The Battle Royale genre has taken the gaming world by storm in recent years, with Fortnite and PUBG (PlayerUnknownโs Battlegrounds) being two of the most popular games in this category. Both games offer unique gameplay experiences, stunning graphics, and immersive worlds, but they also have their differences.
In this post, I will draw a clear comparison between at Fortnite and PUBG, comparing various aspects of each game to help you decide which one is the right choice for you.
Fortnite vs Pubg: Gameplay:
The first thing to consider when comparing Fortnite and PUBG is the gameplay. Both games are Battle Royale titles that drop players onto an island where they must fight to be the last person standing.
However, there are some key differences in gameplay between these two games.
Game Modes:
Fortnite offers three primary game modes: Battle Royale, Creative, and Save the World. Battle Royale is the most popular mode and is the one that is most similar to PUBG. The Creative mode allows players to build and create their own worlds and challenges, while Save the World is a co-op campaign where players fight against zombie-like creatures.
PUBG, on the other hand, offers two main game modes: Classic and Arcade. Classic mode is the standard Battle Royale experience, while Arcade mode offers various arcade-style games with different rules.
Map Size and Variety:
Another significant difference between Fortnite and PUBG is the map size and variety. Fortniteโs map is much smaller than PUBGโs, and it is also more colorful and vibrant. The map is updated frequently with new locations and points of interest, keeping the game fresh and exciting.
PUBG, on the other hand, features a much larger map with more realistic graphics. The terrain is more varied, and the game features a day/night cycle that affects visibility and gameplay.
Graphics and Visual Effects:
Both Fortnite and PUBG are visually impressive games, but they have distinct styles. Fortnite features bright and cartoonish graphics, while PUBG has a more realistic and gritty look.
Fortnite also features a unique building and crafting system that adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Weapons and Vehicles:
Both games offer a wide range of weapons and vehicles that players can use to navigate the maps and take down their opponents. However, the weapons in Fortnite are more diverse, with various types of guns and explosives.
PUBG has a more limited selection of weapons, but they are more realistic and have more accurate physics.
Crafting and Building:
Fortniteโs unique building system is one of the things that sets it apart from PUBG. Players can collect resources and use them to build structures like walls, stairs, and platforms.
This system adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, allowing players to create their own cover and defensive positions.
Player Base:
The player base is another important factor to consider when comparing Fortnite and PUBG. Here are some of the key differences in player demographics and retention rates.
Demographics of Players:
Fortnite has a broader player base than PUBG, with a younger audience and a higher percentage of female players. PUBG, on the other hand, tends to attract a more hardcore audience, with a higher percentage of male players.
Geographic Distribution of Players:
Fortnite and PUBG have a massive player base that spans the globe, with players from every continent and country. According to statistics from 2020, the top five countries with the most Fortnite players are the United States, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, PUBGโs top five countries for players are China, India, the United States, Russia, and Brazil. These stats indicate that Fortnite has a more diverse player base, while PUBG is more popular in Asia.
Player Retention Rates:
Player retention rates are a key metric for any game, and both Fortnite and PUBG have seen impressive numbers. According to a study by Quantic Foundry, 69% of Fortnite players and 68% of PUBG players reported playing the game at least once a week.
Additionally, the study found that both games had similar engagement levels across various age groups, indicating that both games have broad appeal and high retention rates.
eSports and Competitive Scene:
eSports and competitive scenes have become an integral part of Battle Royale games, and both Fortnite and PUBG have thriving scenes. Fortniteโs competitive scene is well-established, with regular tournaments and leagues organized by Epic Games.
The Fortnite World Cup in 2019 had a prize pool of $30 million, making it one of the largest eSports events in history. Meanwhile, PUBGโs competitive scene is focused primarily on Asia, with the PUBG Global Invitational and PUBG Mobile Club Open being two of the biggest tournaments.
Monetization:
Both Fortnite and PUBG use a free-to-play model, with players able to download and play the game for free. However, both games rely heavily on microtransactions and in-game purchases to generate revenue. Fortniteโs in-game store offers a range of skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items that players can purchase using V-Bucks, the gameโs currency.
PUBGโs in-game store offers similar items, as well as loot boxes that contain randomized cosmetic items. Additionally, both games have a battle pass and season system that offers exclusive rewards for completing challenges and leveling up.
Cross-Platform Play:
Cross-platform play has become increasingly important in recent years, and both Fortnite and PUBG offer it to some extent. Fortnite is available on almost every platform, including PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, and supports cross-platform play between all of them.
Meanwhile, PUBG is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices, and supports cross-platform play between consoles but not between mobile and other platforms.
Both games also have community and social features, such as chat and voice communication, that allow players to connect with each other regardless of platform.
Reception and Critics:
Fortnite and PUBG have received generally positive reviews from critics and players alike. According to Metacritic, Fortnite has a score of 84 for the PC version and 82 for the PlayStation 4 version, while PUBG has a score of 86 for the PC version and 78 for the Xbox One version. Both games have won numerous awards, including several Game of the Year awards.
Additionally, both games have had a significant impact on the gaming industry, with many other Battle Royale games and modes being inspired by them. Looking to the future
Future Outlook and Updates:
Both Fortnite and PUBG have a bright future ahead of them, with regular updates and new content being added to the games. Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has a reputation for adding new features and events to the game on a regular basis, keeping the game fresh and exciting for players.
PUBG Corporation, the developer of PUBG, has also been actively adding new content and updates to the game, including new maps, weapons, and vehicles.
In addition to these updates, both games are also expected to continue to grow their eSports and competitive scenes. Fortnite has already established itself as one of the premier eSports games, with major tournaments and events being organized by Epic Games.
PUBG is also expected to continue to grow its competitive scene, especially in Asia, where the game is most popular.
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, Fortnite and PUBG are both excellent Battle Royale games that offer unique experiences for players. While Fortnite has a more diverse player base and is more popular in the West, PUBG is more popular in Asia and has a more realistic gameplay style.
Both games have high player retention rates, thriving eSports and competitive scenes, and use a free-to-play model with microtransactions and in-game purchases.
In terms of cross-platform play, Fortnite has an advantage with its availability on almost every platform and support for cross-platform play between all of them. However, PUBG also supports cross-platform play between consoles and has community and social features that allow players to connect with each other regardless of platform.
Ultimately, the choice between Fortnite and PUBG comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more cartoony and colorful experience with a wider variety of cosmetic items and events, then Fortnite is likely the game for you.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more realistic and tactical gameplay style with a focus on strategy and survival, then PUBG is likely the game for you.
No matter which game you choose, both Fortnite and PUBG have a bright future ahead of them, with regular updates and new content being added to the games. So, grab your parachute and get ready to drop into the Battle Royale arena.
Happy Gaming!