Fortnite Expert mode explained

If you’ve been looking for a more punishing Fortnite experience, update 36.30 brings Expert Duos mode to the battle royale. 

From dropping bots to doing away with skill-based matchmaking, expect intense matches that will have you scrambling to secure a Victory Royale with your lone ally. We break down everything you need to know about the new Fortnite Expert mode, from its modifiers to how you can approach these changes. 

Fortnite Expert mode is a tougher game variant that can be accessed in the Duos playlist in Fortnite OG. Epic Games confirmed the feature on July 29 with an official post on X. While we expect Epic Games to add this option to other modes like Zero Build in the near future, you’ll need to hop into Expert mode with another person for now. 

While Chapter 2 brought AI-powered bots in 2019 to speed up matchmaking and welcome newcomers, this can make Fortnite too simple for veteran players. Pair that with skill-based matchmaking, and every round could feel the same when you’re paired with bots and players on a similar skill level as you. That’s why Expert mode is a breath of fresh air.

Simply head to Fortnite OG and pick the Duo (Expert) option. You can opt for the No Fill option if you’re bringing an additional friend along. Expect more playlists to gain the Expert mode option with the next Fortnite Season dropping on August 7. Until then, you’ll have to settle for nail-biting Duos games. That covers the Fortnite Expert mode settings you need to enable to amp up the difficulty. 

Unlike the Cozy mode and Expert mode of LEGO Fortnite, this mode does not have modifiers for storm behaviour and other map conditions.

Expert mode flips the script by doing away with bots and SBMM (skill-based matchmaking). This means that you’ll only be pitted against real players. And with no SBMM, you’ll run into players who are either an easy target or more adept at the game than you. This keeps rounds fresh and adds a layer of intrigue to the battle royale’s randomized elements. 

You’ll be paying more attention as you check your corners and grab weapons with your Duos partner, thanks to the increase in difficulty.  Item spawns and map effects are unchanged from OG mode, meaning that your OG experience will translate directly into Expert mode. Just remember that matchmaking times may take longer as the servers need to be populated with human players. 

If you feel like Fortnite’s Expert mode tips towards the difficult side too much, you can always hop into a normal playlist later. Focusing on communication and grabbing the best gear will keep you ahead of your opponents. 

Fortnite’s new Expert mode is a pleasant surprise that raises the game’s difficulty by introducing more human randomness into its rounds. By dropping bots and SBMM, you’ll find yourself running into real players of all skill levels. It’s an interesting gambit that has already been tried before in games like XDefiant. If the mode proves a hit in its current OG Duos playlist, expect Epic Games to implement it across more popular Solos and Squads playlists.