Fortnite will upgrade from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5 next year. According to Epic Games, this will improve the game's performance and graphics. On the Xbox Series X, Fortnite will even run at 120 fps!
The official Xbox Wire blog interviewed Epic Games' leading console programmer about how the studio is leveraging next-generation performance for the game. Epic already told us about the next generation Fortnite enhancements that will come before the transition to Unreal Engine 5, and Ben Woodhouse now gave some more enticing details:
There's definitely more we want to do with the Xbox Series X hardware, both in terms of graphics and latency reduction - we may also consider supporting 120fps mode in future versions.
- READ MORE: The Best Fortnite Deathrun Maps
The #XboxSeriesX and #XboxSeriesS are here!Drop into Fortnite today and experience: Faster load times4K/60FPS on Series XFully cross-platform/cross-generationGet more details on what's improved in our blog here: https://t.co/67dfhaHhN4
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) November 10, 2020
Fortnite is constantly improving and upgrading – not just in terms of graphics: The game already evolved from a regular Battle Royale into a game where players can now use superpowers. Events like the Fortnitemares or live concerts, like the one by Travis Scott, already saw Fortnite push the agenda of what a game can be. It only makes sense that a better engine would also lead to better optimization. For now, the statement regarding the 120 fps was made for the Xbox Series X only. That doesn't necessarily mean that the PS5 won't get the upgrade. It could simply be down to the fact that the interview was conducted for the official Xbox Wire blog.
READ When Fortnite Started PS4 Only Had 30 FPS After There Was A Option To Make It Between 30 To 45 And Then They Made It 60FPS So This Means PS5 Might Get 90 Or 120 FPS In The Future& To Show To Everyone
— Fubzy (@Fubzy2798) November 7, 2020
Fortnite will get upgrades on the PS5 & Xbox Series X
Until then, you can get a feel for some new improvements Fortnite is bringing to the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5:
- The game will run at 4K resolution and 60 FPS
- Split screen multiplayer at 60 FPS
- Visuals, animations & physics will all be improved
- Drastically reduced loading times
For the PS5, Fortnite comes with some unique features, thanks to the DualSense, and you'll be able to choose your game mode directly from the home screen.
Even the Xbox Series S will boast 1080p at 60 FPS and feature faster loading times, as well as the split screen multiplayer.
Woodhouse commented further:
We have added GPU fluid simulations for explosions and smoke and fire effects. They look great in motion and make the effects look much more natural. We also use the GPU's processing power to simulate physical fields. This allows us to create shock waves from grenade and rocket explosions, which gives realistic movement to nearby grass and leaves and improves gameplay. We have added volumetric clouds that have real depth. These look beautiful under various dynamic lighting conditions, especially when you parachute through them.
A dream come true for all Fortnite players lucky enough to actually own a next-gen system. Now it just remains to be seen if those 120 FPS are an Xbox Series X exclusive, or if PS5 players will get to enjoy them too.
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Original article written by EarlyGame's Alisa Eiber.
