With Victory Royale after Victory Royale, it’s easy to forget just how long *Fortnite* has been around. Originally launched as a zombie survival game that pivoted into a Battle Royale phenomenon, it has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Here's a comprehensive look at the history of *Fortnite* and its age.
How Long Has Fortnite Been Around?
Believe it or not, by July 2025, *Fortnite* will be celebrating its eighth birthday. This milestone event is expected to reflect on its storied past while looking forward to the future of gaming.
Related: All Fortnite Season Start and End Dates
The Full Fortnite Timeline
Save the World – The Birth Of Fortnite
*Fortnite* debuted with *Save the World*, a cooperative survival mode where players built defenses and fought off zombie-like creatures known as "husks." This initial concept laid the groundwork for what *Fortnite* would become before Epic Games ventured into the Battle Royale genre.
Entering the Battle Royale World
The introduction of the Battle Royale mode catapulted *Fortnite* to fame. What set it apart was the innovative building mechanic, which fueled its meteoric rise in the gaming community.
The Evolution Of Fortnite Battle Royale
The Beginning
The original Chapter 1 map holds a special place in *Fortnite*'s history, cherished for its nostalgia and iconic points of interest like Titled Towers and Retail Row. The early seasons were marked by engaging live events, from the rocket launch and Kevin the Cube to floating ice islands, volcanoes, and epic showdowns like the Mecha Team Leader vs. Monster. The infamous BRUTE mech caused a stir, and the chapter concluded with the dramatic black hole event.
Taking Over the eSports World
*Fortnite* solidified its eSports presence with the Chapter 1 finale—a $30 million World Cup. Bugha's victory at this tournament marked him as a top player. Following this, Epic Games launched seasonal championships across regions, allowing aspiring pros to compete in events like FNCS and cash cups. The culmination of each competitive season is the Global Championship, held in various international cities.
A New Chapter
Chapter 2 brought a refreshed map and 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 in 2022 introduced sliding and sprinting, and the Creative mode empowered players to design and share their own custom maps. By March 2023, creators could monetize their maps, opening new revenue streams. To address the steep learning curve of building, Epic Games introduced Zero Build, a mode without building, making the game more accessible to newcomers.
Transitioning To Unreal Engine
In 2023, Chapter 4 launched on Unreal Engine, enhancing the game with richer graphics and physics for a more immersive experience. Chapter 5, released in 2024, further utilized Unreal Engine to introduce new modes like *Rocket Racing*, *LEGO Fortnite*, and *Fortnite Festival*, along with the much-anticipated first-person mode and revamped movement mechanics.
Worldwide Appeal
*Fortnite*'s constant updates and expansive collaborations have kept it at the forefront of gaming culture. Live events and concerts featuring global icons like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg have transformed *Fortnite* into more than just a game—it's a global phenomenon.
And that wraps up the journey of *Fortnite* so far. Available on various platforms, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3, *Fortnite* continues to evolve and entertain millions worldwide.
