A new 5v5 first-person mode called Ballistic will soon be added to Fortnite. All existing modes in the game, including Battle Royale, Reload, and Creative, only feature third-person gameplay, so the community is naturally excited about how Ballistic will be incorporated.
From its release date to gameplay, here’s everything to know about the upcoming 5v5 first-person mode in Fortnite.
- Fortnite Ballistic mode release date
- Will your Fortnite skins carry over to Ballistic?
- What is Fortnite Ballistic? Gameplay details, weapons & gadgets
- How does matchmaking work in Fortnite Ballistic?
Fortnite Ballistic mode release date
The 5v5 first-person mode in Fortnite goes live on December 11, 2024. Ballistic launches in early access and you’ll get to choose between Ranked and Unranked modes right away.
The developers will monitor player feedback during early access and add new content, such as maps and weapons, accordingly.
All regions where Fortnite is operating except Russia and South Korea will get access to Ballistic on December 11, 2024. Epic has stated that it has plans to release the mode in these regions as well.
Will your Fortnite skins carry over to Ballistic?
Yes, your entire Locker which includes outfits, back blings, kicks, wraps, emotes, and sprays will be perfectly usable in Fortnite Ballistic. For obvious reasons, vehicle skins, pickaxes, contrails, and instruments won’t be supported.
What is Fortnite Ballistic? Gameplay details, weapons & gadgets
If you’re familiar with first-person shooter games, you can think of Fortnite Ballistic to be like Valorant and Counter-Strike. Two teams of five, attackers and defenders, start a match from two separate areas with different goals.
While attackers need to plant a Rift Point Device in one of two specific areas on the map, the defenders have to either stop them from planting the bomb or defuse it as the detonation occurs 45 seconds after planting.
The side to win seven rounds first wins the game and roles are switched after the first six rounds. So, if you’ve played Valorant or Counter-Strike, the core mechanics should not surprise you at all.
All maps and weapons in Ballistic on launch
Fortnite Ballistic will have one map called Skyline 10 and the weapon collection contains three assault rifles, two shotguns, two SMGs, a sniper, two pistols, a flashbang grenade, and a smoke grenade. Stats and names of these weapons are yet to be announced.
Alongside the guns, you can use these Flex Gadgets to prevent the other team from winning:
- Impulse Grenade – It launches teammates and allies and can be used to move other players from sites and corners.
- Proximity Mine – You can place these on floors, walls, and ceilings. They explode upon contact or when shot, and you can pick them back up to place in a different area. Ideally, you’ll be using these to defend sites.
- Frag Grenades – As usual, this grenade bounces and explodes while dealing area damage so you can use it to clear off threats from corners. Do note that your frag grenades can deal damage to opponents and yourself, but your allies are safe.
- Recon Grenades – All nearby enemies are revealed even if they’re hidden behind walls. Mostly, you’ll be using them to get an idea of the enemy team’s positions before entering a site.
- Bubble Shield – The shield protects you from incoming bullets and grenades. It’s optimal to save yourself in close encounters and when you’re rushing sites.
Rounds & Credits
You enter the first round in Fortnite Ballistic with a Ranger Pistol and 800 Credits. Planting the Rift Device and eliminating opponents grants you Credits and they can be spent at the beginning of every round on weapons, armor, and gadgets.
Being eliminated in a round means you lose all your purchased gear, weapons, and shields. Unused consumable items carry over to the next round, though.
You can also be eliminated from the detonation caused by the Rift Device, so make sure to move away from its radius regardless of which side you’re on.
Again, the pre-round shop, weapon options, and Credit system are very similar to what you might’ve already seen in Valorant or Counter-Strike.
How does matchmaking work in Fortnite Ballistic?
The Ranked mode in Fortnite Ballistic will match players based on the highest-ranking members in the party. The Unranked mode, on the other side, matches players based on the average rank of the party.
Ranked naturally ensures a more competitive environment while Unranked is more suited for those who play casually or want to learn.
The amount of rank you gain after a win in the Ranked mode is based on these factors (most to least important):
- Current rank
- Rounds won
- Rounds lost
- Eliminations
- Assists
Losing your first match of the day doesn’t affect your rank. However, leaving a game mid-way by being AFK results in an extra rank loss.
Leaving matches and not reconnecting within 3 minutes in Ranked matches also hands out a penalty and you won’t be allowed to join another match for some time. The penalty duration will likely depend on how often you’ve been AFK.
You can expect plenty of changes in the mechanics stated above as the mode is still in Early Access.
What is Reticle & Damage Feedback?
Epic Games is testing a new setting through Fortnite Ballistic called Reticle & Damage Feedback. Available in Game UI settings, you can toggle between two options:
- Spread – The crosshair expands while you shoot.
- Recoil – The crosshair moves away from the screen’s center while you shoot.
Although it’s unlikely for Ballistic to offer anything more than the major games with Search and Destroy modes, it’ll be interesting to see how it fits in the Fortnite universe. We’ll update this piece with the latest information on the mode, so make sure to bookmark it and check back often!
