PUBG vs Fortnite
The battle royale genre is one of the most popular genres nowadays. In this scene, multiple behemoths battle it out to claim the crown as ‘best battle royale game’. Within this discussion, people often discuss PUBG vs Fortnite.
In this article, we’ll go over all of the differences between PUBG and Fortnite so that you can decide which game suits your preferences best.
PUBG vs Fortnite
| PUBG | Fortnite | |
| Graphics and Art Style | PUBG has realistic graphics that provide an immersive experience. You will find lifelike environments in the game, along with different weather effects | Fortnite has a dynamic and colorful art direction. It is much more vibrant and cartoonish than PUBG, but looks less realistic as a consequence. |
| Map Design | The maps in PUBG are big and feature organic, rural, and industrial environments based in reality. Different maps have different themes (such as snow) but they all have a realistic and grounded aesthetic. | Fortnite’s maps look as if they come out of a cartoon. Buildings and structures often defy physics and maps have multiple different biomes that are very close next to each other. Fortnite’s maps focus on colors and art over realism. |
| Weapons and Equipment | PUBG offers a range of realistic firearms and equipment. From assault rifles to sniper rifles, players have access to gear that simulates real-life military-grade weaponry. | Fortnite’s arsenal is as eclectic as its art style, with weapons including ray guns and grenade launchers that fire pumpkins. This makes the gameplay very unique, but also extremely chaotic. |
| Game Modes | PUBG’s standard mode drops players into a tense, realistic scenario where the last person or team standing wins. There’s little to no deviation from the standard game mode, so the meta shifts slowly. | From the default battle royale mode to limited-time events like Thanos’ Invasion or 50v50, Fortnite consistently offers new (often time-limited) game modes. This can cause the meta to shift quickly and drastically. |
| Gameplay Mechanics | PUBG is based in realism. You need to understand bullet physics while also knowing how to manage inventory and drive vehicles in the game. There are endless strategies, but the gameplay revolves around realistic gunfights. Movement is also rather slow. | Fortnite’s gameplay is characterized by its wacky mechanics. From building structures while fighting to using jump pads to fly high into the sky, there are many tactics that can be implemented here. Fortnite is a lot more chaotic in nature. |
| Audience Appeal | PUBG has found a loyal fan base among players who appreciate tactical gameplay and the challenges of a more realistic battle royale. It’s a game that rewards patience and precision. It has a high skill floor, which tends to attract a more serious, ‘sweaty’ crowd. | Although Fortnite at the highest level requires a ton of practice and skill, the game is a bit more casual in nature due to its wacky art style and mass appeal. At the lower levels, matches are more about fun rather than sweating it out to get a win. |
| Competitive Scene | PUBG has developed a robust competitive scene with several esports tournaments. Players and teams from all around the world participate in them. | Fortnite has a built-in tournament system, where players often rise from obscurity to stardom by playing well in those tournaments. |
| Monetization | PUBG uses a pay-to-play model, albeit with a few free weekends and promotions. It also offers in-game purchases for cosmetic items. | Fortnite is entirely free to play, with its revenue driven by optional in-game purchases for purely cosmetic items. There’s also a battlepass. |
| Community and Culture | The game has fostered a culture of competitiveness and strategy among the players, so the community is mostly ‘self-contained’ like in most other games. Community content is more focused on strategy and performance, though obviously memes and other fun stuff gets posted as well. | Fortnite has solidified its place in popular culture with a community beyond just the game itself. Social events, collaborations with celebrities, and in-game concerts have made Fortnite a shared experience beyond just the virtual realm. Fortnite is a game that everyone knows. |
PUBG vs Fortnite – Conclusion
The differences between PUBG and Fortnite are more than skin-deep. They represent alternative takes on the battle royale formula, appealing to different gaming philosophies and audiences.
It’s clear that the debate surrounding these two is not just about one’s merits over the other but about the unique experiences and communities that they have individually fostered.
Whether you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat realism or over-the-top, explosive fun, a battle royale game is out there for you, waiting to challenge you to be the last one standing. If you’re interested in other BR games, you can always check out our 10 games like Fortnite article.
