Top 10 Worst Things Fortnite Has Done

Whenever “Fortnite” launches a new crossover event with big name franchises like “The Avengers” and “Borderlands”, of course it's going to generate headlines on top of a massive amount of hype. However, as the years have gone by, some of these crossovers feel a lot more contrived than creative. Wreck-It Ralph’s appearance at Risky Reels was odd, yet forgivable, and the aggressive “Birds of Prey” hype wasn’t much to complain about, but Deadpool’s random inclusion in Chapter 2: Season 2 seems to exist for the sake of existing, since he doesn’t even speak. That’s like Marvel’s unwritten #1 rule; Never shut Deadpool up. Fox learned that the hard way.

Some players like to employ a cat-&-mouse strategy when it comes to “Fortnite”; lure a player to a specific location, plant trap, get an elimination. It’s incredibly satisfying to pull off! However, in January 2020, some “pro” players like Mongraal and Benjyfishy were calling for traps to be removed from the game, and they did so calmly and collectively. [show tweets] Epic responded to the vocal minority and vaulted all traps. Much to their dismay, this generated criticism from other players like Tfue, who stated that the removal of traps was the worst thing Epic has done to “Fortnite”.

On paper, the Shadow Stones were a unique idea - grab one of these items to turn invisible (kind of) and traverse the land at a quicker pace. You could even use it as a way to flank enemy players. There was just one little problem - players found an exploit that allowed them to remain invisible beyond the 45-second limit. So, it wasn’t long before Epic removed Shadow Stones from Season 6 for additional tweaking. Of course, as soon as it was put back in, they were taken out once more.

Even without Deadpool’s forced inclusion, Chapter 2: Season 2 has been incredibly disappointing, and this comes from one of our writers who has been with the game since launch! In Chapter 2: Season 1, players were given several opportunities to level up in the Battle Pass, and it was this immense sense of progression that made “Fortnite” more satisfying. The game also made it easier to keep track of challenges in a well-organized menu. Chapter 2: Season 2 has only made it messier with menus inside of menus inside of menus, and the progression in the Battle Pass has become a total slog as there are more challenges demanding players accomplish tasks at very specific locations. Not even the agent-specific objectives could save this…

When it first came out, “Fortnite’s” Battle Pass was one of the more unique forms of paid content we had seen in a live service. Since then, other game companies have decided to copy the system, and we’ve now seen the system implemented in titles like “Apex Legends”, “Rocket League”, and - to no one’s surprise - “Call of Duty”. It is understanding why some players like this format (especially if you play these kinds of games everyday), but when so many games start blatantly copying the same idea, they start blending together and feeling unrewarding. There are too many games demanding all of our time, and it won’t take much for an unsatisfied player to jump ship.

This had to have been “Fortnite’s” most controversial weapon since its initial launch. Hailing from Epic’s action RPG series “Infinity Blade”, the titular weapon was introduced in Season 7 and granted players a wide array of benefits. In addition to boosting the wielder’s health and shield, the Infinity Blade could destroy structures in a single swing, boasted a wide hitbox that made it hard to avoid, and allowed the wielder to perform leaping ground slams. The weapon was so universally hated that Epic removed it from the game. Although, you can still try it for yourself in Creative mode.

We’ve heard of companies giving back to their communities, but this is taking it too far… In January 2020, Epic began shelling out a new line of cosmetics dubbed the “Icon” series, consisting of skins and emotes based on popular “Fortnite” streamers and celebrity fans. Whether you revel in playing as your favorite influencer or find it unbearably cringey, the lineup has only begun to overshadow “Fortnite’s” unique characters and aesthetic rather than add to it. Shouldn’t we be seeing the likes of Burger Boss or Rust Lord instead of a bunch of Ninjas and Travis Scotts running around? Seriously, its starting to become less “Fortnite” and more “Ninja & Friends: Battle Royale”...

When “Fortnite” launched in 2017, Epic announced plans to make the game’s Save the World mode free-to-play towards the end of 2018. As soon as the transition is made, “Fortnite” will finally leave its Early Access state...according to the game’s official Twitter page. Here we are, YEARS after launch, and “Fortnite” STILL has yet to make the move. The shift has been delayed a handful of times already, and Epic is still wanting players to fork over forty bucks for the mode. In other words, the original “Fortnite” has now been in development for nearly a decade.

We’d always be happy to buy awesome DLC and cosmetics, but “Fortnite” charges way too much for cosmetics! You want US to pay FIFTEEN to TWENTY DOLLARS for a SKIN??? Yes, some come with a pickaxe or a special emote, but when you think about what else that fifteen to twenty bucks could go towards, the value changes. You could have a nice meal at a restaurant, go see a movie, or better yet, buy a brand new game! Heck, you could grab multiple games at a lower cost given how often digital storefronts hold massive sales! Plus, with the store changing everyday, you basically need that exorbitant amount ready or you may never get another chance to purchase what you want again.

Even when the biggest influencer to your game has threatened to quit, you KNOW you’ve messed up! The X-4 Stormwing was introduced at the start of Season 7 and quickly became the most hated addition to “Fortnite” in the game’s history. While it was cool to get a new vehicle and fly from place to place, that’s not what most players were using it for. One could expect being dive-bombed and assaulted in almost every match, and structures provided zero defense as the plane could fly right through and instantly destroy them. Despite being nerfed to hell and back, there was no redeeming the Stormwing, and the damn thing was eventually vaulted before Season 8 began.