Survival showdowns: 11 Games Like Fortnite for Thrilling Battle Royale Action

Battle royale games have rocked the gaming landscape over the last decade, and at the forefront of this phenomenon stands the juggernaut that is Fortnite.

It's hard to imagine gaming now without 1v1 games like Fortnite: despite only being released back in 2017, Fortnite very quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Fortnite dances went viral and fans fell in love with the franchise because of the gameplay's unique quirks - blended fast-paced combat with cool building mechanics and quirky aesthetics.

Games Like Fortnite

There's plenty out there in terms of competition. So we've done you a favor and given you a head start by picking out 11 of the best Fortnite-like games currently on the market. These are titles that have some similarities with Fortnite and will likely satisfy your craving for a good old-fashioned fight to the death.

1. Apex Legends

Apex Legends has a different take on the typical combat style of battle royale games, going instead for a squad-based set-up. The game is all about team dynamics, and you'll love it for its fast-paced combat and smooth gameplay.

2. PUBG

We couldn't create a list of games like Fortnite and not include PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), can we? PUBG was released before Fortnite and was influential in the game's development. It features a more realistic approach than Fortnite, so if you're interested in more tactical gameplay and the actual mechanics of the firearms then you'll enjoy PUBG.

3. Call of Duty: Warzone

If you love the fast-action gunplay of Call of Duty then you'll love Warzone, the franchise's battle royale mode. It blends the traditional Call of Duty elements that are so popular with players with some pretty unique gameplay mechanics.

4. Firestorm

Do you love the drama of a large-scale battle? Then add Firestorm to your list of games like Fortnite to try out! Firestorm is Battlefield V's take on the battle royale genre battle royale mode - think Battlefield's signature destructible environments but set in a battle royale context.

5. Realm Royale

It's battle royale, but not quite as you know it. Realm Royale introduces a fantasy twist where you get to forge your own weapons and even turn into a chicken after being defeated, giving you a second chance at survival.

6. Hyper Scape

Ubisoft's Hyper Scape gives the battle royale format a futuristic context, meaning the range of weapons and features is fuller and more interesting than in some current-day game scenarios. You can even watch and influence matches through a Twitch integration.

7. Spellbreak

Want a change from traditional weapons? Your mode of combat in Spellbreak is spellcasting - harness elemental magic to engage in spell-based battles.

8. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

If you enjoy a battle of the mind rather than a full arsenal shoot out then you'll love this quirky take on battle royale. The game's like Fortnite in terms of the overall structure, but battles are in the form of mini game show style challenges.

9. Darwin Project

Looking for games like Fortnite but want to crank things up a notch? Darwin Project adds an element of unpredictability by introducing a Show Director who can influence the game by creating obstacles or aiding players.

10. Warface: Battle Royale

Warface: Battle Royale incorporates the tactical gameplay of the Warface franchise into the battle royale genre. With a focus on gunplay and teamwork, the game offers a different flavor of battle royale experience.

11. Cuisine Royale

If you enjoy games like Fortnite but feel more comfortable in the kitchen than on the battlefield then spoons at the ready for Cuisine Royale! Yep - you read that right - spoons. This game uses kitchen utensils and cookware as weapons but still manages to combine realistic ballistics.

Why Has Fortnite Become so Popular?

Fortnite: Building a Legacy

Fortnite was originally going to be a cooperative multiplayer game known as Save the World, where players worked together to defend against waves of zombie-like creatures. It was the introduction of the battle royale mode though that really marked a turning point in Fortnite's trajectory. Drawing inspiration from games like PUBG, Fortnite Battle Royale was released in 2017 and quickly gained traction for its accessible approach to the genre. Competitors followed suit, with multiple games like Fornite on Chrome, PlayStation and other consoles appearing over the next few years.

Fortnite's meteoric rise to fame can be attributed to several factors, including its accessibility, unique building mechanics, and cross-platform compatibility. Players love the Minecraft-inspired building aspect too - Fortnite isn't just about fighting, you have to use your wits to create cover, bridges, and other structures all in the heat of battle.

Accessibility and Cross-Platform Play

Absolutely key to Fortnite's success has been its accessibility. While other 1v1 games like Fortnite are paid for, Fortnite operates on a free-to-play model, meaning anyone can join in.

This has been one of the reasons it has been so popular with younger audiences, who don't have the cash to spend on gaming. Making the game available to wide audiences like this has helped it to establish itself and be played by millions.

Fortnite also played a great hand by making the game available across pretty much any platform you can think of. This means that whether you play games on a Mac, PC, console, or even on your mobile, you can still jump in and play Fortnite with friends. You can even play a Fortnite text-based game based on HTML5.

Evolving Map and Storytelling

Another one of the reasons that Epic Games has had so much success with Fortnite is that they understand that a game has to be constantly evolving - you cannot afford to stand still, or people will move on to one of the other many free games like Fortnite.

While other games like Fortnite online have a static landscape, Fortnite has an ever-changing map, evolving storylines, and live in-game events to keep players interested. Constant updates and plenty of seasonal content means that you feel like the Fortnite world is truly evolving, making for a much more immersive experience as a player.

Other games that are like Fortnite can take away plenty of lessons from Fortnite's journey. Perhaps the key is the idea of always listening to players and considering what will give them the best possible experience.

Constant innovation, a live service approach, and intriguing gameplay mechanics have undoubtedly secured it the spot of being one of the best battle royale games of all time.