Fortnite’s robust anti-cheat measures have kept most players honest, but with millions of participants, there are always a few who manage to exploit the system. Recently, the problem of cheaters has become more noticeable, particularly in tournaments where their presence has disrupted fair competition. In response, Epic Games has announced a significant crackdown aimed at tackling the issue head-on. More news on recent updates in Fortnite can be found here.
The Growing Problem of Cheaters in Fortnite
Cheaters are frequently banned in Fortnite, but this hasn’t stopped them from participating in tournaments. While Epic often halts payouts to those caught cheating, their presence in lobbies still causes significant disruption. The integrity of these events suffers, as lobbies filled with cheaters prevent a true reflection of competitive skill.
Cheaters have been targeting low-barrier-to-entry events, such as Zero Build Solo Victory Cups, where qualifying is easier. These events have become hotspots for rule-breakers, tarnishing the experience for legitimate players. However, with Epic’s newly announced measures, the days of Fortnite cheaters dominating tournaments could be numbered.
Epic’s Plan to Combat Cheaters
In response to growing concerns, Epic Games has outlined a multi-pronged approach to address the cheating issue:
1. Legal Action Against Cheaters and Cheat Developers
Epic plans to pursue legal action against both cheaters and the developers who create and sell cheating tools. By targeting the source of these cheats, Epic aims to disrupt the availability of exploitative software, which could have a lasting impact on reducing cheating overall.
2. Changes to Prize Distribution
The company is revising how cash prizes are distributed in Fortnite esports events. The goal is to make tournaments harder to manipulate and discourage cheaters from participating in competitive play.
3. Stricter Competitive Bans
Players caught cheating will face competitive bans, effectively disqualifying them from Fortnite tournaments, including the FNCS. This permanent removal from major events aims to act as a deterrent while ensuring cheaters don’t disrupt high-stakes qualifiers or finals.
The Focus on Low-Stakes Events
Currently, cheaters tend to target more casual tournaments with low entry requirements rather than grinding Ranked matches, where they’re more likely to be caught. FNCS qualifiers have also become a target due to the ease of entry, especially with changes to next year’s competition schedule that include earlier qualifiers.
While cheaters rarely make it to the final rounds against top-tier players, their presence in early qualifiers disrupts legitimate competition. This has a knock-on effect, not only for players but also for spectators and those engaged in Fortnite betting, where unpredictability caused by cheaters can undermine the integrity of matches.
What This Means for Fortnite Tournaments
Epic’s crackdown should lead to cleaner lobbies and more competitive matches, creating a better experience for players and viewers alike. By targeting cheaters directly, implementing stricter bans, and taking legal action against cheat developers, Epic is addressing the issue from multiple angles.
If these measures prove effective, Fortnite tournaments could see fairer competition, reduced disruptions, and an overall improvement in esports integrity. For now, all eyes are on Epic Games to deliver on their promises and make competitive Fortnite a safer and more enjoyable space for all participants.
