Will Fortnite’s new Blitz Royale mode shake up the esports scene?

Fortnite has released a brand-new game mode featuring a significantly faster pace of play.

Blitz Royale is the latest variation of the battle royale formula and sees 32 players battle to become the last one standing. Will it have an impact on the esports scene?

Released on June 17th, 2025, Blitz Royale reduces the length of a battle royale match to five minutes or less, intending to appeal to the title’s mobile audience. To keep match times low, the mode sees players begin a match with a Medallion and a weapon on a small map.

By scoring eliminations and advancing to the next circle, players can increase their Blitz Level to earn additional benefits, including upgraded weaponry and power-ups designed to give them the best chance of becoming the last one standing at the end of a match.

Fortnite isn’t the only battle royale title to adopt a mode where a smaller map and new gameplay mechanics have reduced match times. In 2023, Call of Duty: Warzone introduced Resurgence, offering players a quicker pace.

The arrival of Resurgence to Warzone saw the mode introduced in some of the biggest esports events in the world. For the Esports World Cup, the mode is used instead of the title’s standard battle royale format.

With Fortnite’s FNCS often adopting new formats to encourage its vast player base to participate in competitions, the addition of Blitz Royale has the potential to capture the attention of those who play on mobile devices.

The shorter match times, combined with mechanics that generate a skill gap, have the ability to provide a foundation Epic Games can build on and host tournaments.

However, the mode is only available for four weeks. If there is enough demand for those wanting a competitive Blitz Royale offering, there’s always a chance the developer will introduce something in the future.