Since its launch earlier this month,Fortnite’s Chapter 6 has proven to be a big hit with players for many reasons. Battle Royale received a vibrant new map and a parkour-inspired movement update. New modes like Ballistic and LEGO Fortnite Brick Life as well as the permanent return of Fortnite OG have helped to diversifyFortnite’s offered gameplay experiences.
What Fortnite’s New Text Chat Brings to the Table
While text chat was previously only available to use in the lobby between matches, the feature has been greatly expanded upon as of December 10. Players can now send messages in either a party channel or a public channel while in-game. They can also DM anyone on their friends list.
Filters for Fortnite’s Text Chat
This text chat overhaul is a major change forFortnite. Besides the aforementioned lobby chat, communication in the game was previously restricted to voice chat with party members or proximity chat in certainCreative experiences. With so many younger players usingFortnite, text chat had long been absent from the game out of fear of the feature being abused. However, Epic’s debut of text chat comes with several built-in protections that should minimize harmful messaging.
New filters have been put in place forFortnite’s text chat. One of these filters will focus on filtering out mature language, while the other will prevent any personal information from being shared in chat. These filters will automatically be activated on the accounts of any players under the age of 13. In the event that any toxic messaging slips through the cracks, players will also have the option to report any messages that they view or receivejust like they can withFortnite’s voice chat.
The Benefits of Text Chat in Fortnite’s Newest Modes
An integrated text chat has been high up on the wish list for certain fans in theFortnitecommunity. Just like in any squad-based shooter, communication is key to securing a Victory Royale, and not every player has access to or feels comfortable using voice chat. The upgrade to text chat is also perfectly timed with the recent release of Chapter 6 and two of the game’s most experimental modes.
Fortnitedropped two new modes earlier this week: Ballistic andLEGO Fortnite Brick Life. Both modes majorly benefit from text chat in different ways. Ballistic is a highly competitive FPS mode similar to modes inValorantandCS: GO. Being able to strategize before a match, call out enemy locations, and notify teammates of a Rift Device plant is incredibly important, especially in Ballistic’s ranked mode. Brick Life, on the other hand, is built around socialization. As a life sim, half the fun in this mode comes from roleplaying with other players on the server and planning in-game meet-ups with friends.
Especially with Brick Life — a mode aimed at a younger demographic — being able to communicate without the risk involved with voice chat is a huge win for players. The effectiveness of the chat filters will need to be proven over time. With a system this new, it’s entirely possible that players will be able to find a workaround. However, if the filters work, then the improved text chat could easily be one ofthe biggest changes made toFortnitethis year.
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WHERE TO PLAY
Create, play, and battle with friends for free in Fortnite. Be the last player standing in Battle Royale and Zero Build, experience a concert or live event, or discover over a million creator made games, including racing, parkour, zombie survival, and more. Each Fortnite island has an individual age rating so you can find the one that’s right for you and your friends.Explore large, destructible environments where no two games are ever the same. Team up with friends by sprinting, climbing and smashing your way to earn your Victory Royale, whether you choose to build up in Fortnite Battle Royale or go no-builds in Fortnite Zero Build.Discover even more ways to play across thousands of creator-made game genres: adventure, roleplay, survival and more. Or, band together with up to three friends to fend off hordes of monsters in Save the World.
