Fortnite is getting a first-person makeover. The highly anticipated first-person mode, dubbed Ballistic, is finally launching within Fortnite on December 11th, offering a fresh take on Epic Games’ popular battle royale. Initially teased back in March, Ballistic promises a competitive, round-based experience distinct from the core Fortnite gameplay.
Ballistic: A New Way to Play
Ballistic departs from the traditional battle royale format, adopting a 5v5, round-based structure reminiscent of tactical shooters like Valorant and Counter-Strike. Teams will alternate between attacking and defending roles, with attackers tasked with planting and detonating a Rift Point Device at designated locations on the map. Defenders, conversely, must eliminate the attacking team before they can complete their objective. Matches are best-of-seven, spanning across both ranked and unranked play, meaning teams will switch sides after six rounds.
Buy, Equip, and Strategize
Before each round commences, players enter a “buy screen” where they can purchase weapons and items using Credits earned from eliminations and successful Rift Point Device plants. While Fortnite lacks the hero-based abilities seen in games like Valorant, Ballistic introduces Flex Gadgets to add strategic depth. These gadgets include proximity mines, bubble shields, and various grenades (recon, frag, impulse), providing players with tactical advantages. Flex Gadgets persist even after death, unlike weapons, adding a layer of resource management to the gameplay.
Expanding the Fortnite Universe
Ballistic joins the ranks of other Fortnite spin-off modes like Lego Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival, released last year. While these modes maintain some connection to the main battle royale’s economy, they primarily aim to diversify the Fortnite experience and keep players engaged within its ecosystem. Notably, Ballistic allows players to utilize their existing Fortnite cosmetics, including outfits, back bling, kicks, wraps, sprays, and emotes, ensuring a personalized touch.
Launching into Early Access
The initial early access release of Ballistic will feature a single map: Skyline 10. This focused launch will allow Epic Games to gather player feedback and refine the mode before potentially expanding with additional maps and content. Mark your calendars for December 11th to experience this new dimension of Fortnite.
Conclusion
Ballistic offers a compelling new way to experience Fortnite, bringing tactical, round-based gameplay to the forefront. With its unique blend of strategic gadget utilization, buy phases, and familiar Fortnite aesthetics, Ballistic has the potential to captivate both existing fans and newcomers alike. The early access launch on December 11th marks just the beginning, and the future of this innovative mode promises exciting developments.
