Ageless to construct the Rift Gate so he may return to the island, by how Stellan described him as talking about a world of "perfect order". Meanwhile, AMIE planned to construct a physical body out of a new resource called Kinetic Ore, found in the Medieval areas of the Island, so that she could travel through the Rift Gate in order to locate The Scientist and The Seven. She and the player also succeeded in decoding a message seemingly from the Last Reality, which suggested that The Seven, after being infected by the Chrome like the Scientist, Origin, and Visitor or gone missing like the Foundation and Sisters, were under their captivity, and in grave danger or suffering. Near the end of the season, AMIE tampers with the active Rift Gate, altering its coordinates to where the message had come from, and travels through the gate to find The Seven. Following this, the Rift Gate began to destabilize, which Stellan theorized to be because someone - AMIE - had tampered with it. At the very end of the season, the Rift Gate was destroyed, and a red rift opened up above the Island. Stellan states that he is unsure of what is to come next, and if the Shapeless Man/Geno's plans have failed or not, yet he also states that he is ready to fight alongside the player and the Loopers against whatever may come next, should it be needed.
|-
|Season 2 ("Mega")
|March ((endash)) June 2023
|Cyberpunk/Neo-Tokyo and Japan themed. Following the destruction of the Rift Gate, the rift that appeared had finally tore open, leading to a large, Japanese-themed biome appearing in the southeast of the map, covering the smaller of the two medieval areas in the process. This biome includes a large, Neo-Tokyo inspired city called Mega City, as well as several Japanese-style locations. Controlling the biome is yet another faction known as the Peace Syndicate, who had also had a small presence on the Island from Chapter 3 Season 3. Tie-in crossover characters in the game included [[Eren Yeager]], [[Mikasa Ackerman]], and [[Levi Ackerman]] from ''[[Attack on Titan]],'' [[Leon S. Kennedy]] and [[Claire Redfield]] from ''[[Resident Evil]]'' (based on their appearances in the ''[[Resident Evil 2 (2019 video game)|Resident Evil 2]]'' remake), [[Anakin Skywalker]], [[Padmé Amidala|Padme Amidala]], [[Darth Maul]], and [[clone trooper]]s from ''[[Star Wars]],'' [[Goku Black]] from ''[[Dragon Ball Super]],'' and [[Miles Morales]] and [[Spider-Man 2099|Miguel O'Hara]] from ''[[Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse]]''.<ref>((Cite web |date=10 March 2023 |title=When will Attack on Titan skin Eren Yeager be released in Fortnite |url=https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-guide/23633803/eren-jaeger-yeager-attack-on-titan-get-unlock-skin-outfit |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315061214/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-guide/23633803/eren-jaeger-yeager-attack-on-titan-get-unlock-skin-outfit |url-status=live ))</ref><ref>((Cite web |date=17 March 2023 |title=HEROES EMERGE: LEON S. KENNEDY AND CLAIRE REDFIELD OPEN THE DOOR INTO FORTNITE |url=https://www.fortnite.com/news/heroes-emerge-leon-s-kennedy-and-claire-redfield-open-the-door-into-fortnite |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=Fortnite |language=en-US |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317051517/https://www.fortnite.com/news/heroes-emerge-leon-s-kennedy-and-claire-redfield-open-the-door-into-fortnite |url-status=live ))</ref> As the season progressed, players could complete story quests from the Peace Syndicate, which described an ensuing conflict between other syndicates on the Island, as well as an unknown saboteur seemingly targeting information held on The Last Reality. Towards the end of the season, fissures began to appear across the island, with vines sprouting out of them. In addition, small earthquakes would occur randomly in-game around these fissures. In addition, a rumbling sound could be heard from them, similar to sounds emitted from the Zero Point in early seasons.
|-
|Season 3 ("Wilds")
|June ((endash)) August 2023
|Jungle themed. The center of the island had collapsed, which revealed a jungle full of secrets, such as temples, vines, and mud, while Dr. Slone is revealed to have somehow survived having her tank crushed during the Collision event, with her waking up to find her and the tank in the newly revealed jungle. Tie-in crossover characters in the game included [[Optimus Prime]] and [[List of Beast Wars characters#Maximals|Optimus Primal]] from ''[[Transformers]],'' [[Yennefer of Vengerberg]] and [[Ciri (The Witcher)|Ciri]] from ''[[The Witcher (video game series)|The Witcher]],'' a Nord Warrior from ''[[The Elder Scrolls Online]]'', [[Philip J. Fry]], [[Bender (Futurama)|Bender]], and [[Leela (Futurama)|Leela]] from ''[[Futurama]]'', [[Terminator (character)|The Terminator]] from James Cameron's ''[[Terminator (franchise)|Terminator]]'' franchise, [[Yuji Itadori]], [[Megumi Fushiguro]], [[Satoru Gojo]], and [[Nobara Kugisaki]] from ''[[Jujutsu Kaisen]],'' and WWE superstars [[Becky Lynch|"The Man" Becky Lynch]] and [[Bianca Belair|"The EST of WWE" Bianca Belair]].<ref>((Cite web |date=30 July 2023 |title=Fortnite Reveals New Terminator Skin |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/fortnite-terminator-new-skin-revealed/ |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en-US |archive-date=August 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802094128/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/fortnite-terminator-new-skin-revealed/ |url-status=live ))</ref><ref>((Cite web |date=2 August 2023 |title=Jujutsu Kaisen Is Coming to Fortnite |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/jujutsu-kaisen-is-coming-to-fortnite |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=IGN |language=en-US |archive-date=August 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802093912/https://www.ign.com/articles/jujutsu-kaisen-is-coming-to-fortnite |url-status=live ))</ref> Atop one of the temples sits a ruined, telescope-like structure known as the Apparatus, which, as shown through in-game quests, Slone begins to study in hopes it can help her with her "plans" for the Island. In addition, the Zero Point can be found adjacent to the Apparatus, encased in stone, while Optimus Prime's voice can be heard on the radio, warning of a threat to the reality.
|-
|Season 4 ("Last Resort")<ref>((Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Tom |date=2023-08-24 |title=Fortnite Last Resort: Chapter 4 Season 4 Name & Theme Revealed |url=https://gamingintel.com/fortnite-last-resort/ |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=Gaming Intel |language=en-US |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824142602/https://gamingintel.com/fortnite-last-resort/ |url-status=live ))</ref>
|August ((endash)) November 2023
|Heist themed. This marked the final "full-length season" of Chapter 4. Time-traveling vampire Kado Thorne had arrived on the island and had stolen various items and weapons from the past of Fortnite, so the players must rob him. Tie-in crossover characters included [[TikTok]] star [[Khaby Lame]], [[Ahsoka Tano]] from ''[[Star Wars]],'' [[Shoto Todoroki]], [[Eijiro Kirishima]], and [[Mina Ashido]] from ''[[My Hero Academia]]'', [[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]] and [[Megatron]] from ''[[Transformers]],'' [[Michael Myers (Halloween)|Michael Myers]] from ''[[Halloween (franchise)|Halloween]]'', [[Jack Skellington]] from ''[[The Nightmare Before Christmas]]'', and Alan Wake from the [[Alan Wake|eponymous game]].<ref>((Cite web |title=TikTok star Khaby Lame Fortnite skin teased for new crossover |url=https://www.dexerto.com/fortnite/tiktok-star-khaby-lame-fortnite-skin-teased-for-new-crossover-2262049/ |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=Dexerto |date=August 23, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824142603/https://www.dexerto.com/fortnite/tiktok-star-khaby-lame-fortnite-skin-teased-for-new-crossover-2262049/ |url-status=live ))</ref> Over the course of the season, players could help Dr. Slone and her associate Nolan Chance assemble a heist team. Near the end of the season, Slone and Nolan's team, with the help of the returning Jones, managed to steal Kado's time machine, but it began bringing in items from Chapter 1, like the Durr Burger head. At the end of the season, Kado's fate was left unknown as Jones prepared to go back in time.
|-
|Season OG<ref>((Citation |title=Fortnite Chapter 4: Season OG Gameplay Trailer |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZLcCeH2dHU |access-date=2023-11-01 |language=en |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101154804/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZLcCeH2dHU |url-status=live ))</ref>
|November ((endash)) December 2023
|Chapter((nbsp))1 themed "mini-season", also labeled as '''Chapter OG: Season OG'''. This marked the final season of Chapter 4. The Chapter((nbsp))1 map returned for one month due to Jones jumping back in time (with him and the time machine landing in Pleasant Park), albeit with some small changes in the map (such as a building in Tilted Towers being changed), supposedly due to Jones' jump altering time slightly. Starting with Chapter((nbsp))1 Season((nbsp))5, the map was updated every week, with each change reflecting seasons from Chapter 1; in order, these are Seasons 6, 7/8, and 9/X. There were, however, some changes from these seasons' maps, such as the jungle & volcano from Season 8 never appearing, the Season 7 iceberg being smaller, the Season 9 locations not appearing, and Dusty Depot not returning for Season X. The Battle Pass - only 50 tiers this season (plus some bonus) and called the "OG Pass" instead - features outfits that are fusions of two or more Chapter 1 outfits - in order of appearance in the OG Pass, these are: "Spectra Knight", a fusion of several knight-themed outfits from across Chapter 1, "Lil' Split", a fusion of Lil' Whip from Season 7 and Peely from Season 8, "Renegade Lynx", a fusion of Renegade Raider from Season 1 and Lynx from. Season 7, and "Omegarok", a fusion of Omega from Season 4 and Ragnarok from Season 5.<ref>((Cite web |title=Run It Back with the OG Pass and OG Shop in Fortnite Battle Royale |url=https://www.fortnite.com/news/run-it-back-with-the-og-pass-and-og-shop-in-fortnite-battle-royale |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=Fortnite |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108151243/https://www.fortnite.com/news/run-it-back-with-the-og-pass-and-og-shop-in-fortnite-battle-royale |url-status=live ))</ref> Tie-in crossover characters include [[Eleven (Stranger Things)|Eleven]] from ''Stranger Things,'' [[Formula One]] racer [[Lewis Hamilton]], [[Omni-Man]], [[Invincible (character)|Invincible]], and [[Atom Eve]] from ''[[Invincible (TV series)|Invincible]],'' and rapper [[Eminem]].<ref>((Cite web |title=Fortnite x Stranger Things collab leak reveals Eleven skin and more |url=https://www.dexerto.com/fortnite/fortnite-stranger-things-collab-leak-eleven-skin-2365455/ |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=Dexerto |date=November 2, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103014035/https://www.dexerto.com/fortnite/fortnite-stranger-things-collab-leak-eleven-skin-2365455/ |url-status=live ))</ref> [[Metro Boomin]] also created the season's lobby track.<ref>((Cite web |last=HalberdPosting |date=2023-11-03 |title=Fortnite OG Brings Back Guns and Gadgets from Past Seasons |url=https://www.siliconera.com/fortnite-og-brings-back-guns-and-gadgets-from-past-seasons/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104065003/https://www.siliconera.com/fortnite-og-brings-back-guns-and-gadgets-from-past-seasons/ |url-status=live ))</ref> Each week, players could find an audio log, recorded and sent back in time by Slone to Jones. The first log has Slone state that Jones has a "job" to do, one that apparently is essential to holding all of reality together due to the petrified and weakened state of the Zero Point in Chapter 4, and that everything he does "will ripple forward to this very moment". Jones then begins to move the time machine towards Dusty Divot, as construction begins in the old warehouses. Further logs indicate that Jones' doings are indeed affecting the future, as Slone cannot remember if she has already recorded logs for Jones. She states that Jones' mission is not to change the future, but instead to perform some sort of "extraction" from the past. She also tells Jones that this will be "goodbye" for "this me" and "that you" - once Jones' mission is complete, the entire timeline will be severely altered. At the construction site in Dusty Divot, a rocket, just like the one used in the Season 4 event and the Chapter 1 "The End" event, is built, with the time machine strapped to it, and with the Season 9/X stage of the map the Zero Point appears in Loot Lake, directly under the Floating Island from Season 6, as does the meteor above the unchanged Dusty Divot crater. In the finale event, known as the "Big Bang", the rocket launched and began to "glitch", transforming into other objects due to the effects of the time machine strapped to it. The event then proceeded just like The End event; the Seven arrive in their rockets, and cause the meteor to move - except now, the meteor begins to glitch just like the rocket, switching through different objects. One of the rockets, followed by the glitching meteor, crashes into the Zero Point (the floating island having disappeared) as the Seven fly away. Just like in The End, the island collapses in on itself, but instead of a black hole forming, a massive explosion - the eponymous [[Big Bang]] - occurs, restoring the Zero Point to its healthy state once more. Players are launched out of the Big Bang as old and new realities reform, and they begin to travel through these new realities, which tease three new games contained within ''Fortnite'', launched during the first week of Chapter 5 Season 1: A [[Lego]] reality, which teased the survival sandbox game ''[[Lego Fortnite]]'' (developed by Epic Games in partnership with [[The Lego Group]], which launched on December 7), a ''Rocket League'' racing track, which teases the ''Rocket League'' racing game ''Rocket Racing'' (developed by the creators of ''Rocket League'', [[Psyonix]], which launched on December 8), and finally, an Eminem concert, which teased the ''[[Rock Band]]''/''[[Guitar Hero]]''-esque rhythm game ''Fortnite Festival'' (developed by [[Harmonix]], which launched on December 9). The players were then launched into space to look at all of the realities - including a rebirthed and reset Reality Zero - with branches linking now linking them all to each other. Shortly prior to this, the Fortnite Twitter/X account teased that the Season OG/Chapter 1 map would once again return at some point in 2024.
|}

==== Chapter 5 ====
{| class="wikitable"
! width=10% | Season
! Period
! width=70% | Description
|-
| Season 1 ("Underground")<ref name="ign.com">((Citation |title=Fortnite - Official Chapter 5: Underground Launch Trailer - IGN |date=2023-12-02 |url=https://www.ign.com/videos/fortnite-official-chapter-5-underground-launch-trailer |access-date=2023-12-02 |language=en |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202215850/https://www.ign.com/videos/fortnite-official-chapter-5-underground-launch-trailer |url-status=live ))</ref>
|December 2023 ((endash)) March 2024
| After the events of the Big Bang event, the Fortnite timeline and Reality Zero have reset, forming a new Island and beginning a new timeline. Meanwhile, Peely, Jones' anthropomorphic banana friend, is taken hostage, plunging the island into a battle between two factions known as The Underground - led by the new, post-reset version of Jones - and The Society, the faction holding Peely hostage. Tie-in crossover characters include [[Peter Griffin]] and [[Ernie the Giant Chicken]] from ''[[Family Guy]]'', [[Solid Snake]] and [[Raiden (Metal Gear)|Raiden]] from ''[[Metal Gear]]'', [[Leonardo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)|Leonardo]], [[Raphael (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)|Raphael]], [[Donatello (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)|Donatello]], [[Michelangelo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)|Michelangelo]], [[April O'Neil]], [[Shredder (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)|Shredder]], and [[Splinter (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)|Master Splinter]] from the ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'', Canadian music artist [[the Weeknd]], [[Frieza]] and [[Cell (Dragon Ball)|Cell]] from ''[[Dragon Ball]],'' and [[Lady Gaga]].<ref name="ign.com"/><ref>((cite web | url=https://esports.gg/news/fortnite/the-weeknd-fortnite-skin-release-date-and-whats-included/ | title=The Weeknd Fortnite skin: Release date and what's included | date=December 11, 2023 | access-date=December 7, 2023 | archive-date=December 7, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180554/https://esports.gg/news/fortnite/the-weeknd-fortnite-skin-release-date-and-whats-included/ | url-status=live ))</ref> Although Jones managed to rescue Peely from the Society, a massive arm arose from the island, carrying a mysterious box. Upon opening the box, a tornado of souls came out of it.
|-
|Season 2 ("Myths & Mortals")
|March 2024 ((endash)) May 2024
|Greek mythology themed. Fortnite-themed versions of [[Zeus]], [[Hades]], [[Aphrodite]], [[Artemis]], [[Poseidon]], [[Cerberus]], [[Medusa]], [[Ares]], [[Charon]], and [[Apollo]] are introduced. Tie-in crossover characters include [[Korra]] from [[The Legend of Korra|''The Legend of Korra'']], [[Aang]], [[Appa (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Appa]], [[Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Katara]], [[Toph Beifong]], and [[Zuko]] from ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'', and [[Drax (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Drax]] and [[Mantis (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Mantis]] from [[Marvel Cinematic Universe|Marvel]].<ref>((Cite web |date=2024-03-08 |title=Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 2 gameplay trailer brings new POIs, Legend of Korra, new guns and more |url=https://www.dexerto.com/fortnite/fortnite-chapter-5-season-2-gameplay-trailer-brings-new-pois-legend-of-korra-new-guns-and-more-2577772/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Dexerto |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308134256/https://www.dexerto.com/fortnite/fortnite-chapter-5-season-2-gameplay-trailer-brings-new-pois-legend-of-korra-new-guns-and-more-2577772/ |url-status=live ))</ref> In addition, after being trapped in the Underworld by Hades, Midas has escaped and plans to reunite his old crew for an unknown mission.
|}

===Promotional modes and elements===
Shortly after the release of the film ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'' (2018), Epic ran a Marvel-sponsored event that featured the Infinity Gauntlet that randomly spawned on the map; any player that equipped it became [[Thanos (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Thanos]] with added abilities.<ref name="ew thanos"/> A second ''Avengers''-based mode was released upon the release of ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'' (2019), where players are randomly split between [[Avengers (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Avenger]] and [[Chitauri]] armies, seeking out the [[Infinity Stones (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Infinity Stones]] or the Infinity Gauntlet.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/4/25/18513061/fortnite-avengers-crossover-game-mode-endgame-mode-patch-notes-850 | title = Fortnite's new Avengers: Endgame mode is live | first1 = Austen | last1 = Goslin | first2 = Russ | last2 = Frushtick | date = April 25, 2019 | access-date = April 25, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = April 25, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190425150651/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/4/25/18513061/fortnite-avengers-crossover-game-mode-endgame-mode-patch-notes-850 | url-status = live ))</ref> Since then, other promotional content from other commercial properties, including cosmetic items and map features, has been available for limited periods in ''Fortnite'', typically around the time of premieres or first broadcasts for these works. These commercial properties have included ''[[Ralph Breaks the Internet]]'',<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/23/18108602/fortnite-wreck-it-ralph-crossover-cameo-breaks-the-internet | title = Wreck it Ralph makes surprise Fortnite appearance | first = Jon | last = Porter | date = November 23, 2018 | access-date = May 9, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = March 30, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210330082234/https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/23/18108602/fortnite-wreck-it-ralph-crossover-cameo-breaks-the-internet | url-status = live ))</ref> ''[[John Wick]]'',<ref>((cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2019/05/09/fortnite-now-has-john-wicks-continental-hotel/ | title = Fortnite now has John Wick's Continental Hotel | first = Dean | last = Takahashi | date = May 9, 2019 | access-date = May 9, 2019 | work = [[Venture Beat]] | archive-date = May 13, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190513095656/https://venturebeat.com/2019/05/09/fortnite-now-has-john-wicks-continental-hotel/ | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/16/john-wick-fortnite-ltm-wicks-bounty/ | title = John Wick drops into 'Fortnite' for a bounty-hunting brawl | first = Kris | last = Holt | date = May 16, 2019 | access-date = May 16, 2019 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = May 17, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190517085223/https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/16/john-wick-fortnite-ltm-wicks-bounty/ | url-status = live ))</ref> ''[[Stranger Things]]'',<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/07/04/fortnite-stranger-things-skins/ | title = 'Stranger Things' x 'Fortnite' crossover adds a couple of skins | first = Richard | last = Lawler | date = July 4, 2019 | access-date = November 15, 2019 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = November 15, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191115180415/https://www.engadget.com/2019/07/04/fortnite-stranger-things-skins/ | url-status = live ))</ref> ''[[Star Wars]]'',<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/15/20966222/fortnite-star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-crossover-event-stormtroopers | title = Fortnite gets stormtrooper costumes in new Star Wars crossover | first = Jon | last = Porter | date = November 15, 2019 | access-date = November 15, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = November 15, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191115113647/https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/15/20966222/fortnite-star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-crossover-event-stormtroopers | url-status = live ))</ref> ''[[Birds of Prey (2020 film)|Birds of Prey]]'',<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2020/2/6/21126183/harley-quinn-fortnite-skins-birds-of-prey-challenges | title = Harley Quinn is officially coming to Fortnite | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = February 6, 2020 | access-date = February 6, 2020 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = February 6, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200206160927/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2020/2/6/21126183/harley-quinn-fortnite-skins-birds-of-prey-challenges | url-status = live ))</ref> ''[[The Matrix (franchise)|The Matrix]]'',<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.thegamer.com/fortnite-matrix-wrap-emotes/ | first = Josh | last = Coulson | title = Fortnite Adds Matrix-Themed Weapon Wrap and Emotes | date = December 21, 2021 | access-date = January 12, 2022 | work = The Gamer | archive-date = January 13, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220113030520/https://www.thegamer.com/fortnite-matrix-wrap-emotes/ | url-status = live ))</ref> ''[[Cobra Kai]]'',<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/wax-on-rep-your-favorite-cobra-kai-dojo-in-fortnite-with-the-new-cobra-kai-set | title = REP YOUR FAVORITE COBRA KAI DOJO IN FORTNITE WITH THE NEW COBRA KAI SET! | first = Fortnite | last = Team | date = December 31, 2021 | access-date = January 14, 2022 | magazine = [[Epic Games]] | archive-date = January 14, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220114055508/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/wax-on-rep-your-favorite-cobra-kai-dojo-in-fortnite-with-the-new-cobra-kai-set | url-status = live ))</ref> [[Family Guy|''Family Guy'']],<ref>((Cite web |last=Walker |first=Ian |date=2023-12-04 |title=Fortnite made Peter Griffin buff — the easy but boring choice |url=https://www.polygon.com/23988195/fortnite-peter-griffin-family-guy-solid-snake-metal-gear-solid |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216183638/https://www.polygon.com/23988195/fortnite-peter-griffin-family-guy-solid-snake-metal-gear-solid |url-status=live ))</ref> among several others.

Non-gameplay related promotional events have included:
*EDM artist [[Marshmello]] held a [[virtual concert]] in the Pleasant Park location on February 2, 2019, across all game servers,<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/2/2/18208355/watch-the-full-marshmello-fortnite-concert-here-video-stream | title = Watch the full Marshmello Fortnite concert here | first = Russ | last = Frushtick | date = February 2, 2019 | access-date = February 2, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190202202048/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/2/2/18208355/watch-the-full-marshmello-fortnite-concert-here-video-stream | archive-date = February 2, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> estimated to have had over 10 million players watching it live.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/03/fortnites-dj-marshmello-concert-was-watched-by-over-10-million-players/ | title = Fortnite's DJ Marshmello concert was broadcast live and watched by more than 10 million players | first = Shabana | last = Arif | date = February 3, 2019 | access-date = February 3, 2019 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190203195114/https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/03/fortnites-dj-marshmello-concert-was-watched-by-over-10-million-players/ | archive-date = February 3, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>
*On December 14, a special preview of ''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker]]'' (2019) was released at the Risky Reels location, hosted by [[Geoff Keighley]], with a special guest appearance by director [[J. J. Abrams]], along with [[Ben Schwartz]] as FN-143, a [[Stormtrooper (Star Wars)|Stormtrooper]] from the [[First Order (Star Wars)|First Order]],<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2019/12/07/fortnites-risky-reels-will-show-star-wars-rise-skywalker-scene-next-weekend/ | title = Fortnite's Risky Reels will show a scene from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker next weekend | first = Stephany | last = Nunneley | date = December 7, 2019 | access-date = December 7, 2019 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-date = December 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191207215231/https://www.vg247.com/2019/12/07/fortnites-risky-reels-will-show-star-wars-rise-skywalker-scene-next-weekend/ | url-status = live ))</ref> which also featured the character of Emperor [[Palpatine]] in a voice segment that was referred to in [[Star Wars opening crawl|the film's opening crawl]], which marked the start of the ''Star Wars'' collaboration event.<ref>((cite web| url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-rise-of-skywalker-fortnite-palpatine/| title=Star Wars: Fortnite Is Now Rise of Skywalker Canon... Really| website=[[Comic Book Resources]]| quote=In what's arguably the most far-reaching examples of cross-marketing in recent memory, a key moment alluded to in the opening crawl from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has finally surfaced... in Epic Games' Fortnite.| date=December 20, 2020| access-date=February 7, 2020| archive-date=December 21, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221153749/https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-rise-of-skywalker-fortnite-palpatine/| url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web| url=https://www.cnet.com/news/this-star-wars-fortnite-clip-will-complete-the-rise-of-skywalker-experience/| title=This Star Wars Fortnite clip will complete The Rise of Skywalker experience| website=[[CNET]]| quote=Did the Emperor really make an announcement in a game instead of the film?| date=December 20, 2020| access-date=February 7, 2020| archive-date=March 17, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317215943/https://www.cnet.com/news/this-star-wars-fortnite-clip-will-complete-the-rise-of-skywalker-experience/| url-status=live))</ref>
* [[Travis Scott]] performed a virtual "Astronomical" tour in support of his 2018 album ''[[Astroworld (album)|Astroworld]]'' within ''Fortnite'' on multiple live concerts between April 23 and 25, 2020, including the premiere of a new song, "[[The Scotts]]", featuring [[Kid Cudi]], who is one-half of the [[Supergroup (music)|super-duo]] of the same name.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-04-23/coronavirus-era-fortnite-travis-scott-new-look-for-live-music | title = Travis Scott's trippy 'Fortnite' invasion: Welcome to the coronavirus era of live music | first = Todd | last = Martens | date = April 23, 2020 | access-date = April 23, 2020 | work = [[The Los Angeles Times]] | archive-date = April 24, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200424083344/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-04-23/coronavirus-era-fortnite-travis-scott-new-look-for-live-music | url-status = live ))</ref> The first performance on April 23 was estimated to have drawn over 12.3 million players to watch,<ref name="variety travisscott 12.3M">((cite web | url = https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/travis-scott-fortnite-record-viewers-live-1234589033/ | title = Travis Scott Destroys 'Fortnite' All-Time Record With 12.3 Million Live Viewers | first = Todd | last = Spangler | date = April 24, 2020 | access-date = April 24, 2020 | work = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-date = April 26, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200426094809/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/travis-scott-fortnite-record-viewers-live-1234589033/ | url-status = live ))</ref> while a total of 27.7 million unique viewers cumulatively watched the concerts.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-travis-scott-event-draws-record-breaking-/1100-6476541/ | title = Fortnite Travis Scott Event Draws Record-Breaking Numbers Of Players | first = Steven | last = Wright | date = April 27, 2020 | access-date = April 27, 2020 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = May 2, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200502185720/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-travis-scott-event-draws-record-breaking-/1100-6476541/ | url-status = live ))</ref> Along with these concerts, the event included a new cosmetics based on Scott for in-game purchase.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/20/21227852/fortnite-concert-travis-scott-astronomical-schedule-date | title = Travis Scott is touring inside Fortnite this week | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = April 20, 2020 | access-date = April 20, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = April 20, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200420224449/https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/20/21227852/fortnite-concert-travis-scott-astronomical-schedule-date | url-status = live ))</ref> Scott also Fortnite-inspired Cactus Jack products such as action figures and lunchboxes for the event.<ref>((Cite web |title=Cactus Jack for 'Fortnite' Day Six Includes Action Figure, Backpack and Wearables |url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/4/travis-scott-cactus-jack-fortnite-capsule-day-six-merch-drop-action-figure-lunch-box-backpack |access-date=October 16, 2020 |website=HYPEBEAST |date=April 29, 2020 |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427220958/https://hypebeast.com/2020/4/travis-scott-cactus-jack-fortnite-capsule-day-six-merch-drop-action-figure-lunch-box-backpack |url-status=live ))</ref>
* [[Diplo]] performed a live [[Major Lazer]] concert along with [[Jordan Fisher]] in the new "Party Royale" game mode on May 1, 2020, to test out that mode,<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/1/21244874/fortnite-diplo-concert-jordan-fisher-party-royale | title = Fortnite is hosting a Diplo concert in its new party mode | first = Jay | last = Peters | date = May 1, 2020 | access-date = May 1, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = May 2, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200502023548/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/1/21244874/fortnite-diplo-concert-jordan-fisher-party-royale | url-status = live ))</ref> while a multi-part concert by [[Dillon Francis]], [[Steve Aoki]], and [[Deadmau5]] was held on May 8 to celebrate the full release of the "Party Royale" game mode.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/6/21249505/fortnite-party-royale-premiere-show-concert-steve-aoki-dillon-francis-deadmau5 | title = Fortnite celebrates Party Royale launch with a massive live show | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = May 6, 2020 | access-date = May 6, 2020 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = May 7, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200507162214/https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/6/21249505/fortnite-party-royale-premiere-show-concert-steve-aoki-dillon-francis-deadmau5 | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/fortnites-party-royale-concert-was-just-what-we-needed-1843352973 | title = Fortnite's Party Royale Concert Was Just What We Needed Tonight | first1 = Riley | last1 = MacLeod | first2 = Ari | last2 = Nortis | date = May 8, 2020 | access-date = May 8, 2020 | work = [[Kotaku]] | archive-date = May 9, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200509130240/https://kotaku.com/fortnites-party-royale-concert-was-just-what-we-needed-1843352973 | url-status = live ))</ref>
* A trailer for [[Christopher Nolan]]'s ''[[Tenet (film)|Tenet]]'' (2020) was first shown in the "Party Royale" game mode before releasing to other digital services on May 21, 2020.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesinsider.biz/news/71151/christopher-nolan-film-to-be-shown-in-fortnite-this-summer/ | title = Christopher Nolan film to be shown in Fortnite this summer | first = Kayleigh | last = Partleton | date = May 22, 2020 | access-date = May 22, 2020 | work = PCGamesInsider.biz | archive-date = May 29, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200529034924/https://www.pcgamesinsider.biz/news/71151/christopher-nolan-film-to-be-shown-in-fortnite-this-summer/ | url-status = live ))</ref> In June 2020, Fortnite announced that it would livestream three Nolan films, ''[[Inception]]'', ''[[Batman Begins]]'', and ''[[The Prestige (film)|The Prestige]]'', depending on the region, through its "Movie Nite" event within "Party Royale". Epic Games partnered with Nolan and [[Warner Bros.]] to secure distribution rights in different languages and countries.<ref>((Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=June 24, 2020 |title='Fortnite' Will Livestream Christopher Nolan's 'Inception,' Two Other Movies for Free |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/fortnite-christopher-nolan-movies-inception-1234648388/ |access-date=October 16, 2020 |website=Variety |language=en |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118040649/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/fortnite-christopher-nolan-movies-inception-1234648388/ |url-status=live ))</ref>
* [[BTS]] premiered their dance choreography music video for "[[Dynamite (BTS song)|Dynamite]]" in the "Party Royale" game mode on September 22, 2020.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2020/09/21/bts-fortnite-new-video/ | title = BTS will debut new music video inside Fortnite | first = Dom | last = Peppiatt | date = September 21, 2020 | access-date = September 21, 2020 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-date = September 29, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200929213446/https://www.vg247.com/2020/09/21/bts-fortnite-new-video/ | url-status = live ))</ref>
*[[J Balvin]] performed a live concert in the "Party Royale" game mode on October 31, 2020, premiering a new song titled "La Luz". Anyone who attended the concert could get a special J Balvin style for the Party Trooper outfit. The concert was recorded using extended reality (XR) technology.<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9469280/j-balvin-new-track-fortnite-performance-halloween | title = J Balvin to headline virtual concert in Fortnite "Party Royale" | first = Tatiana | last = Cristiano | date = October 21, 2020 | access-date = November 12, 2020 | magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | archive-date = November 4, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201104180823/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9469280/j-balvin-new-track-fortnite-performance-halloween/ | url-status = live ))</ref>
* Epic launched a short animated [[film festival]] within the "Party Royale" mode in February 2021, called "Short Nite".<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/16/22278892/fortnite-film-festival-short-nite-party-royale | title = Fortnite is hosting a film festival on the party royale island | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = February 16, 2021 | access-date = February 16, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = February 16, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210216150027/https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/16/22278892/fortnite-film-festival-short-nite-party-royale | url-status = live ))</ref>
* [[Ariana Grande]] performed virtually as the headline act of the "Rift Tour" in August 2021.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/1/22602826/ariana-grande-fortnite-rift-tour-concert-epic-games | title = Ariana Grande is headlining Fortnite's next concert series | first = Jay | last = Peters | date = August 1, 2021 | access-date = August 1, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = August 4, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210804100437/https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/1/22602826/ariana-grande-fortnite-rift-tour-concert-epic-games | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/ariana-grande-fortnite/ | title = I killed a demon, cowered before a giant bear, and survived an M.C. Escher world at Ariana Grande's Fortnite concert | first = Joseph | last = Knoop | date = August 6, 2021 | access-date = August 6, 2021 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = August 6, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210806231442/https://www.pcgamer.com/ariana-grande-fortnite/ | url-status = live ))</ref>
* [[The Kid Laroi]] performed virtually at his concert "Wild Dreams" as a Creative experience in January 2023.

Epic started a regular ''Fortnite'' Spotlight in-game concert event series in September 2020 using the "Party Royale" game mode, with such concerts from various musicians planned on a weekly basis and free for any player of ''Fortnite'' to watch. The musician will perform their set in a special studio set up by Epic that will be digitized in game. According to Nate Nanzer, Epic Games head of global partnerships, "We're creating this platform to work with artists — big artists and up-and-coming artists."<ref>((cite web | url = https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/fortnite-concert-series-party-royale-dominic-fike-apple-1234761834/ | title = 'Fortnite' Launching New Concert Series, Starting With Dominic Fike — But It Won't Be on Apple Devices | first = Todd | last = Spangler | date = September 8, 2020 | access-date = September 9, 2020 | work = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-date = September 8, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200908192412/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/fortnite-concert-series-party-royale-dominic-fike-apple-1234761834/ | url-status = live ))</ref>

==Development==
((See also|Fortnite: Save the World#Development))
''[[Fortnite]]'' had first been revealed by [[Epic Games]] in 2011, considered to be a combination of ''[[Minecraft]]'' and ''[[Left 4 Dead]]'' as four players would work together to scavenge resources to build fortifications, traps, weapons, and other objects to survive monster attacks.<ref>((cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-fortnite-is-minecraft-meets-left-4-dead/1100-6411360/ | title = Epic: Fortnite is "Minecraft meets Left 4 Dead" | website = [[GameSpot]] | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = July 12, 2013 | access-date = March 25, 2015 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150327145006/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-fortnite-is-minecraft-meets-left-4-dead/1100-6411360/ | archive-date = March 27, 2015))</ref><ref name="polygon march2014">((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/26/5542822/the-future-of-games-epic-games-tim-sweeney-fortnite-unreal-tournament | title = What's the future of games at Epic Games? | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = March 26, 2014 | access-date = June 9, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170627142221/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/26/5542822/the-future-of-games-epic-games-tim-sweeney-fortnite-unreal-tournament | archive-date = June 27, 2017))</ref> The game ended up with a protracted development period, in part due to both external pressures, with the industry transitioning to a [[games as a service]] model, and internal shifts of focus within Epic (including focusing attention on their first free-to-play title ''[[Paragon (video game)|Paragon]]'') to meet the external challenges. During this period, Epic made a deal with [[Tencent]], giving them about 40% of the company in exchange for their support for the games as a service approach as well as ready access to the Chinese video game market.<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/21/4131702/tencents-epic-games-stock-acquisition | title = Tencent's $330M Epic Games investment absorbed 40 percent of developer [Updated] | last = Crecente | first = Brian | date = March 21, 2013 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | access-date = May 4, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180329225508/https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/21/4131702/tencents-epic-games-stock-acquisition | archive-date = March 29, 2018))</ref> ''Fortnite'' was confirmed to have a planned 2018 release in June 2017, with a paid [[early access]] period starting a month later; the game is planned otherwise as a free-to-play title supported by [[microtransactions]]. With release in early access, the game featured its primary gameplay mode, "Save the World", where players in teams up to four would work cooperatively to survive and complete objectives on randomly generated maps.<ref name="earlyaccess">((Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/8/15761278/fortnite-early-access-release-date-ps4-xbox-one-pc-mac-price-preview | title = Fortnite announces early access release, hands-on the unfinished game | last = Hall | first = Charlie | date = June 8, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | access-date = June 8, 2017 | url-status = live | archive-url = http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20171123131037/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/8/15761278/fortnite-early-access-release-date-ps4-xbox-one-pc-mac-price-preview | archive-date = November 23, 2017))</ref><ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2017/07/21/fortnite-early-access-has-started-for-those-who-pre-ordered-founders-packs/ | title = Fortnite Early Access has started for those who pre-ordered Founder's Packs | last = Nunneley | first = Stephany | date = July 21, 2017 | website = [[VG247]] | access-date = July 29, 2017 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170802152110/https://www.vg247.com/2017/07/21/fortnite-early-access-has-started-for-those-who-pre-ordered-founders-packs/ | archive-date = August 2, 2017))</ref>

During the latter part of ''Fortnite''(('))s development, ''[[PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds]]'' was released in March 2017 on personal computers in early access, and quickly became a popular and successful game, becoming the defining example of the [[Battle royale game|battle royale genre]]. According to Mustard, the Epic team "loved Battle Royale games like [Battlegrounds]", and explored how they could make a similar mode within ''Fortnite''(('))s engine. They kept this mode in a separate development team from the main [[player versus environment]] modes for experimentation and as to not throw off the balance in the main game.<ref>((cite magazine | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-battle-royale-is-a-100-player-last-man-standing-mode-coming-this-month/ | title = Fortnite Battle Royale is a 100-player last-man-standing mode, coming this month | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = September 12, 2017 | access-date = November 29, 2017 | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171225033103/http://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-battle-royale-is-a-100-player-last-man-standing-mode-coming-this-month/ | archive-date = December 25, 2017))</ref> The Battle Royale mode development was led by Eric Williamson with Zack Estep as production lead. Their goal was to develop the Battle Royale mode quickly from the core "Save the World" mode, putting off any complex features that weren't already in place as to launch the new mode as soon as possible; while they explored such potential ideas, they held off inclusion until after the main mode was launched.<ref name="gamasutra march2018">((cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/315485/Qamp_A_How_Epic_pared_down_Fortnite_Battle_Royale_to_be_fast_and_approachable_.php | title = Q&A: How Epic pared down Fortnite Battle Royale to be fast and approachable | first = Dante | last = Douglas | date = March 14, 2018 | access-date = March 14, 2018 | website = [[Gamasutra]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180314183137/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/315485/Qamp_A_How_Epic_pared_down_Fortnite_Battle_Royale_to_be_fast_and_approachable_.php | archive-date = March 14, 2018))</ref> The development of the ''Battle Royale'' mode took about two months starting in July 2017 after the "Save the World" mode had shipped, and was aided by the ''[[Unreal Tournament (2014 video game)|Unreal Tournament]]'' team.<ref name="ign devvideo">((cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/17/how-fortnite-became-the-biggest-game-in-the-world-ign-expert-mode | title = How Fortnite Became The Biggest Game In The World | first = James | last = Duggan | date = April 17, 2018 | access-date = April 17, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | type = video | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180418032815/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/17/how-fortnite-became-the-biggest-game-in-the-world-ign-expert-mode | archive-date = April 18, 2018))</ref><ref name="pcgamer gdc 2018">((Cite magazine | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-battle-royale-was-developed-in-just-two-months-and-wasnt-originally-going-to-be-free-to-play/ | title = Fortnite Battle Royale was developed in just two months, wasn't originally free-to-play | first = James | last = Davenport | date = March 22, 2018 | access-date = March 22, 2018 | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180322204912/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-battle-royale-was-developed-in-just-two-months-and-wasnt-originally-going-to-be-free-to-play/ | archive-date = March 22, 2018))</ref> Key differences for Battle Royale that differed from "Save the World" included a more limited progression for weapons, a small subset of traps, and a smoother, more natural terrain for the maps.<ref name="gamasutra march2018"/> They also wanted to aim for games not taking longer than 25 minutes, which led to some decisions of which elements from "Save the World" would not carry over.<ref name="gamasutra march2018"/> They had included ''Fortnite''(('))s building mechanic for fortifications, not sure how players would use that since the safe zone would continue shrinking, but found quickly that the mechanic helped to distinguish the game from ''Battlegrounds'' and was used by expert players frequently to win matches, and had since implemented more features to help players with rapidly constructing temporary bases.<ref name="gamasutra march2018"/>

[[File:Fortnite Battle Royale at GDC 2018.jpg|thumb|300px|''Fortnite Battle Royale'' at the 2018 [[Game Developers Conference]]]]
In those two months of development, Epic's plan was to include ''Battle Royale'' within the paid ''Fortnite'' game, and originally announced this approach publicly in early September 2017. Only two weeks before it was released did Epic decide to make it a separate free-to-play title, fearing that having it as part of the paid package would slow down the growth of the title.<ref name="pcgamer gdc 2018"/> Epic announced this change formally about a week after first announcing ''Battle Royale'', allowing those that had purchased early access to ''Fortnite'' in anticipation of this mode to request refunds.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/20/16340010/fortnite-battle-royale-pubg-playerunknowns-battlegrounds-free-to-play | title = Fortnite: Battle Royale will beat PUBG to consoles and be free-to-play | first = Chris | last = Plante | date = September 20, 2017 | access-date = November 29, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032953/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/20/16340010/fortnite-battle-royale-pubg-playerunknowns-battlegrounds-free-to-play | archive-date = December 1, 2017))</ref> This release, which beat out ''Battlegrounds'' to consoles, caused some concern with ''Battlegrounds'' developer Bluehole, as they had been working closely with Epic for Unreal engine support in ''Battlegrounds'', and were worried that ''Fortnite'' might be able to include planned features to their Battle Royale mode before they could release those in ''Battlegrounds''.<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/22/16350170/pubg-fortnite-battle-royale-genre-opinion | title = PUBG and Fortnite's argument raises the question: Can you own a genre? | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = September 22, 2017 | access-date = September 22, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170923003827/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/22/16350170/pubg-fortnite-battle-royale-genre-opinion | archive-date = September 23, 2017))</ref><ref>((cite web | last1 = Skipper | first1 = Ben | title = PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds team issues threat over 'carbon copy' battle royale mode in Epic Games' Fortnite | url = http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/playerunknowns-battlegrounds-team-issues-threat-over-carbon-copy-battle-royale-mode-epic-games-1640468 | website = [[International Business Times]] | access-date = September 22, 2017 | date = September 22, 2017 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170922165952/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/playerunknowns-battlegrounds-team-issues-threat-over-carbon-copy-battle-royale-mode-epic-games-1640468 | archive-date = September 22, 2017))</ref><ref>((cite magazine | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/pubg-exec-clarifies-objection-to-fortnite-battle-royale-its-not-about-the-idea-itself-its-about-epic-games/ | title = PUBG exec clarifies objection to Fortnite Battle Royale: 'it's not about the idea itself, it's about Epic Games' | first = Christopher | last = Livingston | date = September 23, 2017 | access-date = September 23, 2017 | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170923075730/http://www.pcgamer.com/pubg-exec-clarifies-objection-to-fortnite-battle-royale-its-not-about-the-idea-itself-its-about-epic-games/ | archive-date = September 23, 2017))</ref>

With the popularity of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' by the start of 2018, Epic split off a separate development team to focus on improvements for this mode.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/the-evolution-of-the-worlds-largest-battle-royale-game-w515421 | title = 'Fortnite: Battle Royale': The Evolution of World's Largest Battle Royale Game | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = January 15, 2018 | access-date = January 26, 2018 | website = [[Glixel]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180127084356/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/the-evolution-of-the-worlds-largest-battle-royale-game-w515421 | archive-date = January 27, 2018))</ref> Epic said that their attention to ''Fortnite'' was causing some of their other games to see lower player populations, leading them to reduce development efforts on these games, particularly ''Paragon''.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnites-huge-success-means-its-studios-other-gam/1100-6456179/ | title = Fortnite's Huge Success Means Its Studio's Other Game Might Not Live On | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = January 17, 2018 | access-date = January 26, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180127035743/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnites-huge-success-means-its-studios-other-gam/1100-6456179/ | archive-date = January 27, 2018))</ref> By the end of January 2018, Epic announced it was shutting down ''Paragon'' by April of that year, providing refunds to all players.<ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/after-fortnites-massive-success-epic-shuts-down-parago-1822460782 | title = After Fortnite's Massive Success, Epic Shuts Down Paragon | first = Jason | last = Schreier | date = January 26, 2018 | access-date = January 26, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126203649/https://kotaku.com/after-fortnites-massive-success-epic-shuts-down-parago-1822460782 | archive-date = January 26, 2018))</ref> Similarly, Epic announced it had halted development of the planned free-to-play ''Unreal Tournament'' game, its team transitioned to ''Fortnite'', though the game will remain available, playable, and open to end-user modifications.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/amid-fortnites-success-new-unreal-tournament-stops/1100-6463665/ | title = Amid Fortnite's Success, New Unreal Tournament Stops Development At Epic Games | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = December 4, 2018 | access-date = December 4, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181205041825/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/amid-fortnites-success-new-unreal-tournament-stops/1100-6463665/ | archive-date = December 5, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Players on a ''Fortnite''-dedicated [[Reddit]] forum had expressed concerns that a similar fate could befall the ''Save the World'' mode of ''Fortnite'', as externally, the ''Save the World'' mode has not received the same attention in providing updates and improvements compared to the ''Battle Royale'' mode since that mode's release.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/02/16/fortnites-save-world-mode-next-epics-kill-list/ | title = Could Fortnite's Save The World mode be next on Epic's kill list? | first = Dan | last = Hastings | date = February 16, 2018 | access-date = February 16, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180216210936/https://www.vg247.com/2018/02/16/fortnites-save-world-mode-next-epics-kill-list/ | archive-date = February 16, 2018))</ref>

According to Mustard, from the start of developing ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', Epic had been interested in telling a narrative with the game, with a long-term narrative planned out by Mustard, but recognized the challenge when most players were focused on the base mechanics of the title. They decided to make players more as witnesses to the events rather than central characters, allowing the story to be told out through non-player characters that the players may encounter or through the game's additional media. This long-term narrative was designed to be flexible, accounting for both responses from players as well as for cross-promotions that Epic had secured over time, which had connected to the overall concept of a [[multiverse]] that is part of this narrative. Incorporating the narrative elements had led the development team to plan out new ways to include them, such as the single-time events across all servers, or specialized single-player missions.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/22338403/fortnite-story-narrative-interview-donald-mustard-epic-games | title = Fortnite's Experimental Story Is An Attempt To Create 'The Entertainment Experience Of The Future' | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = March 18, 2021 | access-date = March 22, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = May 3, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210503145155/https://www.theverge.com/22338403/fortnite-story-narrative-interview-donald-mustard-epic-games | url-status = live ))</ref>

On June 29, 2020, Epic announced that they considered ''Save the World'' to no longer be in early access, and as a companion move, eliminated the early access labels from both ''Battle Royale'' and ''Creative'' modes.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamesradar.com/fortnite-finally-leaves-early-access-after-three-years/ | title = Fortnite finally leaves Early Access after three years | first = Heather | last = Wald | date = June 30, 2020 | access-date = June 30, 2020 | work = [[GamesRadar]] | archive-date = July 1, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200701211923/https://www.gamesradar.com/fortnite-finally-leaves-early-access-after-three-years/ | url-status = live ))</ref>

With the launch of Chapter 3 on December 5, 2021, Epic brought the game to use Unreal Engine 5.<ref name="ue5dec">((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/unreal-engine-5-chapter-3 | title = Fortnite has finally moved to Unreal Engine 5 with Chapter 3 | first = Chris | last = Capel | date = December 5, 2021 | access-date = December 5, 2021 | work = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-date = December 5, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211205182425/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/unreal-engine-5-chapter-3 | url-status = live ))</ref>

===Localization===
[[Tencent]], who is a partial owner of Epic Games, brought ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' to China in 2018; the company was already involved in supporting ''Battlegrounds'' in China as well. Tencent planned to spend up to ((USD|15 million)) to help promote the game in China, set up eSports tournaments, and fight against copyright infringement and clones of ''Fortnite'' that have appeared in the country.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/23/fortnite-is-coming-to-china/ | title = 'Fortnite' is coming to China | first = David | last = Lumb | date = April 23, 2018 | access-date = April 23, 2018 | website = [[Engadget]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180424034212/https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/23/fortnite-is-coming-to-china/ | archive-date = April 24, 2018))</ref> Epic also worked with Neowiz Games to bring a version of ''Fortnite'' to South Korea, launched in November 2018.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2018/05/134_249598.html | title = PUBG takes US game firm to court | first = Jun | last = Ji-hye | date = May 25, 2018 | access-date = May 25, 2018 | website = [[The Korea Times]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525120045/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2018/05/134_249598.html | archive-date = May 25, 2018))</ref><ref name="VG247" />

Tencent announced in October 2021 that the Chinese version of ''Fortnite'', which had never left the beta phase and had a number of functional differences from international versions of the game, would be shutting down on November 15, 2021, disallowing new user registration. This move came after new [[Video games in China|regulations and restrictions made by the Chinese government towards online gaming]].<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-01-fortnite-china-shutting-down-after-three-years | title = Fortnite China shutting down after three years | first = James | last = Batchelor | date = November 1, 2021 | access-date = November 1, 2021 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = November 1, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211101102413/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-01-fortnite-china-shutting-down-after-three-years | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/fortnite-china-server-close-interview-players | title = We spoke to players of Fortnite's Chinese test server about its closure | first = Connor | last = Makar | date = November 1, 2021 | access-date = November 2, 2021 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-date = November 2, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211102163935/https://www.vg247.com/fortnite-china-server-close-interview-players | url-status = live ))</ref>

===Ports===
A release of ''Fortnite'' for the [[Nintendo Switch]] video game console had been rumored in the week prior to the [[E3 2018]] in June 2018. During the [[Nintendo Direct]] presentation, [[Nintendo]] and Epic Games announced the release of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' for the Nintendo Switch, supporting [[cross-platform play]] with any other platform except the PlayStation 4; such users are able to carry over their inventory, Battle Pass status, and in-game currency between these platforms through their Epic user account. The game was released on June 12, 2018, the same day as the announcement. It is the first game to support direct [[voice chat]] through the Switch console through software provided by [[Vivox]].<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/12/17437762/fortnite-nintendo-switch-release-date-e3-2018-trailer | title = Fortnite for Nintendo Switch is out today | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = June 12, 2018 | access-date = June 12, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614152813/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/12/17437762/fortnite-nintendo-switch-release-date-e3-2018-trailer | archive-date = June 14, 2018))</ref> With the success of the Switch version of ''Fortnite'', Vivox had made its voice chat [[software development kit]] available for other Switch games.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/5/18212296/switch-games-voice-text-chat-vivox-sdk | title = Switch games are finally getting proper voice chat thanks to Vivox | first = Chaim | last = Gartenburg | date = February 5, 2019 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190207072301/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/5/18212296/switch-games-voice-text-chat-vivox-sdk | archive-date = February 7, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

In March 2018, Epic announced it was making ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] mobile devices.<ref name="kotaku fbr" /> The iOS version was released first, and was expected to be followed by the Android version by mid-2018.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/18/17368348/fortnite-android-mobile-release-date-new-features-voice-chat | title = Fortnite is coming to Android this summer | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = May 18, 2018 | access-date = May 18, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180519032326/https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/18/17368348/fortnite-android-mobile-release-date-new-features-voice-chat | archive-date = May 19, 2018))</ref> The beta version for iOS devices launched on March 15, 2018,<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/03/15/fortnite-battle-royale-on-ios-is-live-invites-going-out-now/#28a61d582b75 | title = 'Fortnite Battle Royale' On iOS Is Live, Invites Going Out Now | last = Thier | first = Dave | date = March 15, 2018 | website = [[Forbes]] | access-date = March 16, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180318113037/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/03/15/fortnite-battle-royale-on-ios-is-live-invites-going-out-now/#28a61d582b75 | archive-date = March 18, 2018))</ref> and opened to all players on April 2, 2018.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/2/17188592/fortnite-mobile-ios-download-link-iphone-ipad | title = Fortnite now available for everyone on iOS | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = April 2, 2018 | access-date = April 2, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180402173416/https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/2/17188592/fortnite-mobile-ios-download-link-iphone-ipad | archive-date = April 2, 2018))</ref> Epic Games stated that it was not possible to release the Android version with the iOS version simultaneously, and declined to provide a concrete release date for it, because the developers wanted to spend a few months making sure that the game will be compatible with as many Android devices as possible, a task that is not easily accomplished due to the high variety of Android hardware.<ref>((cite web | last1 = Kain | first1 = Erik | title = Why Isn't 'Fortnite' Coming To Android At The Same Time As iOS? | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2018/03/16/why-isnt-fortnite-coming-to-android-at-the-same-time-as-ios/#55eea50028d5 | website = [[Forbes]] | access-date = July 11, 2018 | date = March 16, 2018 | quote = '''Nick Chester''': "There's a very wide range of Android devices that we want to support. We want to make sure Android players have a great experience, so we're taking more time to get it right." | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180711070551/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2018/03/16/why-isnt-fortnite-coming-to-android-at-the-same-time-as-ios/#55eea50028d5 | archive-date = July 11, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref>

The Android [[beta version]] of ''Fortnite'' was released on August 9, 2018, with a time-exclusivity for selected [[Samsung]] mobile devices until August 12, 2018.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2018/08/09/fortnite-android-officially-arrives-galaxy-note-9-launch/943898002/ | title = 'Fortnite' for Android officially arrives at Galaxy Note 9 launch | first = Eli | last = Blumenthal | date = August 9, 2018 | access-date = August 9, 2018 | website = [[USA Today]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180809180842/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2018/08/09/fortnite-android-officially-arrives-galaxy-note-9-launch/943898002/ | archive-date = August 9, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-android-beta-coming-today-but-exclusive-t/1100-6461049/ | title = Fortnite Android Beta Coming Today, But Exclusive To Samsung Devices For A Few Days | first = Tamoor | last = Hussain | date = August 9, 2018 | access-date = August 9, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180809171718/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-android-beta-coming-today-but-exclusive-t/1100-6461049/ | archive-date = August 9, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> On August 13, 2018, Epic began sending invites for the Android version to registered users for non-Samsung devices,<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-android-beta-now-available-for-more-phone/1100-6461129/ | title = Fortnite Android Beta Now Available For More Phones | first = Kevin | last = Knezevic | date = August 13, 2018 | access-date = August 13, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180813220524/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-android-beta-now-available-for-more-phone/1100-6461129/ | archive-date = August 13, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> and by October 11, 2018, the Android client was made available to all without an invite.<ref>((cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/328449/Fortnites_Android_version_is_no_longer_inviteonly.php | title = Fortnite's Android version is no longer invite-only | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = October 11, 2018 | access-date = October 13, 2018 | website = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181011234041/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/328449/Fortnites_Android_version_is_no_longer_inviteonly.php | archive-date = October 11, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

Until April 2020, the Android version was originally not distributed on [[Google Play Store]]: users had to [[sideloading|sideload]] an installer app from an [[Android application package]] (APK) file downloaded from the Epic Games' website (although on Samsung devices, the app was also available via the internal [[Samsung Galaxy Apps]] service).<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-unlock-the-galaxy-skin-in-fortnite/ | title = Fortnite's Galaxy Skin: How to unlock the Note 9 exclusive | last = Cipriani | first = Jason | website = CNET | language = en | access-date = January 30, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190131041103/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-unlock-the-galaxy-skin-in-fortnite/ | archive-date = January 31, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/13/17683646/fortnite-android-how-to-install-epic-games-google-play-store-beta-invite | title = How to install Fortnite on Android | last = Statt | first = Nick | date = August 13, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | access-date = February 1, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190202041931/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/13/17683646/fortnite-android-how-to-install-epic-games-google-play-store-beta-invite | archive-date = February 2, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Epic Games stated that it wanted to have a direct connection to the players of the game, and did not want its microtransactions to be subject to Google Play Store's 30% [[revenue sharing]] requirement (considering them disproportionate to the types of services the store provides).<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/3/17645982/epic-games-fortnite-android-version-bypass-google-play-store | title = Fortnite for Android will ditch Google Play Store for Epic's website | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = August 3, 2018 | access-date = August 3, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180803150818/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/3/17645982/epic-games-fortnite-android-version-bypass-google-play-store | archive-date = August 3, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Epic had tried to seek an exemption from Google from this revenue cut for in-app purchases, but Google refused, stating the need for the fee to maintain and improve the Google Play storefront.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/9/21003553/google-play-store-fortnite-epic-games-30-percent-cut-dispute | title = Google says it won't grant Fortnite an exemption to the Play Store's 30 percent cut | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = December 9, 2019 | access-date = December 10, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = December 10, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191210015715/https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/9/21003553/google-play-store-fortnite-epic-games-30-percent-cut-dispute | url-status = live ))</ref> Security experts expressed concern over this decision, since this requires users to modify security settings in default Android distributions to allow third-party sites to install Android application packages (APK). This setting can make users, particularly younger players, prone to potential [[malware]], including [[video game clone|clones]] of ''Fortnite'' that [[Trojan horse (computing)|install malicious programming]].<ref>((cite news | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/08/08/fortnite-decision-bypass-google-play-store-sparks-security-concerns/ | title = Fortnite decision to bypass the Google Play store sparks security concerns for teen gamers | first = Matthew | last = Field | date = August 8, 2018 | access-date = August 8, 2018 | newspaper = [[The Daily Telegraph]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180808122953/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/08/08/fortnite-decision-bypass-google-play-store-sparks-security-concerns/ | archive-date = August 8, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> About a month after the Android release, there were at least 32 clones of the ''Fortnite'' installer on the Google Store, with half found to include malware.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/09/12/fake-fortnite-apps-android-full-of-malware-spyware-adware-report/ | title = 50% of fake Fortnite apps on Android contain malware, spyware or adware – report | first = Sherif | last = Saed | date = September 12, 2018 | access-date = September 12, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180912143547/https://www.vg247.com/2018/09/12/fake-fortnite-apps-android-full-of-malware-spyware-adware-report/ | archive-date = September 12, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Epic's installer for Android does include a warning message following the install that users should re-enable security controls and warns users of only downloading content from trusted sources.<ref>((cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/08/google-play-warns-searchers-that-fortnite-is-not-available/ | title = Google Play warns searchers that Fortnite "is not available" | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = August 13, 2018 | access-date = August 13, 2018 | website = [[Ars Technica]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180813172651/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/08/google-play-warns-searchers-that-fortnite-is-not-available/ | archive-date = August 13, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> The initial installer was found by Google to have a potential vector that would allow for malware to be installed, though this was patched within 48 hours of discovery and Epic did not believe anyone used the vector.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2018/08/26/fortnite-android-installer-let-attackers-install-anything/ | title = Initial 'Fortnite' Android installer let hackers install malware | first = John | last = Fingas | date = August 26, 2018 | access-date = August 26, 2018 | website = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180826191603/https://www.engadget.com/2018/08/26/fortnite-android-installer-let-attackers-install-anything/ | archive-date = August 26, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> By April 2020, Epic announced it would release ''Fortnite'' for Android via the Play Store and discontinue its side-loading approach, stating that Google puts third-party software outside of the Play Store at a high disadvantage.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/21/21229943/epic-games-fortnite-google-play-store-available-third-party-software | title = Epic gives in to Google and releases Fortnite on the Play Store | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = April 21, 2020 | access-date = April 21, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = April 21, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200421200936/https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/21/21229943/epic-games-fortnite-google-play-store-available-third-party-software | url-status = live ))</ref>

The iOS version of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' alone brought in an estimated ((USD|1 million)) in microtransaction revenue within the first three days of in-app purchases being available, according to analysis firm Sensor Tower. ''[[Glixel]]'' considered these numbers impressive, compared to the early success rate of other popular mobile games, such as ''[[Pokémon Go]]'' and ''[[Clash Royale]]'' which earned ((USD|4.9 million)) and ((USD|4.6 million)) in their first four days, respectively.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/mobile-fortnite-players-spent-over-1m-in-first-72-hours-w518087 | title = Mobile 'Fortnite' Players Spent Over $1M in First 72 Hours | first = Stefanie | last = Fogel | date = March 20, 2018 | access-date = March 20, 2018 | website = [[Glixel]] | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180320163502/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/mobile-fortnite-players-spent-over-1m-in-first-72-hours-w518087 | archive-date = March 20, 2018))</ref> Sensor Tower further estimated that after one month, the mobile title had earned more than ((USD|25 million)) in revenue, surpassing revenues from any other mobile games and other several top-grossing apps during the same period.<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/6/17207888/fortnite-ios-revenue-15-million-beating-candy-crush-saga | title = Fortnite on iOS made $15 million in its first three weeks in the App Store | last = Statt | first = Nick | date = April 6, 2018 | website = The Verge | access-date = April 7, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180406232202/https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/6/17207888/fortnite-ios-revenue-15-million-beating-candy-crush-saga | archive-date = April 6, 2018))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/316698/Fortnite_mobile_nabbed_25M_in_revenue_during_its_first_month.php | title = Fortnite mobile nabbed $25M in revenue during its first month | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = April 18, 2018 | access-date = April 18, 2018 | website = [[Gamasutra]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120535/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/316698/Fortnite_mobile_nabbed_25M_in_revenue_during_its_first_month.php | archive-date = April 19, 2018))</ref>

Epic announced in May 2020 alongside its reveal of the upcoming [[Unreal Engine 5]] that ports of ''Fortnite'' for the [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Xbox Series X]] are planned to be available at the time of consoles' releases in late 2020. These will initially run on Unreal Engine 4, but the game is expected to transition to Unreal Engine 5 by mid-2021 when the engine is released.<ref>((cite web | url =https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fortnite-next-gen-playable-launch-news | title =Fortnite Will Be Playable on Next-Gen Consoles On Launch | first =Eric | last =van Allen | date =May 13, 2020 | access-date =May 13, 2020 | work =[[USGamer]] | archive-date =May 26, 2020 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200526215500/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fortnite-next-gen-playable-launch-news | url-status =dead ))</ref> ''Fortnite'' finally moved to Unreal Engine 5 with the launch of Chapter 3 in December 2021.<ref name="ue5dec"/>

===Cross-platform play===
For the first five seasons, all ports of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' supported [[cross-platform play]] with other versions, but with limited interaction with the PlayStation 4. Players on personal computer and mobile versions could cross-play with Xbox One and Nintendo Switch users, or alternatively they could cross-play with PlayStation 4 users.<ref name="kotaku fbr">((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/microsoft-says-sony-is-holding-back-fortnite-cross-play-1823707508 | title = Microsoft Says Sony Is Holding Back Fortnite Cross-Play | first = Ethan | last = Gach | date = March 12, 2018 | access-date = March 12, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180312213317/https://kotaku.com/microsoft-says-sony-is-holding-back-fortnite-cross-play-1823707508 | archive-date = March 12, 2018))</ref><ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/06/12/fortnite-on-nintendo-switch-can-cross-play-with-xbox-one-ios-and-pc-just-not-ps4/#3b33aa6f7ebb | title = 'Fortnite' On Nintendo Switch Can Cross-Play With Xbox One, iOS And PC...Just Not PS4 | last = Thier | first = Dave | date = June 12, 2018 | website = [[Forbes]] | access-date = September 22, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180922214614/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/06/12/fortnite-on-nintendo-switch-can-cross-play-with-xbox-one-ios-and-pc-just-not-ps4/#3b33aa6f7ebb | archive-date = September 22, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> While Epic Games had expressed interest in having full cross-platform play across all available platforms, Sony's continued refusal to allow cross-play between the PlayStation 4 and other consoles rendered this impossible, according to Microsoft.<ref name="kotaku fbr"/> Further, while players could use a single Epic Games account to share progress in ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' on all other platforms, those who used their PlayStation Network credentials to establish their Epic account cannot use that account on other platforms.<ref name="polygon-fortnite-ps4-switch-restriction" /><ref name="mashable-fortnite-cross-platform-restrictions">((cite web | last = Beck | first = Kellen | title = Sony's lack of cross-compatibility in 'Fortnite' is a bad sign | url = https://mashable.com/2018/06/12/sony-cross-compatibility-fortnite/#flLkvbpVTmqW | website = [[Mashable]] | access-date = June 12, 2018 | date = June 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612233028/https://mashable.com/2018/06/12/sony-cross-compatibility-fortnite/#flLkvbpVTmqW | archive-date = June 12, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> The account restriction was confirmed to be as a result of Sony's initial decision to prohibit cross-platform play between its PlayStation 4 and other consoles, rather than a choice Epic had made.<ref name="polygon-fortnite-ps4-switch-restriction">((cite web | last = Kuchera | first = Ben | title = Fortnite accounts that have been used on the PS4 are blocked on Switch (and vice versa) | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/12/17453978/this-fortnite-account-is-associated-with-a-platform-which-does-not-allow-it-to-operate-on-switch | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | access-date = June 12, 2018 | date = June 12, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612195056/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/12/17453978/this-fortnite-account-is-associated-with-a-platform-which-does-not-allow-it-to-operate-on-switch | archive-date = June 12, 2018))</ref><ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/14/17462932/fortnite-nintendo-switch-block-sony-response-comment | title = Sony issues weak response to Fortnite cross-play controversy on PS4 and Switch | last = Warren | first = Tom | date = June 14, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | access-date = June 14, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614152817/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/14/17462932/fortnite-nintendo-switch-block-sony-response-comment | archive-date = June 14, 2018))</ref>

By September 2018, Sony had made a decision to allow cross-platform play for the PlayStation 4 for "select third-party titles", starting with ''Fortnite''. A beta version of the PlayStation 4 client supporting this was released for the game on September 26, 2018, the same day as Sony's announcement.<ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/sony-is-finally-allowing-cross-play-on-the-ps4-1829326043 | title = Sony Is Finally Allowing Cross-Play On The PS4 | first = Luke | last = Plunkett | date = September 26, 2018 | access-date = September 26, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180926132536/https://kotaku.com/sony-is-finally-allowing-cross-play-on-the-ps4-1829326043 | archive-date = September 26, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Tools to merge multiple Epic accounts as well as unlinking console accounts from an Epic account to attach to another were released in February 2019.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-26-fortnite-cross-play-live-account-curse-lifted | title = Fortnite cross-play account merge feature coming November | first = Tom | last = Phillips | date = September 26, 2018 | access-date = September 26, 2018 | website = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180926205343/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-26-fortnite-cross-play-live-account-curse-lifted | archive-date = September 26, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/7/18215594/fortnite-epic-games-account-merge-feature-switch-ps4-xbox-one-v-bucks | title = Fortnite adds account merging to help console players rescue their v-bucks and collectibles | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = February 7, 2019 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123805/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/7/18215594/fortnite-epic-games-account-merge-feature-switch-ps4-xbox-one-v-bucks | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> The first full patch adding in cross-platform play support across all consoles was released in March 2019.<ref name="engadget 8.10 patch">((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/12/fortnite-ps4-xbox-one-crossplay-matchmaking/ | title = 'Fortnite' will force PS4 and Xbox One players to fight each other | first = Matt | last = Brian | date = March 12, 2019 | access-date = March 12, 2019 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190312120611/https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/12/fortnite-ps4-xbox-one-crossplay-matchmaking/ | archive-date = March 12, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

Solo mobile players, or squads entirely consisting of mobile players will play solely with other mobile players by default for fairness; players however can use cross-platform play to join squads on other platforms, and matchmaking will consider all available matches.<ref>((cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2018/08/03/tim-sweeney-epics-ceo-on-fortnite-on-android-skipping-google-play-and-the-open-metaverse/ | title = Tim Sweeney: Epic's CEO on Fortnite on Android, skipping Google Play, and the open Metaverse | first = Dean | last = Takahashi | date = August 3, 2018 | access-date = August 3, 2018 | website = [[Venture Beat]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180803194906/https://venturebeat.com/2018/08/03/tim-sweeney-epics-ceo-on-fortnite-on-android-skipping-google-play-and-the-open-metaverse/ | archive-date = August 3, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> With the March 2019 for cross-platform play, the game will similar matchmake PlayStation 4 and Xbox One users by default to avoid these players being at a disadvantage against computer users.<ref name="engadget 8.10 patch"/>

===Promotion and marketing===
In May 2018, Epic announced a partnership with sports apparel manufacturing company [[IMG (company)|IMG]] to produce official ''Fortnite''-themed clothing.<ref>((cite web | url = https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-img-merchandise-1202820038/ | title = Brace Yourselves, 'Fortnite' Merchandise Is Coming | first = Stephanie | last = Fogel | date = May 23, 2018 | access-date = September 6, 2018 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180906233747/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-img-merchandise-1202820038/ | archive-date = September 6, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> A [[Hasbro]]-licensed ''Fortnite Battle Royale''-themed version of ''[[Monopoly (game)|Monopoly]]'' was announced for release by late 2018; the ''Fortnite Monopoly'' game reflects some elements of the video game, such as the money being replaced with player's lives, and the ability to protect properties on the board with walls.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-06-fortnite-monopoly-is-now-available-for-pre-order | title = Fortnite Monopoly is now available for pre-order | first = Emma | last = Kent | date = September 6, 2018 | access-date = September 6, 2018 | website = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180906195714/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-06-fortnite-monopoly-is-now-available-for-pre-order | archive-date = September 6, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Further, with this deal, Hasbro produced ''Fortnite''-based [[Nerf]] blasters, which reached retail in 2019.<ref>((cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/06/fortnite-nerf-blasters-are-coming-in-2019 | title = Fortnite Nerf Blasters Are Coming In 2019 | first = Nick | last = Santangelo | date = September 6, 2018 | access-date = September 6, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180907032409/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/06/fortnite-nerf-blasters-are-coming-in-2019 | archive-date = September 7, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> [[Funko]] released a series of ''Fortnite'' themed Pop! figurines in late 2018.<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/funko-reveals-14-fortnite-themed-funko-pop-figures/ | title = Funko reveals 14 Fortnite-themed Funko Pop! figures | first = Vikki | last = Blake | date = September 29, 2018 | access-date = September 29, 2018 | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180929202600/https://www.pcgamer.com/funko-reveals-14-fortnite-themed-funko-pop-figures/ | archive-date = September 29, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has been packaged as special bundles with both the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, each version providing redeemable codes for V-bucks and platform-unique customization options.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/9/25/17903150/xbox-one-s-fortnite-bundle-eon-skin | title = Fortnite Xbox One S bundle features some console exclusives | first = Austin | last = Goslin | date = September 25, 2018 | access-date = October 9, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180930143738/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/9/25/17903150/xbox-one-s-fortnite-bundle-eon-skin | archive-date = September 30, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/28/score-exclusive-skins-and-v-bucks-with-a-fortnite-bundle | title = Score Exclusive Skins And V-bucks With A Fortnite Bundle | first = Seth | last = Macy | date = September 28, 2018 | access-date = October 9, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181009211859/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/28/score-exclusive-skins-and-v-bucks-with-a-fortnite-bundle | archive-date = October 9, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> A retail release of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', called ''Fortnite: Deep Freeze Bundle'', was distributed by [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in late 2018. The package included a redeemable code for V-Bucks and unique in-game cosmetics.<ref>((cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/328240/Epic_is_bringing_a_physical_Fortnite_bundle_to_store_shelves_for_the_holidays.php | title = Epic is bringing a physical Fortnite bundle to store shelves for the holidays | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = October 9, 2018 | access-date = October 9, 2018 | website = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181009202601/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/328240/Epic_is_bringing_a_physical_Fortnite_bundle_to_store_shelves_for_the_holidays.php | archive-date = October 9, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

In October 2018, Epic launched its "Support a Creator" program for ''Fortnite''. Individual players could designate one of several popular ''Fortnite'' streamers, selected by Epic via an application process, to support via the game client. That creator would then earn money based on how many V-bucks their supporters spent within the game, at a rate of ((USD|5)) for every 10,000 V-Bucks (roughly, 5% of the monetary value).<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-10-08-epic-to-launch-support-a-creator-fortnite-intiative | title = Epic to launch "Support-A-Creator" Fortnite initiative | first = Matthew | last = Handrahan | date = October 8, 2018 | access-date = January 17, 2019 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190119120922/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-10-08-epic-to-launch-support-a-creator-fortnite-intiative | archive-date = January 19, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Though initially planned as a limited time event, Epic found by December 2018 that millions of ''Fortnite'' players were using the promotion to support more than 10,000 streamers, and since have made it a permanent option for ''Fortnite'' and hoping this would help some creators go full-time,<ref>((cite web | url = https://dotesports.com/fortnite/news/support-a-creator-is-now-permanent-in-fortnite | title = Support-A-Creator is now permanent in Fortnite | first = Jamie | last = Villanueva | date = December 3, 2018 | access-date = January 17, 2019 | website = [[Dot Esports]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190417201525/https://dotesports.com/fortnite/news/support-a-creator-is-now-permanent-in-fortnite | archive-date = April 17, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> and plans to extend this program to other games offered via the [[Epic Games Store]], including ''[[Tom Clancy's The Division 2]]''.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.twingalaxies.com/feed_details.php/4194/the-division-2-to-be-on-epic-games-store-be-part-of-support-a-creator-program | title = The Division 2 to be on Epic Games Store, Be Part of Support-A-Creator program | first = Nicholas | last = Barth | date = January 9, 2019 | access-date = January 17, 2019 | website = [[Twin Galaxies]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190119120908/https://www.twingalaxies.com/feed_details.php/4194/the-division-2-to-be-on-epic-games-store-be-part-of-support-a-creator-program | archive-date = January 19, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

In November 2018, Epic partnered with the [[National Football League]] (NFL) to make character outfits for each of the 32 teams in the league available to purchase for a limited time. This was the result of the influence of ''Fortnite'' on NFL players, who had frequently performed ''Fortnite'' dance emotes as touchdown celebrations.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/11/5/18064374/fortnite-nfl-skins-uniforms | title = NFL skins are coming to Fortnite | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = November 5, 2018 | access-date = November 5, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181105223011/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/11/5/18064374/fortnite-nfl-skins-uniforms | archive-date = November 5, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

== Esports ==
[[File:Fortnite Pro-Am stadium at E3 2018 3.jpg|thumb|300px|The ''Fortnite'' Pro-Am event at E3 2018]]
One of the first professional [[esports]] competitions using ''Fortnite'' was the ''Fortnite'' Pro-Am event, held on June 12, 2018, during [[E3 2018]], with 3,000 in attendance.<ref name="nymag" /> This tournament was announced after the success of the March 2018 stream by [[Ninja (streamer)|Ninja]] where he played alongside celebrities like [[Drake (musician)|Drake]]. The event featuring 50 celebrities paired with 50 top streaming players competing for prize pool of ((USD|3 million)) to be given to winning teams' charities.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/after-drake-fortnite-will-host-a-celebrity-party-r/1100-6457442/ | title = After Drake, Fortnite Will Host A Celebrity "Party Royale" At E3 | first = Chris | last = Pereira | date = March 15, 2018 | access-date = March 15, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180315233418/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/after-drake-fortnite-will-host-a-celebrity-party-r/1100-6457442/ | archive-date = March 15, 2018))</ref> Ninja and his celebrity teammate [[Marshmello]] were the winners of this event.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/12/17456476/ninja-fortnite-marshmello-win-epic-e3-2018-fortnite-pro-am | title = Ninja and Marshmello win Epic's E3 2018 Fortnite Pro Am | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = June 12, 2018 | access-date = June 12, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111536/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/12/17456476/ninja-fortnite-marshmello-win-epic-e3-2018-fortnite-pro-am | archive-date = June 13, 2018))</ref> Additional Pro-Am events were held at [[E3 2019]] in June 2019.

In May 2018, Epic announced it was setting aside ((USD|100 million)) to fund various tournaments throughout the year to help grow ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' into an eSport.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/21/epic-makes-fornite-biggest-esport-with-100-million-in-prize-money.html | title = Epic makes 'Fortnite' biggest esport in the world with $100 million in prize money | first = Tae | last = Kim | date = May 21, 2018 | access-date = July 15, 2018 | website = [[CNBC]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180715210712/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/21/epic-makes-fornite-biggest-esport-with-100-million-in-prize-money.html | archive-date = July 15, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> The first [[Fortnite World Cup|''Fortnite'' World Cup]] tournament was announced in February 2019, with qualifying rounds in April through June 2019, and the finals held at the [[Arthur Ashe Stadium]] in New York City from July 26–28, 2019. A total prize pool of ((USD|30 million)), including a ((USD|3 million)) payout to the winner of the solo and duo competitions, was given out.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/22/18235132/fortnite-world-cup-final-date-prize-money-new-york-esports | title = Fortnite's $30 million World Cup final is happening in July | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = February 22, 2019 | access-date = February 22, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190223102447/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/22/18235132/fortnite-world-cup-final-date-prize-money-new-york-esports | archive-date = February 23, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web |last1=Vincent |first1=Brittany |title=The next World Cup? Fortnite. Here's everything you need to know |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/next-world-cup-fortnite-here-s-everything-you-need-know-n1028196 |website=NBC News |date=July 16, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717111941/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/next-world-cup-fortnite-here-s-everything-you-need-know-n1028196 |url-status=live ))</ref>

During mid-2018, Epic started running a Summer Skirmish series over eight weeks, each week having a different format, with ((USD|8 million)) to be offered to winners throughout the series. The series had some initial problems; the first week event was cut short due to technical issues with game servers, while the second event ended with accusations of cheating towards the winner which Epic later verified were not true.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/30/17629486/fortnite-summer-skirmish-esports-overwatch-pubg | title = Fortnite's grand e-sports plans are off to a shaky start | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = July 30, 2018 | access-date = July 31, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180731113408/https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/30/17629486/fortnite-summer-skirmish-esports-overwatch-pubg | archive-date = July 31, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Epic launched its second competition play series, the Fall Skirmish, on September 21, 2018, with up to ((USD|10 million)) in prizes for winners.<ref>((cite web | url = https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-fall-skirmish-details-1202952770/ | title = 'Fortnite' Has 78 Million Month, Epic Details Fall Skirmish | first = Stephanie | last = Fogel | date = September 21, 2018 | access-date = September 23, 2018 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180923063853/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-fall-skirmish-details-1202952770/ | archive-date = September 23, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

Starting with the game's tenth season in August 2019, Epic plans to run various Champion Series competitions for cash prizes. Each series is expected to have a different format, such as the first one slated to use squads of three. Each will have a number of qualifying weeks and a final tournament to determine winners across several geographic regions.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/2/20752201/fortnite-champion-series-season-x-epic-games-competitive-esports-future | title = Epic details the future of competitive Fortnite after the World Cup | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = August 2, 2019 | access-date = August 2, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = August 2, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802215402/https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/2/20752201/fortnite-champion-series-season-x-epic-games-competitive-esports-future | url-status = live ))</ref>

Through PlayVS, Epic will sponsor high school and college-level ''Fortnite'' tournaments in the United States starting in 2020.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2020/01/23/fortnite-school-esports-playvs/ | title = Official 'Fortnite' circuits are coming to colleges and high schools | first = Daniel | last = Cooper | date = January 23, 2020 | access-date = January 23, 2020 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = January 23, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200123194455/https://www.engadget.com/2020/01/23/fortnite-school-esports-playvs/ | url-status = live ))</ref>

==Other media==
Epic and [[DC Comics]] partnered for a six-issue comic book crossover series, ''Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point'', to start distribution in April 2021. The story is written by [[Christos Gage]] in collaboration with Epic's Donald Mustard. Each issue included codes to unlock in-game items for ''Fortnite: Battle Royale'' with a Batman outfit code available with purchase of all six books, or a hardcover copy of the series.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/comics/2021/2/26/22302872/batman-fortnite-comic-book-miniseries-dc-epic-games | title = Batman enters the Fortnite world with a new miniseries | first = Petrana | last = Radulovic | date = February 26, 2021 | access-date = February 26, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = February 26, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210226155330/https://www.polygon.com/comics/2021/2/26/22302872/batman-fortnite-comic-book-miniseries-dc-epic-games | url-status = live ))</ref>

In another collaboration between Epic and DC, ''Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point'' received a sequel in October 2021, a [[One-shot (comics)|standalone]] comic titled: ''Batman/Fortnite: Foundation''. It also had a redeemable code to claim a [[The Batman Who Laughs]] outfit.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/15/22727951/batman-fortnite-comic-crossover-foundation-lore-story-skin | title = Batman is getting another Fortnite comic crossover with one of the game's most mysterious characters | first = Chaim | last = Gartenberg | date = October 15, 2021 | access-date = October 16, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = October 15, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211015190927/https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/15/22727951/batman-fortnite-comic-crossover-foundation-lore-story-skin | url-status = live ))</ref>

==Reception and legacy==
((Video game reviews
| MC = PC: 81/100<ref>((cite Metacritic | id = fortnite | type = game | vgtype= pc | title = Fortnite (PC) | access-date = February 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190311184250/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/fortnite | archive-date = March 11, 2019 | url-status = live ))</ref><br />PS4: 78/100<ref>((cite Metacritic | id = fortnite | type = game | vgtype= playstation-4 | title = Fortnite (PlayStation 4) | access-date = February 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190207002944/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/fortnite | archive-date = February 7, 2019 | url-status = live ))</ref><br />XONE: 85/100<ref>((cite Metacritic | id = fortnite | type = game | vgtype= xbox-one | title = Fortnite (Xbox One) | access-date = February 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200913223727/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/fortnite | archive-date = September 13, 2020 | url-status = live ))</ref><br />iOS: 81/100<ref>((cite Metacritic | id = fortnite | type = game | vgtype= ios | title = Fortnite (IOS) | access-date = February 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190128143828/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/fortnite | archive-date = January 28, 2019 | url-status = live ))</ref><br />NS: 83/100<ref>((cite Metacritic | id = fortnite | type = game | vgtype= switch | title = Fortnite (Switch) | access-date = February 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181211204007/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/fortnite | archive-date = December 11, 2018 | url-status = live ))</ref>
| GI = 9.5/10<ref>((cite magazine | last1 = Tack | first1 = Daniel | title = Fortnite Review – An Epic Epoch | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/review/fortnite/an-epic-epoch | magazine = [[Game Informer]] | date = July 19, 2018 | access-date = January 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190129182014/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/fortnite/an-epic-epoch | archive-date = January 29, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GSpot">((cite web | last = Austen | first = Golsin | date = March 27, 2018 | url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/fortnite-battle-royale-review-laying-the-foundatio/1900-6416891/ | title = Fortnite: Battle Royale – Laying The Foundation | website = [[GameSpot]] | access-date = August 21, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180708074528/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/fortnite-battle-royale-review-laying-the-foundatio/1900-6416891/ | archive-date = July 8, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>
| IGN = 9.6/10<ref name="IGN">((cite web | last = Austen | first = Golsin | date = March 27, 2018 | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/27/fortnite-battle-royale-review | title = Fortnite Battle Royale Review | website = [[IGN]] | access-date = August 21, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180818181328/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/27/fortnite-battle-royale-review | archive-date = August 18, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>
))

===Player count and revenue===
((see also|Fortnite#Reception|l1=Reception and accolades for Fortnite))
''Fortnite Battle Royale'' received generally positive reviews on all platforms. Daniel Tack of ''[[Game Informer]]'' gave the game 9.5/10 and praised the "stylish and colorful visuals", "incredibly easy" playability, high replayability and called it an "a frenzy of fresh, fantastical fun".<ref>((Cite magazine|last=Tack|first=Daniel|title=Fortnite Review - An Epic Epoch|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/fortnite/an-epic-epoch|access-date=August 30, 2021|magazine=Game Informer|language=en|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129182014/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/fortnite/an-epic-epoch|url-status=live))</ref> Michael Higham of [[GameSpot|''Gamespot'']] gave the game 8/10 and praised the "intuitive" building mechanics, "unexpected" challenges, "fresh" updates, though criticized its repetitive resource-gathering, map traversal and "bare" main towns.<ref>((Cite web|title=Fortnite: Battle Royale Review - Laying The Foundation|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/fortnite-battle-royale-review-laying-the-foundatio/1900-6416891/|access-date=August 30, 2021|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-date=July 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708074528/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/fortnite-battle-royale-review-laying-the-foundatio/1900-6416891/|url-status=live))</ref> Austen Golsin of ''[[IGN]]'' gave the game 9.6/10 and stated, "Thanks to the freedom of its outstanding building mechanic, ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' isn't just a great battle royale game – it's one of the best multiplayer games in recent history."<ref>((Cite web|date=March 28, 2018|title=Fortnite Battle Royale Review|url=https://in.ign.com/fortnite/120739/review/fortnite-battle-royale-review|access-date=August 30, 2021|website=IGN India|language=en-in|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830100241/https://in.ign.com/fortnite/120739/review/fortnite-battle-royale-review|url-status=live))</ref>

''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has become a phenomenon and has been compared by analysts to ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' and ''[[Minecraft]]'' for successfully drawing in people who do not usually play video games.<ref name="wapost april2018">((cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2018/04/03/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fortnite-and-why-its-so-popular/ | title = Everything you need to know about Fortnite and why it's so popular | first = Hayley | last = Tsukayama | date = April 3, 2018 | access-date = April 3, 2018 | newspaper = [[The Washington Post]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180403141101/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2018/04/03/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fortnite-and-why-its-so-popular/ | archive-date = April 3, 2018))</ref> ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' obtained over 10 million players two weeks after its release.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-battle-royale-has-hit-10-million-players-/1100-6454008/ | title = Fortnite: Battle Royale Has Hit 10 Million Players In Two Weeks | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = October 12, 2017 | access-date = October 16, 2017 | website = [[GameSpot]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180206223343/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-battle-royale-has-hit-10-million-players-/1100-6454008/ | archive-date = February 6, 2018))</ref> By March 2018, it was estimated to have more than 45 million players.<ref name="bloomberg march 2018">((cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-20/video-game-stocks-are-selling-off-as-gamers-flock-to-fortnite | title = Activision, Take-Two Stocks Taking a Hit Thanks to 'Fortnite' | first = Stefanie | last = Fogel | date = March 21, 2018 | access-date = March 21, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg Businessweek]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015526/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-20/video-game-stocks-are-selling-off-as-gamers-flock-to-fortnite | archive-date = March 22, 2018))</ref> Three months later, in June 2018, Epic announced they had achieved over 125 million players in less than a year, with at least 40 million players playing the game once per month.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17456814/fortnite-battle-royale-epic-games-125-million-players-first-year-e3-2018 | title = Fortnite now has 125 million players just one year after launch | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = June 12, 2018 | access-date = June 12, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180613155733/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17456814/fortnite-battle-royale-epic-games-125-million-players-first-year-e3-2018 | archive-date = June 13, 2018))</ref> In November 2018, ''[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]'' reported that ''Fortnite'' had over 200 million registered accounts across all platforms.<ref>((cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-26/fortnite-now-has-200-million-players-up-60-from-the-last-count | title = Fortnite Now Has 200 Million Players, Up 60% From the Last Count | first = Christopher | last = Palmeri | date = November 26, 2018 | access-date = November 27, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181128020136/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-26/fortnite-now-has-200-million-players-up-60-from-the-last-count | archive-date = November 28, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Epic CEO Tim Sweeney reported that the game had reached 250 million players by the time of the 2019 [[Game Developers Conference]], with an estimated 35% of those players being female, the highest known percentage for any shooter game.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/20/fortnite-250-million-epic-games-sweeney-interview-gdc/ | title = Epic Games has 250 million 'Fortnite' players and a lot of plans | first = Jessica | last = Conditt | date = March 20, 2019 | access-date = March 20, 2019 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320213658/https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/20/fortnite-250-million-epic-games-sweeney-interview-gdc/ | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> By May 2020, Epic stated the game had over 350 million registered players.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/6/21249497/fortnite-350-million-registered-players-hours-played-april | title = Fortnite is now one of the biggest games ever with 350 million players | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = May 6, 2020 | access-date = May 6, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = May 6, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200506180958/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/6/21249497/fortnite-350-million-registered-players-hours-played-april | url-status = live ))</ref> In August 2020, a legal battle between Apple and Epic Games disclosed that Fortnite has over 25 million daily active users, including 10% DAU on iOS.<ref>((Cite web |last=Ahmad |first=Raees |date=2022-10-04 |title=Fortnite Players, Growth and Revenue Statistics 2022 |url=https://pcgamexp.com/fortnite-growth-statistics/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |language=en-US |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005171943/https://pcgamexp.com/fortnite-growth-statistics/ |url-status=live ))</ref> By the end of the year, ''Fortnite'' as a whole (including ''Fortnite Battle Royale'') had generated over ((US$|9 billion|long=no)) worldwide.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/3/22417447/fortnite-revenue-9-billion-epic-games-apple-antitrust-case | title = Fortnite made more than $9 billion in revenue in its first two years | first = Mitchell | last = Clark | date = May 3, 2021 | access-date = October 16, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = May 3, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210503180540/https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/3/22417447/fortnite-revenue-9-billion-epic-games-apple-antitrust-case | url-status = live ))</ref>

Individual platform releases saw initial surges in player counts. Within a day of becoming available, the Nintendo Switch version had been downloaded over 2 million times, according to Nintendo.<ref>((cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/13/e3-2018-fortnite-on-nintendo-switch-has-been-downloaded-2-million-times-in-its-first-day | title = E3 2018: Fortnite On Nintendo Switch Has Been Downloaded 2 Million Times In Its First Day | first = Jonathon | last = Dornbush | date = June 13, 2018 | access-date = June 13, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614152814/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/13/e3-2018-fortnite-on-nintendo-switch-has-been-downloaded-2-million-times-in-its-first-day | archive-date = June 14, 2018))</ref> Epic said that ''Fortnite'' had been downloaded over 15 million times for Android within three weeks of its launch.<ref>((cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/09/fortnite-reaches-15-million-android-downloads-without-google-play/ | title = Fortnite reaches 15 million Android downloads without Google Play | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = September 7, 2018 | access-date = September 7, 2018 | website = [[Ars Technica]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180907163245/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/09/fortnite-reaches-15-million-android-downloads-without-google-play/ | archive-date = September 7, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> On the release of Season 5 in July 2018, [[Akamai Technologies]] reported that ''Fortnite'' traffic neared 37 [[terabyte]]s per second, the largest recorded amount of traffic for any video game that they have observed.<ref>((cite web | url = http://fortune.com/2018/07/13/fortnite-season-5-internet-traffic-record/ | title = New Fortnite Release Downloads Shatter Record for Internet Traffic | first = Chris | last = Morris | date = July 13, 2018 | access-date = July 14, 2018 | website = [[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714000657/http://fortune.com/2018/07/13/fortnite-season-5-internet-traffic-record/ | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> With its quarterly financial report ending September 30, 2018, Nintendo said that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' had been downloaded on about half of all Switch systems they have sold, representing about 11.5 million downloads.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/31/fortnite-downloaded-on-nearly-half-of-all-nintendo-switch-systems-worldwide | title = Fortnite Downloaded On 'Nearly Half Of All Nintendo Switch Systems Worldwide' | first = Adam | last = Bankhurst | date = October 30, 2018 | access-date = October 30, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181031084456/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/31/fortnite-downloaded-on-nearly-half-of-all-nintendo-switch-systems-worldwide | archive-date = October 31, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

''Fortnite Battle Royale'' was made available to South Korea and their numerous [[PC bang]]s in November 2018; shortly after this point, Epic reported that ''Fortnite'' has surpassed a concurrent player count of 8.3 million, surpassing the game's previous record of 3.4 million in February 2018.<ref name="VG247">((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/11/08/fortnite-hits-concurrent-player-count-over-8-million/ | title = Fortnite hits concurrent player count of 8.3 million | first = Lauren | last = Aitken | date = November 8, 2018 | access-date = November 9, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181108193941/https://www.vg247.com/2018/11/08/fortnite-hits-concurrent-player-count-over-8-million/ | archive-date = November 8, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

Analysis firm SuperData estimated that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' made over ((USD|126 million)) in February 2018, surpassing ''Battlegrounds''(('))s revenues for the same period of ((USD|103 million)).<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-revenue | title = Fortnite made $126m in February, making more than PUBG for the first time | first = Ali | last = Jones | date = March 22, 2018 | access-date = March 22, 2018 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030445/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-revenue | archive-date = March 23, 2018))</ref> SuperData estimated ''Fortnite''(('))s revenues over all platforms to exceed ((USD|223 million)) for the month of March.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-04-26-fornite-earned-usd223-million-in-march-superdata | title = Fortnite earned $223 million in March – Superdata | first = Brendan | last = Sinclair | date = April 26, 2018 | access-date = April 27, 2018 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180426233826/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-04-26-fornite-earned-usd223-million-in-march-superdata | archive-date = April 26, 2018))</ref> By April 2018, SuperData estimated that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' had surpassed both sales and player count on all platforms over ''Battlegrounds''.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-total-revenue | title = Fortnite has overtaken PUBG's total revenue and player count across all platforms | first = Ali | last = Jones | date = April 26, 2018 | access-date = April 26, 2018 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180427120150/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-total-revenue | archive-date = April 27, 2018))</ref> The game generated ((USD|296 million)) in revenue in April, followed by ((USD|318 million)) in May, according to SuperData.<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/05/24/report-fortnite-battle-royale-made-nearly-300-million-last-month/#1cbf8f63113e | title = Report: 'Fortnite: Battle Royale' Made Nearly $300 Million Last Month | last = Thier | first = Dave | date = May 24, 2018 | website = [[Forbes]] | access-date = June 4, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180528144941/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/05/24/report-fortnite-battle-royale-made-nearly-300-million-last-month/#1cbf8f63113e | archive-date = May 28, 2018))</ref><ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.recode.net/2018/6/26/17502072/fortnite-revenue-game-growth-318-million | title = Fortnite is generating more revenue than any other free game ever | last = Molla | first = Rani | date = June 26, 2018 | website = [[Recode]] | access-date = July 5, 2018 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706082638/https://www.recode.net/2018/6/26/17502072/fortnite-revenue-game-growth-318-million | archive-date = July 6, 2018 ))</ref> By July 2018, ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' had been estimated to have brought in over ((USD|1 billion)) in revenue.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-17-fortnite-has-earned-usd1-billion-from-in-game-purchases-alone | title = Fortnite has earned $1 billion from in-game purchases alone | first = Rebekah | last = Valentine | date = July 17, 2018 | access-date = July 17, 2018 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180717224630/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-17-fortnite-has-earned-usd1-billion-from-in-game-purchases-alone | archive-date = July 17, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref><ref name="nymag">((Cite web | url = http://nymag.com/selectall/2018/07/how-fortnite-became-the-most-popular-video-game-on-earth.html | title = The Most Important Video Game on the Planet | first = Brian | last = Feldman | date = July 13, 2018 | access-date = July 15, 2018 | website = [[New York Magazine]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714141723/http://nymag.com/selectall/2018/07/how-fortnite-became-the-most-popular-video-game-on-earth.html | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> Prior to the Season 5 start in July 2018, Sensor Tower estimated that the mobile version of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' made over ((USD|1.2 million)) daily; following the launch of Season 5, revenues jumped to ((USD|2 million)) per day.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-24-fortnite-daily-mobile-revenue-reaches-usd2m | title = Fortnite daily mobile revenue reaches $2m | first = Haydn | last = Taylor | date = July 24, 2018 | access-date = July 24, 2018 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180724162848/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-24-fortnite-daily-mobile-revenue-reaches-usd2m | archive-date = July 24, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> SuperData estimated that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' brought in ((USD|2.4 billion|long=no)) in revenue during 2018, the highest annual revenue of any free-to-play title.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-01-16-fortnite-tops-2018-superdata-chart-with-usd2-4b-digital-revenue | title = Fortnite tops SuperData's 2018 chart with $2.4 billion digital revenue | first = Matthew | last = Handrahan | date = January 16, 2019 | access-date = January 16, 2019 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190117020943/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-01-16-fortnite-tops-2018-superdata-chart-with-usd2-4b-digital-revenue | archive-date = January 17, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> SuperData estimated that ''Fortnite'' revenues dropped by 25% in 2019 to ((USD|1.8 billion)), attributing the drop to stabilization of expenditures for the game, and was still the highest revenue-earning game in 2019.<ref>((cite web | url = https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/fortnite-top-earning-game-2019-1203455069/ | title = 'Fortnite' Revenue Dropped 25% in 2019 But Was Still the Year's Top-Earning Game | first = Todd | last = Spangler | date = January 2, 2020 | access-date = January 2, 2020 | work = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-date = January 2, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200102170902/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/fortnite-top-earning-game-2019-1203455069/ | url-status = live ))</ref>

At the time of Tencent's investment into Epic in 2012, Epic Games had a ((USD|825 million)) valuation.<ref name="bloomberg value"/> Because of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', Epic's valuation increased to ((USD|4.5 billion)) ((as of|2018|May|lc=y)).<ref name="reuters may2018"/> ''[[Bloomberg LP|Bloomberg]]'' raised the estimate to around ((USD|8.5 billion)) by the end of 2018 should ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' reach ((USD|2 billion)) during the year.<ref name="bloomberg value">((cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-07-24/fortnite-phenomenon-turns-epic-game-developer-into-billionaire | title = Fortnite Mania Fuels Epic Growth to $8.5 Billion | first1 = Devon | last1 = Pendleton | first2 = Christopher | last2 = Palmeri | date = July 24, 2018 | access-date = July 24, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg LP]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180724114421/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-07-24/fortnite-phenomenon-turns-epic-game-developer-into-billionaire | archive-date = July 24, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> Partially due to the influx of revenue from ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', Epic reduced its portion of sales it collected from the [[Unreal Engine]] Marketplace from 30% to 12% in July 2018, applying that retroactively to past sales.<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-is-making-so-much-money-that-epic-is-giving-unreal-marketplace-creators-a-big-raise/ | title = Fortnite is making so much money that Epic is giving Unreal Marketplace creators a big raise | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = July 12, 2018 | access-date = July 12, 2018 | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180713013236/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-is-making-so-much-money-that-epic-is-giving-unreal-marketplace-creators-a-big-raise/ | archive-date = July 13, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref>

===Viewership===
''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has also had record viewership on various streaming services. One of the first major streams of ''Fortnite'' was in March 2018, in which [[Tyler Blevins|Tyler "Ninja" Blevins]] hosted a stream that included [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], [[Travis Scott]], [[Kim Dotcom|Kim DotCom]], and [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] wide receiver [[JuJu Smith-Schuster]] all playing the game. The stream broke over 635,000 concurrent viewers, making it the highest-watched stream on Twitch outside of esports tournaments at the time.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/15/17123162/drake-ninja-fortnite-stream | title = Drake sets records with his Fortnite: Battle Royale Twitch debut |author1=Patrick Gill |author2=Christopher Grant |author3=Ross Miller |author4=Julia Alexander | date = March 15, 2018 | access-date = March 15, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180315101436/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/15/17123162/drake-ninja-fortnite-stream | archive-date = March 15, 2018))</ref><ref>((Cite news | url = https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/15/ninja-drake-twitch/ | title = 'Fortnite' streamer breaks Twitch records with help from Drake | website = Engadget | access-date = March 16, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180315121904/https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/15/ninja-drake-twitch/ | archive-date = March 15, 2018))</ref> YouTube streamer [[El Rubius|Rubén Doblas Gundersen]] held a ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' match with 99 other well-known YouTube streamers in late March, which drew over 1.1 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched gaming YouTube streams.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/26/17163966/fortnite-elrubiusomg-youtube-livestream-twitch-ninja-drake | title = Fortnite livestream with 100 YouTubers draws in more than 1M viewers | first = Julia | last = Alexander | date = March 26, 2018 | access-date = March 26, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023637/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/26/17163966/fortnite-elrubiusomg-youtube-livestream-twitch-ninja-drake | archive-date = March 27, 2018))</ref> The ''Fortnite'' Pro-Am event held at E3 2018 was estimated to have drawn over 1.3 million views across Twitch and other streaming services, making it one of the highest-viewed live-streamed event to date.<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-celebrity-pro-am-twitch-channel-breaks-700000-concurrent-viewers/ | title = Fortnite Celebrity Pro-Am Twitch channel breaks 700,000 concurrent viewers | first = James | last = Davenport | date = June 13, 2018 | access-date = June 13, 2018 | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614152814/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-celebrity-pro-am-twitch-channel-breaks-700000-concurrent-viewers/ | archive-date = June 14, 2018))</ref>

Further live events set by Epic have continued to draw record numbers of stream viewers. The 2019 [[Fortnite World Cup]] drew 1.5 million viewers, while "The End" event that closed out Season X in October 2019 had 1.6 million. Even after the conclusion of the event, during the 36-hour period that the ''Fortnite'' game only showed a black screen with a spot of light on it, ''Fortnite'' streams had up to 327,000 viewers on Twitch and 437,000 viewers on YouTube watching the idle animation.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/blackout | title = 370,000 people are watching Fortnite do nothing on Twitch | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = October 14, 2019 | access-date = October 14, 2019 | work = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-date = October 14, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191014182413/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/blackout | url-status = live ))</ref> Epic reported that over 7 million total viewers across Twitch, YouTube, and Twitter across "The End" event.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/23/over-7-million-people-watched-the-end-of-fortnite-event-before-chapter-2-launched | title = Over 7 Million People Watched the End of Fortnite Event Before Chapter 2 Launched | first = Matt | last = Kim | date = October 23, 2019 | access-date = October 23, 2019 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = October 24, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191024022003/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/23/over-7-million-people-watched-the-end-of-fortnite-event-before-chapter-2-launched | url-status = live ))</ref> The Chapter 2, Season 2 ending event in June 2020 had drawn 12 million in-game players with an additional 8.4 million watching through player streams.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/364885/Latest_Fortnite_event_attracts_12M_ingame_players_another_84M_via_streams.php | title = Latest Fortnite event attracts 12M in-game players, another 8.4M via streams | first = Chris | last = Kerr | date = June 16, 2020 | access-date = June 16, 2020 | work = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-date = June 16, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200616152845/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/364885/Latest_Fortnite_event_attracts_12M_ingame_players_another_84M_via_streams.php | url-status = live ))</ref> The single largest viewed in-game concert was the [[Travis Scott]] in-game concert in April 2020, which drew 12.3 million in-game players to watch.<ref name="variety travisscott 12.3M"/> The single largest viewed-in game event was the Devourer of Worlds Event, which brought 15.3 million in-game players and an additional 3.4 million people watching through streams.<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.gamesradar.com/fortnite-hits-153-million-concurrent-players-in-biggest-live-event-ever/ | title = Fortnite hits 15.3 million concurrent players in biggest live event ever | first = Demi | last = Williams | date = December 2, 2020 | access-date = December 3, 2020 | work = [[GamesRadar]] | archive-date = December 2, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201202143109/https://www.gamesradar.com/fortnite-hits-153-million-concurrent-players-in-biggest-live-event-ever/ | url-status = live ))</ref>

===Impact===
[[File:Fortnite at E3 2018 (42781993231).jpg|thumb|left|300px|The ''Fortnite'' exhibition booth during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018]]]]
Journalists attributed ''Fortnite Battle Royale''(('))s success over ''PlayerUnknown Battlegrounds'' as a combination of several factors: besides being free-to-play and available on consoles, the game was released at a time when ''Battlegrounds'' was struggling with game cheaters and a toxic community, and that it features a less violent, cartoonish quality to it that, like ''[[Minecraft]]'', was able to draw in a younger and mixed-gendered audiences to play.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/how-fortnite-battle-royale-became-minecrafts-unexpected-successor | title = Fortnite Battle Royale Won by Capturing the Minecraft Generation | first = Kat | last = Bailey | date = March 26, 2018 | access-date = March 26, 2018 | website = [[USGamer]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180327144739/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/how-fortnite-battle-royale-became-minecrafts-unexpected-successor | archive-date = March 27, 2018))</ref><ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/05/21/how-fortnite-captured-teens-hearts-and-minds | title = How Fortnite Captured Teens' Hearts and Minds | first = Nick | last = Paumgarten | date = May 15, 2018 | access-date = May 15, 2018 | magazine = [[The New Yorker]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180515040304/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/05/21/how-fortnite-captured-teens-hearts-and-minds | archive-date = May 15, 2018))</ref> Further, Epic has maintained frequent updates for the game, adding new weapons and in-game tools alongside limited-time events and longer-term narrative elements that help to further draw in players.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17442602/fortnite-battle-royale-trend-e3-2018-epic-games-e-sports-tournament | title = How Fortnite is transforming the gaming industry | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = June 12, 2018 | access-date = June 12, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180613132328/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17442602/fortnite-battle-royale-trend-e3-2018-epic-games-e-sports-tournament | archive-date = June 13, 2018))</ref> The high interest in the game within March 2018, which has been able to draw larger audiences compared to existing multiplayer games like ''[[Grand Theft Auto Online]]'' and ''[[Destiny 2]]'', has had a financial impact on competing publishers [[Take-Two Interactive]] and [[Activision Blizzard]], their stocks having fallen during this period, according to analysts from [[Morgan Stanley]] and [[KeyBank|KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.]]<ref name="bloomberg march 2018"/><ref name="reuters may2018">((Cite web | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaming-fortnite/free-to-play-expensive-to-love-fortnite-changes-video-game-business-idUSKBN1I51IB | title = Free to play, expensive to love: 'Fortnite' changes video game business | first1 = Jane Lanhee | last1 = Lee | first2 = Jillian | last2 = Kitchener | website = [[Reuters]] | date = May 4, 2018 | access-date = May 4, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180504152851/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaming-fortnite/free-to-play-expensive-to-love-fortnite-changes-video-game-business-idUSKBN1I51IB | archive-date = May 4, 2018))</ref> Activision's CEO [[Bobby Kotick]], on their quarterly results released May 2018, stated that "Fortnite is definitely a lot of competition right now...it's been a really important catalyst in attracting new gamers to gaming",<ref>((cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-03/activision-gives-tepid-earnings-outlook-as-fortnite-threat-looms | title = To Fight Fortnite, Activision Is Retooling How Its Games Work | first = Christopher | last = Palmeri | date = May 3, 2018 | access-date = May 3, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg Businessweek]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180503232706/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-03/activision-gives-tepid-earnings-outlook-as-fortnite-threat-looms | archive-date = May 3, 2018))</ref> and the company is looking to develop its own battle royale title.<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/activision-says-fortnite-is-a-lot-of-competition-right-now/ | title = Activision says Fortnite is 'a lot of competition right now' | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = May 3, 2018 | access-date = May 4, 2018 | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180504034023/https://www.pcgamer.com/activision-says-fortnite-is-a-lot-of-competition-right-now/ | archive-date = May 4, 2018))</ref> [[Electronic Arts]] CEO Blake Jorgensen also considered both ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' and ''Battlegrounds'' as having a significant market impact. Jorgensen said " [Fortnite is] bringing younger people into the marketplace and younger people into first-person shooters, and I think that's good for the long run health of that category for all of us in the industry".<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-could-have-a-lasting-significant-impact-o/1100-6458817/ | title = Fortnite Could Have A Lasting, Significant Impact On Gaming Industry Overall, EA Says | last = Makuch | first = Eddie | date = May 8, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | access-date = May 8, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180509023757/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-could-have-a-lasting-significant-impact-o/1100-6458817/ | archive-date = May 9, 2018))</ref> Non-video game entertainment companies have also seen the impact of ''Fortnite''. [[Netflix]], in reporting its Q4 2018 results, stated that their competition is more with ''Fortnite'', including streaming content related to the game, rather than rival television network stations like [[HBO]].<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/01/17/netflix-q4-2018/ | title = Netflix points to 'Fortnite' as competition after its price hike | first = Richard | last = Lawler | date = January 17, 2019 | access-date = January 17, 2019 | website = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190118012135/https://www.engadget.com/2019/01/17/netflix-q4-2018/ | archive-date = January 18, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

Part of the game's success is also considered to be related to its impact on [[social media]].<ref name="wapost april2018"/> By March 2018, ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' became the most-viewed game on [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]], exceeding the average-concurrent viewership numbers of ''[[League of Legends]]'' and ''Battlegrounds''.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/fortnite-is-currently-twitchs-most-watched-game-w517513 | title = 'Fortnite' Is Currently Twitch's Most-Watched Game | first = Blake | last = Hester | date = March 6, 2018 | access-date = March 15, 2018 | website = [[Glixel]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180311101236/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/fortnite-is-currently-twitchs-most-watched-game-w517513 | archive-date = March 11, 2018))</ref> Blevins has gained significant attention as one of the first major ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' streamers. He gained a large number of subscribers by March 2018, in part due to his skill and through promotions on Twitch that offered free ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' cosmetic items; by March 2018, he was estimated to be making ((USD|500,000)) a month from his streaming revenue.<ref>((Cite news | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/03/19/ninja-earnings-net-worth/ | title = Top Fortnite streamer Ninja earns $500,000 per month – VG247 | date = March 19, 2018 | website = VG247 | access-date = March 19, 2018 | language = en-US | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180319223201/https://www.vg247.com/2018/03/19/ninja-earnings-net-worth/ | archive-date = March 19, 2018))</ref> By the end of 2018, Blevins had reported he had made nearly ((USD|10 million)) from his ''Fortnite'' streaming activities in 2018 with over 20 million subscribers to his YouTube and Twitch channels.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/31/tech/ninja-fortnite-stream/index.html | title = 'Ninja,' the Fortnite streamer who's one of video gaming's biggest stars | first = David | last = Briggs | date = December 31, 2018 | access-date = January 1, 2018 | website = [[CNN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190101014102/https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/31/tech/ninja-fortnite-stream/index.html | archive-date = January 1, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> For his success from ''Fortnite'', ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' included Blevins within its [[Time 100|''Time'' 100]] most influential people of 2019.<ref>((cite magazine | url = http://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/ | title = Time 100 – 2019 | date = April 17, 2019 | access-date = April 18, 2019 | magazine = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190417231322/http://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/ | archive-date = April 17, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/ninja-makes-times-most-influential-people-list-for-2019/ | title = Ninja makes Time's 'Most Influential People' list for 2019 | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = April 18, 2019 | access-date = April 18, 2019 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190418064016/https://www.pcgamer.com/ninja-makes-times-most-influential-people-list-for-2019/ | archive-date = April 18, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> To acknowledge individuals like Blevins that had helped grow the popularity of ''Fortnite'', Epic has released a number of in-game cosmetics under the "Icon Series" based on the real-life people; in addition to Blevins, cosmetics were released for musicians Marshmello and [[Major Lazer]], and the streamer [[Loserfruit]], with a planned release of cosmetics related to David "Grefg" Martínez.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/15/21065235/ninja-fortnite-skin-announced-stream-tyler-blevins-available-date | title = Ninja is getting a Fortnite skin | first = James | last = Kastrenakes | date = January 15, 2020 | access-date = January 15, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = January 15, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200115160354/https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/15/21065235/ninja-fortnite-skin-announced-stream-tyler-blevins-available-date | url-status = live ))</ref><ref>((Cite web|date=June 21, 2020|title=Loserfruit Joins the Fortnite Icon Series!|url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/loserfruit-joins-the-fortnite-icon-series|access-date=October 7, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030025016/https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/loserfruit-joins-the-fortnite-icon-series|url-status=live))</ref>

[[File:Fortnite cosplay at E3 2018.jpg|thumb|''Fortnite'' cosplayers at E3 2018]]
A number of celebrities and athletes have said they play ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', such as [[Chance the Rapper]], [[Joe Jonas]], [[Finn Wolfhard]], [[Roseanne Barr]], and [[Norm Macdonald]].<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.twingalaxies.com/feed_details.php/661/celebrities-who-play-fortnite-drake-chance-the-rapper-and-more | title = Celebrities Who Play Fortnite – Drake, Chance the Rapper and More! | website = Twin Galaxies | access-date = April 25, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180318065346/https://www.twingalaxies.com/feed_details.php/661/celebrities-who-play-fortnite-drake-chance-the-rapper-and-more | archive-date = March 18, 2018))</ref> For athletes, their appreciation for the game has taken on the form of recreating the various emotes in game as part of their on-field celebration dances.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2018/3/11/17106330/fortnite-sports-celebrations-bundesliga-nrl-nba-nfl | title = 'Fortnite' celebrations are sweeping the sports world | first = James | last = Dator | date = March 12, 2018 | access-date = July 15, 2018 | website = [[SB Nation]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180622163928/https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2018/3/11/17106330/fortnite-sports-celebrations-bundesliga-nrl-nba-nfl | archive-date = June 22, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> Such ''Fortnite'' celebrations were frequently throughout the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]] event in June and July 2018,<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/14/world-cup-goals-fortnite-dance-celebrations/ | title = Even the World Cup couldn't escape the 'Fortnite' fever | first = Edgar | last = Alvarez | date = July 14, 2018 | access-date = July 15, 2018 | website = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714163606/https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/14/world-cup-goals-fortnite-dance-celebrations/ | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> including by [[Antoine Griezmann]] after a scoring penalty kick during the [[2018 FIFA World Cup Final]].<ref>((cite news | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/07/15/antoine-griezmann-celebrates-world-cup-final-goal-disgusting/ | title = Antoine Griezmann celebrates World Cup final goal with 'disgusting' Fortnite dance | date = July 15, 2018 | access-date = July 15, 2018 | newspaper = [[The Daily Telegraph]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180715165353/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/07/15/antoine-griezmann-celebrates-world-cup-final-goal-disgusting/ | archive-date = July 15, 2018 | url-status = live| last1 = Sport | first1 = Telegraph ))</ref> Other notable people have expressed their fondness for the game; the [[Russo brothers]], directors of ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'', stated that they often played ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' during breaks on the film's development, leading them to propose the idea of the limited-time Thanos mode for the game.<ref name="ew thanos">((cite magazine | url = http://ew.com/gaming/2018/05/07/thanos-fortnite-avengers-infinity-war/ | title = Thanos is coming to Fortnite for epic Avengers: Infinity War crossover | first = Nick | last = Romano | date = May 7, 2018 | access-date = May 7, 2018 | magazine = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180507155418/http://ew.com/gaming/2018/05/07/thanos-fortnite-avengers-infinity-war/ | archive-date = May 7, 2018))</ref> The Russo brothers also co-directed the introduction cinematic for Chapter 2 Season 6 that was released in March 2021.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/17/22336542/fortnite-season-6-opening-russo-brothers-avengers | title = Fortnite's season 6 opening cinematic was co-directed by the Russo brothers | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = March 17, 2021 | access-date = March 17, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = March 21, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230321124349/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/17/22336542/fortnite-season-6-opening-russo-brothers-avengers | url-status = live ))</ref> The awareness of the game from well-known celebrities has been considered a reason for further popularity and player growth of the game.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/20/17143948/fortnite-ninja-drake-pornhub-yes-really | title = From Drake to porn, everyone wants a piece of Fortnite | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = March 20, 2018 | access-date = March 20, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230606/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/20/17143948/fortnite-ninja-drake-pornhub-yes-really | archive-date = March 20, 2018))</ref>

===In popular culture===
''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has been jokingly referred to as "Fork Knife" on social media, believed to have originated with people, unfamiliar with the game, described their friends and family spending time playing the game.<ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/teenagers-love-the-hot-new-game-fork-knife-1825743918 | title = Teenagers Love The Hot New Game Fork Knife | first = Gita | last = Jackson | date = May 3, 2018 | access-date = July 28, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180710040605/https://kotaku.com/teenagers-love-the-hot-new-game-fork-knife-1825743918 | archive-date = July 10, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Epic added a harvestable, non-playable "Fork Knife" food truck to the game map as the term gained popularity.<ref name="nymag"/> In September 2018, ''Fortnite'' was featured as a question on the game show ''[[Jeopardy!]]'',<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/video-games-was-a-category-on-jeopardy-tonight-and/1100-6462087/ | title = Video Games Was A Category On Jeopardy Tonight, And The Contestants Didn't Do So Well | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = September 26, 2018 | access-date = September 30, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180930193447/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/video-games-was-a-category-on-jeopardy-tonight-and/1100-6462087/ | archive-date = September 30, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> and was spoofed in a skit on the September 29, 2018, episode of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/tv/2018/9/30/17919964/fortnite-saturday-night-live-sketch-adam-driver-pete-davidson-kyle-mooney-video-watch | title = Live-action Fortnite shows up on Saturday Night Live | first = Owen | last = Good | date = September 30, 2018 | access-date = September 30, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180930153431/https://www.polygon.com/tv/2018/9/30/17919964/fortnite-saturday-night-live-sketch-adam-driver-pete-davidson-kyle-mooney-video-watch | archive-date = September 30, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> The ''[[South Park]]'' episode "[[The Scoots]]" featured the cast wearing ''Fortnite''-based Halloween costumes.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-south-park | title = Cartman and co wore Fortnite costumes in South Park's Halloween episode | first = Ali | last = Jones | date = November 2, 2018 | access-date = November 2, 2018 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181102131925/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-south-park | archive-date = November 2, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> In ''[[The Big Bang Theory]]'' episode "[[The Big Bang Theory (season 12)#Episodes|The Citation Negation]]", [[Bernadette (The Big Bang Theory)|Bernadette]] attempts to learn how to play ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' to beat [[Howard Wolowitz|Howard]].<ref>((cite web | last1 = Pearce | first1 = Tilly | title = The Big Bang Theory's Bernadette is all of us as she gets hooked on Fortnite | url = https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/15/the-big-bang-theorys-bernadette-is-all-of-us-as-she-gets-hooked-on-fortnite-8144444/ | website = Metro.co.uk | access-date = November 17, 2018 | date = November 15, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181117233600/https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/15/the-big-bang-theorys-bernadette-is-all-of-us-as-she-gets-hooked-on-fortnite-8144444/ | archive-date = November 17, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> ''Fortnite'' also makes an easter egg appearance in the [[Disney]] [[animated film]] ''[[Ralph Breaks the Internet]]''.<ref>((cite web | last1 = Hayes | first1 = Britt | title = 'Ralph Breaks the Internet' Easter Eggs and Cameos: Exploring the Countless References to Just About Everything | url = https://www.slashfilm.com/ralph-breaks-the-internet-easter-eggs-2/ | website = /Film | access-date = December 1, 2018 | date = November 26, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070535/https://www.slashfilm.com/ralph-breaks-the-internet-easter-eggs-2/ | archive-date = December 2, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> The game was also a central focal point in the [[YouTube Rewind 2018: Everyone Controls Rewind|2018 YouTube Rewind]] year retrospective, and included an appearance by the popular ''Fortnite'' streamer [[Ninja (gamer)|Ninja]].<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.cnet.com/news/youtube-rewind-2018-tackles-everything-from-fortnite-to-k-pop/ | title = YouTube Rewind 2018 tackles Fortnite, K-pop, Kiki Challenge | first = Gael | last = Cooper | date = December 6, 2018 | access-date = December 6, 2018 | website = [[CNet]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181207051223/https://www.cnet.com/news/youtube-rewind-2018-tackles-everything-from-fortnite-to-k-pop/ | archive-date = December 7, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

In addition to there being a limited-time tie-in game mode for ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'', ''Fortnite'' conversely appears in the film, in which it is played by [[Korg (comics)|Korg]] in New Asgard, a village inhabited by Asgardian refugees recuperating from the devastating events of ''[[Thor: Ragnarok]]'' and ''Avengers: Infinity War''.<ref>((cite web |last1=Gartenberg |first1=Chaim |title=The universe-shattering implications of Fortnite in Avengers: Endgame |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/7/18535482/fortnite-avengers-endgame-thanos-mode-korg-thor-snap |website=[[The Verge]] |access-date=June 9, 2019 |date=May 7, 2019))</ref>

== Past and ongoing concerns ==

===Parental concerns===
With the release of the mobile version, teachers, parents, and students have found that the game had become popular to younger players due to the free-to-play nature, its cartoonish art style, and its social nature.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/mar/07/fortnite-battle-royale-parents-guide-video-game-multiplayer-shooter | title = Fortnite: a parents' guide to the most popular video game in schools | first = Keith | last = Stewart | date = March 7, 2018 | access-date = July 6, 2018 | website = [[The Guardian]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180630214357/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/mar/07/fortnite-battle-royale-parents-guide-video-game-multiplayer-shooter | archive-date = June 30, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> This carries over into educational institutions, where the game has been seen as a disruptive element within the classroom and affecting students' ability to complete homework assignments.<ref>((cite web | url = https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/59j9pk/teachers-and-parents-share-stories-from-inside-the-fortnite-phenomenon | title = Teachers and Parents Share Stories From Inside the 'Fortnite' Phenomenon | first = Patrick | last = Klepek | date = March 28, 2018 | access-date = March 28, 2018 | website = [[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054119/https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/59j9pk/teachers-and-parents-share-stories-from-inside-the-fortnite-phenomenon | archive-date = March 29, 2018 ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/teens-and-teachers-say-fortnite-mobile-is-destroying-so-1823997450 | title = Teens And Teachers Say Fortnite Mobile Is Destroying Some Schools | first = Patricia | last = Hernandez | date = March 23, 2018 | access-date = March 28, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180326200555/https://kotaku.com/teens-and-teachers-say-fortnite-mobile-is-destroying-so-1823997450 | archive-date = March 26, 2018))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/07/06/fortnite-continues-to-be-a-problem-for-children-in-school | title = Fortnite Continues To Be A Problem For Children In School | first = Michael | last = Koczwara | date = July 6, 2018 | access-date = July 6, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706221406/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/07/06/fortnite-continues-to-be-a-problem-for-children-in-school | archive-date = July 6, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/11/27/fortnite-has-invaded-the-modern-american-classroom-like-no-other-game | title = Fortnite Has Invaded The Modern American Classroom Like No Other Game | first = Eric | last = Frederiksen | date = November 27, 2018 | access-date = November 27, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181128012130/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/11/27/fortnite-has-invaded-the-modern-american-classroom-like-no-other-game | archive-date = November 28, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Epic has since added warnings on the game's loading screens to discourage students from playing it during classes.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/02/fortnite-mobile-now-warning-kids-stop-playing-class/ | title = Fortnite mobile is asking kids to stop playing during class | first = Marshall | last = Lemon | date = April 2, 2018 | access-date = April 2, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180402230525/https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/02/fortnite-mobile-now-warning-kids-stop-playing-class/ | archive-date = April 2, 2018))</ref> In 2018, the UK's [[Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport]] at the time [[Matt Hancock]], expressed concern at how much time children were playing ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' and similar video games without a balance of physical exercise and social interactions.<ref>((cite news | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/05/01/fortnite-video-games-risk-damaging-childrens-lives-culture-secretary/ | title = Fortnite and other video games risk 'damaging' children's lives, Culture Secretary warns | first1 = Steven | last1 = Swinford | first2 = Christopher | last2 = Hope | date = May 1, 2018 | access-date = May 2, 2018 | newspaper = [[The Daily Telegraph]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501210740/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/05/01/fortnite-video-games-risk-damaging-childrens-lives-culture-secretary/ | archive-date = May 1, 2018))</ref> Other agencies, including the United States' [[Center on Media and Child Health]] and the United Kingdom's [[National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children]] have cautioned parents that children may be influenced by the violent behavior due to ''Fortnite Battle Royale''.<ref>((cite web | url = http://cmch.tv/what-should-i-know-about-fortnite-is-it-ok-for-kids-to-play/ | title = What should I know about Fortnite – is it ok for kids to play? | date = May 22, 2018 | access-date = September 2, 2018 | website = [[Center on Media and Child Health]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180902211719/http://cmch.tv/what-should-i-know-about-fortnite-is-it-ok-for-kids-to-play/ | archive-date = September 2, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/fortnite-battle-royale-latest-update-playstation-xbox-features-nspcc-children-parent-warning-a8334261.html | title = Fortnite Could Endanger Children And Expose Them To Violence, NSPCC Claims | first = Andrew | last = Griffin | date = May 3, 2018 | access-date = September 2, 2018 | website = [[The Independent]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180903130311/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/fortnite-battle-royale-latest-update-playstation-xbox-features-nspcc-children-parent-warning-a8334261.html | archive-date = September 3, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|Prince Harry]], speaking about various influences of social media on children in April 2019, proposed a possible ban on ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', saying, "The game shouldn't be allowed", and "It's created to addict. An addiction to keep you in front of a computer for as long as possible. It's so irresponsible."<ref>((cite news |last=Morris |first=Chris |url=http://fortune.com/2019/04/04/fortnite-addiction-prince-harry-ban/ |title='It's Created to Addict': Prince Harry Calls for Ban on Fortnite |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405120443/http://fortune.com/2019/04/04/fortnite-addiction-prince-harry-ban/ |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |url-status=live ))</ref> Calex Legal, a Montreal law firm, filed a class-action lawsuit against Epic Games asserting that Epic has known the game is addictive but fail to give this warning to players.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/fortnite-lawsuit-calex-l%C3%A9gal-montreal-1.5308625 | title = Addicted to Fortnite? Montreal law firm says video game company should pay up | first = Isaac | last = Olsen |date = October 4, 2019 | access-date =October 4, 2019 | publisher = [[CBC.ca|CBC]] ))</ref> Calex's suit was allowed to proceed in December 2022 after both a Superior Court and the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the lawsuit was not frivolous.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63911176 | title = Children stopped sleeping and eating to play Fortnite - lawsuit | date =December 9, 2022 | access-date = December 10, 2022 | work = [[BBC News]] ))</ref> A separate class-action suit filed in California in February 2021 asserts that Epic knowingly "misleads and manipulates minors into handing over ever-increasing amounts of real money for virtual things" through its V-bucks system.<ref>((cite web | url = https://lawstreetmedia.com/tech/parent-sues-epic-games-over-minor-using-real-money-on-virtual-fortnite-items/ | title = Parent Sues Epic Games Over Minor Using Real Money on Virtual Fortnite Items | first = Kirsten | last = Errick | date = February 9, 2021 | access-date = March 3, 2021 | work = [[Law Street Media]] ))</ref>

At the same time, parents have expressed appreciation for ''Fortnite'' to have their children engage socially outside of their core groups of friends in a game that is otherwise not excessively violent,<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-teen-hangout-parents-are-totally-ok-with-1523611802 | title = Why Parents Are Fans of Games Like 'Fortnite' | first = Sarah | last = Needleman | date = April 13, 2018 | access-date = July 31, 2018 | website = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064155/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-teen-hangout-parents-are-totally-ok-with-1523611802 | archive-date = August 1, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> or see offering ''Fortnite'' as a reward for encouraging children to do well in school, offering their children the purchase of V-bucks in exchange for good grades.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/video-games/parents-work-put-boundaries-fortnite-during-school-year-n904516 | title = Parents work to put boundaries on 'Fortnite' during the school year | first = Kalhan | last = Rosenblatt | date = September 2, 2018 | access-date = September 2, 2018 | website = [[NBC News]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180903023301/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/video-games/parents-work-put-boundaries-fortnite-during-school-year-n904516 | archive-date = September 3, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Some parents see potential in their children becoming skilled in ''Fortnite'' as to become professional players and compete for part of the large prize pools, creating a market for tutors to help children improve their skills in the game.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/ready-aim-hire-a-fortnite-coach-parents-enlist-videogame-tutors-for-their-children-1533046708 | title = Ready, Aim, Hire a 'Fortnite' Coach: Parents Enlist Videogame Tutors for Their Children | first = Sarah | last = Needleman | date = July 31, 2018 | access-date = July 31, 2018 | website = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180731191733/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ready-aim-hire-a-fortnite-coach-parents-enlist-videogame-tutors-for-their-children-1533046708 | archive-date = July 31, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> At the same time, as ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' became a social hangout for younger players, issues of peer pressure and bullying have been raised. Cosmetic outfits are seen as a sign of skill and status, so younger players spend money to get the rarer outfits to appear equal with their friends, or may be taunted by other players for not having such outfits and using the game's "default" skins.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/7/18534431/fortnite-rare-default-skins-bullying-harassment | title= Fortnite is free, but kids are getting bullied into spending money | first= Patricia | last = Hernandez | date =May 7, 2019 | access-date = May 7, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] ))</ref> While ''Fortnite'' has been successful in its monetization scheme, this approach using battle passes and rotating outfit availability induces players to continue to spend money in a "[[Keeping up with the Joneses]]"-type effect.<ref>((cite report | title = Fortnite: The Business Model Pattern Behind the Scene | first1= Timo | last1 = Schöber | first2 = Georg | last2= Stadtmann | publisher = European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) Department of Business Administration and Economics | date = February 9, 2020 | ssrn = 3520155 | doi = 10.2139/ssrn.3520155 | hdl = 10419/213857 | hdl-access = free ))</ref>

Other issues related to children's interest in ''Fortnite'' have been raised. Several of the security issues raised around the game are heightened with younger players who may not easily recognize such illicit schemes and put themselves at risk to privacy invasion.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-fortnite-security-flaw-20190116-story.html | title = 'Fortnite' security flaw put millions of players at risk, researchers warn | first = Gwen | last = Ackerman | date = January 16, 2019 | access-date = January 22, 2019 | website = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] | via = [[The Chicago Tribune]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190122121813/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-fortnite-security-flaw-20190116-story.html | archive-date = January 22, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> There is some concern that [[online predator|online child sexual predators]] would be able to easily make contact with underage players, with at least one documented case from [[Florida]].<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.local10.com/news/crime/child-sexual-predator-uses-fortnite-to-target-victims-deputies-say | title = Child sexual predator uses Fortnite to target victims, deputies say | last = Rosa | first = Andrea Torres, Christian De La | date = January 18, 2019 | website = WPLG | language = en-US | access-date = January 22, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190123071739/https://www.local10.com/news/crime/child-sexual-predator-uses-fortnite-to-target-victims-deputies-say | archive-date = January 23, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.newsweek.com/fortnite-child-pornography-florida-online-gaming-1296756 | title = Florida man used "Fortnite" game to lure teen for child pornography, attorney general says | last = AM | first = Katherine Hignett On 1/18/19 at 5:14 | date = January 18, 2019 | website = [[Newsweek]] | access-date = January 22, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121134816/https://www.newsweek.com/fortnite-child-pornography-florida-online-gaming-1296756 | archive-date = January 21, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

On November 16, 2023, ''Fortnite'' added an age restriction system that prohibited users from using certain character skins in various user-created experiences. The change was met with backlash from many players.<ref>((Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=2023-11-17 |title=Fortnite is blocking some outfits in experiences made for kids |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/16/23964778/fortnite-blocking-outfits-experiences-kids |access-date=2023-11-18 |website=The Verge |language=en))</ref> Four days later, on November 20, ''Fortnite'' removed the system.

=== Security issues ===
''Fortnite''(('))s popularity has drawn a network of [[hacker]]s since March 2018 that target accounts with lucrative outfits and emotes as to resell those accounts to other users. Some of those hackers, speaking anonymously to the [[BBC]], stated they were making thousands of [[Pound (currency)|British pounds]] a week through these actions.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-46624136 | title = Fortnite teen hackers 'earning thousands of pounds a week' | first = Joe | last = Tidy | date = December 20, 2018 | access-date = December 20, 2018 | website = [[BBC]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181220173159/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-46624136 | archive-date = December 20, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Authorities that monitor the [[dark web]] have found that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has become a popular way to engage in credit card fraud: criminals with access to stolen credit card information use that to purchase V-bucks on a freshly-made ''Fortnite'' account when they then sell through services like [[eBay]] players at a discount, often preying on children and young adults with these schemes.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/fortnite-v-bucks-discount-price-money-dark-web-money-laundering-crime-a8717941.html | title = How children playing Fortnite are helping to fuel organised crime | first = Anthony | last = Cuthbertson | date = January 14, 2019 | access-date = January 15, 2019 | website = [[The Independent]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190114213715/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/fortnite-v-bucks-discount-price-money-dark-web-money-laundering-crime-a8717941.html | archive-date = January 14, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/fortnite-money-laundering-1203108363/ | title = Dark Web Creating 'Thriving Criminal Eco-System' Around Game | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = January 15, 2019 | access-date = January 16, 2019 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190116003653/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/fortnite-money-laundering-1203108363/ | archive-date = January 16, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

Separately, other security experts such as [[Check Point]] have found exploits with ''Fortnite'' and its underlying services that allowed hackers to gain access to some accounts, enabling them to gain personal details, buy V-bucks, and listen in to the account's owner when they use the game's voice chat system. Epic closed a key exploit that enabled this by January 2019.<ref>((cite web | url = https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/massive-fortnite-security-hole-allowed-hackers-to-take-over-accounts-eavesdrop-on-calls-1203109556/ | title = Massive 'Fortnite' Security Hole Allowed Hackers to Take Over Accounts, Eavesdrop on Chats | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = January 16, 2019 | access-date = January 16, 2019 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190116192401/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/massive-fortnite-security-hole-allowed-hackers-to-take-over-accounts-eavesdrop-on-calls-1203109556/ | archive-date = January 16, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> A class-action lawsuit was filed in August 2019 over this breach, acknowledging while Epic did fix the problem, it failed to notified the users that were affected by it.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/9/20799032/epic-games-fortnite-lawsuit-security-data | title = Epic hit with class-action suit over hacked Fortnite accounts | first= Ana | last= Diaz | date = August 9, 2019 | access-date = August 9, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] ))</ref>

Epic has taken action against players that have used in-game hacks, like [[aimbot]]s, to gain a competitive edge when these are discovered.<ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/epic-has-caught-over-1000-fortnite-world-cup-cheaters-s-1834178682 | title = Epic Has Caught Over 1000 Fortnite World Cup Cheaters So Far | first = Riley | last = MacLoed | date = April 19, 2019 | access-date = November 13, 2019 | work = [[Kotaku]] ))</ref> In one notable case, Jarvis Khattri, a member of [[FaZe Clan]], was given a lifetime ''Fortnite'' ban in November 2019 after he had posted a video which showed how aimbots within ''Fortnite'' worked, despite having cautioned his viewers to not use aimbots nor providing details of how to acquire the aimbot. The ban was controversial as Khattri had developed his esports career on ''Fortnite'', and FaZe Clan had started discussions with Epic Games to reduce the ban in context of the video clip.<ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/youtubers-lifetime-fortnite-ban-opens-conversation-abou-1839700646 | title = YouTuber's Lifetime Fortnite Ban Opens Conversation About Fair Punishments For Cheating | first= Ian | last = Walker | date = November 7, 2019 | access-date = November 13, 2019 | work = [[Kotaku]] ))</ref>

===Dance emotes lawsuits===
The popularity of ''Fortnite''(('))s dance emotes, which borrow from dance moves in popular culture, have led the creators of these dances to express concern and take legal action about these moves being sold by Epic, even though the [[United States Copyright Office]] had issued statements that individual dance moves are uncopyrightable.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-fortnite-dance-move-that-spawned-a-lawsuit-11544886000 | title = The 'Fortnite' Dance Move That Spawned a Lawsuit | first = Sarah | last = Needleman | date = December 15, 2018 | access-date = December 20, 2018 | website = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181219210032/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-fortnite-dance-move-that-spawned-a-lawsuit-11544886000 | archive-date = December 19, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46619052 | title = Fortnite sued over The Floss: Can you copyright a dance move? | first = Michael | last = Baggs | date = December 20, 2018 | access-date = December 20, 2018 | website = [[BBC]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181221070725/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46619052 | archive-date = December 21, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> These include rapper 2 Milly regarding his "Milly Rock", and actor [[Donald Faison]] related to a dance move he used on the TV show ''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]''.<ref>((cite news | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/11/19/fortnite-battle-royale-dances-stolen/ | title = More dance creators speak against Fortnite copying their moves | first = Alice | last = O'Conner | date = November 19, 2018 | access-date = November 19, 2018 | website = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181119214557/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/11/19/fortnite-battle-royale-dances-stolen/ | archive-date = November 19, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> 2 Milly has started taking legal action against Epic with copyright infringement over the "Milly Rock"-based dance emote as well as asserting claims against [[personality rights]] under California law.<ref>((Cite news | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/05/fortnite-dance-legal-dispute/ | title = Fortnite dance creator to pursue legal action against Epic | first = Alice | last = O'Conner | date = December 5, 2018 | access-date = December 5, 2018 | website = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181205172830/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/05/fortnite-dance-legal-dispute/ | archive-date = December 5, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/rapper-2-milly-sues-epic-games-for-stealing-his-dance-1830888259 | title = Rapper 2 Milly Sues Epic Games For Stealing His Dance | first = Ethan | last = Gach | date = December 5, 2018 | access-date = December 5, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001950/https://kotaku.com/rapper-2-milly-sues-epic-games-for-stealing-his-dance-1830888259 | archive-date = December 6, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Actor [[Alfonso Ribeiro]] filed a similar suit against Epic for their "Fresh" emote dance, which Ribeiro says was directly based on his character Carlton Banks' dance from ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]''.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/12/17/18145166/fortnite-carlton-dance-lawsuit-alfonso-ribeiro | title = Fresh Prince's Alfonso Ribeiro suing Epic Games over Fortnite Carlton Dance use | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = December 17, 2018 | access-date = December 17, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181217232232/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/12/17/18145166/fortnite-carlton-dance-lawsuit-alfonso-ribeiro | archive-date = December 17, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> "Backpack Kid" Russell Horning, whose dance move the [[Floss (dance)|Floss]] was popularized through live performance with [[Katy Perry]], has also initiated legal action against Epic for copyright infringement of his dance.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/12/18/backpack-kid-is-suing-epic-over-fortnites-floss-dance/ | title = Backpack kid is the latest in a long line of celebrities suing Epic over its Fortnite dances | first = Shabana | last = Arif | date = December 18, 2018 | access-date = December 18, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181218213959/https://www.vg247.com/2018/12/18/backpack-kid-is-suing-epic-over-fortnites-floss-dance/ | archive-date = December 18, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Another lawsuit by the parent of the child that created a popular "Orange Shirt Kid" dance has also filed a lawsuit against Epic on similar grounds; in this case, while the child had submitted the dance for an Epic-run contest for a new ''Fortnite'' dance emote, he did not win, but fans petitioned Epic to include the dance anyway. The lawsuit challenges that the child was not recognized or compensated for the dance move.<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/epic-sued-over-yet-another-dance-this-time-by-orange-shirt-kids-mom/ | title = Epic sued over yet another Fortnite dance, this time by Orange Shirt Kid's mom | first = James | last = Davenport | date = January 14, 2019 | access-date = January 14, 2019 | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190114204801/https://www.pcgamer.com/epic-sued-over-yet-another-dance-this-time-by-orange-shirt-kids-mom/ | archive-date = January 14, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> [[BlocBoy JB]] filed another suit against Epic over his "Shoot" dance move, represented by the in-game "Hype" emote, by late January 2019.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/23/18194912/blocboy-jb-fortnite-sues-epic-games-shoot-dance-emote-backpack-kid-2-milly | title = BlocBoy JB sues Epic Games over popular 'Shoot' dance emote | first = Julia | last = Alexander | date = January 23, 2019 | access-date = January 23, 2019 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190124011901/https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/23/18194912/blocboy-jb-fortnite-sues-epic-games-shoot-dance-emote-backpack-kid-2-milly | archive-date = January 24, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> [[Jared Nickens]] and Jaylen Brantley filed a lawsuit against Epic in February 2019, seeking ((USD|20 million)) in damages for Epic's use of their "Running Man" dance.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-02-26-epic-games-accused-of-exploiting-african-american-talent | title = Epic Games accused of exploiting African American talent in latest dance move lawsuit | first = Haydn | last = Taylor | date = February 26, 2019 | access-date = February 26, 2019 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190226211211/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-02-26-epic-games-accused-of-exploiting-african-american-talent | archive-date = February 26, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

In at least one of these cases, that from 2 Milly, Epic is seeking the suit to be dismissed claiming that a simple dance move cannot be copyrighted, according to guidance issued by the United States Copyright Office.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fortnite-publisher-urges-dismissal-rappers-suit-no-one-can-own-a-dance-step-1185716 | title = 'Fortnite' Publisher Urges Dismissal of Rapper's Suit: "No One Can Own a Dance Step" | first = Eriq | last = Gartner | date = February 12, 2019 | access-date = February 12, 2019 | work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190213125116/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fortnite-publisher-urges-dismissal-rappers-suit-no-one-can-own-a-dance-step-1185716 | archive-date = February 13, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

In March 2019, the [[Supreme Court of the United States]] ruled in ''[[Fourth Estate Public Benefit Corp. v. Wall-Street.com]]'', an unrelated case, that a copyright infringement lawsuit cannot commence until the Copyright office registered the copyright. As the Copyright office has refused to register some of these dance emotes as copyrights, four of the six pending suits (2 Milly, Ribeiro, Backpack Kid and Orange Shirt Kid) were withdrawn within a few days. The firm that represented the four cases, Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hect, stated this was merely a procedural withdrawal until they completed the registrations with the Copyright office.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fortnite-legal-dance-battles-paused-supreme-court-ruling-1193167 | title = 'Fortnite' Legal Dance Battles Paused Following Supreme Court Ruling | first = Ashley | last = Collins | date = March 8, 2019 | access-date = March 8, 2019 | work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190308071929/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fortnite-legal-dance-battles-paused-supreme-court-ruling-1193167 | archive-date = March 8, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

A seventh suit was filed by [[Leo Pellegrino]], a saxophone player known for his dances during his performances. Unlike previous cases, Pellegrino's case accuses Epic Games of [[misappropriation]] of his trademarked likeness over an in-game emote that has a player's character dance while playing a saxophone, rather than any specific dance move.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/25/18516306/fortnite-epic-games-phone-it-in-saxophone-emote-lawsuit-leo-pellegrino-likeness | title = Saxophone player sues Epic over Fortnite's saxophone emote | first= Nick | last =Statt |date = April 25, 2019 | access-date = April 25, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref> A federal district judge ruled in March 2020 that ''Fortnite'' sufficiently transforms Pellegrino's move from his overall likeness to qualify for First Amendment protections, and summarily ruled against all but one of Pellegrino's other claims. The claim of false endorsement was allowed to remain but still will be reviewed by the courts.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/2/21204111/epic-fortnite-pellegrino-lawsuit-phone-it-in-saxophone-emote-ruling | title = Epic mostly wins Fortnite saxophone lawsuit, but judge lets one claim go forward | first = Adi | last = Robertson | date = April 2, 2020 | access-date = April 2, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref>

After receiving a complaint from comedian Matt Geiler over a combination of a dance emote and cosmetic outfit that he claimed infringe on his character of the "Dancing Pumpkin Man", Epic preemptively filed a request to the courts in December 2019 to rule that their emote and cosmetics do not infringe on Geiler's trademark or copyright.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/9/21002661/epic-fortnite-lawsuit-dancing-pumpkin-man-matt-geiler-non-infringement-declaration | title = Epic is accused of stealing a Fortnite dance from 'Dancing Pumpkin Man' | first = Adi | last= Robertson | date = December 9, 2019 | access-date = December 9, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref>

Since then, Epic had worked with a dance creator to work the dance emote into the game,<ref>((Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/5/18653865/fortnite-billy-bounce-dance-emote-collaboration-youfunnyb | title = Fortnite finally works with a black artist to make popular dance emote | first = Patrick | last = Hernandez | date = June 5, 2019 | access-date = June 5, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] ))</ref> such as with musician [[Rick Astley]] to add a dance based on his song "[[Never Gonna Give You Up]]" (commonly associated with [[rickroll]]ing).<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-added-a-rickroll-emote/ | title = Fortnite added a Rickroll emote | first = Jody | last =MacGregor | date =February 17, 2020 | access-date = February 18, 2020 | work = [[PC Gamer]] ))</ref>

Similar suits have been filed against the same dance moves used in [[2K Games]]' ''[[NBA 2K]]'' games, while the offending dance moves were removed in January 2019 from the game ''[[Forza Horizon 4]]'', though it is unknown if this was due to legal action.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/forza-horizon-4/forza-horizon-4-floss-carlton-dances | title = After Fortnite lawsuits, Forza Horizon 4 removes Flossing and the Carlton dances | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = January 15, 2019 | access-date = January 15, 2019 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190116003952/https://www.pcgamesn.com/forza-horizon-4/forza-horizon-4-floss-carlton-dances | archive-date = January 16, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> In the lawsuit involving Ribeiro's dance, the Copyright Office had refused to grant Ribeiro a copyright for the dance, not only because they considered it a "simple dance routine", but also because Ribeiro had created the dance in context of another copyrighted work, so he would likely be unable to claim ownership.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/copyright-office-refuses-registration-fresh-prince-star-alfonso-ribeiros-carlton-dance-1186666 | title = Copyright Office Refuses Registration for 'Fresh Prince' Star Alfonso Ribeiro's "Carlton Dance" | first = Eriq | last = Gardner | date = February 14, 2019 | access-date = February 14, 2019 | work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190214201539/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/copyright-office-refuses-registration-fresh-prince-star-alfonso-ribeiros-carlton-dance-1186666 | archive-date = February 14, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

A suit filed by choreographer Kyle Hanagami over his dance moves being used in ''Fortnite'' emotes was initially dismissed by a federal district court, but was overruled by the [[Ninth Circuit]] in November 2023. The Ninth Circuit argued that while individual poses of a dance move cannot be copyrighted, the overall choreography of a full dance could be copyrightable, allowing the case against Epic to continue forward.<ref>((cite magazine | url = https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/choreographer-epic-games-copyright-lawsuit-revived-new-ruling-1235461441/amp/| title = Choreography Copyright Case Against 'Fortnite' Maker Epic Games Rebooted With First-of-Its-Kind Ruling | first = Bill | last = Donahoe | date = November 1, 2023 | accessdate = November 4, 2023 | magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] ))</ref>

===Apple and Google lawsuits===
((main|Epic Games v. Apple))<!--

Try to keep this section only on effects of the lawsuits on FBR gameplay and players. details of lawsuits, reactions to that not related to Fortnite itself should go to the Epic Games page section above.

-->On August 13, 2020, Epic announced it was permanently discounting the price of V-bucks across all platforms by 20%, except for those purchased directly through the iOS App Store and Google Play storefronts. For the mobile platforms, Epic created its own purchasing option that allowed players to purchase directly from Epic bypassing Apple and Google. Epic said that they could not offer this discount to those purchasing through Apple or Google's storefronts due to the 30% fee both took from each sale, which was seen by journalists as yet another means to challenge the 30% fee.<ref>((cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/08/epic-gives-fortnite-players-discounts-for-skirting-apple-google-fees/ | title= Fortnite launches new payment system to cut Apple, Google out | first = Kate | last= Cox |date =August 13, 2020 | access-date = August 13, 2020 |work = [[Ars Technica]] ))</ref> Later that day, both Apple and Google removed ''Fortnite'' from their stores, both claiming that the payment system violates the store terms. The removals prevent players from downloading the game but not playing it if they already own it.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/13/21366438/apple-fortnite-ios-app-store-violations-epic-payments | title = Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store | first = Nick | last= Statt | date = August 13, 2020 | access-date = August 13, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref><ref name="verge aug132020 google">((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/13/21368079/fortnite-epic-android-banned-google-play-app-store-rule-violation | title = Fortnite for Android has also been kicked off the Google Play Store | first= Dieter| last = Bohn |date= August 13, 2020 | access-date = August 13, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref> The game still remained available on the [[Samsung Galaxy Store]] for Samsung devices as well as directly from Epic Games via their sideloaded app for all Android devices.<ref name="verge aug132020 google"/>

Epic immediately filed a lawsuit against Apple over "unfair and anti-competitive actions",<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/fortnite-maker-epic-games-sues-apple-195415590.html | title = 'Fortnite' maker Epic Games sues Apple over App Store policies | first= Karissa | last = Bell | date = August 13, 2020 | access-date = August 13, 2020 |work = [[Engadget]] ))</ref> along with releasing a short "Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite" parodying Apple's "[[1984 (advertisement)|1984]]" advertisement to explain the reasonings for filing the lawsuit.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/13/21367924/watch-epic-nineteen-eighty-fortnite-short-apple-app-store-ban | title = Watch Epic's Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite short mocking Apple right here | first = Jay | last = Peters | date = August 13, 2020 | access-date = August 13, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref> Epic filed a similar lawsuit against Google the same day.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/13/21368363/epic-google-fortnite-lawsuit-antitrust-app-play-store-apple-removal | title = Epic is suing Google over Fortnite's removal from the Google Play Store | first = Russell | last = Brandom | date = August 13, 2020 | access-date = August 13, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url =https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/13/21368395/fortnite-epic-games-oneplus-deal-google-play-store-lawsuit-lg | title = Google forced OnePlus to decimate a Fortnite launcher deal, claims Epic Games | first = Jay | last = Peters | date = August 13, 2020 | access-date = August 13, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref>

While the game remained playable for users that previously downloaded it, its removal from the iOS App Store left Epic the inability to update the game, which it used to caution players on social media that they will miss out on the upcoming new season starting August 27; Epic also cautioned macOS similarly that they would be unable to update their version as well.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/13/technology/apple-fortnite-ban.html | title = Fortnite Creator Sues Apple and Google After Ban From App Stores | first1= Jack | last1 = Nicas | first2 = Kellen | last2 = Browning | first3 = Erin | last3 = Griffith | date = August 13, 2020 | access-date = August 13, 2020 | work = [[The New York Times]] ))</ref><ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2020/8/26/21402635/fortnite-marvel-season-4-blocked-iphone-mac-release-date | title = Fortnite's new Marvel season won't launch on iPhone or Mac | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = August 26, 2020 | access-date = August 26, 2020 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] ))</ref> Epic was denied a preliminary injunction on August 24, 2020, that would have forced Apple to keep the game on the App Store, thus leaving the game unable to update on iOS.<ref name="verge prelim injunction">((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/25/21400240/epic-apple-ruling-unreal-engine-fortnite-temporary-restraining-order | title = Epic judge will protect Unreal Engine — but not Fortnite | first1 = Russell | last1= Brandom | first2 = Sean | last2= Hollister | first3= Jay | last3= Peters | date = August 24, 2020 | access-date = August 24, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref> Epic had also believed that Apple was terminating the ability for users with Epic account linked through Apple to log in using their Apple ID by September 11, 2020, but Apple confirmed they would not be disabling this feature.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/10/21431396/epic-sign-in-with-apple-will-keep-working-fortnite | title = Epic says 'Sign In with Apple' will keep working for Fortnite after all | first = Jay | last = Peters | date = September 10, 2020 | access-date = September 10, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref> Following the trial in May 2021, the federal judge issued a first ruling in September 2021 that included a permanent injunction against Apple that prevented from blocking developers like Epic from including links to alternative payment systems for apps on the App Store.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/10/22662320/epic-apple-ruling-injunction-judge-court-app-store | title = Apple must allow other forms of in-app purchases, rules judge in Epic v. Apple | first = Russell | last =Brandom | date = September 10, 2021 | access-date = September 10, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] ))</ref>

[[BBC]] reported in November 2020 that Epic had worked a deal with [[Nvidia]] as to allow iOS players to play ''Fortnite'' through the [[GeForce Now]] cloud gaming service running within a browser, the method which would bypass the requirement for Epic to require Apple to manage the in-game purchases.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-54825891 | title = Fortnite to return to iPhones via Nvidia cloud gaming service | first = Leo | last = Kelion | date = November 5, 2020 | access-date = November 5, 2020 | work = [[BBC]] ))</ref> The browser-based GeForce Now client for iOS was released by November 19, 2020, with ''Fortnite'' to be added at a later time.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/fortnite-ios-geforce-now-safari | title = Fortnite Coming Back to iOS via GeForce Now | first= Matt | last = Purslow | date = November 19, 2020 | access-date = November 19, 2020 | work = [[IGN]] ))</ref> On May 5, 2022, Microsoft released their Cloud based gaming service, the second workaround to the Mobile platform issue. Anyone with a free Microsoft account can login in and access Fortnite via their mobile devices.<ref>((Cite web |title=Fortnite is back on iOS through Xbox Cloud Gaming |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/05/05/play-fortnite-on-iphone-ipad-ios/ |access-date=August 6, 2022 |website=TechCrunch |date=May 5, 2022 |language=en-US ))</ref>

=== Other legal issues ===
In January 2018, [[Bluehole (company)|Bluehole]]'s PUBG Corp., the South Korean company behind ''[[PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds]]'' (''PUBG''), filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, claiming that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' was a copyright infringement of ''Battlegrounds''; they accused Epic Games of copying ''PUBG''(('))s user interface and game items.<ref name="bbc">((cite news | title = Fortnite sued for 'copying' rival game | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44287860 | website = [[BBC News]] | date = May 29, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180531053521/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44287860 | archive-date = May 31, 2018))</ref><ref>((cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-29/fortnite-versus-pubg-two-game-giants-are-set-to-battle-in-court | title = Most Popular Game on the Planet Accused of Copyright Violation | first1 = Yuji | last1 = Nakamura | first2 = Sam | last2 = Kim | date = May 29, 2018 | access-date = May 29, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180530034851/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-29/fortnite-versus-pubg-two-game-giants-are-set-to-battle-in-court | archive-date = May 30, 2018))</ref> According to ''[[Korea Times]]'', market observers predicted that there would be little likelihood of Bluehole winning the case, as it would be difficult to establish the originality of ''PUBG'' in court due to the battle royale game genre, which includes both ''PUBG'' and ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', being derived from the 2000 Japanese film ''[[Battle Royale (film)|Battle Royale]]''.<ref>((cite news | title = Can PUBG win legal battle against Epic Games? | url = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2018/06/134_250352.html | website = [[Korea Times]] | date = June 8, 2018 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706082637/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2018/06/134_250352.html | archive-date = July 6, 2018))</ref> The case has since closed, with PUBG Corp. dropping the lawsuit in June 2018 under undisclosed reasons.<ref>((cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-27/pubg-drops-lawsuit-against-creators-of-gaming-phenom-fortnite | title = Copyright Lawsuit Dropped Against Fortnite Creators, Ending Legal Battle | first = Sam | last = Kim | date = June 26, 2018 | access-date = July 5, 2018 | newspaper = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180627173422/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-27/pubg-drops-lawsuit-against-creators-of-gaming-phenom-fortnite | archive-date = June 27, 2018))</ref>

Epic has taken legal action against persons that have signed [[non-disclosure agreement]]s (NDAs) in regards to leaking information about upcoming game information. In May 2018, Epic Games filed a lawsuit against [[quality assurance]] tester Thomas Hannah after he leaked information regarding Season 4. Hannah, who had joined Epic in December 2017, breached the NDA by sharing details of the Season with Adam DiMarco. DiMarco later shared information in a [[Reddit]] post, spoiling the theme of the Season.<ref>((Cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/25/leaker-of-fortnites-season-4-meteor-saga-being-sued-by-epic | title = Leaker of Fortnite's Season 4 Meteor Saga Being Sued by Epic | last = Koczwara | first = Michael | date = June 25, 2018 | website = IGN | language = en-US | access-date = July 17, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180717100510/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/25/leaker-of-fortnites-season-4-meteor-saga-being-sued-by-epic | archive-date = July 17, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> Epic stated that Hannah "diminished the enjoyment of the people who play, or who watch others play, Fortnite by ruining the suspense that had been building in the Fortnite community in anticipation of upcoming season".<ref>((Cite news | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/6/23/17497826/epic-sues-fortnite-leaker-defense-filed-comet-dusty-depot | title = Accused Fortnite leaker files defense against Epic's lawsuit | last = S. Good | first = Owen | date = June 23, 2018 | website = Polygon | access-date = July 17, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180717100300/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/6/23/17497826/epic-sues-fortnite-leaker-defense-filed-comet-dusty-depot | archive-date = July 17, 2018 | url-status = live))</ref> Epic also sent FNBRLeaks, a group that datamined the files ''Fortnite'' to determine new features and events that were likely coming in the near future, a [[cease & desist]] letter in December 2018, stating that their reporting of these upcoming features were negatively harming Epic and spoiling the game for the players. FNBRLeaks complied with the terms of the letter.<ref>((cite web | url = https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/epic-games-fortnite-fnbrleaks-legal-threat-1203089880/ | title = 'Fortnite' Leaker Says Epic Legal Threats Forced Closure | first = Stephanie | last = Fogel | date = December 14, 2018 | access-date = December 17, 2018 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010452/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/epic-games-fortnite-fnbrleaks-legal-threat-1203089880/ | archive-date = December 18, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> Epic initiated a lawsuit in October 2019 against a ''Fortnite'' experience tester that leaked details of the Chapter 2 transition days before the event occurred, which included details of the map and mechanics, stating the tester broke confidentiality agreements.<ref>((cite web |url =https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/352957/Epic_is_suing_a_Fortnite_user_experience_tester_over_Chapter_2_leaks.php | title = Epic is suing a Fortnite user experience tester over Chapter 2 leaks | first= Chris | last =Kerr |date = October 28, 2019 | access-date = October 28, 2019 | work = [[Gamasutra]] ))</ref> Epic filed a second similar lawsuit in November 2019 against a tester out of Keywords Studio in Montreal over similar Chapter 2 leaks that were in breach of the terms of their [[non-disclosure agreement]].<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/epic-sues-another-alleged-fortnite-chapter-2-leaker/ | title = Epic sues another alleged Fortnite Chapter 2 leaker | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = November 13, 2019 | access-date = November 13, 2019 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] ))</ref>

Epic has also taken action against players who have profited by profiting cheats to other players in ''Fortnite''. These suits include:
* In October 2017, Epic Games filed civil complaints against two associates of the website Addicted Cheats, which for a payment provided cheating services to players. The company argued that the two defendants made and used altered game breaking code that was against the [[End-user license agreement|End User License Agreement]] and the [[Copyright Act of 1976|Copyright Act]].<ref>((Cite news | url = https://kotaku.com/epic-is-suing-two-alleged-fortnite-cheaters-1819403143 | title = Epic Is Suing Two Alleged Fortnite Cheaters | last = D'Anastasio | first = Cecilia | website = Kotaku | access-date = October 16, 2018 | language = en-US | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001805/https://kotaku.com/epic-is-suing-two-alleged-fortnite-cheaters-1819403143 | archive-date = October 17, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>
* Epic filed suit against a minor in 2017 who had used cheats in game and advertised these cheats in their YouTube channel videos. The case was ultimately settled out of court by February 2021 with undisclosed terms.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/epic-games-settles-three-year-lawsuit-against-teenage-fortnite-cheater/ | title = Epic Games finally settles a 2017 lawsuit against a teenage Fortnite cheater | first = Mollie | last = Taylor | date = February 10, 2021 | access-date = February 10, 2021 | work = [[PC Gamer]] ))</ref>
* In October 2018, Epic Games sued YouTuber Brandon Lucas, who posts videos on the channel, Golden Modz. The lawsuit details that Lucas, cheats at the game and "promotes, advertises and sells software that enables those who use it to cheat."<ref>((Cite news | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-45876864 | title = Fortnite cheat YouTuber sued by Epic Games | date = October 16, 2018 | website = BBC News | access-date = October 16, 2018 | language = en-GB | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181016154600/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-45876864 | archive-date = October 16, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref> The lawsuit also names Lucas's secondary website in which visitors are encouraged to purchase the hack and/or Fortnite user accounts preloaded with hacks.<ref>((Cite news | url = https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/epic-games-golden-modz-lawsuit-1202980739/ | title = Epic Games Sues YouTubers, Says They Were Selling 'Fortnite' Cheats | last = Fogel | first = Stefanie | date = October 15, 2018 | website = Variety | access-date = October 16, 2018 | language = en-US | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181016033409/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/epic-games-golden-modz-lawsuit-1202980739/ | archive-date = October 16, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all ))</ref>

The company that oversees the [[Coral Castle]] structure in [[Miami-Dade County, Florida]] filed a lawsuit against Epic Games in August 2020, on trademark infringement over use of the name "Coral Castle" associated with the location the game introduced in Chapter 2, Season 3. The suit contends that the name along with the nautical theme created confusion with their landmark.<ref>((cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/14/21368980/coral-castle-fortnite-lawsuit | title = Florida's Stonehenge is suing Epic Games over Coral Castle | first = Nicole | last = Carpenter | date = August 14, 2020 | access-date = August 14, 2020 |work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] ))</ref>

==Notes==
((Notelist))

==References==
((Reflist))

== Further reading ==

((refbegin))

* ((Cite web |last1=Goslin |first1=Austen |title=Why Fortnite is the most important game of the decade |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=November 14, 2019 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/14/20965516/fortnite-battle-royale-most-important-game-2010s |language=en-US |access-date=November 15, 2019 ))

((refend))

==External links==
* ((Official website))
* ((MobyGames|/game/fortnite-battle-royale))

((portal bar|Video games))
((Epic Games))
((The Walking Dead))
((G.I. Joe))
((God of War series))
((Golden Joystick GOTY))
((authority control))

[[Category:2017 video games]]
[[Category:Android (operating system) games]]
[[Category:Battle royale games]]
[[Category:Early access video games]]
[[Category:Epic Games games]]
[[Category:Esports games]]
[[Category:Fortnite|Battle Royale]]
[[Category:Free-to-play video games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 Pro enhanced games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 5 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Third-person shooters]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional islands]]
[[Category:Video games with cross-platform play]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]
[[Category:Xbox One X enhanced games]]
[[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]
[[Category:Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year winners]]