You may have come across whispers suggesting that Epic Games plans to impose the rigorous security protocols seen in other online games onto Fortnite. While this shift is not yet in effect, players who aspire to compete in official tournaments should take heed: Epic has officially mandated enhanced security measures for participation. This requirement is particularly relevant for the select few within the elite tier of Fortnite competitors.
Security Requirements for Tournament Participation
This move is not entirely unprecedented; nearly a year ago, Epic announced that players wishing to enter FNCS events, which necessitate an account level of 350 or higher, must enable features such as TPM and Secure Boot on their systems. While these features are standard for running Windows 11, they can be easily bypassed. The latest development, however, extends these security mandates to all Fortnite tournaments, requiring not only TPM and Secure Boot but also virtualization-based security.
Epic’s decision reflects a keen awareness of the potential public relations implications of alienating a segment of its player base over contentious security measures. The company is cautious not to label users with disabled security features as untrustworthy; rather, the concern lies in the inability to verify the integrity of their system environments.
The ongoing battle between game cheaters and service operators remains a critical aspect of cybersecurity, with cheat providers continually devising more sophisticated methods to infiltrate games. Epic is resolute in its commitment to maintaining fairness within Fortnite, a sentiment echoed not only through technical advancements but also through legal action. A recent blog post outlined the publisher’s efforts against cheating, detailing lawsuits and settlements reached with individuals selling cheats and stolen Epic accounts.
For those eager to participate in Fortnite tournaments, ensuring that your system meets the Windows 11 security requirements is essential. Even if you are using an “unofficial” version of the operating system, as long as your hardware is capable of running Fortnite, it is likely that you can meet these security standards. Simply access your system’s UEFI setup and enable “Trusted Computing,” “IOMMU” (or “VT-d” on Intel systems), and Secure Boot. Unless your configuration is unusually complex, these adjustments should pave the way for your entry into professional Fortnite events. Just remember, while your system can be ready, your skills will ultimately determine your success on the battlefield.
