While most people know Fortnite for its thrilling and free Battle Royale mode, it's worth noting that there's another version of the game that predates this popular offshoot. This is the Save The World or StW mode and it presents an entirely different gameplay experience.
This mode involves players working together to fight off hordes of AI-controlled opponents, as opposed to the Battle Royale mode which is strictly a PvP (Player versus Player) format. However, a major differentiator between these two game modes is the use of 'Heroes' in StW.
In the StW mode, heroes are characters with unique abilities and playstyles that greatly enhance the game's cooperative element. Some heroes may possess healing abilities, others might excel at building fortifications, and there are even those who specialize in dealing high amounts of damage.
The heroes system in StW adds a layer of depth to the gameplay as each one can significantly alter your approach to the game. These differing play styles create a more diverse playing field and encourage strategic planning among players.
In contrast, the Battle Royale mode of Fortnite does not feature these unique heroes, opting instead for character skins that offer no gameplay advantage. These aesthetic features, while popular, don't alter the gameplay like heroes can in the StW mode.
Many players have expressed interest in seeing heroes incorporated into Battle Royale. They argue that such a move would add depth to the game, create variety in gameplay approaches, and increase the overall enjoyment of each match.
Not all players share this sentiment, of course. Some argue that the heroes system could disrupt the balance of the game, as heroes with powerful abilities may dominate matches, overshadowing those without. This could upset the level playing field that currently defines the Battle Royale mode.
There's also the consideration of Fortnite's rating as recreational software. While Save The World has elements that appeal to more hardcore gamers, Battle Royale tends to attract a more casual base who may not be open to more complex game mechanics.
Introducing heroes into Battle Royale would mean bringing a cooperative element into a competitive setting, a move that could be met with resistance. However, it's an experiment that might be worth attempting given the continued popularity of the game.
Even with the potential downsides, it's undeniably true that the heroes system would bring a new flavor to the Battle Royale experience. If balanced properly, it wouldn't just be a new feature, but a significant evolution of the game.
Adding heroes to Battle Royale wouldn't necessarily mean replicating the entire system from StW. Some elements could be tweaked, adapted, or removed entirely to fit the more competitive environment of Battle Royale.
For instance, the hero abilities could be balanced so that no one hero overpowers the others. This balance could even be part of the Battle Royale loot mechanics, with hero abilities being scattered around the map as items for players to find and use.
Another possibility is introducing a different mode within the Battle Royale setting. Similar to how the game split into Save The World and Battle Royale, another mode could be introduced that harnesses the heroes system.
This hypothetical mode might not replace the more traditional Battle Royale games, but would offer an alternative for those interested in a different style of play. Additionally, it could also cater to those from the original Save The World community who may have felt neglected.
Admittedly, such drastic changes to a game as massive as Fortnite may seem daunting. They would require a lot of development resources and could potentially alienate a chunk of the player base.
However, tweaking and evolving a game is commonplace in the video game industry, especially in the realm of multiplayer games. The fact that Battle Royale itself was initially a spin-off from another mode is a testament to the efficacy and potential of these changes.
In the end, whether Epic Games ever decides to introduce the heroes system to Fortnite's Battle Royale mode remains to be seen. It's a potentially transformative feature that could have a significant impact on gameplay.
Regardless of the final decision, it's undeniable that the popularity and thriving community of Fortnite's Battle Royale mode are the result of the game's constant adaptations and updates. Whether the hero system is part of that future or not, what remains certain is that this popular title will continue to evolve and entertain its player base.