Fortnite is a battle royale style game where it’s every player for themselves. There are 100 people in a game with the option to play solo, with a duo, or a squad, which consists of 4 players. You drop into the game and have to hunt for weapons and materials. A feature in this game that stands out from other battle royals is that you can build “forts.” 

The latest season of Fortnite brought a revolution by making the players a part of the large-scale battle going on between the Foundation and the Ice King factions. Player involvement has been the primary focus of this season, and the community has greater authority over its storyline. “I was really excited for this season because of the ice king. I feel it hasn’t disappointed yet with the updates. I am excited to see how the ending plays out as we get closer.” said Landon Trimmer, Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) student.

At the start of this season, the players are required to pick one of the factions to support. Their victories, eliminations, and completion of various missions allow their preferred factions to advance. Further progression grants access to different weapons, map changes and gaming features.

Currently, the Ice King faction is at an advantage since most players chose it because of its cooler design, its exclusive styles, and the change of playing as a good guy to a menacing leader. “I chose the Ice Kings team because of the nostalgia and because it’s one of my favorite skins,” said Xander West. Nonetheless, the outcome can be flipped around later in the season depending on how each team is doing towards the end.

The update also includes a rival system where players can keep tabs on their opponents. Numerous gamers online claim that the addition makes the competition within matches more action-packed and almost like a new game within the original. When you pick a rival in the match, the game gives you one person to hunt, and you can see them on the map, essentially turning the game into a One-on-one within the battle royale. If you don’t get your target, you will also lose points. The addition makes the competition within matches more challenging and thrilling. “ I like the change, it makes the games feel more exciting when I am chosen for a rival because I feel like it is guaranteed action.”  Luke Moore, HBHS Senior. 

Most players have responded well to the season since it offers more interactivity compared to previous versions. Developers no longer control everything about the storyline and let players decide the outcomes of different events in the season.