Since its release in 2017, building has been an important part of the Fortnite formula, but its temporary removal has made the game better than ever. Epic Games has now been forced into a corner.
Epic Games finally took the plunge and responded to a long-standing request from the community with the release of Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 2. One of the game’s core mechanics, building, has been removed. At least for the time being.
The ability to build cover and bases on the fly has been a source of contention among players for years, dividing them into two camps: those who believe that building is what distinguishes Fortnite from other games, and those who see it as a frustrating barrier between casual and hardcore players.
After only a few days of playing without the feature, many can confidently state – hand on heart – that this is the best Fortnite has been since its inception.
Fortnite players can no longer build in the standard battle royale mode for the first time since the game’s release. Collecting materials is completely disabled, and matches are decided solely by frantic gunfights rather than games of “who can build the tallest tower.”
The decision has certainly sparked discussion, and it has only added fuel to a debate that has raged for the better part of five years. It’s given those who had long lost interest in Epic’s world-beating battle royale a much-needed reason to get excited again.
Big streamers like Tfue and Ninja, who owe a lot of their success to Fortnite streaming, have echoed the disgruntled fans’ sentiments, urging Epic to make the change permanent.
Ninja declared on Twitter that the days since Season 2 began have been the “most fun I’ve had on Fortnite in YEARS.” Meanwhile, the tweak drew superstars like TimTheTatman away from Warzone to see what the fuss was all about.
Even those who have been vocal in their criticisms of Fortnite and its gameplay, such as Dr Disrespect, have admitted that the removal of buildings has opened up a side of the game that they can support.
It’s not surprising that a Fortnite match without the crutch of spawning walls, ramps, and roofs to get out of a jam is a completely different experience. In fact, it completely changes the experience, which is all for the better.
Many people were worried that removing the structure would leave an uninspiring third-person shooter in its wake.
Epic has gone to great lengths to ensure that Fortnite‘s gunplay matches that of other modern games, and it’s a testament to their efforts that the game is still fun when all you have are your guns because each encounter is a test of your aim and use of equipment rather than your ability to build, the gap between the casuals and the more experienced has never been smaller. Anyone who has even dabbled in another shooter can now not only hold their own, but also scoop a Victory Royale for themselves, thanks to the addition of red dot sights and thermal scopes.
Overall, every encounter feels fair and balanced, and death no longer deters me from playing. Losing because you were slow on the draw is far less painful than losing because your opponent trapped you inside a vertical maze after you scored a single hit.
While this may annoy hardcore players who have spent hours in Creative mode practicing building, it does address one of the game’s long-standing issues for those who are unable to devote the time necessary to master the mechanic.
The decision to remove such an important aspect of the game’s identity hasn’t gone over well with everyone. Many people still believe that Fortnite isn’t Fortnite at all if you don’t build.
Epic’s unique selling point – the key feature that distinguishes it from the competition – is often argued to be throwing up cover and taking fights to the skies. Some critics argue that it adds an extra layer of competition, and that there are plenty of other options if you want to play a battle royale without it.
Others believe that “no-build” mode is incompatible with the map’s design, and that it actually hinders rather than aids matches.
Despite the fact that this is huge news and has re-energized support for the project for the time being, there is still plenty of anti-build sentiment. More examples can be found in the comments on the Reddit thread linked above.
Overall, it’s difficult to argue that this experiment was a failure. However, by conducting this overwhelmingly successful test, Epic may find itself in a position where there is no way to win.
If they choose to make “no-build mode” the default going forward, they risk alienating die-hard Fortnite fans who fell in love with the game because of the unique mechanic. Remove it, and those who have had a taste of the good life will once again abandon ship.
Choosing between the two will be contentious, as the community is divided at the moment. Some may see it as a resurrected game, while others who are still enjoying it are counting down the days until building returns.
The safest option, similar to Warzone’s Rebirth Island, is to implement both modes and give players the choice. However, as both attempt to become the main iteration of the game, this could quickly split the community in half.
Finally, the developers are caught between a rock and a hard place, and they must make a critical decision about Fortnite’s future.
Only time will tell if Fortnite without building becomes a staple in the future, but one thing is certain: this is the most fun I’ve had in years with Fortnite. May it continue for a long time.