Fortnite Season 11: Epic Games adds AI bots to help new players not get destroyed

Fortnite is introducing two major new changes in an effort to address the vast range of skill levels across players of the hugely popular video game.

Improved matchmaking logic in Season 10 will see players pitted against players of a similar level, while the forthcoming Season 11 will see the introduction of artificial intelligence bots to the battle field.

In a blogpost on its website, Fortnite developer Epic Games explained how the new updates would work.

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"We're introducing improved matchmaking logic to Battle Royale core modes to create fairer matches," the game's developers wrote.

"What does this mean? You will be more likely to match with players of similar skill, and as you get better, so should your opponents."

The update will not be available to everyone immediately as it will be rolled out to all regions gradually. Epic will also monitor how it is received and will consider future tweaks or updates to the system.

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An inflatable loot llama at 'Fortnite Live'

Justine Petersen / SWNS

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Archery at 'Fortnite Live'

Justine Petersen / SWNS

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The 'Dusty Diner' at the event

Justine Petersen / SWNS

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The event's dance stage

Justine Petersen / SWNS

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Visitors watch children using the event's climbing wall

Justine Petersen / SWNS

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The itinerary for 'Fortnite Live'

Justine Petersen / SWNS

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An inflatable loot llama at 'Fortnite Live'

Justine Petersen / SWNS

2/6

Archery at 'Fortnite Live'

Justine Petersen / SWNS

3/6

The 'Dusty Diner' at the event

Justine Petersen / SWNS

4/6

The event's dance stage

Justine Petersen / SWNS

5/6

Visitors watch children using the event's climbing wall

Justine Petersen / SWNS

6/6

The itinerary for 'Fortnite Live'

Justine Petersen / SWNS

The new update was greeted with mixed reactions from Fortnite players, with Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins suggesting that more skilled players may not be fully in favour of only matching against similarly-skilled players.

"I don't know how I feel about this," Ninja said when he learned of the update during one of his live streams.

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"Skill-based matchmaking – hasn't that, like, never worked? Or am I wrong? Good players don't want to always play against good players."

The bots in Fortnite Season 11 are also designed to help new players learn how to play without being instantly killed by more skilled players.

"They will behave similarly to normal players and will help provide a better path for players to grow in skill," the blog post stated. 

"Bots will work in conjunction with the new matchmaking system, and as your skill improves, you'll face fewer bots."