Fortnite has reappeared on mobile devices, and with it comes an important question for many players: Is Fortnite mobile cross-platform?
After its return to iOS in the USA, and having been available for some time in regions like Brazil and the EU, players are now asking who they’ll be matching up with in the game. Will it be just other mobile users, or will they face opponents from across all platforms?
The answer is simple—Fortnite mobile is cross-platform, meaning that players can compete with others across various platforms, including PC, consoles, and other mobile devices.
However, while this feature sounds convenient, it does bring with it a few considerations for mobile players, especially when it comes to hardware performance and matchmaking.
How Fortnite Mobile Cross-Platform Play Works?
Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, has embraced crossplay across all platforms for a while now. Whether you’re playing on PC, consoles, or mobile, you can team up with or compete against friends who are using different devices.
This allows for a more dynamic and inclusive gaming experience. However, this system comes with a catch for mobile players.
Mobile gamers don’t have the same level of performance as those playing on high-powered PCs or gaming consoles.
While other platforms can run Fortnite with powerful graphics, high frame rates, and superior controls, mobile users typically play with touch controls, which are less precise and at a lower frame rate.
This can create an imbalance when mobile players are thrown into lobbies with people using much more advanced equipment.
Can You Turn Off Fortnite Mobile Cross-Platform Play?
This is where things get a little tricky. While Fortnite allows for cross-platform play, mobile players do not have the option to turn off this feature. On consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox, players have the freedom to disable crossplay and stick to their platform.
This option provides a more controlled, familiar gaming environment where users don’t have to compete with superior hardware. Unfortunately, mobile users don’t have this privilege.
In previous Fortnite seasons, Epic allowed players to turn off crossplay if they wanted to. This was useful for those who wanted to stick with their platform or play with friends without encountering players on different devices.
But, due to changes in how Fortnite mobile operates after its regional closures, mobile users can no longer disable crossplay. The switch was made to maintain fast matchmaking and reduce wait times, which have been an issue for many players.
Impact on Mobile Players
One of the major challenges for mobile players is the difference in performance between mobile devices and high-powered platforms like PC. Mobile players, particularly those using devices with touchscreens, are typically capped at a 30 FPS frame rate, which can make the gameplay feel slower and less responsive compared to those running the game at 120 FPS on PC or consoles.
Despite this, mobile players are being matched with those on more powerful devices, creating an uneven playing field. While Fortnite has skill-based matchmaking to help balance out players based on their skill level, the hardware disparity remains a significant factor.
For instance, during Fortnite esports tournaments, mobile players, particularly those using high-performance devices like the iPad Pro, had an edge over those on lower-end smartphones.
These players could play the game at a higher frame rate, providing them with a much closer experience to that of a PC player.
Even if mobile players could opt out of crossplay, those who use high-end tablets would still have a distinct advantage over others, making it a difficult scenario for Epic to manage.
Performance Considerations for Mobile Players
The performance of Fortnite on mobile devices has drastically improved over the years, but there are still significant differences compared to the console and PC versions.
The optimization of Fortnite on mobile devices continues to evolve, but players on mobile are still at a disadvantage when compared to those on more powerful systems. This is especially true for those using older or less powerful smartphones.
If you’re committed to mobile gaming, you can still enjoy Fortnite, but keep in mind that the game was designed with crossplay in mind.
The game’s strategy and mechanics are still playable, but performance and the competitive edge are dictated by the hardware used. The good news is that Fortnite on mobile is still highly popular, and it’s possible to develop skills that allow you to succeed despite the hardware challenges.
Summary
Fortnite mobile is cross-platform, meaning players can compete with others on PC, consoles, and mobile devices.
However, mobile players cannot turn off crossplay, which can lead to mismatched gameplay experiences, especially when playing against those on higher-powered devices.
While skill-based matchmaking helps balance out the skill level of players, the performance difference between mobile and other platforms remains a challenge. Despite this, mobile players can still enjoy the game and work on their skills to compete effectively.