Overwatch 2 vs Fortnite: PvP precision or battle royale chaos?

Despite Fortnite launching in 2017 and Overwatch 2 coming out of early access for players in 2023, there are plenty of similarities between the two games. Developed by Epic Games and Blizzard, respectively, these games have amassed huge followings, with plenty of revenue generated and lots of esports events created solely for these titles.

With Fortnite being a battle-royale game first and foremost, Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play first-person shooter (FPS) that relies on players being split into two teams of five characters. With new game modes added since its 2023 launch, Overwatch 2 is already one of the best esports games currently available. Below, we’re going to break down how both titles compare with one another and declare a winner.

Overwatch 2’s gameplay relies on team strategy; due to the 5v5 format, players will find themselves in every match. It’s reminiscent of early Battlefield games, where tactics are crucial to win matches, rather than going in all guns blazing. Players can fight as Heroes,  bringing unique abilities like supercharged attacks and buffs for the team, which can be a big factor in deciding who wins or loses a match. Season updates have also refined the gameplay, making fans of the original game willing to play this sequel. Overall, Overwatch 2 always feels like a tactical fight where several wrong decisions can be fatal for a team, but the teamwork makes this game as enjoyable as it is.

Fortnite is a game seeped in unpredictability. Every match you play brings up random encounters and items you rarely use, and you are curious to see how much damage they inflict on your opponents. The battle royale formula is arguably unmatched in Fortnite, with collabs and events making every match feel fresh and exciting. There’s also the ability to build, thanks to collecting materials like wood and steel to create shields and simple structures, protecting players or teams. Instead of tactical planning, Fortnite gives fun and chaos to players at any skill level.

Overwatch 2 score: 7/10

Fortnite score: 9/10

Multiple game modes can be found in Overwatch 2, giving different takes on how the 5v5 team-based combat can work in different situations. Since its 2023 launch, new modes like Stadium, Clash, and Flashpoint have been released, keeping the team play intact, as well as the fun. But when compared to Fortnite, Overwatch’s modes can feel rigid and predictable, dampening the excitement when there are objectives to hit, and no opportunity to diverge whenever you wish.

A big part of Fortnite’s strength is in its variety of game modes. From the moment you’re brought to the main menu, you can choose a wide array of modes — some from Epic Games, and some created by players. Battle Royale arguably has mini-modes thanks to certain objectives that must be met to gain higher levels, which can sometimes spawn some unique in-game events. But modes like Zero Build, Blitz, and others change the way Fortnite is played, appealing to players who may not want to play against 99 other opponents in an ever-shrinking map. Combined with other aspects like Festivals and Rocket League, Fortnite has something for everyone.

Overwatch 2 score: 8/10

Fortnite score: 10/10

Overwatch 2 is defined by its heroes. As our tier list shows, there are many characters players can choose from that feature different abilities. From being able to regenerate health for you and your team, to using unique, powerful weapons that could turn the tide of a match. It also helps that these characters have their own backstories, adding depth to who you choose and even letting players build a relationship with them, such as Bastion with his ‘The Last Bastion’ story, giving details to the robot’s origin. Ultimately, it’s these narratives that give players a way of relating to these Heroes, leading them to choose the characters repeatedly.

Fortnite has its own take on characters called outfits, but they’re more commonly known as skins. When you start the title for the first time, you control a standard avatar that looks like a civilian in army clothes. However, you level up over a long period by completing objectives and winning matches, and you collect skins that transform your character into others from different franchises. These can range from the Power Rangers to Emperor Palpatine from the Star Wars series. But it doesn’t stop there, as you can also customise these skins with effects, different melee axes, and more to separate your character further. In Fortnite, it’s less about a narrative attachment and more about how fun these cosmetics can be, especially when you’re in a team.

It’s these collabs and customisation options that help Fortnite here. It gives more individuality compared to Overwatch 2, and as the recent Power Rangers collab has proven, it’s these outfits that can bring out the nostalgia and joy in players.

Overwatch 2 score: 8/10

Fortnite score: 9/10

Overwatch 2 esports has been doing okay since its 2023 debut, but nothing spectacular. Tournaments like the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) and Calling All Heroes (CAH) have been great ways to showcase the title, but many have noted a steep decline in attendance. Instead, players are going to other popular esports games like Counter-Strike 2 and VALORANT, as well as taking part in the open beta session of Battlefield 6, meaning Overwatch 2 has been left by the wayside. Waning excitement over the game’s structure and new seasons that have kept refining modes and teamwork in various ways have added to the decline as well, ultimately leading to a fading appeal in the esports scene.

In the case of Fortnite, however, it’s a different story. After exploding onto the scene in 2019 with the Fortnite World Cup, developer Epic Games knew it had something special. It directly funds the title’s esports events worldwide, featuring lots of tournaments that players can enter without being in a team, making the barrier to entry very low. Prize pools are still very high, with one recent tournament, the Champion Series 2024, having one set at $2 million. Thanks to the collabs and the ever-changing gameplay mechanics, these keep Fortnite very active in the esports scene, carrying its iconic unpredictability to tournaments all over the world.

Overwatch 2 score: 4/10

Fortnite score: 8/10

Granted, Fortnite may be a battle royale game, but it clearly wins out over Overwatch 2, mainly due to its reach, esports scenes, and character customisation, which has been helped by various collaborations with brands over the years.

Therefore, if you were to choose between one of these titles, Fortnite would be a great introduction to esports and the free-to-play market. However, Overwatch 2 does have a lot going for it as a free-to-play first-person shooter, so that should be your choice if you’re a longtime fan of FPS games.