CoD: Warzone just released to massive success, beating out the mighty Fortnite in terms of launch player numbers. You can’t really judge which game is the better battle royale on figures alone, however, so we’re here to settle the Fortnite vs Call of Duty: Warzone debate once and for all.
Stick with us as we compare what’s on offer in both the new Modern Warfare battle royale mode and Epic Games’ longstanding favorite, Fortnite, to decide which is best.
Fortnite vs Call of Duty: Warzone | Which is better?
As a pair of free-to-play multiplayer shooters in the battle royale genre, it’s natural to assume that Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite share a lot in common. To an extent they do, but the following comparisons will serve to highlight several key differences.
Fortnite vs Call of Duty: Warzone | Pick up and play
As mentioned above, both titles come free of charge and are supported by microtransactions thereafter, which sets the barrier for entry very low. On that front, Warzone is arguably the easier game to get into as a newcomer right now. It features a faster time to kill (TTK) and everybody’s in the same boat, currently banding together to learn the ropes at this early stage. Fortnite Battle Royale, on the other hand, has been around for a couple of years already and there are some seriously dedicated pro players as a result.
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In time, that particular difference will begin to even out. At that point, if Call of Duty: Warzone hasn’t sufficiently evolved through the regular introduction of updates, Fortnite might become more welcoming due to offering more than just competitive play. Epic’s contender boasts rotating challenges, a Creative mode, and limited-time events to keep things fun and engaging even when you aren’t necessarily coming out on top.
Fortnite vs Call of Duty: Warzone | Your platform of choice
Fortnite is also available on more platforms — including casual formats like iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch — though, while both feature cross-play, only Warzone features cross-save and cross-progression support. This allows gamers to utilize the same profile across multiple platforms and instantly pick up from where they left off, be that in standard Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) multiplayer or Warzone.
When it comes to sheer scale, both games feature huge maps that serve to house a lot of players. Fortnite matches are contested between 100 combatants, whereas Call of Duty: Warzone boasts 50% more players in each match with 150-player confrontations. For now, however, Warzone is restricted to being played in Trios, whereas Fortnite offers Solos and Duos playlists.
Fortnite vs Call of Duty: Warzone | To build or not to build
Perhaps the biggest differences are those that are most immediately obvious — aesthetic and building mechanics. Fortnite has a colorful and cartoonish look to its graphics, whereas Modern Warfare Warzone is far more realistic and grounded. Which is better is entirely subjective. In terms of building mechanics, it’s simple: Fortnite has them, but Warzone does not. This could be considered a string in Fortnite‘s bow, or a positive for those that don’t like the fact Fortnite players can suddenly turn into large structures when fired upon.
Due to the early success of Warzone, it’s likely that Activision and Infinity Ward will support the standalone Call of Duty title into the future. Precisely how long that support will last considering the annual CoD release cycle remains to be seen, though. Fortnite is arguably a much safer bet when it comes to long-term sustainability, having already enjoyed years of dedicated support that’s consistently improved the game over time. That extends to technical performance fixes, too, with Fortnite mostly being rock-solid at this point in time while Warzone endures early teething issues.
Fortnite vs Call of Duty: Warzone | Pick your poison
Ultimately, which game wins the Fortnite vs Call of Duty: Warzone battle largely comes down to personal taste. In objective terms of content and stability, however — if only due to its long comparative tenure and proven track record — Fortnite would take the crown. As time progresses, it’s possible that Warzone will trade blows with Fortnite in these important areas and we’ll see an exciting scuffle for battle royale supremacy unfold.
If you’re still undecided, try reading through our Call of Duty: Warzone review and Fortnite review for the official GameRevolution verdict on both games.