H1Z1 – should Fortnite be worried?

The granddaddy of Battle Royale games is coming to PS4, complete with revamped gameplay and the promise of 60fps gameplay on PS4 Pro.

With PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Fortnite proving such massive successes it seems the gaming world is going to be drowning in new Battle Royale games this year.

But H1Z1 is not technically new, as on PC it predates both games. It has ended up being ignored a bit in recent months but has recently made a push back with a new vehicular mode and, now, the first console edition.

A free open beta will launch on PlayStation 4 on May 22, and will feature new weapons, a new progression system, and a revamped user interface.




Why there isn’t an Xbox One version isn’t clear, but developer Daybreak used to be Sony Online Entertainment before they went independent; so Sony may have tapped then to create their own exclusive to rival PUBG.

‘We have reimagined the game for PlayStation 4 and have designed it to accentuate the essentials of Battle Royale that make the genre so exciting to watch and play,’ claims producer Terrence Yee.

‘We have added key gameplay differentiators to keep the game frantic and fun – an action shooter’s dream of fast-paced Battle Royale.’

Part of those improvements include a new control scheme and a ‘grab-and-go’ equipment system to simplify loot collection and inventory management.

There’s also a DualShock-friendly weapon select menu and a revamped HUD. The original game’s crafting system though has been completely removed.

Daybreak are promising that the game will run at 60fps on PS4 Pro, which presumably implies it won’t on a standard PlayStation 4.

You’ll be able to find out for yourself though when the open beta starts. Or you can try and get yourself signed up for the closed beta by signing up at the official website.

H1Z1 – optimised for PS4

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