| Price | Free-to-Play |
| Version | 12.1.7 |
| Category | games |
| Developer | Epic Games |
| Source | Windows, Console, iOS, Android |
| Rating | (4.5) |
Head over to epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/download for the official Fortnite download page. You will see the options to download Fortnite for Windows, Mac, or Android (the game has become available on multiple platforms which includes PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Mac, iOS, and Android). Simply click the appropriate option, and you’ll see the download automatically start in the bottom-left of your browser.
The initial download is small, so it should just take a couple of moments to finish. In most cases, the installation file should download to your “Downloads” folder.
Note: Following a dispute between Fortnite and Apple, newer versions are no longer released for Mac. The latest version available for download is 13.40 for both Battle-Royale and Creative Modes.
Run the installation file called “EpicInstaller-{version number}.msi” either by clicking the download completed button at the button of your browser or by double-clicking the downloaded file. That will open up the Fortnite Launcher Setup Wizard:
Whenever you join a new match, your character will first spawn on “Spawn Island.” This serves as the waiting area while the prerequisite number of players join the game. It’s a good place to get acquainted with the controls, and some of the weapons as players can’t harm each other or take damage. However, nothing you pick up on this island will go with you to the actual match.
After a certain amount of time, you’ll be flown over the battle map on a “Battle Bus.” At some point, you will need to parachute from the bus and into the map below. Don’t worry, as a glider will open automatically.
Fortnite is a Battle-Royale game, which means it’s an every-man-for-himself survival game. Although Solo is the most popular mode, there are also modes for two-person or larger teams.
Once you reach the ground, you will need to immediately start scavenging for items. These include weapons, potions, shields, and more. Players can immediately start killing each other.
Players need to consider mechanics such as rare or special weapons, listening to locate other players by their footsteps, cover systems, fall damage, and more. You can also gather materials to start building defences, added cover, turrets, and other objects that give you an advantage.
Players are eliminated as they get killed until there is only one left who will be declared the winner.
Fortnite utilizes a unique blend of two main mechanics. Firstly, it’s a Battle-Royale style last-man-standing 3rd person shooter. Secondly, it’s a creative building game that allows you to construct your own defences, fortifications, maps, etc.
Via a relatively new Creative Mode, you can create an island from scratch that other players can explore and play matches on. That helps keep the game fresh with a continuous stream of new, community-generated content.
Another newish game mode is a survival-based player-versus environment mode. Called “Save The World,” you and a team of players fight off waves of enemies with the same building mechanics.
One of the relatively unique features of Fortnite is that gameplay is cross-platform compatible. That means friends can play together, whether some are playing on PC, Xbox, Playstation, or all are playing on the same platform. All you need is a stable internet connection and a legitimate version of Fortnite. Furthermore, PC players can play with either the typical keyboard and mouse setup or with a gamepad controller.
Fortnite is a free-to-own game. You can play all its game modes to their fullest extent without paying anything. Fortnite makes money by selling vanity items that are purely aesthetic and don’t affect the gameplay or outcome of matches. There are no pay-to-win mechanics, but if you want some of the rarer and most popular character motel, weapon skins, etc., you will need to buy them.
Fortnite uses its own V-Bucks currency that you purchase with real money to spend on game-related items. This includes unique skins, season Battle Passes, and other items.
Another of Fortnite’s more unique features is that they regularly release new character models and skins. These transform your playable character into pop culture characters, such as Kratos from God of War, the Mandalorian from Star Wars, or Master Chief from Halo. These appearances are purely cosmetic and extremely fun to collect.
By purchasing season-specific Battle Passes, you can unlock entire collections of appearances. You can also put together your own with individual cosmetic items to truly make your character unique.
Fortnite continues offering new and old players fresh content and experiences to keep the game exciting. Every season usually introduces a new scenario or crisis with players coming together in huge community events. Aside from character and weapon skins, new official maps and environments are also regularly released.
Every now and then, there are also mass limited-time events that players worldwide can attend. A recent example was an in-game concert in collaboration with rapper Travis Scott.
As a 3rd person Battle-Royal shooter game that also allows you to gather materials and build structures, Fortnite is a unique combination of action and creativity. You can play alone or in a team with friends with complete cross-platform compatibility. You can always expect something new with Fortnite seasons, user-generated content, and newly created skins and items. Best of all, Fortnite is completely free-to-play.
