Fortnite's v24.40 update goes live today and with it comes the game's new ranked mode. You might have assumed a game with a competitive scene as active as Fortnite's would already have some sort of ranking system, but no. Not until today, and if you log on after today's update has been applied, you'll be able to dive into the new system.
Don't panic, if you want to carry on playing Fortnite the same way you have been doing up until now, you can. Well, technically that won't be true for some of you. While taking part in competitive ranked matches won't be mandatory, a couple of modes have made way for ranked to be added to Fortnite's playlists.
Arena has been vaulted. That makes sense as it has been the leading way to play Fortnite competitively up until now. Ranked has effectively taken its place. Trios in both regular BR and Zero Build modes has also been vaulted. The ability to play in a team of three being removed from the game is a head-scratcher, and a decision that doesn't appear to have gone down well with certain players.
Fortnite's ranked mode will work in a similar way to Rocket League's which makes sense since both games are under the Epic umbrella. Player ranks range from bronze, silver, and gold all the way up to unreal. You can check out every potential rank below. Your placement in a match and how many eliminations you clock up will determine where you place, sending your progress up or down depending on how you perform.
Eliminations later in a match are worth more, and unlike Rocket League which requires you to compete in ten matches before determining your rank, Fortnite decides where you fit after just one. Ranked will be open to all players once the update goes live unless you haven't played Fortnite before. Brand new players will be required to complete an “outlast 500 opponents” quest before being able to join their first ranked match.
Ranked comes to Fortnite as the current season nears its end. Just a few more weeks to go providing the end date isn't pushed back, at which point the theory that chapter four is just chapter one in reverse might become a little more solid. Some of you are still convinced Fortnite will be getting another volcano next season too.