Fortnite players are well aware that not all opponents they encounter are human. With some enemies displaying awkward movements or meeting their end in absurd ways, it’s clear that bots are often in the mix. Determining the exact number of bots in any given match can be tricky, which is where data miners come into play. AllyJax, a well-known leaker in the Fortnite community, regularly assesses the bot presence in matches. As of late May, those diving into the OG version of Fortnite may find themselves surrounded primarily by AI rather than real players.
According to AllyJax, a minimum of just eight human players is required for an OG Fortnite match to commence. This means it’s entirely possible for a lobby to be filled with 92 bots competing for a victory royale. While not every match will be overrun by AI, it does raise questions about the authenticity of the characters you encounter in Fortnite’s nostalgic mode.
To track the number of bots, AllyJax employs a Discord bot named The Dub, which has the capability to count real players in any given lobby. Bots can usually be distinguished by having consistent names across multiple matches.
It’s important to mention that Epic Games frequently adjusts the ratio of bots in matches. AllyJax has noted that the bot presence in OG matches could vary, ranging from 25% one month to 40% the next. The company has also previously decreased the number of bots in lobby setups. Furthermore, the bot-dominated lobbies are exclusive to social play and don’t appear in ranked modes.
While Epic Games has yet to comment on this matter, it’s clear that bots serve several purposes in games like Fortnite, including reducing wait times. As of now, the OG playlist—which mimics earlier seasons—is the fifth most popular mode in Fortnite, resulting in a player base considerably smaller than that found in the primary battle royale modes.
Fortnite also introduces new players to its gameplay by placing them in bot-heavy lobbies initially, using skill-based matchmaking to determine the level of AI opponents in subsequent matches. Occasionally, players may intentionally lose games to trigger a bot lobby.
In conclusion, Fortnite may place players in bot lobbies to enhance their experience since constant defeat isn’t enjoyable. However, does securing a victory royale truly feel rewarding if you’re aware that it didn’t come at the expense of another real player? It’s definitely something worth contemplating.
