What is Fortnite?
Fortnite is one of the most popular online games in the world, captivating millions of players of all ages with its unique blend of fast-paced action and creative gameplay. Fortnite is available on multiple platforms, including computers, gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, as well as smartphones and tablets.
The game is primarily known for its "Battle Royale" mode, where players compete in teams to be the last survivors.
Fortnite is fun for several reasons. The Battle Royale mode is exciting and fast-paced, offering a mix of strategy, skill, and luck. The game’s art style is colorful and engaging, appealing to a wide audience.
Beyond the action, Fortnite regularly updates with new content, including limited-time events, new game modes, and collaborations with popular brands and franchises, which keeps the players engaged outside the game as well.
Another reason players love Fortnite is the customization options. Players can purchase or earn "skins" to change the appearance of their characters, as well as other cosmetic items like emotes (dance moves or gestures) and gliders. These customizations are purely cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay, but they allow players to express their personalities and stand out in the game.
Today, Fortnite is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Whether they’re playing solo or teaming up with friends, Fortnite offers a fun, engaging way to develop strategic thinking, teamwork, and social skills.
How to play Fortnite
The most well-known mode in Fortnite is Battle Royale, where 100 players are dropped onto an island and compete to be the last person (or team) standing. Players must scavenge for weapons, resources, and items to help them survive while avoiding or eliminating opponents.
The game area gradually shrinks over time, forcing players into closer encounters until only one player or team remains.
Fortnite is easy to pick up, but it requires skill to master. Players control their avatars using basic keyboard and mouse commands on a PC, or touch and joystick controls on consoles and mobile devices.
A key aspect of the game is building structures like walls, ramps, and towers using materials collected during gameplay. This adds a strategic layer to combat, as players can quickly build defenses or gain height advantage over opponents.
Fortnite can be played solo, in duos, or in squads of up to four players. The game is highly social, and many players join up with friends to play together. Voice chat is a common feature, allowing players to coordinate strategies and share experiences in real-time, even when playing from different locations. The team-based nature of the game fosters cooperation and communication, making it a favorite for many kids, teens, and adults.
Recommended age
Fortnite is rated T for Teen, meaning it’s recommended for players aged 13 and up. However, younger children often play the game as well. The cartoonish, fairy tale graphics and lack of blood or gore make it less intense than other shooting games, but the competitive nature and online interactions require maturity.
The game can be adjusted to the maturity of the child. Fortnite offers parental controls that allow you to manage who your child can communicate with, limit spending, and monitor their gameplay. Additionally, the difficulty level of the game can be set to fit the player.
What to be aware of
Fortnite, like any online game, has aspects that parents should be aware of.
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Competition and stress: The game’s fast pace and competitive nature can be thrilling, but it can also be frustrating, especially for younger players. It’s important to adjust the level of difficulty to suit your child, to monitor how your child is handling the game, and ensure they are taking breaks as needed.
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In-game spending: Fortnite is also known for its in-game purchases. Players can buy V-Bucks, the game’s virtual currency, to purchase skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items. While these items don’t impact gameplay, they are highly desirable, and spending can add up quickly.
Setting spending limits and discussing the importance of budgeting with your child can help manage this. Additionally, be aware if your payment details are stored on the account from a previous purchase, enabling your child to buy V-Bucks with a few clicks.
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Chat features and online interactions: The game’s social features, including voice chat, are another area to monitor. While playing with friends is fun, it’s important to discuss online safety with your child, ensuring they know how to block or report inappropriate behavior.
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Scams: Scams are also becoming more common and can be hard to detect and avoid, even for experienced players. It can deeply affect your child to both lose their virtual belongings and be cheated by a player they trusted.
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Screen time management: Like any game, Fortnite can be absorbing, and kids may spend long hours playing, especially when playing in teams and battles drag out. Players often want to stay in the game to the end and help their team.
Key terminology
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Battle Royale: The main mode of Fortnite, where multiple online players compete to be the last one standing.
- Build: The act of constructing structures using materials gathered during gameplay.
- Zero build: A version of Battle Royal survival mode where players don’t have to build.
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Storm: A deadly barrier that closes in on the map over time, forcing players into a smaller area.
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Loot: Items, weapons, and resources found in the game that players can collect.
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Skins: Cosmetic outfits that change the appearance of a player’s character.
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Emotes: Special animations, often dance moves, that players can use to express themselves in the game.
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Victory Royale: The term used when a player or team wins a match in Battle Royale or Zero Build.
- V-Bucks: The virtual currency that can be purchased to use in the game.
