Fortnite’s Leaked New Mode Could Be Taking a Page Out of Overwatch 2’s Book

Fortnite’s dedication to innovation is clear, with game modes like LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival introduced as permanent additions over the past year. With the launch of Remix Chapter 2 and Fortnite OG Chapter 2, excitement is already high for Epic Games’ popular title. Now, recent rumors suggest Fortnite may be taking things even further, possibly drawing inspiration from Overwatch 2 in an upcoming game mode.

Fortnite first gained widespread popularity in 2017 with its free-to-play Battle Royale mode. Later additions like LEGO Fortnite and Zero Build also attracted sizable audiences, with LEGO Fortnite drawing 2.5 million players during its launch weekend. Expanding upon its current roster of game modes would broaden Fortnite‘s already impressive scope, and rumors of a 5v5 mode in development indicate Epic’s ongoing commitment to creativity.

Fortnite Could Be Developing Its Own Version of Overwatch 2

Leaks Hint at a New Core Mode in Development for Fortnite

On November 1, two well-known Fortnite leakers, HypeX and Shiina, reported on X, formerly Twitter, that Epic Games is developing a “5v5 core mode.” While some hope it will be Search and Destroy being added back as a permanent mode to Fortnite rather than a Limited Time Mode (LTM), others speculate this might be the scrapped basketball mini-game rumored to have been tested in 2020. However, HypeX quickly dismissed this idea, noting that data shows the mode is rated “T,” indicating it’s likely a gunfight mode.

A “T” rating indicates content suitable for ages 13 and up. Titles in this category may include violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, mild blood, simulated gambling, and occasional strong language.

Strong speculation surrounds the debut of this mode in Epic Games’ popular title, with the leakers citing December as a potential launch window. Since both HypeX and Shiina have suggested the mode will likely be released in Fortnite Chapter 6, the rumor may carry more credibility. Regardless, because Epic Games has yet to confirm or deny these rumors, it should be regarded as speculation for the time being.

A 5v5 Mode in Fortnite Has Major Potential

Currently, it’s uncertain whether this mode would incorporate building as a core mechanic, but a mode with a smaller player count could hold significant potential. For example, a 10-player lobby could introduce new dynamics to Fortnite, similar to how new metas emerged when Overwatch shifted from 6v6 to 5v5. A smaller lobby, with an objective-based approach and hero-shooter mechanics, could promote a more strategic mindset, encouraging players to collaborate closely and devise unique tactics that go beyond merely eliminating opponents. This adjustment could result in more intense and focused encounters, where each player’s decisions greatly impact the outcome of the match.

A 5v5 core game mode for Fortnite could draw inspiration not only from Overwatch 2, but also from other 5v5 shooters like Counter-Strike, Rainbow Six Siege, and Valorant. Epic Games has demonstrated its willingness to do this in the past, as seen with the Search and Destroy LTM from 2020, which was based on the Call of Duty game mode of the same name. The new game mode could build on this concept by emphasizing the importance of attacking or defending bomb sites to secure victory.

A 5v5 core game mode could draw inspiration not only from Overwatch 2, but also from other 5v5 shooters like Counter-Strike, Rainbow Six Siege, and Valorant.

Additionally, Creative Mode already features a variety of two-team experiences, like Team Deathmatch and Domination. However, the developers have yet to release an official version of the classic shooter formula. A fully developed 5v5 mode in Fortnite could emphasize objectives more, similar to the various game modes in Overwatch 2, which as of Season 13 include:

• Control
• Escort
• Flashpoint
• Hybrid
• Push
• Clash

Similar to Battle Royale, where players with fewer kills can still win the match, Overwatch 2 is very much objective-based. This means that a team can secure victory by concentrating efforts on the objective, even if they don’t have the highest kill count. Hopefully, Epic Games will soon provide concrete details on whether a 5v5 core game mode is in development and what its gameplay might look like.