From Chapter 1 to Chapter 4, Fortnite’s Visual Changes Explained

Fortnite players have a soft spot for the graphics the game was initially introduced with. Over the years, the game has had many significant updates that have changed how the game looks. While most updates focused on implementing new features into the game, some graphical changes have been made to the game in terms of art style. Although upgrading the graphics to fit the times is the norm, a game like Fortnite might not be the best fit for such a change.

In the ongoing OG Fortnite, veteran players have started to notice the change in graphics and art style. This was highlighted by one player who has been playing the game since Chapter 1. So let’s break down the visual changes that have taken place over the years.

Fortnite OG vs Original Fortnite

Epic Games is taking players back to the start with its OG Fortnite. The game will explore the map and weapons that players got to see during the initial release of the game back in 2017. The new update features the original map and weapons, but one thing that’s changed is the art style. While the game was originally released with cartoonish graphics, it is what drew players to the game. The game is popular among younger players due to its art style.

Although the cartoonish graphics are what pushed the game to where it is now, recent realistic enhancements have changed the way the game feels. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), a user pointed out how the realistic graphics don’t have the charm of the earlier art style that the game followed.

In the post, the user mentioned how they liked the graphics of Chapter 4 and even went forward to compliment the sunset in the game. But in hindsight, they mentioned that the original graphics just hit differently.

The art style changes made to Fortnite

One of the main changes from the original game is the addition of detailed textures to the game world. Initially, the game lacked detailed textures which made the game look slightly cartoonish. Although this led to having an art style that is mostly solid colors with slight details to it, many players found the charm in it.

While we continue to discuss the changes in art style, here’s a video from 5 years ago where Epic Games’ former Art Director, Peter Ellis discussed the evolution of the art style, at length!

Originally, the game had trees that looked like they were cardboard cutouts with one color capturing all the leaves of the trees. In the recent updates, players can see hyper-detailed trees with almost each leaf being unique in itself. Although this means better visual quality, most fans would not think so as it takes away from the aesthetic of the game that drew them towards the game.

Read More – Following Fortnite OG, Is Epic Games Going to Stir Up Debate With the Return of B.R.U.T.E?

While some elements are praised, such as the introduction of ray-tracing in the game, players miss the original cartoony vibe that the Fortnite world used to set. Epic Games has also worked on the inclusion of over 1600 skins to the game and to accommodate the details and art style of the skins, the game has overhauled graphics.

While some newer players might be happy with the way the game looks, many miss the original art style for which the game gained its popularity. Which art style do you prefer?

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