5 Similarities Between Fortnite and Chess

So, I have seen plenty of forums comparing Fortnite to chess, and I want to make a few things clear right off the bat. For starters, you can’t actually compare the two, it really comes down to practical opinion. For example, a Fortnite addict will clearly favor their game over chess, while an avid chess player will prefer chess over the popular game. Second, video games like Fortnite can’t physically make you dumber, but they can increase other behaviors that make you seem dumber. That is why so many Karens and helicopter parents believe in this myth. The third thing I want to cover is that Fortnite is actually very similar to chess. A few examples being that they are both competitive games, they both require controlling territory to win, and they both allow you to build fortresses. So, let’s get started with five reasons why I think chess and Fortnite are similar.

5. They are both streamed on Twitch

As you all know, Fortnite is a big thing on Twitch. Even today, it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to find a good streamer that streams exclusively Fortnite. A big part of Fortnite’s appeal is how easy it is to spectate and understand. You can sum up the game in three words: Don’t get killed.

Chess is a little more complicated to watch; mostly because you a least need to know the basic rules. The good news is, chess is continuing to rise on Twitch, and popular streamers like Hikaru Nakamura and Levy Rozman are getting more people into chess. 

4. They are both ruthlessly competitive

Although Fortnite does have other modes where you cooperate with teammates, the popular version is the Battle Royale where you duke it out with 100 players and everyone is on his or her own to survive.

Chess does have some cooperative variants (bughouse comes to mind), but the main game is classically zero-sum.

Both games are, essentially, desperate wars of survival.

3. You must control territory

In Fortnite, the map shrinks as time ticks down, forcing players to the center to battle it out. Sometimes, crafty Fortnite players position themselves on the edge of the storm, sniping opponents running away from danger. 

In chess, the same is mostly true. After the opening, play typically continues as a fight for the center, although in imbalanced positions, you can “snipe” a quick win on either wing.

2. You can build fortresses

If you ever stick around to see the end of the battle after you are eliminated, you would know the a winning strategy is to construct a fortress in the every-shrinking eye of the storm.

This also applies for chess. In the endgame, there is a technique in chess called the fortress which the side behind in material sets up a zone of protection that the opponent cannot penetrate. I have even used the fortress in some of my games to draw an endgame that should have been lost.

1. There is always someone better than you

No matter how good you get at chess, there’s always Magnus Carlsen. If you’re Magnus Carlsen, there’s always Stockfish. And if you’re Stockfish, there’s always AlphaZero. So, stop bragging about being the best in chess, when in reality, there’s always someone better than you.

In games like Fortnite, the skills and precision of the best players are absolutely breathtaking. But even top gamers aren’t safe. Elon Musk and his new OpenAI venture have had astounding results at recent esports competitions. 

Do you think Fortnite is like chess? Do you enjoy both games?

Let me know in the comments.