With Victory Royale after Victory Royale, it's easy to forget just how long Fortnite has been around. Initially launched as a cooperative zombie survival game, it transformed into a Battle Royale phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Let's delve into the history of Fortnite and explore its age.

How Long Has Fortnite Been Around?

By July 2025, Fortnite will celebrate its eighth birthday. This milestone will undoubtedly be marked with celebrations that honor its rich history while looking forward to future developments.

The Full Fortnite Timeline

Save the World – The Birth of Fortnite

Fortnite burst onto the scene with Save the World, a survival mode centered around building defenses with friends to fend off zombie-like creatures called "husks." This was the original vision for Fortnite before Epic Games ventured into the Battle Royale genre.

Entering the Battle Royale World

The game became a household name with the introduction of its Battle Royale mode. The innovative building mechanic set Fortnite apart from other Battle Royale titles, fueling its explosive growth within the gaming community.

The Evolution of Fortnite Battle Royale

Fortnite has undergone significant evolution since its release, continuously introducing new weapons and mechanics to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

The Beginning

The original map, fondly remembered as the OG map, holds a special place in Fortnite's history. Its nostalgic charm and beloved Points of Interest (POIs) like Titled Towers and Retail Row have kept players coming back. The early seasons of Chapter 1 featured a straightforward yet captivating map, with live events like the rocket launch, Kevin the cube, a floating ice island, volcanoes, and the epic showdown between the mecha team leader and a monster becoming some of the most memorable moments. The BRUTE mech, though controversial, added a unique twist to the gameplay, culminating in the iconic black hole event that marked the end of Chapter 1.

Taking Over the eSports World

Fortnite concluded Chapter 1 with a bang, hosting a $30 million World Cup that attracted top players from around the globe. Bugha's victory at this tournament cemented his status as one of the game's legends. Following this success, Epic Games launched seasonal championships in various regions, providing aspiring eSports athletes with regular opportunities to compete and shine. Today, major regions such as NA East, NA West, Brazil, Oceania, Europe, and Asia host numerous tournaments like FNCS and cash cups, with the Global Championship being the pinnacle event held in different cities worldwide.

A New Chapter

Chapter 2 ushered in a new map and introduced exciting mechanics like swimming, boats, and fishing, along with a host of new weapons and skins. This chapter expanded the Fortnite universe and kept the narrative momentum going strong.

Carrying the Momentum

Chapter 3, released in 2022, brought fresh mechanics such as sliding and sprinting. The Creative mode empowered players to create and share custom games and maps, revolutionizing player engagement. In March 2023, Epic Games introduced a monetization system for creative maps, allowing map creators to earn revenue. Addressing the steep learning curve associated with building, Epic released Zero Build mode, catering to players who preferred a building-free experience.

Transitioning to Unreal Engine

Chapter 4, launched in 2023, utilized Unreal Engine, enhancing the game's graphics and physics for a more immersive experience. The adoption of Unreal Engine not only improved visual fidelity but also enriched gameplay dynamics. Chapter 5, released in 2024, continued this trend, introducing new game modes like Rocket Racing, LEGO Fortnite, and Fortnite Festival. The long-awaited first-person mode also debuted, altering the gameplay perspective, while revamped movement and new features further refined the player experience.

Worldwide Appeal

Fortnite's consistent updates and captivating storylines have made it one of the most-played games globally. The game's collaborations with popular figures and brands keep the content fresh and engaging. Live events and concerts featuring global superstars like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg have solidified Fortnite's status as not just a game, but a cultural phenomenon.

Fortnite is available to play on various platforms, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3, ensuring its accessibility to a wide audience.