How Old Is Fortnite in 2025?

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

How Long Has Fortnite Been Around?

Believe it or not, by July 2025, *Fortnite* will be celebrating its eighth birthday. This milestone will be marked with celebrations that pay homage to its rich history while looking forward to exciting future developments.

The Full Fortnite Timeline

Save the World – The Birth of Fortnite

*Fortnite* first hit 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 Battle Royale mode transformed *Fortnite* into a household name. What set it apart was the innovative building mechanic, which fueled its explosive growth and cemented its place in the gaming world.

The Evolution of Fortnite Battle Royale

The Beginning

The original map, often referred to as the OG map, holds a special place in the hearts of *Fortnite* players, fueled by nostalgia and beloved Points of Interest (POIs). The early seasons of Chapter 1 featured a straightforward yet effective map with iconic locations like Titled Towers and Retail Row. The live events, such as the rocket launch, Kevin the cube, a floating ice island, volcanoes, and the epic showdown between the mecha team leader and a monster, were among the most memorable moments. Gameplay challenges like the overpowering BRUTE mech also left a lasting impact, culminating in the iconic black hole event that closed out an incredible chapter.

Taking Over the eSports World

*Fortnite* concluded Chapter 1 with a groundbreaking $30 million World Cup, drawing competitors from around the globe to vie for the title of the best player. Bugha emerged as the champion, becoming one of the first superstars of *Fortnite*. Following this success, Epic Games introduced seasonal championships across various regions, offering players a platform to showcase their skills and pursue professional eSports careers. Today, major regions like NA East, NA West, Brazil, Oceania, Europe, and Asia host multiple tournaments such as FNCS and cash cups, providing players with seasonal opportunities to earn recognition and compete in the Global Championship held in different cities worldwide.

A New Chapter

Chapter 2 brought a fresh map and introduced new mechanics like swimming, boats, and fishing, along with an array of new weapons and skins. This chapter expanded the *Fortnite* universe and kept the narrative engaging.

Carrying the Momentum

In 2022, Chapter 3 introduced mechanics like sliding and sprinting, enhancing gameplay dynamics. The Creative mode allowed players to craft and share their own custom games and maps, and by March 2023, these maps could generate revenue for their creators. To address the steep learning curve associated with building, Epic Games launched Zero Build, a mode without building, making the game more accessible to new players.

Transitioning to Unreal Engine

Chapter 4, released in 2023, utilized Unreal Engine, enhancing the game's visuals and physics for a more detailed and vibrant experience. Chapter 5, launched in 2024, further showcased the power of Unreal Engine with new game modes like *Rocket Racing*, *LEGO Fortnite*, and *Fortnite Festival*. The introduction of first-person mode and revamped movement mechanics added new dimensions to the gameplay.

Worldwide Appeal

Ongoing updates to gameplay and story have kept *Fortnite* among the most-played games worldwide. High-profile collaborations and live events featuring stars like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg have kept the game fresh and relevant, transforming *Fortnite* into a global phenomenon.

And that's the comprehensive history of *Fortnite*. *Fortnite* is available to play on various platforms, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3.