When you think of battle royale games, one name instantly comes to mind: Fortnite, which is very obvious.
It’s the game that made building forts and victory royales part of everyday gamer talk. Many people now want to know how old Fortnite is and when it first came out.
Well, the game has been around for a while now, and it’s still one of the most popular games in the world, undoubtedly.
Knowing when Fortnite started helps us understand why it became so huge, from making battle royale games mainstream to hosting concerts and bringing in characters from movies and TV shows.
Here, I’ll share when Fortnite launched, how it changed through different chapters, and what makes it different today than when it first started.
When Was Fortnite Released?
Fortnite was first released onJuly 25, 2017, with a mode called Save the World, where players worked together to fight off creatures in a co-op style game.
The version most people know today, Fortnite Battle Royale, came out on September 26, 2017.
This free mode is what made the game explode in popularity because anyone could download it and start playing right away.
Battle Royale introduced the idea of 100 players fighting on one map until only one player or team remained. Its mix of building and shooting made it stand out from other games at the time.
Since then, Fortnite has continued to grow through updates, new seasons, and major events that keep players coming back.
Knowing when Fortnite launched helps explain how it became such a big part of gaming so quickly.
How Has Fortnite Changed Over the Years?
Fortnite’s chapter system started in October 2019, bringing major updates with new islands, mechanics, and features. Let’s see how each chapter changed Fortnite:
1. Chapter Two (October 2019 – December 2021)
This chapter introduced a brand-new island with water-based gameplay, including swimming, fishing, and drivable boats, which changed how players moved around the map.
It also delivered major crossovers featuring Marvel heroes, DC characters, and Star Wars content.
New mechanics like hiding in objects and carrying teammates added fresh ways to play and survive during matches.
The chapter ran for eight seasons and gave Fortnite a clear new beginning. Its mix of map changes, new features, and big partnerships helped renew interest and set the stage for future updates.
2. Chapter Three (December 2021 – December 2022)
The island literally flipped upside down to reveal a brand new map with fresh locations to explore. Epic Games added sliding movement that made gameplay faster and more dynamic.
Spider-Man web-shooters let players swing across the map like the famous superhero, bringing one of the most fun movement mechanics ever added to Fortnite.
One of the biggest additions was Zero Build mode, giving players the option to play without building.
This chapter ran for 4 seasons and introduced gameplay styles that changed Fortnite forever.
3. Chapter Four (December 2022 – November 2023)
This chapter introduced diverse biomes, including jungles, snowy mountains, and desert areas, giving players more places to explore.
Motorcycles were added for faster travel and smoother movement across the map.
The biggest highlight was the nostalgic Chapter 1 OG revival season, which brought back the original map and classic gameplay that many players missed.
The chapter included five seasons in total and focused on offering variety and nostalgia, creating a mix of new features and familiar elements that kept longtime fans and new players engaged throughout its run.
4. Chapter Five (December 2023 – November 2024)
Epic Games added weapon mods that let players customize their guns with different attachments and upgrades, giving more control over how each weapon feels.
Season 2 focused on Greek mythology, bringing gods like Zeus onto the island.
Season 3 shifted to a post-apocalyptic wasteland theme with ruined cities and rugged vehicles. The chapter wrapped up with a major Marvel crossover, where Doctor Doom took over the island.
These four seasons brought steady changes that kept the gameplay fresh and gave players new themes and styles to enjoy.
5. Chapter Sic (December 2024 – November 2025)
This chapter drew inspiration from Japanese culture, featuring demon hunter designs, samurai themes, and Asian-style locations across the island.
New parkour moves, like wall kicks and climbing, made movement faster and more skill-based.
The chapter also included major collaborations, such as Godzilla with giant monster battles and Demon Slayer with popular anime characters.
It ran through six regular seasons along with special mini-seasons, including a crossover with The Simpsons.
The mix of cultural themes, improved movement, and big partnerships helped make this chapter stand out.
6. Chapter Seven (November 2025 – Present)
The newest chapter introduces a Hollywood and Los Angeles–inspired map filled with palm trees, beaches, and a strong celebrity theme.
Parts of the island are covered by large desert biomes, while other areas feature busy city streets and modern urban zones.
A major highlight is the Kill Bill crossover, which adds The Bride, her yellow motorcycle, and weapons from the films.
Season 1 is still ongoing, and more updates, locations, and events are planned as the chapter continues to grow and bring new content to players.
How Old is Fortnite Compared to Other Battle Royale Games?
Fortnite isn’t the first battle royale game, but it quickly became the most widely known. This table shows how its release date compares with other major titles in the genre.
| Game Title | Release Date | Age as of 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | March 23, 2017 | 8 years | Considered the game that popularized the battle royale genre. |
| Fortnite (BR Mode) | September 26, 2017 | 8 years | Became the most globally recognized battle royale title. |
| Apex Legends | February 4, 2019 | 6 years | Known for fast movement and hero-based abilities. |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | March 10, 2020 | 5 years | Blizzard’s entry with large-scale maps and realistic combat. |
| Fall Guys | August 4, 2020 | 5 years | A lighter, obstacle-course twist on the battle royale formula. |
| Naraka: Bladepoint | August 12, 2021 | 4 years | Focuses on melee combat and parkour instead of shooting. |
Major Fortnite Events and Concerts
Fortnite became famous for hosting massive live events that millions of players watch together in real time. These events changed how people think about gaming as entertainment. Some of the biggest moments include:
1. Travis Scott Concert (2020)
The Travis Scott concert became one of Fortnite’s biggest moments, drawing more than 12 million players at the same time.
The event featured large-scale visuals, shifting worlds, and music synced to animated performances.
It showed how powerful in-game concerts could be by blending gameplay with a full show experience.
Many players still see it as one of the most impressive digital concerts ever held, and it set a new standard for future Fortnite events.
2. Ariana Grande Rift Tour (2021)
The Ariana Grande Rift Tour delivered a colorful musical experience that took players through different themed worlds.
Each stage blended music, animation, and light gameplay to keep the event interactive.
The visuals felt bright and approachable, making the tour enjoyable even for people who weren’t regular Fortnite players.
It highlighted how the game could host large performances without slowing down the pace. The event also reinforced Fortnite’s role in bringing music and gaming together in new ways.
3. Marshmello Concert (2019)
The Marshmello concert was Fortnite’s first major in-game music event and marked the start of a new trend in gaming.
It brought players together in real time with a synchronized stage, interactive lighting, and a full musical set.
The event proved that virtual concerts could feel exciting and memorable without complicated gameplay. Many people saw it as the moment Fortnite expanded beyond being just a game.
It opened the door for bigger collaborations and showed developers what was possible with live digital performances.
4. Chapter Ending Events
Chapter-ending events, such as The End and Zero Hour, are large-scale story moments that transition Fortnite from one chapter to the next.
These events often include explosions, map collapses, and dramatic gameplay sequences that change the island entirely.
Players watch together as the world shifts, creating shared memories across the community.
Each event marks a turning point for Fortnite and builds excitement for the next chapter. They remain some of the most anticipated moments in the game’s ongoing story.
How Often Does Fortnite Update?
Fortnite updates more often than most games, which is one reason it stays popular.
Epic Games usually releases a small update every week or two, adding balance changes, new items, or limited-time modes.
Larger updates come with each new season, which happens about every few months.
These bigger updates bring map changes, new features, and new Battle Pass content. Major chapters update the game the most, introducing new islands or major gameplay shifts.
Live events also act as updates because they prepare players for the next season.
This steady update schedule keeps the game feeling active without making players learn too much at once.
Even if some updates are small, they help keep the game fresh and give players a reason to return. Fortnite’s frequent changes are a big part of why it remains relevant after so many years.
Conclusion
Fortnite has been around for over 8 years since its launch, and it’s still going strong today.
The game started with Save the World, then became a global hit with Battle Royale, and has kept changing through multiple chapters with new maps and features.
Fortnite shows that lasting success takes more than a good start. You have to keep updating and improving.
When people ask how old Fortnite is, they’re really asking about how the game managed to stay relevant for so long while many other games have come and gone.
What’s your favorite Fortnite memory? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear which season or event you enjoyed most!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Fortnite Pay $500 Million?
Epic Games agreed to pay $520 million in settlements to the FTC for violating children’s privacy laws and using dark patterns that tricked players into unwanted purchases.
Who Is the #1 Fortnite Player?
Rankings change frequently, but players like Bugha, Mero, and Clix consistently rank among the top competitive Fortnite players based on tournament earnings and performance metrics.
Who Is the 75-Year-Old Fortnite Player?
Hamako Mori, known as “Gamer Grandma,” is a famous elderly gamer, though she’s known for various games. Several senior citizens have gained attention for playing Fortnite competitively.
