Fortnite has become a cultural juggernaut, captivating gamers around the globe. Developed by Epic Games, this Battle Royale sensation has continually evolved, leaving many to wonder: when did Fortnite first hit the scene? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, due to the varied versions and platform releases.
As we find ourselves in Chapter 7 Season 1, it’s fascinating to reflect on Fortnite’s humble beginnings. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to explore its release date and how the *Save The World* mode played a significant role in shaping the game we know today.
When Did Fortnite Come Out? Release Date
The official release date for Fortnite Battle Royale was September 26, 2017. However, the groundwork for the game began well before then. Epic Games announced the Battle Royale mode in early September of the same year, allowing players to join a limited beta. On that noteworthy September day, Fortnite became available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
What’s fascinating is that the Battle Royale mode was developed in just two months. Epic leveraged the expertise of the Unreal Tournament team to accelerate the process. This strategy paid off, as Fortnite Battle Royale quickly captured the hearts of players, with its population swelling even to this day. The *Save The World* mode also contributed significantly, aiding the development of Battle Royale.
Fortnite Release Date for Save the World
Before the Battle Royale phenomenon took off, Fortnite *Save The World* launched on July 25, 2017. Initially, this mode was the primary experience Epic intended to offer. Unlike the free Battle Royale mode, however, *Save The World* required players to buy Founder’s Packs ranging from $39.99 to €37.00 (approximately). Players could earn V-Bucks through daily quests, inviting them into a more complex co-op PvE world.
This ambitious mode allowed teams of up to four players to defend bases against zombie-like foes called Husks. Players could construct forts, manage resources, and dive into tactical combat. A free-to-play version was even slated for release in 2018.
But everything shifted when Fortnite Battle Royale debuted with undeniable success. Epic abandoned plans for a free *Save The World* mode to focus on expanding the ever-growing Battle Royale landscape, introducing features like Creative Mode, Rocket Racing, and much more.
How Old is Fortnite Battle Royale Mode?
As of January 2026, Fortnite Battle Royale is over 8 years old. This impressive lifespan is rare, especially in a genre saturated with competition. When Fortnite launched, the Battle Royale field was dominated by games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. Yet, Fortnite not only survived but thrived, drawing in newer players despite the arrival of contemporary titles like Battlefield 6.
The transformation of Fortnite is staggering. The 2018 version barely resembles the current experience. Thanks to updates in technology, particularly from the Unreal Engine, both graphics and gameplay have seen immense improvement.
When Did Fortnite Come Out on Mobile?
Fortnite’s journey to mobile platforms has been quite intricate. Different devices received the game at different times, leading to some exclusive offers along the way.
What was the Fortnite Release Date on iOS?
The *iOS* version of Fortnite kicked off with a limited beta on March 23, 2018, available only to select invitees. It officially launched for all users on April 2, 2018, rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after games on Apple devices. This breakthrough demonstrated that console-quality gaming could indeed flourish on mobile platforms.
However, the game was removed from the Apple App Store on August 13, 2020, due to legal conflicts between Apple and Epic Games. Fortunately, it has since made a comeback to the U.S. App Store, allowing players to jump back into the Battle Royale excitement.
What was the Fortnite Release Date on Android?
Fortnite’s rollout on Android was a little tricky. Epic announced the Android beta on August 9, 2018, but initially, it was exclusive to Samsung Galaxy users. On August 13, 2018, additional Android users started receiving invites.
Ultimately, it wasn’t until October 11, 2018 that Fortnite became available to all Android users without needing an invite. At launch, players could only access the game through the Epic Games website and Samsung’s Game Launcher. Epic later added it to the Google Play Store in 2020 after mounting concerns over malware-infested clones of the game.
Overall, Fortnite has transformed from a simple PvE shooter to a gaming phenomenon. As Epic Games continues to roll out new content and updates in 2026, gamers everywhere are left eagerly anticipating what’s next.
When did you start playing Fortnite? What are your thoughts on the game’s evolution over the years? Share your experiences in the comments below!
How has Fortnite changed since it came out?
Fortnite has continuously evolved, introducing new chapters, gameplay mechanics, and collaborations since its initial release.
Will Fortnite Save The World ever be free-to-play?
As of now, Epic Games hasn’t announced plans to make Save The World free-to-play.
Is Fortnite available to play on mobile devices in 2026?
Yes, Fortnite can be downloaded and played on both iOS and Android devices through their respective app stores.