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A highly anticipated Arena Fill feature and fresh rank-up system are set to arrive in Fortnite Season 8.
As another exciting season of Fortnite approaches, Epic Games has released a blog post detailing what we can expect from competitive in the coming months. Along with an FNCS format update and new console-only tournaments, this also includes a couple of significant Arena mode modifications.
Just last week, discussions of a much needed Arena rework resurfaced as multiple pros and streamers came out praising the Apex Legends ranked system. While that may not be quite what we are getting, it does sound like some positive changes are imminent.
Arena changes
Firstly, Epic has stated that they will be “making more adjustments this season to make it more challenging to get to Champion League”. While some fans will no doubt see this as distressing news, it should actually be good for the quality of Arena matches.
For example, if they adjust the scoring system to more heavily reward placement over eliminations, this would force people to try to survive deeper into games. Consequently there would be an increase in stacked endgames, and lobbies that more closely resemble actual tournament matches.
Congratulations to our FNCS Champions! With Chapter 2 Season 7 coming to a close soon, let's take a look at what Chapter 2 Season 8 has to offer for Fortnite Competitive.https://t.co/ItsLHifdIh pic.twitter.com/pKvBUQvnvn
— Fortnite Competitive (@FNCompetitive) September 8, 2021
Additionally, a Fill option for Arena is set to arrive later in Season 8. This is something that fans have been desperate for for a long time and could really help to get a whole new pool of players into competitive Fortnite.
With Trios being the core game mode of the FNCS and many other events for over a year now, it can often be a struggle to find a team unless you have a lot of experience or a dedicated friendship group. Arena Fills would be a fantastic place to find and try out with potential teammates. Plus, let’s face it, Solo Arena can get boring very quickly!
There will be another Arena Preseason for Season 8, meaning your Hype won’t reset until September 28. A couple of days before this, on September 24-26, the Preseason Warmup Test tournament will provide the first real look at the new meta.
FNCS Grand Royale
Taking place across two weeks starting November 12, the FNCS Grand Royale Finale is the highest stakes event of the year. Top trios will battle it out for a share of the mouth-watering $5,000,000 prize pool.
For those still confused about the $5,000,00 "Grand Royale", if you made WEEKLY FINALS, HEATS (SEMI-FINALS) OR GRAND FINALS at any point in 2021, then you can create a NEW TRIO with OTHER ELIGIBLE PLAYERS and play the tournament.
— Boop ???? (@BoopNL_) September 8, 2021
So it's a lot of players who can play still.
Anyone who has reached Round 4 of an FNCS Qualifier, Semi-Finals, or Finals this year qualifies to take part. This means Seasons 5, 6, 7 and 8, so even if you haven’t made it yet, there’s still time.
What else is on?
The Console Champions Cup returns for Season 8 on November 5-7. As usual, a total of $250,000 will be up for grabs and will run like a condensed version of the FNCS.
Epic also mentioned that they are planning to hold other console specific tournaments where players can “go head-to-head against each other on the same console machine”. This suggests that entry may be separated even further than usual down to the specific device – perfect for those on old PlayStation 4 systems or the Nintendo Switch.
There’s more to be announced soon including a new series of Outfit Cups. DreamHack Fortnite is back for the new season and will be running another Duos Online Open and a selection of Cash Cup Extras.
