Fortnite: The most popular battle royale game in your pcket
In October 2018, Android users had a reason to celebrate as Fortnite became available on their devices. This widely-loved video game was initially exclusive to gaming consoles, Apple, and Windows. Fortnite offers a unique blend of crafting, construction, and intense "last man standing" gameplay, covering various gaming styles. While the game is rated for teens and above due to violence, it stands apart from typical battle games
How to play Fortnite on Android
Getting Fortnite on your Android device is easy! Just follow these steps:
Download from the official Epic Games App
- If you're on a non-Samsung Android device, download the Epic Games App.
- Click on "Download the App from Epic Games" to get Fortnite on your device.
XBOX Cloud Gaming
- Play Fortnite on your Android using Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Nvidia GeForce NOW
- Another option is to use NVIDIA GeForce NOW for cloud gaming on your Android.
Amazon Luna
- Enjoy Fortnite through Amazon Luna's cloud gaming on your Android.
Android Fortnite gameplay
Fortnite's arrival on Android is a game-changer, bringing the popular title to the fingertips of both new and existing players, anytime, anywhere. Since its 2017 release, Epic Games has continually enhanced Fortnite with quarterly updates, maintaining its status as a gaming sensation.
It originally released two game modes: Fortnite: Save the World where users battle AI zombies, and Fortnite: Battle Royale which, as its name suggests, is a 100 player vs. player battle royale setting where everyone fights to be the last player standing. In 2018, Epic Games launched the third game mode: Fortnite: Creative, where users can construct their own worlds. Epic Games releases game enhancements quarterly, drawing players back in to check out new features. All three game modes are free to play; however Epic Games offers an upgraded “Battle Pass” where users can complete weekly challenges to unlock rewards including outfits, wraps, emotes, pets, and other flair.
The Fortnite trend is to purchase outfit and gear upgrades for your game avatar. It feels like middle school all over again, worrying about what to wear to be “cool”, only this time it’s not even for a real human! The game opens with players being dropped into the Fortnite world via a “battle bus”. It feels exactly how I imagine Hunger Games would feel. Upon landing, players rush to scoop up weapons, gear, and to either hide or begin constructing defense forts. Teammates have each other’s backs, fighting off opposing teams and working together. Users can opt to play only with other players on their same device, or along with anyone. The advantage to this choice is that those playing on a mobile version of Fortnite are at a disadvantage, as the game is better optimized for gaming console or computer play. For example, a player on an Android device has a more difficult time with controls and game navigation, so they may choose to play against other players with the same disadvantage.
The graphics for Fortnite on Android have come along since its original beta release. However, they are still inferior to that of the gaming console, computer, or iOS device graphics. As Android users are used to doing, expect that graphics will not be as high quality or representative of what you are used to when you play on a superior device. The overall navigation is more cumbersome as well. Lag is another significant issue Android users face when playing Fortnite on their tablets and mobile devices. This is especially frustrating if you are somewhat competitive and have a team you are trying to help make it to the end. Fortnite for Android users have support in the form of online FAQs and the ability to contact Epic Games directly via Fortnite’s “Help” button. All players must have an Epic Games username and password to play and are subject to their Privacy Policy.
Can I play Fortnite on Android with a controller?
Yes, you can use a controller on Android to play Fortnite. The supported controllers depend on how you play:
For native Android play, use these Bluetooth controllers:
- Steelseries Stratus XL
- Gamevice
- Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller (Android OS 10 or newer)
- Xbox Wireless Controller
- Razer Raiju Mobile
- Razer Junglecat
- Moto Gamepad
For Xbox Cloud gaming
Official Xbox controllers, Designed for Xbox controllers, and Verified non-Microsoft controllers can be used, connected either via Bluetooth or USB cable.
For GeForce NOW
- All Microsoft Xbox Wireless controllers via Bluetooth or USB
- Microsoft Xbox 360 via USB
- Sony PS5 DualSense via Bluetooth or USB
- Sony DualShock 4 via Bluetooth or USB
- Logitech Gamepad F310/F510/F710
- SteelSeries Nimbus/Nimbus+
Grab your preferred controller, and jump into Fortnite on your Android with better control and precision.
Where can you run this program?
Fortnite for Android is available on select Samsung devices (Galaxy S9/S9+, Note 8, Galaxy S8/S8+, Galaxy S7/S7 Edge, Tab S3, Tab S4), Google Pixel devices, multiple LG devices, Razer Phone, multiple Xiaomi devices, and more. If your Android device is not supported, but has 3 GB of RAM or higher and the latest version of Android, it is still eligible. It is free to download and play.
Is there a better alternative?
Fortnite can be run on all the main platforms: Windows, MacOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, and now Android. Anyone playing this addictive game on a mobile device is at a slight disadvantage to a console player. This is to be expected and not exclusive to Android. When comparing mobile device platforms, the overall graphic quality is markedly better on iOS than on Android. Since the truest value of Fortnite coming to Android is just another platform to reach its user base, this is not a deal breaker. The true Fortnite fans will play on their consoles or computers most of the time, just enjoying the Android mobile version when they want to sneak in an extra challenge.
Parents can feel at ease, as Fortnite is not excessively gory. It focuses more on strategic play and eliminating opponents rather than dwelling on the morbidity of combat. In the Battle Royale mode, players team up, gather supplies, and construct forts for protection. This multiplayer aspect catapulted Fortnite into video game stardom. It's an excellent choice for teens (and adults!) seeking interactive, creative gameplay without the excessive violence found in similar games.
Our take
Fortnite’s lighthearted yet action packed manner makes it suitable and fun for a wide audience. Both kids and their parents alike can have fun creating worlds, teaming up, and taking on the journey together. Access to the game on Android only makes that interaction more attainable now.
Should you download it?
Yes. Big gamers have already played Fortnite the proper way on a gaming console or computer. They realize that playing Fortnite on any mobile platform (iOS or Android) is just an additional way to enjoy this great game. When approached as an “extra”, Fortnite for Android users can excuse its lower quality graphics, lag, and navigation difficulties. Definitely download this game for an extra dose of Fortnite fun. Casual gamers, without gaming consoles or the desire to play on a computer, may feel underwhelmed by the graphics quality and overwhelmed by the cumbersome operation. Go into it knowing that this is a bonus way to play a game truly optimized for console/computer play and have fun with it for what it is.
