Where can Fortnite go in 2026? The future of Epic Games’ battle royale

Fortnite in 2025 has seen numerous chapters in Season 6 that have made it one to remember. From Power Rangers to The Simpsons, Epic Games’ free-to-play battle royale title has maintained a steady player base of almost three million. With Fortnite Chapter 7 currently showcasing movie characters like The Bride from Kill Bill, players are enjoying what the new update has to offer.

However, there’s always room for improvement. Some players have noted that the best Fortnite weapons and items have become increasingly unbalanced in their power, as well as some collaborations in the Fortnite Item Shop disappearing far quicker than others. With this in mind, we’re outlining where Fortnite currently stands and where it can go in 2026.

Fortnite in 2025 has seen a steady player base, despite some feeling fatigue from the numerous collaborations that have been made available. However, seeing the entire map be transformed into Springfield, the main city from The Simpsons, or being able to control the Megazord from Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, has managed to keep players engaged.

The game also returned to the US App Store, making Fortnite available on iPhone and iPad devices after Apple removed it in 2020 due to a violation of the App Store rules. It was also re-released on the Google Play Store in December 2025, marking its return to the majority of mobile devices.

Overall, combined with improved graphics and ragdoll physics, Fortnite remains relevant in the battle royale genre, despite others like Call of Duty: Warzone and Battlefield 6 trying to make their mark.

It’s clear that across 2025, Epic Games has been trying to make Fortnite a platform, rather than a game. You can see that across the modes it’s introduced, such as LEGO Fortnite and Zero Build, where players can create structures similar to those made in Minecraft. Others, like Fortnite Festival and Rocket Racing, have expanded the title into other genres, moving away from its battle-royale roots.

For 2026, Epic Games seems poised to build on these modes further in Fortnite, making it a destination for players to resume their LEGO-building and more. Rumors suggest that there’ll be a greater emphasis on nostalgia. We’ve seen this already with collaborations featuring the Power Rangers and The Simpsons, two iconic franchises from the 1990s.

However, on the other hand, the OG modes that bring back Fortnite maps from the past also evoke familiar feelings in longtime players of the series. But to tie it all together, we wouldn’t be surprised for Epic Games to see how AI can be leveraged to benefit all of these modes.

We’ve seen the developer dip its toe in this with a Darth Vader AI NPC mentioning and describing players in early 2025. We could see more of this being used for other NPCs – perhaps players could voice chat with them to complete certain objectives, or to help win a battle when a new season ends.

With its standing in esports, Fortnite could also utilise these AI innovations to enhance the spectator experience during matches. Perhaps some characters in current chapters could guest for short moments, increasing the immersion. Or, with many prolific players in Fortnite, there could be room for monetisation, similar to how payouts are done for YouTube and TikTok creators. If Epic Games wants to position Fortnite as a platform, it needs to use some of its revenue for these creators.

Fan sentiment appears to be more focused on longer seasons and fewer changes that significantly transform the map and items. Consistency is something players want to see more of, even as new chapters bring upgrades and refinements to items, locations, and more. Players love the OG and creator modes, but to see a storyline that intertwines all of these modes together could help include those who don’t want to play Chapter 7.

Overall, 2026 could be the year when players see Fortnite become a destination more than ever, complete with new collaborations that tap into even more 1990s nostalgia. If Epic Games listens more closely to player feedback, the game could become an even more successful ecosystem and maintain its 3 million-player base.

2025 has been a good year for Fortnite. The number of collaborations has brought in new players, all thanks to the nostalgia that Power Rangers and others have evoked. Seeing the entire map be transformed into Springfield from The Simpsons, complete with a cel-shaded look, only added to the charm and fun for fans of these franchises. Combined with ragdoll physics and improved graphics, Fortnite has done well this year.

However, it’s clear that Epic Games is working on Fortnite to be a gateway for players, instead of being a battle-royale title. We’ve seen this throughout 2025 with Lego Fortnite and Fortnite Festival, as well as seeing Epic Games test out characters powered by an AI-voice. We’re confident that 2026 will only further amplify these factors, making Fortnite a hub for players to meet, create, and battle, thereby extending the title’s longevity for the foreseeable future.