Fortnite Unveils 'Ballistic' First-Person Shooter Mode

Epic Games has announced a new game mode for Fortnite, its most popular title and one of the biggest video game franchises of all time. Called “Ballistic,” the addition is a round-based first-person shooter mode that sorts players into attackers and defenders. Based on the trailer, the new mode looks like it will mimic the play style of Valorant or Counter-Strike—five-player teams, weapons shop, and bombs included.

In a blog post published Saturday, Epic described Ballistic as a “adrenaline-filled, round-based 5v5 competitive game mode where strategy, tactical teamwork, and individual prowess are essential for victory.” Players sorted into the attacker team are tasked with planting a “reality-tearing Rift Point Device” (Fortnite’s friendlier version of a bomb) at one of two sites on the map. Those on the defender team meanwhile work to stop the device from being planted and detonated. The round ends when everyone in a single team is eliminated (there are no respawns in Ballistic) or when the Rift Point Device goes off. Players swap sides after six rounds; once a team has won seven rounds total, the game ends.

Ballistic will kick off with a single map called Skyline 10—a clear imitation of Tokyo, complete with Japanese signage, tatami rooms, and adorable animal mascots. The mode will also incorporate a limited number of weapons and items. As Epic receives player feedback, it will reportedly add new maps and items to Ballistic alongside major feature updates.

Fortnite’s new mode calls to mind Valorant and Counter-Strike, the former of which has often been said to imitate the latter. Both games put players into teams that work against each other to plant or defuse bombs, and both allow players to purchase or upgrade their weapons from an in-game store. Even the two titles’ map compositions are fairly similar. Compared with Valorant and Counter-Strike, though, Fortnite is a touch more family friendly; there’s no spray of blood when an enemy is defeated, and the game has a goofier, more colorful tone. 

Unlike Fortnite’s previous mode add-ons, such as the now-retired Save the World campaign, players won’t need to pay for Ballistic access. Instead, it’s a free and permanent add-on to Fortnite’s ranked and unranked modes. Early access opens Dec. 11 on all devices that already support the game.