Fortnite's Age in 2025 Revealed

With Victory Royale after Victory Royale, it's easy to overlook just how long *Fortnite* has been around. From its origins as a zombie survival game that evolved into a Battle Royale phenomenon, it has become a global sensation. Let's dive into the rich history of *Fortnite* and discover how old it truly is.

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How Long Has Fortnite Been Around?

It may be hard to believe, but by July 2025, Fortnite will celebrate its eighth birthday. The game is sure to mark the occasion with festivities that not only look to the future but also pay homage to its storied past.

Related: All Fortnite Season Start and End Dates

The Full Fortnite Timeline

Save the World – The Birth Of Fortnite

Fortnite initially launched as Save the World, a survival mode where players teamed up to build defenses against zombie-like creatures called "husks." This was the original vision for Fortnite before Epic Games ventured into the Battle Royale genre.

Entering the Battle Royale World

Fortnite became a household name with the introduction of its Battle Royale mode. This mode brought a fresh twist to the genre with the inclusion of building mechanics, propelling Fortnite to unprecedented heights in the gaming community.

The Evolution Of Fortnite Battle Royale

Since its release, Fortnite has seen significant evolution, with the continuous addition of new weapons and mechanics keeping the game vibrant and ever-changing.

The Beginning

Chapter 1's original map is cherished for its nostalgia and iconic points of interest (POIs) like Titled Towers and Retail Row. The early seasons were marked by simple yet captivating maps, but the real excitement came from the live events. From the rocket event to Kevin the Cube, a floating ice island, volcanoes, and the epic showdown between the Mecha Team Leader and a monster, Chapter 1 was filled with unforgettable moments. The notorious BRUTE mech also left a lasting impact, and the chapter concluded with the iconic black hole event.

Taking Over the eSports World

The first chapter culminated in the $30 million Fortnite World Cup, where players from around the globe competed for the title of the best. Bugha emerged as the champion, setting the stage for Fortnite in the eSports arena. Following this, Epic Games introduced seasonal championships across various regions, giving players a chance to shine and pursue their dreams of becoming professional eSports athletes. Today, major regions like NA East, NA West, Brazil, Oceania, Europe, and Asia host numerous tournaments, including FNCS and cash cups, culminating in the prestigious Global Championship held in cities worldwide.

A New Chapter

Chapter 2 brought a fresh map and introduced new mechanics such as swimming, boats, and fishing, along with an array of new weapons and skins, expanding the Fortnite universe.

Carrying the Momentum

Chapter 3, launched in 2022, introduced sliding and sprinting mechanics. The Creative mode empowered players to craft custom games and maps, either for public play or private enjoyment. In March 2023, Epic Games allowed creative map owners to monetize their creations, providing a new revenue stream. To address the steep learning curve associated with building, Epic introduced the Zero Build mode, catering to players who preferred a building-free experience.

Transitioning To Unreal Engine

With the release of Chapter 4 in 2023, Fortnite transitioned to Unreal Engine, enhancing the game's graphics, physics, and overall performance, resulting in a more detailed and immersive experience. Chapter 5, released in 2024, further showcased the capabilities of Unreal Engine with new game modes like Rocket Racing, LEGO Fortnite, and Fortnite Festival. The much-anticipated first-person mode was also introduced, revolutionizing the gameplay experience alongside revamped movement mechanics.

Worldwide Appeal

Fortnite's ongoing updates and evolving story have cemented its place as one of the world's most-played games. The game's collaborations with global icons like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg have kept it fresh and relevant, transforming Fortnite from just a game into a global cultural phenomenon.

And that's the comprehensive history of Fortnite.

Fortnite is available to play on various platforms, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3.