Can We Play Fortnite on Android is one of the most popular battle royale games in the world, dominating gaming conversations and racking up huge player numbers across consoles, PC and mobile platforms. However, many Android users have been left wondering – can we play Fortnite on Android phones? In this in-depth guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Fortnite on Android, including how to download and install it, key differences compared to iOS and more.
A Brief History of Can We Play Fortnite on Android
Fortnite was initially released for Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2017. An iOS version came later that year in September. However, Epic Games delayed the Android release for over a year due to the open nature of the platform which made additional security measures necessary.
The official Fortnite for Android finally launched in August 2018 via the Epic Games app. However, it was only available on select Android devices with at least 3GB of RAM that passed Epic’s compatibility check. This limited the game to high-end flagship devices, leaving many users disappointed.
In April 2019, Epic started publicly testing Fortnite on Android via the Google Play store. But the full public release never came, as Epic disagreed with Google’s 30% platform fee for in-app purchases. As an alternative, Epic released Fortnite for Android via their website in September 2019, allowing users to download and install the game without Google Play.
So in summary – yes, Fortnite is now available on Android, but users have to install it from Epic’s website rather than Google Play due to the revenue split disagreement between Epic and Google.
How to Download and Install Fortnite on Android
To download and install Fortnite on your Android device, follow these simple steps:
- Go to epicgames.com/fortnite/android on your Android device and sign in or create an Epic Games account if needed.
- Find your device type (phone or tablet) and click the option to “Install” Fortnite.
- You’ll be taken to a page to download the Epic Games app installer. Make sure your device settings allow installation from unknown sources.
- Launch the Epic Games installer and follow prompts to complete the installation process.
- Once installed, log in to your Epic account and you can then download and install Fortnite from within the Epic Games app.
- The first time you open Fortnite, additional files will need to download. Be sure to have enough storage space available.
- Now you can jump into games! Note that an active internet connection is required to play.
Below is a comparison table of key requirements for playing Fortnite on different Android devices:
| Device Type | OS Version | RAM | Storage | Download Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone | Android 6.0 or later | 3GB or more | 3GB or more available | Epic Games app or website |
| Tablet | Android 6.0 or later | 3GB or more | 3GB or more available | Epic Games app or website |
| Select Samsung devices | Android 5.0 or later | 2GB or more | 16GB or more available | Galaxy App Store |
As long as your Android device meets these minimum system requirements, you should be able to download and play Fortnite without any issues.
Differences Between iOS and Android Versions
While the core battle royale gameplay is the same across platforms, there are some key differences when comparing the Fortnite experience on iOS versus Android:
- Google Play access: As mentioned, Fortnite on Android is not available via Google Play due to Epic’s dispute with Google’s revenue sharing model. It must be downloaded directly from Epic’s website/app instead.
- Touchscreen controls: The default touchscreen HUD layout and controls are customized for each platform. Positioning of buttons may differ slightly between iOS and Android versions.
- Frame rate: Some recent Android devices can run Fortnite at a smooth 60 FPS, matching iOS capabilities. But on lower-end Android phones, frame rates may be capped at 30 FPS for a smoother experience.
- Graphical settings: To accommodate a wider range of Android hardware, Epic provides variable graphics presets within the Android app to optimize performance based on your device specs. iOS gets fixed “high quality” graphics.
- Cross-platform play: You can play with friends on any platform. However, cross-platform party features like voice chat are not fully supported when combining iOS and Android yet.
So in summary, the core gameplay is the same but some aspects are customized and restricted depending on your platform of choice – Android or iOS. Performance also depends heavily on your specific device hardware.
Tips for Playing Fortnite on Android
Here are some additional tips to get the best experience playing Fortnite Battle Royale on your Android device:
- Use a controller such as an Xbox or PS4 controller for a more traditional gaming feel over touch controls.
- Charge your device fully before long gaming sessions as Fortnite can be a battery drainer. Consider a power bank.
- Disable unnecessary battery-draining apps and notifications when playing.
- Set your graphics preferences within the game to balance visuals with smooth frame rates based on your device’s capabilities.
- Close all background apps and avoid multitasking to maximize available RAM for best performance.
- Use headphones to hear subtle in-game sounds more clearly without disturbing others.
- Adjust the size and position of on-screen touch buttons for your comfort while playing.
- Check for and install any app or OS updates which may include Fortnite optimizations.
With a little tweak of settings and resources, you can have an awesome time battling on Fortnite mobile – whether commuting or on the go.
FAQs About Playing Fortnite on Android
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Fortnite Battle Royale on Android devices:
Is my Android device compatible with Fortnite? Check the minimum requirements tables above. You need a device released in the last few years with at least 3GB RAM for the best experience.
Why can’t I download Fortnite from Google Play? Epic opted not to release on Play due to their payment dispute with Google over fees. You have to get Fortnite directly from the Epic Games website or app instead.
How much storage does Fortnite for Android need? You’ll need at least 3GB of available storage to install the Epic Games app and download all of Fortnite’s game files and future updates. An SD card can help if your device storage is tight.
Why is my frame rate low? If your device is lower spec than recommended, graphic settings may be capped at 30 FPS to maintain smooth gameplay. Try tweaking your settings in-game. Background apps also affect frame rate performance.
Can I play with friends on PS4, Switch, Xbox or PC? Yes, Fortnite supports full cross-platform play across all systems so you can squad up with friends regardless of which platform they are playing on.
Does Fortnite on Android support Bluetooth controllers? Currently the Android version only officially supports wired USB controllers connected directly to your device. Compatibility with Bluetooth controllers can vary by device and controller brand – but may work well for many.
So in summary – as long as you meet the minimum Android specs above, download directly from the Epic site and optimize your device based on the tips provided, you’ll have an amazing mobile Fortnite experience without issue across all platforms!
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