Epic Games’ reliance on Fortnite is palpable, and its most recent game mode appears to be a calculated move into the competitive first-person shooter space.
While Fortnite’s core gameplay is indeed aggressive, with its intense Victory Royale battles, Epic Games has surprisingly released a new mode that returns to the genre’s roots: Ballistic. This newly minted “Fortnite expertise” places players in a round-based 5v5 aggressive sport mode where strategy, tactical teamwork, and individual skill are paramount for triumph. The game’s massive departure from its battle royale format lies in its fully first-person perspective, a significant shake-up for the wildly popular shooter that will undoubtedly challenge fans’ expectations.
Gamers are initially divided into two distinct roles in Ballistic: attackers and defenders, according to Epic. Attacker’s objective is to successfully deploy a Reality-Tearing Rift Level Gadget at either of two strategic locations on the map, while defenders strive to prevent the device from being placed and activated. In Ballistic, matches conclude abruptly when either the Rift Level Gadget detonates or both teams are wiped out entirely. After six rounds of intense gaming action, the teams will switch roles, allowing defenders a chance to unleash their attacking prowess and conversely, providing attackers with the experience of defending. The sport is considered complete when each team has accumulated a total of 7 wins.
In this initial setup, pace is seemingly the primary objective, as all newcomers are provided with a Ranger Pistol and 800 credits to kick-start their gaming experience. “In competitive shooters like Valorant or Counter-Strike, credit in Ballistic is earned by racking up eliminations and planting the Rift Level Gadget, only to be spent at the start of each round on upgraded objects and weapons that boost your chances of victory.” While there are both ranked and unranked options, this mode is an early access type of deal, so don’t expect everything to be polished right out of the gate.
If this opportunity resonates with you, don’t delay – the countdown has begun and it’s scheduled to debut in just a few short days, on December 11th. I’m skeptical about what style Fortnite will adopt next – my bet is on competitive fighting games.
