When Did Fortnite Come Out? Fortnite Release Date and Evolution Explained

Fortnite has arguably become the most recognized game on the planet, with Epic Games’ Battle Royale phenomenon continuing to make waves in the industry to this day. The game has grown and evolved over the years, leaving players to ponder the question: when did Fortnite first come out? The answer to this question can be more complex than you think, given the game’s numerous versions and varying availability across platforms.

With the game now being in Chapter 7 Season 1, it can be quite humbling to look at what the game initially started as. Come with us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore Fortnite’s release date all those years ago, along with how its Save The World mode played a huge role in the game’s development.

When Did Fortnite Come Out? Release Date

Fortnite Battle Royale was officially released to players on September 26, 2017. However, the story behind the game began earlier than its release date. In early September 2017, Epic Games announced the Battle Royale mode and made it available in a limited beta phase. On September 26, Fortnite came out on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

What’s interesting about the Fortnite Battle Royale release date is that development for the mode only lasted 2 months. Epic Games utilised the team for Unreal Tournament, another iconic series in the developer’s catalogue, to speed up the mode’s development. This proved beneficial as Fortnite Battle Royale took the world by storm when it first came out, with the player count climbing to this day. Apart from the Unreal Tournament team, Epic Games also had the Save the World mode, which played a big role in Battle Royale’s development.

Fortnite Release Date for Save the World

Before Battle Royale became the global phenomenon it is today, Fortnite Save The World launched on July 25, 2017, as an early access title. Save the World was initially positioned to be the primary Fortnite experience when it first came out. However, unlike the free Battle Royale mode, Save the World was a paid mode. It was only available to players who purchased Founder’s Packs, which could range from$39.99 to $149.99. The mode even allowed players to earn V-Bucks through daily quests.

Save the World was supposed to be an ambitious co-op PvE experience, with the mode featuring squads of upto four players defending their bases from zombie-like enemies called Husks. The mode allowed players to build forts, manage resources, and engage in tactical combat. The mode even had a planned free-to-play release set for 2018.

However, Epic Games’ priorities shifted significantly when the release date for Fortnite Battle Royale came around. The mode saw unprecedented success, leading Epic Games to eventually abandon its plans for a free-to-play Save the World mode. The developers have since shifted focus to introducing modes like Creative, Rocket Racing, Fortnite Festival, and much more to further develop the game’s live-service model.

How Old is Fortnite Battle Royale Mode?

As of January 2026, Fortnite Battle Royale is over 8 years old. The game has showcased longevity that is rarely seen in live-service games, especially in the Battle Royale genre. When Fortnite first came out, the Battle Royale genre was dominated by titles like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. However, Fortnite Battle Royale not only survived past its initial release date but thrived with each new update. Even with the release of newer titles like Battlefield 6, Fortnite has maintained a strong playerbase, despite its age.

Since Fortnite first came out, the game has undergone tremendous changes throughout its many seasons. The version released in 2018 looks drastically different from what we have now. Technological improvements with the release of new versions of the Unreal Engine have not only improved the game’s graphical fidelity over the years but also helped in improving gameplay.

When did Fortnite Come Out on Mobile?

Fortnite’s release date, alongside its entire journey on mobile platforms, has been varied and complex. Different platforms received the title at different times, with some even coming with special offers.

Fortnite Release Date on iOS

The iOS version of Fortnite initially came out as a limited beta on March 23, 2018. At that point, only select invite holders could play the game on their iOS devices. The game saw a full release on iOS devices on April 2, 2018, with the launch instantly making Fortnite one of the most popular games to release on Apple devices. While the game did require specific hardware capabilities on launch, it marked a significant moment for mobile gaming as it proved that console-quality titles could have a place on mobile devices.

However, the game was removed from the Apple App Store on August 13, 2020, stemming from legal disputes between Apple and Epic Games. The title has since made its return to the U.S. App Store, allowing players to enjoy the Battle Royale phenomenon once again.

Fortnite Release Date on Android

Fortnite’s release on Android devices was a bit confusing and gradual. While Epic Games announced the Android beta for the game on August 9, 2018, Fortnite was only available to select Samsung Galaxy device owners. Eventually, Epic Games began sending out invites to other Android users starting on August 13, 2018.

However, it wasn’t until October 11, 2018, that Fortnite came out for all Android users, with players no longer needing an invite to play the game. Fortnite was only available through the Epic Games website and Samsung’s Game Launcher when it first released. Epic Games decided to put Fortnite on the Google Play Store in 2020, after the storefront saw a plethora of malware-ridden Fortnite clones.

While Fortnite has grown into a completely different game from the survival PvE shooter Epic Games envisioned it to be, the game has been a success like no other. As Epic Games gears up with new content and collaborations in 2026, players will undoubtedly be waiting to see what’s next for Fortnite.

When did you start playing Fortnite? How do you feel about the game’s growth since its original release? Tell us in the comments below!