If you’re ready to try something new in Fortnite, Fortnite Ballistic is here to shake things up. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before jumping into a match—from the gameplay basics and maps to weapons, gadgets, and game modes. Does it remind you of CS2? Here are all the answers to your questions.

What is Fortnite Ballistic?

Fortnite Ballistic is a 5v5, first-person (FPS), team-based game mode that's very different from Fortnite's usual OG Battle Royale by Epic Games. Instead of surviving in an open world, you’ll play tactical rounds with specific objectives like planting bombs or defending areas.

In Ballistic, players split into two teams:

• Attackers: Their job is to plant a special bomb called the Rift Point Device at one of two sites and protect it until it explodes.ü
• Defenders: Their goal is to stop the Attackers from planting the device or defuse it if it’s planted.

A team can also win a round by eliminating all players on the other team.

• Each match has up to 13 rounds, and the first team to win 7 rounds wins the game.
• Teams switch roles (Attackers/Defenders) after 6 rounds.

4 things you should know before playing Fortnite Ballistic

• No respawns: If you get eliminated in a round, you’ll have to wait until the next one to play again. However, you can spectate your teammates while you waiting. 
• Rift Point Device (The Bomb):
  • The Attackers plant this at one of two spots (Site A or Site B).
  • Once planted, it takes 45 seconds to explode.
  • Defenders can defuse it before it explodes to win the round.
  • If it explodes, the Attackers win the round.

• No building: Ballistic is a no-build mode—you can’t use materials to make walls, ramps, or other structures. However, you can still use your Fortnite outfits, emotes, and back blings.
• The buy phase: At the start of each round, there’s a Buy Phase where you can purchase weapons, shields, and gadgets using Credits (a type of in-game money). You will have 25 seconds. 

You start the match with 800 Credits and earn more during gameplay for:

• Eliminations.
• Planting or defusing the Rift Point Device.
• Surviving a round.
• Winning or losing rounds.
   

Fortnite Ballistic game modes

You can play Ballistic in two ways:

• Unranked Mode: For casual play. If someone leaves the game, a new player can take their spot.
• Ranked Mode: For competitive play. No replacements if someone leaves, and leaving applies a penalty, meaning you won’t be able to play another ranked match for a while.

In Ranked Mode, your performance—like how many rounds you win or how many eliminations you get—affects your rank.
 

How to play Fortnite Ballistic Island

Here’s how to play a specific Fortnite Creative Island like Ballistic:

• If you don’t already have it, download Fortnite for free and open the game.
• Go to the "Island Code" section and search for the Fortnite Ballistic Island using its code or name. The one with the Epic Games logo is the one you're looking for. You can also choose ranked or unranked here.

Fortnite Ballistic map: Skyline 10

Currently, Ballistic has just one map called Skyline 10, set in an urban environment with key areas like:

• A-Site: Narrow and harder to attack but easier to defend.
• B-Site: More open with plenty of cover spots like crates.
• Mid: The center of the map, often a hotspot for fights.
• Parking and Drywall: Other areas you’ll need to learn for strategic play.

Each location has nicknames (e.g., “Hotdog” or “Sushi”) to help teammates communicate.
 

Fortnite Ballistic weapons and gadgets

Fortnite Ballistic has a variety of weapons and gadgets to match your playstyle, whether you like close combat, mid-range fights, or long-distance sniping. You earn points during the match by getting eliminations, planting the Rift Point Device, and winning rounds. Use these points to buy weapons and gadgets, but only at the start of a round, so spend wisely.

Fortnite Ballistic weapons 

There are 9 weapons available in the game. You’ll likely recognize many of them from Fortnite’s battle royale mode. Each weapon has its price, so choose the one that suits your strategy.

Fortnite Ballistic gadgets 

Gadgets, like shields, grenades, or traps, give you extra tools during the match. There are 8 gadgets to choose from so far, and you buy them with points just like weapons.