Fortnite: Region Analysis

It is safe to say that Fortnite public matches are different from both Pop-up cup and competitive. The region you are playing in can play a big part on the default flow of the game. Playing competitive in North America tends to be end game heavy, whereas Europe is aggressive and South Korea has insane accuracy. In this piece, we will highlight key traits from the past few events Epic Games has been a part of: the Winter Royale and Korean Open. All three regions showcased highly skilled gameplay with excellent mechanics and subtle differences of pacing. No one playstyle is better. Being lategame-heavy, pushing players in the storm or practicing your aim for 7 hours is nice, however, they are not better than one another.

North America

Spooky Team Leader Boxing up for End game in Fortnite // in-game capture by Cosinejoe

North America, as it stands, is the forerunner for Fortnite esports. Faze Clan Tfue shows little tricks that the Korean players seem to overlook, like throwing an explosive and then shooting down the wall to increase the chances of damaging the other player. A defensive and countering play style seems to be North America’s forte when it comes to Fortnite. Getting to endgame and hugging the wall of the storm in hopes of getting the next circle is common practice. A technique I commonly see in North America – and hardly anywhere – else is boxing up while running effectively. Being such an endgame-focused region, Gate Keeping comes naturally for how congested it could be, and box running seems to be an effective counter measure. If North America wants to keep their spot at the top, then they need to acknowledge and understand other regions’ playstyles so they are not blindsided.

Europe

Spooky Team Leader on the aggression in Fortnite // in-game capture by Cosinejoe

First thing that comes to mind with Fortnite Europe is aggression: players like Aphostle taking fights in the storm, and Mitr0 and Kinstaar using SMGs as utility to take down walls faster while having positive control of the situation. Taking fights early game and mid game is risky due to it being a high-risk, high-reward gameplay, Europe, however, has made it work. During lategame, we see roughly 20 or so players, whereas in North America we see 40. Europe should not be taken lightly; a majority of plays conducted have been under the most inopportune times for the target. If Europe wants to be number one, then they need to thin the lobby as quickly as possible. If Europe lets North America reach end game, it would be a major disservice to the region.

South Korea

Spooky Team Leader hitting a highly mobile Dire in Fortnite // in-game capture by. Cosinejoe

During the Charity event in South Korea, we saw insane gameplay. South Korea may not be as tactical as North America or as aggressive as Europe, but what they did have was insane aim. Sinooh, Milfy and PeterPan all displayed otherworldly aim during the charity event, consistently taking shots and landing them. A majority of westerners all wondered if they were hacking during the event. That can’t be farther from the truth. South Korea has a history of hitting insane shots with deadly precision in esports. Their building skills may be in their early stages, and they may have an undefined flow of a match, but they should not be slept on. If South Korea wants to increase their presence in the scene, they need to refine their building skills. There is nothing wrong with taking the safe long-distance gameplay; the issue is if they can pierce North America’s defense, or counter Europe’s aggressive nature.

In Closing

As stated in Fortnite: NA and EU Skirmish Meta Analysis both regions have not changed their playstyle since the start of Fall Skirmish. North America is still focusing all their efforts to make endgame, while Europe focuses on slaying other players. Now, South Korea has entered the fray and showed they are a force to be reckoned with. Much like other competitive scenes, such as Counter Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch, their aim is decades ahead of the rest of the world. Which region will shine the brightest and win the Fortnite World Cup hinted to launch sometime 2019? Only time will tell.

Featured image courtesy of @Cosinejoe.

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