Fortnite's Original Mode Returns Free-to-Play
What happened
Epic Games is relaunching Fortnite’s original “Save the World” mode as a free-to-play experience in April.
Why it matters
"Save the World," the original Fortnite mode, launched in early access on July 25, 2017, as a paid experience. Epic Games initially planned a free-to-play transition in 2018 but delayed it. The shift to free-to-play was initially planned, but Epic Games decided to keep "Save the World" a premium title when it fully released on June 29, 2020. They cited the need for significant reworks and scaling before a free launch could happen. "Save the World" is a cooperative, sandbox-style game blending tower defense, survival, and third-person shooter elements. Players team up to gather resources, build fortifications, and defend against waves of zombie-like creatures. While "Battle Royale" took off, "Save the World" development slowed, and it never became free until now. The mode currently requires purchasing a "Save the World Starter Pack" to access. Despite not reaching the heights of "Battle Royale," "Save the World" maintains a dedicated player base. As of November 30, 2024, it had over 10,000 players.
Key numbers
- "Save the World," the original Fortnite mode, launched in early access on July 25, 2017, as a paid experience.
- Epic Games initially planned a free-to-play transition in 2018 but delayed it.
- The shift to free-to-play was initially planned, but Epic Games decided to keep "Save the World" a premium title when it fully released on June 29, 2020.
- As of November 30, 2024, it had over 10,000 players.
What happens next
- They cited the need for significant reworks and scaling before a free launch could happen.
Sources
Quick answers
What happened in Fortnite's Original Mode Returns Free-to-Play?
Epic Games is relaunching Fortnite’s original “Save the World” mode as a free-to-play experience in April.
Why does Fortnite's Original Mode Returns Free-to-Play matter?
"Save the World," the original Fortnite mode, launched in early access on July 25, 2017, as a paid experience. Epic Games initially planned a free-to-play transition in 2018 but delayed it. The shift to free-to-play was initially planned, but Epic Games decided to keep "Save the World" a premium title when it fully released on June 29, 2020. They cited the need for significant reworks and scaling before a free launch could happen. "Save the World" is a cooperative, sandbox-style game blending tower defense, survival, and third-person shooter elements. Players team up to gather resources, build fortifications, and defend against waves of zombie-like creatures. While "Battle Royale" took off, "Save the World" development slowed, and it never became free until now. The mode currently requires purchasing a "Save the World Starter Pack" to access. Despite not reaching the heights of "Battle Royale," "Save the World" maintains a dedicated player base. As of November 30, 2024, it had over 10,000 players.
