Epic Games will take several internally developed Fortnite game modes offline after announcing layoffs affecting more than 1,000 employees, according to statements from CEO Tim Sweeney.
Epic said the decision to discontinue these modes reflects their inability “to build something awesome enough to attract and retain a large player base.”
Two modes will be removed next month. Fortnite Ballistic, a first-person 5v5 tactical shooter launched in 2024, and Fortnite Festival Battle Stage will both go offline on April 16, 2026.
The broader Fortnite Festival experience will remain available, with only the Battle Stage mode being discontinued.
Rocket Racing, another UEFN-based mode introduced earlier alongside Fortnite’s island system, will remain active for a longer period. It is scheduled to shut down in October 2026.
Changes Begin Ahead of Shutdown
Epic said that starting next week, Rocket Racing quests will no longer be available, and its track creation template will be removed from UEFN.
Players will still retain their vehicles and continue to customize them within the main Fortnite game.
UEFN Tools and Creator Support Continue
Despite the removal of these modes, Epic confirmed that UEFN tools will remain available.
Developers will still be able to create similar experiences, including first-person shooter games, using the platform.
In addition, Epic plans to expand UEFN capabilities next month by adding car physics, hazards, and track-building tools such as the Track Spline tool and Speed Boost devices. These updates will allow developers to create custom racing islands with features like jumps, boosts, and drifting.
Transition Plans for Developers
Before Rocket Racing is discontinued, developers will be allowed to transfer compatible content to standalone UEFN islands.
Epic also said music will remain a core part of Fortnite, with continued updates planned for Festival Main Stage, Jam Stage, and other music-related features across the game.
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