Fortnite’s Zero Build mode is the perfect entry point to the game

It’s 2022, and Epic Games has dared to ask the deepest philosophical question a development team could ever ponder: What is FortniteWithout forts

Is it just “Nite”?

The image of FortniteThe popular battle royale title may not have the trademark building mechanic. Harvesting materials and building elaborate structures to help protect against enemies or create the perfect vantage point from which to snipe a target forms such a fundamental part of the game, it’s even in the title.

But in March, developer Epic Games axed building mechanics, and then eventually added a separate “Zero Build” mode where you could play without any of the construction elements. This new mode was welcomed by many long-time players, and also gave life to the game. As it turns out, building the improvised structures could be intimidating for anyone who hadn’t gotten tons of practice. And now with Zero Build, I’m ready to say: I get the hype. Yes, FortniteIt is one the most popular games right now.

Picture: Epic Games via Polygon

FortniteYou can either play alone or with up to four players. In a battle royale situation, the last remaining combatant (or giant banana) wins. You can’t build without the building mechanic. Fortnite just becomes a “regular” shooter. I use quotes because the game is as cartoony as ever, and it doesn’t feel generic at all. This game is both grotesque and incredibly delirious. It presents unrelenting fever dreams of playful scenarios.

I will just show you one possible Zero Build scene. The car you are in appears to be inspired by a Toyota Prius. You’re next to a giant shirtless banana (whose shirtlessness is represented by a peeled top) wearing swim trunks, pop icon Ariana Grande, and Itachi Uchiha, a mass murderer from Naruto. Turn on the radio. “Wait a Minute!” by Willow plays (not a cover, mind you, but the actual song). You enjoy the tune, but it’s interrupted as you pull up on a quaint town filled with enemies. Ariana Grande and the banana (named Peely) bust through the glass of the car windows in order to mow down Street Fighter’s Ryu and Sakura Kasugano with machine guns.

It’s the perfect game.

Zero Build’s zaniness belies an elegant simplicity, and it’s all the more approachable for it. Logging on and being completely bashed to the ground by a 10 year-old with a knack for building is a common occurrence. Fortnite wasn’t the most fun experience in the world. There’s too little room to learn — you need to juggle collecting enough construction resources with actually building and killing other players, not to mention finding a weapon, collecting ammo, and hoarding healing items.

Epic Games

The Zero Build system, however, allows you to spend more time learning the basics of combat. You also just get a lot more time to mess around in the world, since you don’t need to collect materials or build a sniper’s nest. While playing, my friends and I employed the very scientific method of “fuck around, find out” and delighted in just how much there was to do in between spars. After riding a roller coaster we had breakfast in our speedboat and enjoyed donuts afterwards.

This was covered before, with Ariana Grande’s introduction. NarutoBut characters Fortnite’s strength lies in its general whimsy and visual approachability. It avoids gore and blood for its bright, cartoony appearance. Gritty and militaristic graphics of Warzone PUBGAt this stage, you are exhausted. This is even more so than a welcoming game such as Apex Legends, Fortnite’s look and approach come across as low-key.

Fortnite doesn’t take itself seriously at all. This doesn’t mean I don’t have matches where I get a little sweaty and try too hard. You can still have amazing kill streaks and you can also hear Willow while filling your Prius up at the gas station. It’s a game that’s as thrilling as it is absurd, and now, Zero Build has turned me into its biggest fan.