Fortnite launched in beta on Android devices alongside the Galaxy Note 9 debut on August 9 in New York. We tested the game on our Galaxy S9 Plus, previously exclusive to select Samsung flagships until August 12. Here are my initial thoughts on this widely acclaimed battle royale sensation.
Fortnite Beta on Android: Device Compatibility
Initially, the game was exclusive to select Samsung flagships such as the Galaxy S7, S8, S9 series, along with the Note 8, Note 9, Galaxy Tab S3, and Tab S4.
Currently, Fortnite can be installed on over 40 supported Android devices, with more additions expected soon. For the full list of compatible devices, click here.
Fortnite on Android: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Considering this is a beta, my expectations for graphics and stability were low. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun the game is on mobile, comparable to PS4 or PC. While the graphics are noticeably worse, it’s understandable given the beta status. I anticipate improvements as the game expands to more devices. Having also played Fortnite on iOS, I can attest to the impressive graphics there, indicating potential for Android as well. Moving forward…
Upon accessing Fortnite on Android, familiarity immediately sets in. If you’ve engaged with the game previously, the home screen experience will resonate deeply. Navigation remains intuitive, with options retaining their accustomed placements. You can invite friends, explore the Battle Pass, tackle challenges, access the locker, and peruse the store seamlessly. All game modes are readily available, including solo, duos, and squads. For the uninitiated, additional modes such as 50v50, Playground (a mode for experimentation and learning with respawns), and Steady Storm (featuring a constantly moving storm circle) await.
Epic has transferred all features from the PC (or console) version of Fortnite to Android, with only the control scheme being new. I tried it on mobile and loved it. Dropping into Tilted from the Battle Bus is something I wouldn’t have done in a solo mode, and as usual, Tilted was densely populated, leaving me with just enough weapons. Tilted Towers is essentially the Pochinki of Fortnite, but worse due to its smaller size, leading to fights from all directions. Avoid it unless you’re skilled enough (I’m not), or seeking a challenge (I’m not).
Exiting Tilted towards the circle presented my first building challenge, which proved particularly arduous on mobile devices. Personally, I struggle to match the speed of PC builders, but on mobile, the task becomes even more daunting. Initially, you tap the building icon to switch from weapons to construction, then select the desired structure (roof, floor, stairs, walls, traps), and finally tap to construct it. This process involves numerous taps, and undoubtedly, by the time you erect a ramp for elevation, you risk being shot down.
One of the great things Epic has done with the mobile port of the game is auto fire and aim assist. Aiming on a touchscreen isn’t easy, and Fortnite’s gun mechanics are weird even on PC, so I’m glad they allow users to turn on auto fire on mobile. It’s a polarizing topic; auto-fire can be considered unfair, but I don’t think so. Epic has done a remarkable job creating the control scheme on mobile. The controls are intuitive, and while the building mechanism is difficult, I can’t blame Epic for that, because this is the best way to implement a building mechanism on mobile.
My main gripe with the game presently is the graphics. The graphics give the impression that Epic rushed the game for the Note 9 launch, but I’m optimistic they’ll improve post-beta.
Fortnite Beta on Android: A Promising Game with Some Rough Edges
Overall, Fortnite Beta on Android is a well-executed port. As the game expands to more devices and exits beta, Epic will likely address graphics and frame rate issues. Additionally, as I become more accustomed to mobile building, it should become slightly easier (though still challenging). Have you tried Fortnite beta on Android? What are your thoughts? Will you wait for it? If not, you can sign up for an invite here.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
