Fortnite’s Major Update Could Revolutionize Star Wars Gaming

Starting today, the Fortnite Unreal Editor is rolling out a collection of Star Wars assets, allowing fans to create their own adventures in a galaxy far, far away. This update goes beyond just lightsabers and Force powers; it empowers creators to bring beloved characters like Luke Skywalker and Din Djarin from The Mandalorian into their games. Players can also hop into iconic vehicles such as X-Wings and TIE Fighters.

While Star Wars has made appearances in Fortnite before, this UEFN update is a game-changer, offering tools that enable developers to craft any Star Wars experience they can imagine. During a demo, Epic showcased a variety of potential game types, including a tycoon-style game reminiscent of Pokémon, where players can collect and customize droids, and a large-scale dogfighting game set in a perilous asteroid field.

The trailer for the new Star Wars tools revealed even more possibilities, featuring a sidescroller with Luke Skywalker, a multiplayer game akin to Mario Party with players riding Tauntauns, a battle on Hoth reminiscent of Battlefield, and a minigame similar to Pilotwings where players navigate a TIE Fighter through rings.

Importantly, players won’t have to spend money to access specific skins that were previously locked behind the Fortnite shop. If a creator designs a Chewbacca game, fans can jump right in and play as him. Every asset is designed to function as it would in the Star Wars universe, with players able to tweak nearly every aspect. For example, they can adjust the speed and firing rate of an X-Wing, and even create custom lightsabers. Classic Force powers like Push and Mind Trick will also be available for experimentation.

The update introduces new Force powers, including healing, enemy detection, and protective barriers, which are not tied to lightsaber use as in Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode. Some returning assets, like the Mandalorian jetpack, have been upgraded to allow for omnidirectional movement, enabling players to fly and shoot simultaneously. Additionally, creators will have access to Star Wars-themed UI and fonts.

Epic is also launching a new conversation system that allows for more role-playing elements. One example map lets players interact with NPCs in a cantina, paving the way for experiences similar to Mass Effect, where dialogue is as crucial as action.

The update includes three “exemplar” islands developed in collaboration with Disney, showcasing what players can create. These islands feature iconic locations like Hoth, Tatooine, and Nevarro, along with classic sets like the Death Star and Mos Eisley cantina. While the tools for creating Star Wars islands are available now, publishing won’t be possible until May 1, when Epic plans to add even more features, including first-person shooting support.

Epic anticipates a surge of thousands of Star Wars islands. To enhance discoverability, fan-made maps will have a dedicated section in Fortnite highlighting new and noteworthy creations. Creators will earn based on player engagement, with Disney taking a 20% cut.

Epic describes this suite as a culmination of seven years of Star Wars Battle Royale content. The only notable absence is the AI technology previously tested with Darth Vader. Nevertheless, this update significantly enhances the future of Star Wars gaming within Fortnite. With officially licensed Star Wars games being scarce, this could be a prime opportunity for fans to create their own experiences.

Given the success of fan-made projects like Steal the Brainrot, which attracted a player count rivaling many AAA titles, there’s a clear audience for non-Epic creations. Who knows? Before Arcanaut Studios releases Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic or Quantic Dream launches Star Wars Eclipse, an ambitious fan might just craft a rich, choice-driven story in Fortnite that’s completely free to play.