A new competitive preseason will help Epic Games decide what’s best left in comfortable game modes.
For the past two years, the Arena playlist has been Fortnite’s main gateway to competitive gaming. It is used to gain access to cash-valued tournaments, and it is to the frustration of many people the closest to a ranking.
Apart from the adjustment of the division and points system in August 2019, very little has changed since Arena was launched in Chapter 1, Season 8. However, it seems that there are at least minor adjustments on the way.
Previously, Arena Hype was reset to 0 at the start of each new season. For season 6, however, Epic has confirmed that this will not happen right away.
The Chapter 2 Season 5 FNCS semifinals are around the corner!
Let’s talk:
? FNCS semifinal seed
? A Preview of Chapter 2 Season 6 FNCSRead more: https://t.co/Tq0GcfwqN7
– Fortnite Competitive (@FNCompetitive) 26 February 2021
In a recent update on the status of the FNCS, they explained that a “competitive pre-season” will take place for one week, from 16 to 23 March. After this period, points will be restored as usual.
The pre-season is meant to give players the opportunity to test new items, mechanics and game features that are introduced, and to give feedback to the developers.
It is currently unclear how exactly this feedback will be obtained. Potentially, Epic could open a conversation with a select group of front-runners and analysts, or they could simply use email or in-game recordings.
Properly covered, it will withstand a great deal of adverse conditions, such as excessive Mythic loot and unnecessary AI characters. Regardless, it’s definitely a big step in the right direction.
In addition, the @FNKompeterend Twitter account announced that “Arena Duos is no longer available in the OCE region”. The report also stated that they will for the time being continue to host Arena Solos and Trios.
Arena Duos is no longer available in the OCE region. For the time being, we will continue to host Arena Solos and Arena Trios.
– Fortnite Competitive (@FNCompetitive) 25 February 2021
While this may seem insignificant to those outside OCE, it is a sign that the developers are actively looking for ways to enhance the Arena experience. Of course, this may just be an attempt to reduce the times of the queues, but it may lead to greater changes in the future.
A large part of the community agrees that Arena has long been a complete remake. In the current system, the rank of an individual hardly reflects their true skill, and there is almost no incentive to play in a “properly competitive manner”.
This idea of a competitive preseason, coupled with the increased transparency and communication, is an indication of Epic’s commitment to the scene. Maybe that means there is hope for the fans who want more of Arena.