Epic Games is shaking up the Fortnite universe with Ballistic, a tactical first-person mode that’ll have players thinking beyond building ramps and editing walls. Launching in Early Access on December 11, this fresh take on competitive gaming pits two five-person teams against each other in intense tactical combat.

How Ballistic Changes the Game

Gone are the signature building mechanics that made Fortnite famous. Instead, players will duke it out in rounds focused on attacking and defending objectives. One team works to plant a “Rift Point” device, while the other team scrambles to prevent the installation or defuse it within a tight 45-second window.

The mode draws inspiration from tactical shooters like Counter-Strike 2, offering a more strategic experience that’ll test players’ gunplay and teamwork. Each match consists of 12 rounds, with teams swapping roles halfway through. Victory goes to the first team that clinches seven rounds.

What to Expect at Launch

Players can jump into action on Skyline 10, the mode’s inaugural map. Epic Games has already confirmed on their blog that additional maps and weapons are in development to keep the experience fresh and engaging.

Ballistic caters to both casual and competitive players with ranked and unranked playlists. However, players in South Korea and Russia won’t have access to the mode at launch.

Strategic Depth

Unlike traditional Fortnite modes, Ballistic eliminates respawning during rounds, raising the stakes of each engagement. This design choice emphasizes tactical decision-making and team coordination, creating a more intense gaming experience that rewards strategic thinking over quick reflexes alone.

The gaming community eagerly awaits this bold new direction for Fortnite, which continues to evolve beyond its battle royale roots. Players can experience Ballistic firsthand when Early Access begins December 11.

Source: Fortnite