Chapter 1 of Fortnite introduced the foundation of everything the game would evolve into and is seen as the pinnacle of the game. It was the era that defined Fortnite’s identity: simple but inventive gameplay and a map and lore of personality. The island contained dynamic changes and unique locations that kept a sense of discovery for active players. With how renowned Chapter 1 is, we set out to rank the top seasons within it.
Beginning our list is Fortnite Season 6, which is objectively the best season of Chapter 1. This is because of its special events, diverse map changes and iconic cosmetics. Season 6 is often cited as “peak” for its strong theme and exciting events. Kevin the Cube, after appearing from the rift in the sky during Season 5, melted into Loot Lake at the end of the season. Season 6 started off with a floating island rising from the previously purple glowing lake and transformed into a floating island. This point of interest, now called Leaky Lake, has become a hotspot drop in Season 6.
Many can agree that Fortnite Season 5 was also a peak season. Nothing too crazy compromised the beloved gameplay, and new points of interest were also added this season. Locations like Paradise Palms and the racetrack in the desert, and Lazy Links with a fully functional 9-hole golf course provided the season with iconic points of interest. Skins like Drift, Redline, and Ragnarok and the new addition of toy cosmetics were also iconic.
If you were to ask all Chapter 1 players which season they remember most fondly, a large portion of them would say Season 4. This season marked the point when Fortnite transitioned from a quickly growing online game to an international sensation. Dusty Depot was quickly ushered out, replaced with Dusty Divot after a meteor crashed into our beloved island. However, the new locations added were only a fraction of why this season is held in such high acclaim. The Battle Pass this season was one of Chapter 1’s best, inspiring millions of children to beg for their mother’s credit card for the one time, 1,000 V-Buck purchase. Many players are still haunted by the fact that they never achieved all the edit styles for the Tier 100 Skin, Omega. Ultimately, additions such as the Infinity Gauntlet Limited-Time game mode and weapons like the Burst Assault Rifle give Season 4 an everlasting presence in Fortnite’s zeitgeist.
With amazing additions such as the Infinity Blade, Planes, and Creative mode, Fortnite Season 7 comes in at fourth place on this ranking. This season is most fondly remembered for its connection to the winter of 2018, with many having fond memories of spending snow days playing with their friends. Season 7 around the time that Epic Games began to get more creative with what they added to the main battle royale mode. Not only did planes bring fights to the sky, but the all powerful infinity sword in the center of polar peak created some of the most chaotic early games in Fortnite History. While locations such as Happy Hamlet, Frosty Flights and Polar Peak are not as memorable as some of the earlier seasons additions, they are still notable in their own way. However, this season’s main change was the addition of Creative Mode. Allowing players to create their very own game modes and islands, this mode allowed for user-control to a level that had not been seen before. Nowadays, whether it be through Steal a Brainrot or sweaty zone wars, Fortnite Creative has left an everlasting impact on the game. In total, Fortnite Season 7 stands as one of the most solid classic seasons, with additions that make it stand out compared to its peers.
Finally, we have reached Fortnite Season 3. While this season lacks a bit of the pizzazz that later seasons would bring, it stands as a strong foundation that later seasons would build off from. When it comes to Battle Passes, Season 3’s is hard to beat. Standing as the very epitome of awesome, the Tier 100 Skin known as the Reaper has essentially become synonymous with Fortnite’s glory days. Furthermore, the weapons added this season were great as well. The Hand Cannon, Heavy Shotgun and LMG all rest in the hearts of many. This season also began the Fortnite Battle Royale Lore with the Rocket Launch event, creating a story that has captivated many. If one were to check the dictionary for the definition of the word peak, they would rightfully see an image of Fortnite Season 3.
In total, Fortnite Chapter 1 is what the large majority of players would consider as the game’s best state. While other chapters have reached similar highs, it is no surprise that the most concurrent players in Fortnite History came during the launch of the OG gamemode. Nowadays, many reminisce over, and seek to relive the highs that Chapter 1 brought to them.