Fortnite: Ranks, Tournaments, How to Start Guide & More

Fortnite is currently one of the most popular games out there, with millions of daily active users. Since its release, it has been a hit with both kids and adults. The best part is you can play it on PCs, Consoles, and smartphones (Android/iOS) as well. This Battle Royale title gets regular updates that bring fresh content to the game, keeping the craze alive and bringing people worldwide together for the thrill and fun. However, if you are someone who is new to the game and wants to understand the basics, this article is for you. Here we will discuss the gameplay, rank system, seasons, and other important aspects of the game that will give you a better picture of Fortnite, so when you enter the game for the first time, you won't be puzzled at all.

Fortnite Overview

Fortnite came out in 2017 and truly changed the dynamics of Battle Royale gaming. Just like other Battle Royale games out there, in Fortnite, up to 100 players gather on an island and compete with others to be the last man standing. What sets it apart from others is the vibrant graphics and multiple unique game modes like Save the World, Fortnite Creative, Rocket Racing, and more that offer a fun and creative experience. With a blend of gaming, music, pop cuculture,nd huge collaborations, Fortnite is an all-time favorite. Moreover, the game's cross-platform play makes it accessible for everyone.

Fortnite Gameplay

The gameplay is fast-paced, perfect for users who love thrilling action and intense combat. While its Battle Royale mode is revolved around collecting weapons, valuable items, and resources and eliminating the opponents, its other modes, like Creative, let you build your own islands and buildings by collecting different types of materials. Not only can you build custom worlds, but you can also build mini-games, for which you don't require any coding skills. On the other hand, the Save the World mode takes you to a post-apocalyptic world where you have to fight zombie-like husks. Apart from these primary modes, some other enjoyable modes like LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival are also present that are full of exploration elements. All these modes get fresh content with regular updates that keep the replayability intact.

Fortnite Seasons

Fortnite consistently brings new seasons with unique themes that usually last from 60-100 days. Every season comes with new content, charming cosmetics, skins, maps and upgraded gameplay mechanics. As of 2025, Fortnite has already released 37 seasons across six chapters. The best part about every season is it comes with unpredictable collaborations. In the past, we have seen Fortnite collab with Marvel, Disney, Star Wars and even some popular anime that brings fan-favorite characters to the games. Every season takes Fortnite's narrative to another level. While events like black holes, meteors, and live concerts are just a whole new experience that further shapes the Island's story as well.

Fortnite Ranks

Similar to battle royale titles like BGMI, Free Fire and PUBG, Fortnite also features multiple ranks that include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Elite, Champion and Unreal. The ranks from Bronze to Diamond are split into three tiers, and the rest are all single-tier. To climb each rank, you are required to score points through eliminations, placements and overall performance. Below we have mentioned all ranks in detail.

Bronze

It is the entry-level rank in the modes like Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, and Rocket Racing. It consists of three tiers: I, II, and III. Because it is designed for beginners, you will find a chill environment for learning the basics like shooting, building, and racing. Your goal is to earn points through eliminations, high placements, and consistent performances. While playing on this level, focus on practicing and survival and learn the tactics. You can quickly jump to the Silver rank with regular play, as Bronze lobbies are not that complicated.

Silver

The second rank in all modes as mentioned above, Silver is also divided into three sub-tiers: Silver I, Silver II, and Silver III. Just like in the previous rank, here also you can earn points through elimination and high placements. Try surviving longer in the matches, as Silver lobbies are slightly challenging, where you need to show competitive play. Playing on this level, you can improve your skills and get prepared for the next ranks.

Gold

This rank is divided into three tiers as well and requires consistent high placements. The matchmaking in Gold lobbies is done by putting players of similar skills together that makes it quite competitive. This rank demands strong strategies and gun skills. Although players are experienced at this rank, they are not yet of the pro level. The points requirement at this level is around 1,000-1,500, but it keeps changing by season. The good part is reaching Gold unlocks exclusive cosmetic items.

Platinum

This mid-tier rank sits below Diamond, with Platinum III being its highest level. To progress through this rank, you are required to grind and give consistent performances. This is the rank where things get quite challenging, as you will find more skilled opponents. While the kills, survival time and top placements will reward you points, each loss will also deduct a few points. However, this rank is a milestone for those aiming for further higher ranks.

Diamond

At Diamond Rank, you require a better understanding of the map, well-planned strategies and smooth skills, as these lobbies are filled with pro players who can outplay you in the most unexpected ways. With precise aim, teamwork and a high number of kills, you can easily climb this rank. Reaching this rank also unlocks various rewards like gliders or banners. Underperforming at this rank will lose you a huge amount of points. It requires strong command over gun skills and tactical thinking. Very few players advance to the Elite and higher ranks.

Elite

The Elite rank is a high-tier level across Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload and Rocket Racing. It is a single-tier rank where the lobbies are filled with tough opponents and demand strong aiming and strategic skills. This rank sits just below Champion and Unreal, which means you are among the top players. Progressing through Champion requires exceptional skills.

Champion

The second-highest tier of the game, Champion, sits just below Unreal. This is also a single-tier rank that requires significant rank points. To advance to the final rank, players need to showcase extraordinary skills and dominate the matches that will feature top performers. Once you reach Champion, there is no demotion within the season that ensures stability for players. This rank also unlocks exclusive tournaments and leaderboards, with only a small percentile of players reaching it.

Unreal

The highest rank in Fortnite, Unreal, is received by only approx 20,000 players globally across all modes. It has no tiers, and once players reach this rank, they become immune to demotion and are even assigned a global leaderboard position. Because it is the highest level, the progression through it is also tough and requires strong strategies. This level unlocks all Fortnite tournaments and offers valuable items.

Fortnite Tournaments

Given that Fortnite has a huge fan base across several countries, its tournaments are held for the community worldwide that captures millions of hearts. From the Fortnite Champion Series to Global Championships, these events offer huge prize pools and draw top players and audiences from around the world. With unique formats, showdowns, and exciting additions, the competitive scene surrounding Fortnite continues to grow and has already become a major part of the esports scene.

Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS)

This event has been hosted by Epic Games every season since 2019, and players ranked Platinum or higher can participate. The FNCS features a Trios format, where teams from regions like North America, Europe and others compete for a giant prize pool of $8,000,000. The tournament is divided into multiple stages: Play-In, Group Stage, Last Chance Qualifier, and Major Finals. Top teams from the FNCS get a direct qualification for the Global Championship. The winners get Blade of Champions pickaxe along with the cash prizes. This event is broadcast live on both YouTube and Twitch.

FNCS Global Championship

The FNCS Global Championship is the biggest event of Fortnite held every year. The last edition of this event saw a gigantic prize pool of $2,002,000. The 2025 edition will be held in France, featuring 33 trios and a $2,001,000 prize pool. Teams enter this tournament after qualifying through regional majors across countries. The tournament continues for 2 days with teams competing in a total of 12 games to choose the winner. The scoring is based on eliminations and placement, with tiebreakers like Victory Royales.

Cash Cups

Cash Cups is very exciting, where players aged 13+ who have reached Gold Rank in the Battle Royale can compete for cash prizes. These tournaments are held weekly and features Solo, Duo and Trio formats. Each event has two rounds with Round 1 consisting of up to 10 matches and Round 2 consisting of up to six matches. Players earn points based on eliminations and match placements. In the end, top performers on the leaderboard gets the cash prize.

Victory Cash Cups

The Victory Cash Cups are also held weekly in Solo and Duos formats. You are required to be 13+ and have reached Gold rank in the Battle Royale in order to participate in the tournament. Similar to Cash Cups, it also has two rounds, with Round 1 and 2 consisting of 7 and 3 matches, respectively. Solo winners get $100 per win, and duo teams get $200. You can check the ‘Compete’ tab in the game for schedules.

Console Champions Cup (CCC)

It is a seasonal tournament for console players and features a $250,000 prize pool across regions. It is a Duos event with four rounds to compete. It also requires the players to be 13+, an Epic account level of 50+, and have a Platinum or higher rank in Battle Royale. Each round of the event consists of 10 matches where points are earned through placements and eliminations. You can check the official rules for regional schedules and prize breakdowns on Epic Games; official website.

Community Cups

Fortnite's Community Cups are fun to play and are open to all players, who can earn exclusive in-game cosmetics. It just needs everyone to meet some basic requirements like, you must be at least 13 years old, have two-factor authentication enabled, and have an Epic account level of 15 or higher. The Community Cups usually features solo and duo matches with a 10-match limit.

Fortnite System Requirements

Below we have mentioned the System Requirements of Fortnite for all platforms.

How to Start Playing Fortnite?

• First download the game on the device of your choice through Epic Games' official account. You can play it on PC, Console, Mobile, PlayStation and more.
• Sign up on epicgames.com using your google account
• Make sure your device meets all the requirements and install the game.
• Choose any mode of your choice like Battle Royale, Save the World.
• Join any match either single or duo and you are all set to experience the thrill and intense gameplay.
• You can customize your characters, explore events and win numerous rewards in the game.