Fortnite may be getting a new 'Daybreak' PvE survival mode

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Did somebody say Save the World?

Fortnite characters repair a helicopter, surrounded by beasts
(Image credit: Epic Games)

Epic may be preparing to bring a new PvE survival sandbox to Fortnite, as files referencing "Daybreak" appear in today's 16.40 patch.

As spotted by Eurogamer, the latest Fortnite update includes references to an "open world simulation sandbox" previously teased by leaker Hypex earlier this month. From the looks of various leaks, Daybreak takes place on an entirely different map from Battle Royale, and involves hunting monsters, scavenging and crafting items before making your escape with other players by repairing a helicopter before the game's third night. 

A leaked description for the mode allegedly reads: "You wake up alone and unarmed along the coast of an island, with no memory of how you arrived. Quickly search for weapons and ammunition before night falls and creatures begin to roam the hillsides, hunting for prey. Keep an eye out for other stranded people they may prove to be invaluable allies in your fight to stay alive on the increasingly hostile island."

Granted, Fortnite already has a PvE survival mode—one that predates the game's massively popular battle royale mode. Save The World may languish in relative obscurity, but it appears Epic is interested in bringing elements of the original Fortnite back into battle royale. If these leaks are accurate, Daybreak sounds like a much tighter experience.

None of this has been officially confirmed by Epic's official channels, of course. But if leaks are anything to go by, expect to hear more details when the 16.40 patch notes drop later today.

Natalie Clayton
Natalie Clayton
Features Producer

20 years ago, Nat played Jet Set Radio Future for the first time, and she's not stopped thinking about games since. Joining PC Gamer in 2020, she comes from three years of freelance reporting at Rock Paper Shotgun, Waypoint, VG247 and more. Embedded in the European indie scene and a part-time game developer herself, Nat is always looking for a new curiosity to scream about—whether it's the next best indie darling, or simply someone modding a Scotmid into Black Mesa. She also unofficially appears in Apex Legends under the pseudonym Horizon.