The wall went up faster than he could react, a pixelated fortress materializing out of thin air. He knew, right then, that he was outmatched. The realization hit hard: Fortnite, once a fun diversion, had become a different beast altogether.
Fortnite has evolved; building skills now separate the pros from the, well, eliminated. But now, a hint from an Epic Games insider suggests that Chapter 7 might just level the playing field. Let’s break down what this could mean for everyone.
Fortnite Building About to Get a Whole Lot Easier?
Ever watch a toddler try to stack blocks? Sometimes Fortnite building feels like that: a chaotic mess for some. K.L. Smith, a development lead at Epic Games, recently took to X.com to share some thoughts. Here’s the post.
Smith noted that the skill gap related to building has become immense. While admiring the mastery some players exhibit, Smith also pointed out how Fortnite’s default sensitivity settings can trip up newcomers before they even get started.
Options like “Simple Build” and “Simple Edit” were called out as useful tools to grasp building fundamentals. According to the X post, future updates might expand upon those options, perhaps adding guided tutorials or sensitivity settings that adapt as players improve. Fortnite, it seems, is aiming to lower the barrier to entry.
Will this make Fortnite building too easy?
Imagine handing a novice a professional chef’s knife; they might hurt themselves. Smith acknowledges this, noting, “Bindings are 100% a matter of personal preference.” But Smith also hinted that recent discussions have revealed that current default settings may not be ideal for the uninitiated.
In other words, get ready for building controls that might not require you to be a piano virtuoso to construct a simple wall.
What kind of tools will be available?
Think training wheels. While specifics are still under wraps, expect default sensitivities tuned for precise building and enhanced Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) tools. UEFN, for those unfamiliar, empowers creators to design custom islands and experiences within Fortnite.
These tools could facilitate better practice maps, places where players can learn the ropes without the pressure of a live match.
No one knows precisely when these changes will land, but consider this: Epic Games is betting that a more accessible Fortnite attracts—and retains—a larger audience.
How does building impact competitive play?
Building is the cornerstone of competitive Fortnite. It’s not just about erecting walls; it’s about creative problem-solving at lightning speed. It is a crucial part of how top competitors like Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf or Tai “TaiRival” Starcevich play the game. It’s about predicting your opponent’s moves and countering them with architectural ingenuity.
Changes to building will therefore ripple through the entire competitive scene, potentially shifting the meta and forcing even seasoned pros to adapt. It’s like chess, where a seemingly small tweak to the rules can alter the entire game.
Will these accessibility changes help bridge the skill gap, or will they dilute what makes Fortnite unique?