Fortnite: Xbox Series X|S release date and next-gen improvements

Fortnite is getting a next-gen upgrade and will be available at the launch of the Xbox Series X|S.

Next week marks the launch of Microsoft’s next-gen systems, the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. And Epic Games confirmed today that its battle royale blockbuster, Fortnite, will be available at launch.

Fortnite won’t just be playable via the system’s backwards compatibility functionality, but will actually harness the next-gen hardware in these systems. Of course, because the Xbox Series X is more powerful than the budget-friendly Xbox Series S, the game’s visuals and performance will vary depending on which system you play on.

On Xbox Series X, Fortnite will run at a smooth 60 frames per second at 4K resolution. The island’s environment will also be more dynamic and interactive.

"…grass and trees responding to explosions, enhanced fluid simulations for smoke and liquid (cooler-looking smoke and liquid effects), and all-new Storm and cloud effects."

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On the less powerful but still next-gen Xbox Series S, Fortnite will run at 1080p and a smooth 60 FPS. Epic also says the system will support “most” of the visual enhancements seen on the Series X, although they did not specify which ones.

Fortnite isn’t exactly known for its graphical prowess but much of the game does feature destructible environments and structures. The improved hardware of the Xbox Series X|S will almost certainly be noticeable in the game’s performance, especially when so much is going down on the screen at once. Epic says they’ll continue to work with the new consoles to make enhancements throughout the lifecycle.

Meanwhile, both consoles will result in faster load times as well as 60 FPS in split-screen. All of your progression and cosmetics will also carry over from the Xbox One to the Xbox Series X|S version provided you’ve transferred your profile.

Lastly, in celebration of the transition of generations, Epic will be giving away a free Throwback Axe Pickaxe. From November 4 through January 15, 2021, everyone will be able to claim the classic default Pickaxe from Fortnite Chapter 1.