Fortnite is adding a ranked mode

Epic Games recently revealed plans to add a ranked mode to Fortnite in a future update, giving competitive players an official ladder to climb. While details remain sparse, here’s everything we know so far about Fortnite’s upcoming ranked mode based on available information:

What is a ranked mode?
A ranked mode offers an organized competitive playlist with a skill-based matchmaking system. Wins and losses determine your rank to match you with similarly skilled opponents.

This gives players objectives to strive for from achieving a certain rank to being the very best. Leagues, divisions and exclusive rewards provide motivation to progress.

Why is Fortnite adding ranked?
Epic Games wants to give Fortnite’s most competitive players an official avenue to showcase their skills. A ranked mode provides a measure of skill-based progression tailored to those who enjoy competition.

Currently, players mainly compete in tournaments. But a ranked ladder offers a persistent competitive experience where players can continuously climb the ranks.

What we know about Fortnite ranked:

•There will be separate ranked modes for solos, duos and squads

• Wins and losses will impact your rank to match you with similarly skilled opponents

•Higher ranks will feature more difficult opponents

•There will be exclusive rewards for achieving certain ranks or the maximum rank

Potential design of Fortnite ranked:
Experts speculate Fortnite’s ranked mode could:

•Have 8 to 10 ranks from bronze to champion

•Reset ranks each season to incentivize players to climb the ladder again

•Award competitive points for wins to progress through the ranks

•Reward cosmetics and other exclusives for reaching certain ranks each season

Potential downsides of ranked mode:
While many players eagerly await ranked, some worry it could:

•Fragment the player base between ranked and public matches

•Lead to increased toxicity and “sweating” in matches

•Reward gaining ranks through farming instead of true skill improvement

•Potentially require changes to core gameplay for a competitive focus

The right implementation could elevate Fortnite’s competitive scene and provide a meaningful progression system. Epic can learn from other games’ ranked systems.

In summary, Fortnite adding a ranked mode aims to satisfy competitive players seeking an objective measure of skill and progression. While details remain limited, we know ranks will rely on wins/losses for matchmaking. Epic will need to avoid pitfalls other games have faced, but a well-designed ranked system could elevate Fortnite’s competitive play for years. The key will be balancing needs of casual and competitive fans, and meeting high expectations. With luck, Fortnite’s ranked mode strikes the perfect balance of competition, prestige and rewards.

 

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