Ever since the launch of Epic Games' Fortnite Battle Royale mode, it has fiercely competed with another entry in the genre that is undoubtedly 2017's biggest gaming phenomenon: PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, or PUBG for short.
Some may say that Fortnite tries to copy PUBG, but that isn't wholly true. In reality, both titles are only similar in some areas, not all. Once you look past the basics of the games, you'll find that PUBG and Fortnite target very different types of consumers. In this article, we're going to examine both games to determine the similarities and differences between them and to find out which one might be best for you.
Similarities between both games
In both PUBG and Fortnite, 100 players have to parachute and land on a large island from an aerial vehicle. From there, players must search the game world for weapons, armor, healing items, and more in order to properly equip themselves for combat.
As everyone starts to fight and kill each other, the area on the map that is considered "safe" begins to shrink. Areas no longer in this safe zone damage players if they remain in them. This mechanic ensures that all players will eventually run into each other. After the final combatants duke it out, the last man standing is considered the winner because he or she lived the longest.
Finally, both titles have randomized loot spread out throughout the play space to ensure that nowhere on the map becomes a "dominant" location for looting. Where you find an assault rifle, one game may be the location of a pack of bandages in the next.
PUBG: Tactical, intense, and grounded
PUBG is, like the Arma mods that spawned the Battle Royale genre years ago, represents a very skill-based and tactical experience. Realism is something that Bluehole Studios aimed to achieve as much as possible with the game, and it shows. Your character can't do crazy movements, rounds that you fire have authentic bullet physics, and weapons found throughout the world can be modded with a wealth of different attachments that alter how they perform in combat.
It doesn't stop there, either. Cover in PUBG is more important than it is in the majority of shooters; this is because being shot will cause a large amount of damage, even if wearing body armor. Vehicles are also a major aspect of PUBG's gameplay sandbox. Using a car will allow you to reach locations much faster than sprinting, but both the windows of the car and the loudness of its engine will leave you a massive target to the players in your vicinity.
As you can probably guess, PUBG requires you to outwit and outmaneuver opponents using tactics and skill. Some major aspects of the PUBG learning curve are found in understanding how to utilize shadows to stay hidden, how to quickly and accurately fire over long distances, and knowing when to move and when to hunker down in cover, and these are only the tip of the iceberg.
This kind of environment breeds competitive play, and that is exactly the kind of gamer that PUBG is aimed towards. If you're looking for a competitive and skill-focused type of Battle Royale game, then this is right up your alley. It's worth noting, though, that unlike Fortnite, PUBG is $29.99, and is currently only on PC, though it is coming to Xbox in the near future. If you're willing to invest some money in, though, what you'll get is a competent and engaging competitive experience.
Fortnite: A laid-back, casual experience
Fortnite essentially takes the Battle Royale formula and takes it in the opposite direction of PUBG, Where PUBG is competitive, skill-oriented and intense, Fortnite overall contains much more casual, relaxed gameplay.
Featuring a cartoony art style, simple gun mechanics, and a unique, creative base-building twist, Fortnite is aimed towards the types of players who care more about getting into some action than they do about reaching the end goal of victory. In Fortnite, bullets have no drop off with the exception of the sniper rifle, meaning that gunfights across distances are generally much easier and forgiving to the players.
Where Fortnite really sets itself apart from PUBG, though, is with its base-building mechanics. By harvesting things around you in the map, you can gain wood, stone, and metal resources which can then be used in construction. Players often will engage each other from the safety of their large stone fortresses or wooden sniper towers, but these structures aren't invincible. Anything created by a player can be destroyed with gunfire or explosives, though stone and metal are much more resilient than wood.
This high level of destructibility is also seen in the world itself. Rocks, trees, and even buildings are all able to be destroyed, meaning that all cover is only temporary. As a result of this, games in Fortnite feel a lot more "chaotic" (in a fun way) due to the fact most players feel obligated to always keep moving, which causes them to run into each other.
Fortnite is a relaxed and forgiving Battle Royale experience that will offer you hours of fun gameplay. It is currently free-to-play on Xbox One, PS4, and PC.
Conclusion
While PUBG and Fortnite are similar in some regards, they are ultimately quite different. PUBG is a refined tactical and competitive experience whereas Fortnite is a casual and relaxing game that puts Epic Games' unique base-building idea on center stage.
Which title interests you more? Let us know what you think down below.
