I must admit, I have never been a huge Fortnite player. I play it occasionally with family and friends because it's on every platform you can think of and it brings some good party fun. However, it never seemed like a staple title I would turn on to amuse myself or scratch that competitive itch that I long for in a multiplayer game. That may change in the long run if Epic Games decides to keep this no-build mode for the long haul. It’s nice to know I can win a match without having to know the exact logistics that are required to construct Queen Elizabeth’s fortified castle in a matter of seconds. It's just simply aim, strategize, with the occasional llama drama.

Epic Games have completely turned the gaming industry upside down with its live service structure of the incredibly popular free-to-play Battle Royale. Fortnite has come a long way from being an afterthought side project to becoming the biggest title in recent gaming history. It’s clear that Epic Games has claimed huge success with this giant title and it's even more impressive that they have been able to sustain it throughout the years. With the recent launch of the latest Season update, Fortnite is now undergoing an overhaul that has been requested since day one.

The fact that the no-building mode completely takes out the ability to construct any type of structure absolutely changes the way you play Fortnite! Suddenly, heights and landscapes now become a strategic tool or a complete strategic hindrance depending on the situation. Players have to think before traversing the map since fall damage is still present and one can not simply build a stairway to safety. Yeah, that’s right, they have to think now!

So, you spent hours binding your “build” hotkeys? Or maybe you watched the zillions of Fortnite build tutorials on YouTube and have just recently been able to construct a semi-decent single-family home? Well, that’s too bad because this no-build mode is dumping that trash out and replacing it with solid, fair, and competitive gameplay.

In-game landmarks are now more important than ever because this new mode forces players to utilize their surroundings for defense and plan their way to survival. Situational awareness is no longer an afterthought since one can not simply build their way out of a fight.

One of the most controversial takes on this new update is the fact that “sweaties” can no longer build their gargantuan fort in two-point-five seconds to completely dodge incoming fire. They must utilize the environment around them, but it really comes down to aiming skills rather than “building” hotkeys. This is much appreciated because it allows newbies and Dad Fortnite players, like myself, to rely on my wits and years of shooting game experience. I bring my Battle Royale cutthroat competitiveness from Warzone, my situational awareness and map control from Battlefield, and my years of strategic experience from the most infuriatingly fun game ever made Counter-Strike. These kids don’t have a chance.

A Battle Royale game that has near fully destructible structures, vast vehicles and weapon selections, and a focus on squad gameplay make it a must try for anyone who hasn't given it a go recently… or ever. 

Fortnite, you love it or hate it, but it definitely is doing something right when it comes to live service structure and appeasing its fans! This new update could help it garner that hardcore rep it lost ages ago to the likes of Warzone and Apex Legends. It all depends on how Epic continues to evolve the game and keep delivering unique experiences for its players.