In a significant shift for the gaming landscape, Epic Games has announced the discontinuation of three modes from its flagship title, Fortnite, amid a backdrop of substantial workforce reductions. This decision comes on the heels of the company laying off over 1,000 employees, a move prompted by a notable decline in player engagement since 2025.
Changes to Fortnite Modes
Epic Games has been known for its ambitious approach to expanding the Fortnite experience, introducing a variety of modes that extend beyond the traditional battle royale format. However, the company has now decided to retract some of its more experimental offerings. In an official communication via Fortnite Status, Epic acknowledged the challenges faced in retaining a robust player base for certain modes, stating, “We have built a lot of Fortnite modes, and in some cases, we have failed to build something awesome enough to attract and retain a large player base. We are going to shut these modes down on the schedules outlined below – we’re grateful for everyone who played.”
- Rocket Racing: This mode, a crossover with Rocket League, will be removed in October 2026, along with all UEFN islands featuring Rocket Racing templates.
- Ballistic: The Valorant-inspired arena shooter will be taken offline on April 16, 2026, coinciding with the 40.20 update.
- Battle Stage: The competitive mode associated with Fortnite Festival will also cease operations on April 16, 2026, although quests will remain available until that date. The rest of the Fortnite Festival will continue to operate as usual.
While these modes initially garnered attention and popularity, their player bases have diminished, reflecting a broader trend of declining engagement with Fortnite itself. The decision to streamline offerings aligns with Epic’s need to focus on core experiences that resonate with players.
Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, addressed the layoffs in an internal memo, expressing regret over the necessity of such measures. He noted, “The downturn in Fortnite engagement that started in 2025 means we’re spending significantly more than we’re making, and we have to make major cuts to keep the company funded.” Sweeney emphasized the importance of redirecting efforts towards creating compelling Fortnite experiences, enhancing developer tools, and preparing for the transition from Unreal Engine 5 and UEFN to Unreal Engine 6.
As Epic Games navigates these changes, the future of Fortnite remains uncertain, though the company has indicated that no additional modes will be altered or removed at this time. The focus appears to be on revitalizing the game with fresh content and engaging gameplay, aiming to recapture the attention of its player base.
