Fortnite and Apex Legends are some of the best battle royale games currently on the market, as least as far as popularity is concerned. In fact, when Apex Legends first launched, many considered it a “Fortnite killer,” and while that didn’t happen, the two games have been competitive enough. Fortnite has introduced a number of similar mechanics that Apex launched with, such as the respawn and pinging systems, with Apex making considerable gains on the former’s popularity when it launched.

However, since then, Apex Legends has slowed down considerably, while Fortnite has remained the same more or less. Apex is looking to change that with several of the new additions since season 2 began, and Fortnite is looking to preserve its popularity by bringing back classic, yet twisted skins. When choosing between the two battle royale games, many have to wonder which two are better. Therefore, here is a comparison of various features from the two, featuring general Battle Pass comparisons, skin comparisons, gameplay and event comparisons, and dev support comparisons between the two since Apex Legends season 2 and Fortnite season 10 launched.

Battle Pass (General and Challenges)

In general terms, the Battle Pass is very similar between the two games: there are daily and weekly challenges, limited free rewards, and extensive purchased rewards. Those looking for a free game to relax with will find that either Apex or Fortnite is suitable for expectations considering they are free, but the same cannot be said for those who purchase the Battle Pass. Both offer general rewards such as loading screens, music packs, and filler content, but disregarding skins, Fortnite offers a ton more cosmetic content.

Cosmetic differences between the Battle Passes boil down to the customization of each game. Fortnite players can combine contrails, back bling, gliders, pets, and more, whereas Apex players choose one character, limiting the customization options. That said, Apex deserves a shout-out for the skydive emotes, as they are something innovative and unique in the BR genre. Fortnite may have the upper hand on general content, but all Apex has to do to catch up is introduce more customization options (and remain innovative!).

When it comes to challenges, Apex Legends season 2 challenges are randomized and completely skill-based, unlike Fortnite’s which are set and require little-to-no skill to complete. Apex challenges encourage players to broaden and deepen their skills, whereas Fortnite’s only exist to further the Battle Pass and, consequently, create areas of high traffic when certain challenges call attention to certain areas (unlike the randomized challenges of Apex). Because of this, even though Fortnite has been doing it longer, we have to say that Apex challenges are better.

Battle Pass (Skins)

Fortnite season 10 has 7 Battle Pass skins to earn, while Apex Legends season 2 has 6. Notably, Fortnite may have the better skins due to the customization options (mentioned in the above category), but Apex has better availability. Free Apex players will receive Wattson’s Hot Rod skin at Tier 30 without purchasing the Battle Pass, as well as 5 Apex Packs that can reward skins. And based on the design of the game, Apex players can get lucky and earn standard skins through Apex Packs or craft some themselves. Fortnite, on the other hand, locks all of its cosmetic material behind a Battle Pass paywall, which results in the competitive, sometimes derogatory term: No Skin. Because of the design of the cosmetic system, we have to give skins to Apex Legends.

Gameplay and Events

Fortnite has been around for quite some time, but the mechanics are largely the same. The game focuses on building, shooting, and using mobility items to get the edge. Because of this, many average players may consider Fortnite’s core old hat (this, of course, excludes LTMs which we will mention in a minute), and this is especially recognizable in season 10 where a majority of mobility items were vaulted in exchange for a controversial OP mech. Apex, on the other hand, changes based on party composition and character selection. A party with Octane and Pathfinder are going to be more mobile, whereas a party with both a Gibraltar and a Wattson will want to be more defensive (even if it isn’t the best composition). Regardless of skin selection, Fortnite’s core gameplay remains the same.

However, Fortnite definitely has the upper hand when it comes to events. Developer Epic Games keeps it interesting by introducing in-game events, such as the recent Zero Point explosion and various LTMs such as the crossover with Avengers Endgame, but it’s worth mentioning that Season 10 has yet to introduce a proper event, with the Rift Zone around Tilted Town simply being a slight change in the gameplay. Apex Legends’ Iron Crown Collection event for season 2 begins soon and will see the addition of a solos mode. Ultimately, Apex and Fortnite seem to have a little back-and-forth in the gameplay and events department, resulting in a tie for this category.

Developer Support, General Features

At their core, both Apex Legends and Fortnite have similar general features: a closing ring, gunplay, pinging systems, and respawn systems that are all fairly balanced. When it comes to general features of the two games, the major difference is how often each game receives general content. Fortnite is updated on the regular, with season 10 adding the aforementioned Rift Zone, constantly balancing and changing weapons, and trying to shake up the meta. The downside to this is how often Fortnite receives content that is actually unbalanced (Infinity Blade and BRUTE).  Apex, on the other hand, has content droughts for weeks, QOL updates that are needed for the longest time such as server errors, and has received, thus far, 1 new gun and 1 new character per season on average. It’s hard to give this category to Fortnite, though, as it is believed that Epic Games crunches on Fortnite, whereas Respawn Entertainment tries to avoid crunch culture.

The Verdict

General Battle Pass: Fortnite

Battle Pass Challenges: Apex

Battle Pass Skins: Apex

Gameplay and Events: Tie

General Features: N/A

Ultimately, both Fortnite and Apex are deserving of their positions in the gaming world, and because Apex has a little more growing to do, we have to give Fortnite the credit where credit’s due. Season 10 is shaping up to be on par with past seasons, but if it slips even slightly, Apex is nipping at its heel. It’s worth highlighting that Apex season 3 and Fortnite season 11 will line up closer together, likely beginning early October, so this competition still has a long way to go.

Apex Legends is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Fortnite is out now for Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.