How Fortnite uses the fear of missing out to make players grind more

The popular online shooter game Fortnite has developed a hardcore player base over the last five years or so. Part of the reason why so many players are dedicated to the game might be due to intentional design choices by its developers, Epic Games.

Many players are beginning to realize that they have FOMO, otherwise known as the fear of missing out, when it comes to the game. This can lead to them making battle passes and skin purchases they might not need, simply because they don't want to miss out on anything.

One Redditor has noticed that this phenomenon has only gotten worse in recent seasons.

They wrote:

"Time limited weekly challenges are not a good idea! And to top it off, they are hard as f***! And force you into a specific playstyle you might not enjoy. Take the DMR challenge for example! I hate the dmr, but I was forced to use it just to completely the challenge. Basically 1/5 stage challenges need to go! Second page of Geralt of Rivia items will unlock 10 days before tye end of the season! That is a problem!"

This season, Epic Games is effectively forcing players to continue grinding. They have upped the battle pass to 14 pages instead of 10 and are offering time-sensitive weekly challenges.

In previous seasons, players were able to grind cumulative challenges later to complete the pass. However, it doesn't look like that will be possible this season.

This season's battle pass (Image via Epic Games)

The brand new chapter offers some significant changes. One such change appears to be tactical and involves creating a deep sense of FOMO for players. Players looking to unlock rewards are going to have to adhere to how Epic sets up the game.

That now means players will need to be active every week, ensuring they don't miss a single challenge in order to earn rewards.

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Players react to Fortnite's FOMO tactics in Chapter 4 Season 1

The community has not been too appreciative of this new tactic. The FOMO strategy has been brazenly clear this season and some players don't seem happy about it.

One player joked that this is how Epic Games intends to earn back the money they lost during the FTC x Fortnite controversy.

Epic was forced to pay $520 for shady practices and child exploitation, but it appears they've come up with a new, legal way to exploit the system.

Some players are aware of Fortnite being a FOMO-based game.

Others, meanwhile, appear to be familiar with Epic's tactics.

Certain players have noted that there has been a prominent change this season.

One Redditor commented that the move could drive players away.

Ultimately, it seems unlikely that Epic Games will make changes to suit Fortnite players' demands, and will probably stick to its plans and strategies.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.