Fortnite OG Under Fire: Are Bot-Filled Lobbies Ruining the Nostalgia?

Is the thrill of a Victory Royale fading into oblivion, replaced by the dull thud of defeating countless bots? Fortnite OG, the nostalgic throwback mode that captivated players with its return to the original map and gameplay, is facing scrutiny for allegedly populating matches with an overwhelming number of AI opponents. Recent reports suggest that some lobbies can have as few as 8 real players, meaning that up to 92 of your competitors could be bots.

The claim originated from Fortnite leaker AllyJax, known for their accurate track record. Using a custom Discord bot called The Dub, AllyJax reportedly discovered a significant reduction in the minimum real player count for Fortnite OG. "The minimum real player count has been reduced from 25 to as low as 8 in Fortnite OG," AllyJax stated. "There is a probable chance you can have matches with 92 bots."

This revelation has sparked outrage among players who feel that the authenticity and challenge of Fortnite OG are being compromised. As one user vented, "Amazing, we went from 0 bots to 92. Epic genuinely sucks and is treating this mode so dirty for no reason."

Epic Games has yet to officially address these claims or offer an explanation for the alleged increase in bot usage. However, the use of bots in games like Fortnite is not uncommon. They can serve several purposes, including shortening wait times for matches, helping with matchmaking, and easing new players into the game.

AllyJax suggests that the number of bots in Fortnite can fluctuate from month to month, as Epic Games constantly tweaks the balance between player experience and server efficiency. It's worth noting that these bot-heavy lobbies appear to be confined to social play modes, while ranked modes maintain a more balanced player-to-AI ratio.

Previously, Epic Games increased the minimum player count on the mode from 25 to 40 back in April, so it remains to be seen if the studio will respond to player feedback this time and take corrective action. Regardless, the community is in uproar over the changes which seem to have worsened over the last year.

The controversy raises a fundamental question: Does a Victory Royale still feel as meaningful when achieved in a lobby dominated by bots? Is Epic prioritizing convenience over competitive integrity? The Fortnite community is clearly divided, and the future of Fortnite OG may depend on Epic's response to this escalating issue.

What are your thoughts on the bot situation in Fortnite OG? Have you experienced an increase in AI opponents in your matches? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!

• Epic Games
• Fortnite
• Fortnite OG