18 Games Like Fortnite That Are Worth Checking Out

"Fortnite" exploded in popularity when it launched its free-to-play battle royale mode. The name immediately became synonymous with the genre, sparking iconic dance moves, massive crossover events, and even getting professional streamer Ninja a spot on the biggest New Year's Eve show. Since then, "Fortnite" has continued to expand and evolve, introducing new mechanics, maps, skins, and modes that have allowed it to stay one of the biggest titles in the industry.

The rise of the battle royale genre also saw many other developers and publishers giving it a go, including Ubisoft and EA. The genre has also had many contributions from smaller studios, with each new take putting an interesting spin on the genre and the mechanics that draw fans to it in the first place. No matter what theme or setting a player wants to see, there is likely a battle royale out there to check out. If you want to mix things up for a little bit, here are 18 games like "Fortnite" that are more than worth your time.

"Spellbreak" puts players in the shoes of powerful wizards battling to see who is the most powerful. Each player gets to pick from six different classes, each with their own spell proficiencies on the battlefield that can be leveled up. During matches, players can equip two spells at a time that can be upgraded. Those spells can then be mixed during battle to create powerful combos such as fire tornadoes.

During matches, players can also loot and equip a number of powerful runes with a range of impactful effects including flight and invisibility. The combination of one's class, spells, and runes allow players to create vastly different play-styles in each and every match. "Spellbreak" also supports full cross-play and cross progression between all of its platforms, making it easy to play with friends anywhere. As noted by IGN, the unique approach to the genre, as well as the game's engrossing story chapters, make "Spellbreak" a standout release.

Release Date: September 3, 2020

Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One

Game Modes: Solos, Duos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 79 (PC), 72 (PS4), 71 (Switch), 78 (Xbox One)

"Apex Legends" is EA's foothold in the battle royale genre and comes from the masterful developers of the "Titanfall" series, Respawn Entertainment. With a story set in the same universe as "Titanfall," it blends elements of the hero shooter genre, fast movement, and snappy gunplay with a focus on squads of three to create a unique battle royale experience.

"Apex Legends" is perfect for players who want a fast-paced experience. Its fast pace can take some time to get used to, but it also introduces a high skill ceiling for those who take the time to master it. The large range of characters each have their own abilities and ultimates, allowing players to choose how they play. Strategy is required in balancing out the squad's composition, ultimately encouraging teamwork and cooperation.

Release Date: February 4, 2019

Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One

Game Modes: Trios, Duos, Ranked

Metacritic Score: 88 (PC), 89 (PS4), 54 (Switch), 88 (Xbox One)

Players looking for a martial arts-themed battle royale have to look no further than "Naraka: Bladepoint." Alongside a mystical twist, the game features nine unique characters, each with their own mighty powers and over a dozen different melee and ranged options for weaponry. Each weapon boasts a unique moveset (per PCGamesN) for players to master and counter in combat.

Fights in "Naraka: Bladepoint" can be intense and cinematic, requiring intelligent play from gamers as they take in the game's gorgeous visuals. The developer has also released a handy mobile app called "Naraka+," which allows you to check your standings in leaderboards, review matches, and revisit key moments for you and your squadmates. The game also has plenty of crossover events planned, with one notable collab featuring legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.

Release Date: August 12, 2021

Available On: PC, PlayStation 5

Game Modes: Solos, Duos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 71 (PC)

"PUBG Battlegrounds" was largely responsible for launching the battle royale genre and went free-to-play in January 2022. The game boasts some of the largest maps in the genre, requiring players to adopt different play-styles for each one. Players can also earn a wide variety of customization options through frequent seasonal events. On the downside, some of those character skins can get pretty expensive.

The most unique feature of "PUBG Battlegrounds," however, is its low time to kill that pushes players to tread carefully and tactically every match (per Push Square). The game also features a wide array of weapons, each with their own strengths and drawbacks. With the addition of cross-play for the console versions of "PUBG Battlegrounds," now's the best time to dive in.

Release Date: December 20, 2017

Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Xbox One

Game Modes: Solos, Duos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 86 (PC), 72 (PS4), 85 (Xbox One)

"Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout" quickly became a sensation when it was released. While it may not be a conventional battle royale, it features a lobby of players playing through a variety of randomly selected mini-games until only one of them is declared the victor. The game is extremely accessible and fun thanks to its wacky physics, humorous presentation, and easily understood games.

The game also features themed seasons, each of which introduce a new battle pass full of fun cosmetics and new mini-games. While "Fall Guys" is not free-to-play, it comes at a modest price point and players never have to pay for the seasonal content. Every premium costume can be earned completely through gameplay, although some are still very rare. Many of these premium costumes have resulted from fantastic crossovers with properties like "Godzilla," "Ghost of Tsushima," and "Doom."

Release Date: August 4, 2020

Available On: PC, PlayStation 4

Game Modes: Solos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 80 (PC), 81 (PS4)

One of the most accessible (and oddly adorable) battle royales currently available is "Super Animal Royale." Featuring a simple isometric 2D design, "Super Animal Royale" sees 65 players parachuting into a wasteland as a variety of furry characters to scavenge for weapons and fight until only one is left standing. The weapons and combat in the game are on the simpler side, which helps make it very easy for anyone to pick the game up and start playing (per Infinite Start).

"Super Animal Royale" is also free-to-play, with the added option of purchasing a deluxe edition for some extra goodies. It also receives frequent updates which add new weapons and animals for players to unlock. "Super Animal Royale" has some cross-play support, but players cannot team up with one another if they are on opposite platforms.

Release Date: August 26, 2021

Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Game Modes: Solos, Duos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 75 (PS4), 74 (PS5), 73 (Switch), 80 (Xbox One), 78 (Xbox Series X|S)

The free-to-play battle royale component of the iconic military shooter franchise, "Call of Duty: Warzone" is a force to be reckoned with in the genre. "Warzone" maintains the tight gunplay and design of the series titles that fans love while dropping players into massive multiplayer maps inspired by fan-favorite locations.

The massive team and budget behind "Warzone" also allow it to be updated with high quality new content frequently, including massive annual reworks tied to the release of new mainline "Call of Duty" installments. Following "Call of Duty: Vanguard," "Warzone" is set on a pacific island during World War 2, complete with time-accurate weapons and dogfighting in airplanes. The game also features unique mechanics like the ability to purchase killstreaks and loadouts, not to mention its flagship gulag, which makes downed players duel one another for a chance to re-enter the match.

Release Date: March 10, 2020

Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Game Modes: Solos, Duos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 80 (PC), 79 (PS4), 79 (Xbox One)

"Ring of Elysium" is still in early access on Steam, but it manages to impressively blend disparate elements from both "Fortnite" and "PUBG Battlegrounds." Its setting and seasonal story are realistic and tonally consistent with what you'd find in "PUBG," but its seasonal cosmetic unlocks, operators, and equipment are reminiscent of the wackier side of "Fortnite."

IGN notes that game also features a streamlined approach to the battle royale genre, which makes it easy to get one's bearings and jump into a match. Meanwhile, seasonal changes — like volcanic eruptions — keep players on their toes. The developers are also still dedicated to working on "Ring of Elysium," frequently releasing new maps, abilities, characters, and pieces of equipment to keep the game fresh as it grows and evolves. The game is free-to-play as well, although any who want to financially support it can pick up cosmetics from its in-game store or grab an Adventurer Pass for one of its ten-week seasons.

Release Date: September 19, 2018

Available On: PC

Game Modes: Solos, Duos, Squads, Practice

"Super Mecha Champions" is an ideal neo-futuristic battle royale for anime fans. Set in a high-tech city, "Super Mecha Champions" players choose from a range of unique characters, each of whom have special abilities and their own mech to call down during the match. This means each character has two distinct play-styles: one for when they are on their own two feet and one for when they are using their mech's formidable arsenal. 

Throughout each match, players are also able to seek out and equip a wide range of unique weapons that fit in with the anime vibe. The game does not have cross-progression or cross-play between its mobile and PC versions, which is unfortunate. Regardless, the game boasts a unique world and mix of gameplay styles, as well as a varied cast of characters that is sure to offer something for every type of player.

Release Date: March 25, 2021

Available On: Android, iOS, PC

Game Modes: Solos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 80 (iOS)

Based on the tabletop roleplaying game of the same name, "Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt" is a futuristic gothic battle royale focused on a war between rival vampire clans. Either alone or in squads of three, players choose from six different classes, each of which have a specific role to play on the battlefield. Players can also customize their characters with a wide range of stylish fashion statements that fit in with the lore-rich setting.

What really sets "Bloodhunt" apart is a unique feature involving civilians. The game's map is filled with NPCs that are just regular people, meaning that players have to try and keep their vampiric identity a secret while playing. If a player's identity is revealed, word of the sighting spreads quickly and their location is shown to other players for a brief window of time. However, players can also feed on those NPCs to grow more powerful throughout the match.

Release Date: September 7, 2021

Available On: PC

Game Modes: Solo, Squads

Metacritic Score: 75 (PC)

"Darwin Project" is a battle royale fused with a survival game. Framed as a game show in the dystopian future, "Darwin Project" features a smaller lobby than other games in the genre and requires players to survive the hazardous wintery elements as they hunt down opponents. To do so, Gaming Nexus recommends that players should approach combat carefully and set traps to catch their target off guard, killing them before they get a chance to retaliate.

For large groups or streamers, "Darwin Project" also boasts an expansive spectator mode that allows viewers to vote on events in the match, bet on who they think will win, and even offer help to players in need. There is also the option to play with a show director, who can manifest storms and determine how the map is cut off during a match.

Release Date: January 17, 2018

Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Game Modes: Solos, Duos

Metacritic Score: 74 (PC), 70 (PS4), 80 (Xbox One)

Originally little more than an April Fools' Day joke, "Totally Accurate Battlegrounds" has gone on to become a formidable parody of the battle royale genre that maintains a dedicated fanbase of its own. With the help of a wacky physics engine, combat in "Totally Accurate Battlegrounds" offers dual-wielding weapons, players being thrown around by guns, vehicles bouncing around the map chaotically, and plenty of other comedic animations.

This all makes the game a joy to play, but it also means players have to learn what to expect from it, allowing for the same strategy and tension-filled gameplay that fans of the genre have come to expect. It is also entirely free-to-play and features a range of customization options. The developer announced in 2020 that it would slowly ramp up work on the project to continue expanding it for fans, meaning there are still many places the game could go in the near future.

Release Date: June 5, 2018

Available On: PC

Game Modes: Solos, Duos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 65 (PC)

"Population: ONE" takes the battle royale genre to VR and includes a number of innovations that are only possible on those platforms. The game features wingsuits (allowing for midair shooting), an entirely climbable environment, and buildable cover. These come together to make it one of the most vertical battle royales out there, all with the immersion and flexibility that comes with VR.

The game also features proximity chat in solo matches, allowing you to talk with other players as you either try to negotiate your way out of a bad situation or team up until you are the only two left. "Population: ONE" also allows for cross-play between all major VR headsets on the market, ensuring that you can always play with your friends and that queue times remain minimal.

Release Date: October 22, 2020

Available On: Oculus, HTC Vive, Windows MR, Valve Index

Game Modes: Solos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 77 (PC)

If you want a traditional battle royale that you can play on the go, "Call of Duty: Mobile" has exactly what you're looking for. On top of its traditional multiplayer and Zombies modes, the mobile arm of the franchise features a traditional 100-player battle royale that fully supports playing with friends.

The game is also an amalgamation of some of the most popular parts of the series and features fan-favorite guns and characters for players to equip. Each also has many customizations to earn and choose from as you play. The game is extremely popular, racking up a staggering number of downloads, and gets its very own seasons and additions separate from those released for "Call of Duty: Warzone." Even better, "Mobile" events usually do not take themselves too seriously. This not only guarantees that the content coming to the app is tailor-made for the mobile platform, but also that its content is unique and fun.

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Available On: Android, iOS

Game Modes: Solos, Duos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 81 (iOS)

"Bullet League" is a 2D battle royale shooter geared for a mobile experience. Featuring side-scrolling action and wildly varied character designs, the game has extraordinarily fast-paced matches that are easy to knock out whenever you have a few minutes free. Combat also takes some skill, thanks to its unique weapons that all have their own sense of style. "Bullet League" also contains plenty of customization items, which players can unlock without having to pay anything.

The game also features stylish cartoon graphics, which make it easy to see the action without getting too overwhelmed and ensures that "Bullet League" still runs smoothly on lower-end mobile devices. Even better, the title's developers have proven to be very open to feedback, frequently publishing surveys asking what the game's community would like to see added to or changed about the game.

Release Date: March 11, 2020

Available On: Android, iOS

Game Modes: Solos, Squads

Metacritic Score: 80 (iOS)

For mobile players who aren't interested in a shooter battle royale, "Brawl Stars" combines the genre with a simplified take on a MOBA. "Brawl Stars" features over 50 characters with unique primary attacks and ultimate abilities. The heroes can be used in a number of different game modes, but it's Showdown mode offers straightforward (and whimsically animated) battle royale matches with teams of one to two players.

During the matches, players also have to track down gems to power up their characters, all while battling one another on an ever-shrinking map. Heroes in "Brawl Stars" can each be leveled up and quipped with fun gadgets that modify their playstyle. The game's matches are quick enough to be played in just a few minutes — but "Brawl Stars" manages to pack that brief time with plenty of strategy, skill, and tension.

Release Date: June 15, 2017

Available On: Android, iOS

Game Modes: Solos, Duos

Metacritic Score: 72 (iOS)

Few games offer an experience quite as suspenseful and distinctive as "Hunt: Showdown." While the game is much slower than "Fortnite," it offers more methodical matches, during which every decision is important and players have to approach every situation with the utmost care. 

Matches place a handful of teams on an old-timey map that is crawling with horrifying creatures. Each team then must track down enough clues to locate their bounty, which is always a terrible creature that every team is trying to claim. After slaying the creature, players are able to reap the bounty, but then they must be able to leave the match without being killed. The difficulty in "Hunt: Showdown" can be extraordinarily punishing, (per Eurogamer), but it is a great game for battle royale fans looking for a highly competitive and harrowing experience.

Release Date: February 22, 2018

Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Game Modes: Solos, Duos

Metacritic Score: 81 (PC), 81 (PlayStation 4), 76 (Xbox One)

"7 Days to Die" has been in development for years, making numerous improvements to address player concerns. The game is not a battle royale, but it may instead satisfy "Fortnite" fans who enjoy its "Save The World" game mode. The game features more survival elements than "Fortnite," including managing one's hunger and thirst, but it features a very similar gameplay loop.

The core loop of "7 Days to Die" sees players teaming up to establish a foothold in a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic world. Players have to build a base, gather and improve weapons, and find ways to protect themselves. Every seven in-game days, a massive horde of zombies attacks the players. These hordes continuously get more and more difficult to fend off, but players can research new technology and craft better gear over time to help deal with the more powerful threats.

It's worth noting that players seem to agree on the PC version of the game being superior, as it has received Very Positive responses on Steam.

Release Date: December 13, 2013

Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Game Modes: Public and Private servers

Metacritic Score: 45 (PS4), 35 (Xbox One)