Fortnite is one of the most played games of all time, with roughly 400 million registered users and 83 million playing once every month. Currently, Its peak daily player numbers are reaching a staggering 16 million. Meanwhile, Respawn Entertainment’s Apex Legends has attracted an average of nearly 64 million monthly users. These games have captivated the gaming world with their lively graphics and addictive features.
A Quick Look at Fortnite and Apex Legends
Let’s start with a brief introduction to both games:
Fortnite
Epic Games released Fortnite in 2017, and it quickly became a global phenomenon. It’s a free battle royale game in which 100 players fight to be the last one standing on an island. The game features unique visuals, building mechanics, and regular updates, making it popular across all age groups.
Apex Legends
Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts launched Apex Legends in 2019. Set in the Titanfall universe, it takes a different approach to many royale battle games. Players form squads of three and choose from a diverse roster of characters with unique abilities. Apex Legends features polished gameplay and a focus on teamwork, which has gained it a dedicated player base.
Now that we know the basics let’s explore what sets Fortnite and Apex Legends apart and what makes them so successful.
Graphics and Art Style
One noticeable aspect of both games is their distinct visual styles:
- Fortnite: Fortnite features a vibrant and cartoonish art style with bright colors and exaggerated characters that appeal to players of all ages. The game is accessible on various platforms, low-end PCs, and mobile devices.
- Apex Legends: Apex Legends has a more realistic and gritty visual style, with detailed environments and character models, giving the game a mature and immersive feel; it tends to appeal to players who prefer a grittier experience.
Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay mechanics of Fortnite and Apex Legends differ significantly:
- Fortnite: Fortnite stands out with its building mechanics. Players can gather resources and construct structures like walls, ramps, and platforms, adding strategy and depth to the game. It also allows players to create a cover, vantage points, and even elaborate fortresses.
- Apex Legends: Apex Legends introduces hero-based gameplay, with each character, or ‘Legend,’ possessing unique abilities that complement different team compositions. This adds a layer of strategy, requiring players to consider team synergy. Apex Legends promotes teamwork and coordination among squad members.
Content Updates and Community Engagement
Both games have gained significant popularity, providing regular updates and engaging with their communities:
- Fortnite: Epic Games delivers frequent updates and fresh content to Fortnite, with the game’s map changing regularly. Updates include gameplay tweaks, new weapons, limited-time game modes, and events; the developers actively interact with the community and consider player feedback.
- Apex Legends: Respawn Entertainment follows a seasonal update model, with major updates at the start of each season introducing new Legends, map changes, and cosmetic items. The development team maintains transparency and communicates with players, addressing concerns and seeking feedback.
Monetization Models
Both Fortnite and Apex Legends have different approaches to monetization:
- Fortnite: Fortnite focuses on selling cosmetic items available through the Item Shop and the Battle Pass, and players can buy these items using in-game currency. The Battle Pass offers a progression system with exclusive rewards and challenges, including extra cosmetic items.
- Apex Legends: Apex Legends monetizes through cosmetic items and loot boxes. Players can buy cosmetics directly or get them through leveling up or in-game currency. Apex Packs contain various cosmetic items, and the developers have introduced alternatives to address player concerns about loot boxes.
Popularity and Esports Presence
Fortnite and Apex Legends have achieved significant popularity, making strides in the competitive world of esports:
- Fortnite: Fortnite’s popularity extends beyond gaming, with its emotes and dances having become viral; it even reaches mainstream media and sports events. The game has high-profile tournaments, like the Fortnite World Cup, with large prize pools. It has also attracted many content creators and streamers.
- Apex Legends: Apex Legends is also steadily growing its presence in esports, with the developers supporting competitive play with tournaments and partnerships. The Apex Legends Global Series features regional and international competitions and large prize pools. The game’s focus is on teamwork and fast-paced action, which has created a dedicated esports community.
The Final Battle: Fortnite vs. Apex Legends
Now, the ultimate question: Which game should you choose? This decision depends on personal preferences and what you seek in a royale battle game experience. Let’s summarize the key features of each game:
Visual Style
Fortnite’s colorful and cartoonish style versus Apex Legends’ realistic and immersive visuals
Gameplay Mechanics
Fortnite has unique building mechanics for creativity, while Apex Legends has hero-based gameplay for teamwork and diverse abilities.
Content Updates and Community Engagement
Fortnite features regular updates and community interaction, whereas Apex Legends has seasonal updates and responsive communication.
Monetization Models
Fortnite’s cosmetic-focused model versus Apex Legends’ mix of direct purchases and loot boxes
Popularity and Esports Presence
Fortnite features cultural impact and high-profile esports events, while Apex Legends has steady growth in the competitive scene.
Wrapping Up
The choice between Fortnite and Apex Legends ultimately comes down to your preference and the gameplay style and experience you’re after. Ideally, try both games to see which resonates with you the most; whether you enjoy Fortnite’s fast-paced gameplay or Apex Legends’ strategic battles more, you’ll find an exciting battle royale experience.
