Epic Games struck gold with the risky no-build storyline event to open Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 2.
The latest season arrived over the weekend, and, like last season, fans had difficulty playing the game. Whether that speaks to the lasting effect of Fortnite remains to be seen. Thousands of players loaded into Chapter 3 Season 2 to see what Epic Games had in store. It turns out the developers boldly decided to remove Fortnite’s defining mechanic.
Epic took the building aspect away from the game for nine days. Naturally, one would think this could be detrimental to a game that revolves around building structures and strategically taking out their opponents. Fans and content creators shockingly responded positively to the move, with many lauding Epic’s decision.
No Building in Fortnite? What Gives?
The developers introduced a story element centering around the rival Imagined Order (IO) faction, which disabled the building for everyone on the Island. While this gimmick would only last nine days, it was a calculated risk. Fortnite has been all about building since players learned how to crank the 90s, edit and build fights.
Unfortunately, the game’s most critical mechanic drove many casual players away. It became challenging to win a single fight, let alone an entire 100-player match. Content creators who gained recognition during Fortnite’s infancy moved on to other games. Following Chapter 3 Season 2’s launch, those Fortnite OGs returned to the game and praised Epic’s bold choice.
All in Favor
Fortnite without building should be permanent thing
— Tfue (@Tfue) March 22, 2022
The well-known names that supported no-build Fortnite stretched further than anyone could have imagined. Long-time Fortnite player Turner “Tfue” Tenney returned to the game and enjoyed his time. The 24-year-old streamed his gameplay alongside former duo partner Dennis “Cloakzy” Lepore and Call of Duty: Warzone streamer Mason “Symfuhny” Lanier.
Tfue streamed the following day again, collaborating with popular Twitch streamer Felix “xQc” Lengyel and professional Fortnite player Scoped. He took to Twitter, saying that no building should be a permanent game mode.
Fortnite with no building > most fun I’ve had on Fortnite in YEARS.
— Ninja (@Ninja) March 22, 2022
Legendary Twitch streamer Tyler “Ninja” Blevins echoed Tfue’s thoughts. He called no-build Fortnite “the most fun he’s had in years.” His streams to open the season featured personalities such as Jack “CouRageJD” Dunlop and Ali “SypherPK” Hassan.
Ninja took his statements further, saying that no-build should be permanent and the building mechanic should “fall off.”
It was actually fun.
Thought I’d never say that about Fortnite.
Ever.
— Dr Disrespect (@DrDisrespect) March 22, 2022
The list of times extends beyond these two figures. Guy “Dr Disrespect” Beahm IV, Ali “Myth” Kabbani, Tim “timthetatman” Betar and even retired professional Call of Duty player Thomas “ZooMaa” Paparatto agreed that no-build makes Fortnite an enjoyable game.
All Opposed
Having a “No Building” gamemode in fortnite is def the play to attract the casuals back but if you think competetive should have no building your an idiot & bad at the game
— Clix (@Clix) March 22, 2022
Professional Fortnite players felt strongly that building is an essential component that should remain in the game. Cody “Clix” Conrod of NRG agreed that the lack of building attracts casuals but called those who feel it should become the tournament standard “idiots.”
No building in fortnite is the worst thing to ever happen to humanity
— LAZAR (@Lazarbeam) March 22, 2022
Many professional players felt similarly; it’s hard to disagree, considering these competitors spent thousands of hours perfecting the building and editing mechanics. Content creator Lannan “Lazarbeam” Eacott aired on Clix’s side, saying, “No building in Fortnite is the worst thing to ever happen to humanity.”
Lazarbeam is a member of Fortnite’s in-game Icon Series cosmetic set, and he’s played the game for several years. So, professionals aren’t the only ones that are at least partly upset with the overwhelmingly positive reaction to no-build.
What’s Next for No Building?
Epic plans on removing the no-build aspect on March 29. It’s safe to say that the developers have seen the reaction. This storyline element could have been a test to see how players would react to the game mode. Epic’s best move is to make a separate no-build playlist, considering the buzz.
More content creators would work this brand of Fortnite into their stream schedules, which would boost the game’s widespread recognition. We’ll have to see what plays out down the line as Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 2 continues.