Fortnite's imminent return to the U.S. iOS App Store has sparked excitement among players, with
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney confirming the game's comeback in mid May.
In the years since Fortnite's removal, the mobile gaming landscape has shifted, with battle royale titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Garena Free Fire capturing significant market share on iOS.
Meanwhile, Fortnite's massive fanbase—boasting over 650 million registered users and 110 million monthly active players, including those who drove 133 million iOS downloads and $1.2 billion in revenue—has eagerly awaited its return.
This begs the critical question:
Can Fortnite reclaim its peak upon re-entering the U.S. iOS App Store?This article dives into the topic from an
App Store Optimization (ASO) perspective to explore the possibilities.
Fortnite's iOS Legacy
Fortnite reigned supreme on the U.S. iOS App Store until 2020, racking up 133 million downloads and over $1.2 billion in revenue, cementing its status as a mobile gaming titan.
With a global player base soaring from 200 million in 2018 to an estimated 650 million by 2025, its innovative building mechanics and blockbuster collaborations captivated millions.
However, a high-profile legal battle between Epic Games and Apple over in-app payment policies led to Fortnite's abrupt removal from the App Store, sparked by Epic's attempt to bypass Apple's 30% commission.
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More details about History of Fortnite in iOS App Store
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Timeline of Legal Battle between Epic and Apple
This five-year absence disrupted its iOS dominance, leaving millions of Apple users without access and creating a void in the battle royale market.
As Fortnite prepares to return, this legacy of success and legal strife sets the stage for its bid to reclaim its peak.
Market and Competition
The 2025 iOS battle royale market buzzes with competition, as PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Garena Free Fire dominate in Fortnite's absence.
With Visibility Scores of 91 for Call of Duty: Mobile and 90 for both PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire, these titles have seized the spotlight, setting a high bar for Fortnite's return.
Downloads and Keywords
User acquisition tells the story: PUBG Mobile leads with 87 million U.S. downloads over the past year, dwarfing Call of Duty: Mobile's 10.5 million and Garena Free Fire's 6.2 million.
(US App Store Download Trends over the past year - Data Source: Foxdata)ASO drives this edge—Call of Duty: Mobile ranks for 39,000 keywords, boosted by a "battle royale" subtitle, while PUBG Mobile's 32,500 and Garena Free Fire's 20,300 keywords ensure discoverability.
Category Rankings
| |
Free |
Grossing |
| Games |
Strategy |
Action |
Adventure |
Games |
Strategy |
Action |
Adventure |
| PUBG Mobile |
88 |
10 |
11 |
/ |
36 |
10 |
6 |
/ |
| Call of Duty: Mobile |
27 |
/ |
5 |
/ |
18 |
/ |
4 |
/ |
| Garena Free Fire |
162 |
/ |
21 |
10
|
38 |
/ |
7 |
4 |
(Data Source: Foxdata)In Action Games, Call of Duty: Mobile ranks #5 for free downloads and #4 for revenue, PUBG Mobile #11 and #6, and Garena Free Fire #21 and #7.
Ratings & Reviews
| |
Rating |
Number of Ratings |
Number of Reviews |
| PUBG Mobile |
4.30/5 |
41,057 |
2,457 |
| Call of Duty: Mobile |
4.67/5 |
38,995 |
4,733 |
| Garena Free Fire |
3.95/5 |
11,387 |
936 |
(From January 1 to May 8, 2025, Data Source: Foxdata)User feedback shapes ASO success. Call of Duty: Mobile leads with a 4.67 rating and 4,733 reviews in 2025, while PUBG Mobile holds 4.3 with 2,457 reviews. Garena Free Fire trails at 3.95 with 936 reviews, reflecting mixed sentiment that could hinder its ASO edge.
With Fortnite's 30 million daily active users, its comeback faces fierce ASO competition.
ASO Strategies
The 2025 iOS battle royale scene is packed with heavyweights like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Garena Free Fire, each racking up millions of downloads.
So, how does Fortnite carve out its space and soar back to the top? Smart App Store Optimization is the answer, tapping into its massive fanbase and iconic brand to shine.
Keyword Optimization
To get noticed, Fortnite should chase high-traffic keywords like "battle royale" or "multiplayer shooter," where Call of Duty: Mobile dominates with 39,000 terms.
Adding a subtitle like "Fortnite: Battle Royale & Creative" could snag broad U.S. searches. Sprinkling in local slang or trending terms can make it pop even more.
Visual Appeal
Looks matter on the App Store. Fortnite's bold art and flashy crossovers, like Marvel heroes, need to leap off its icon and screenshots, matching Call of Duty: Mobile's eye-catching banners.
A snappy video of epic builds and battles could hook curious players.
Engagement and Updates
Keeping players hooked is key. With 30 million daily active users already buzzing, Fortnite can fuel that loyalty with fresh seasons, events, and collabs.
Nudging fans for glowing reviews to rival PUBG Mobile's 4.3 rating, plus landing a coveted App Store feature, will give its ASO a serious boost.
Opportunities and Risks
Fortnite's iOS comeback is brimming with potential, but it's not a clear shot to the top.
With fierce rivals like Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile ruling the battle royale scene, Fortnite needs to play its cards right. Here's what could send it soaring—and what might trip it up.
Opportunities
Fortnite's 30 million daily active users are a goldmine, eager to jump back on iOS after years away.
Its blockbuster brand, fueled by Marvel crossovers and viral dances, screams instant recognition.
Pent-up demand from 133 million past iOS downloads could spark a download frenzy, especially if Epic nails ASO and lands App Store buzz.
Risks
The road to reclaiming Fortnite's iOS crown is far from smooth.
During its five-year absence, rivals like Call of Duty: Mobile have built rock-solid player bases, dominating the battle royale scene.
While Fortnite's return is poised to spark a download frenzy—thanks to its 133 million prior iOS downloads and 30 million daily active users—keeping players engaged will be the real challenge.
On the technical side,
feedback from X posts highlights a hurdle: older Apple devices with less than 4GB of RAM, including the iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2nd Gen), iPad Mini 5, iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th Gen), and iPad Air 3, won't be able to run Fortnite.
This compatibility issue could dampen enthusiasm for some eager fans, potentially limiting the game's reach and risking negative reviews that could dent its App Store Optimization (ASO) momentum.
Final Thoughts
Fortnite's iOS return this May is a chance to reclaim its throne, with a passionate fanbase and iconic flair ready to light up the App Store. Smart moves—vibrant visuals, "battle royale" keywords, and fresh updates—could spark a frenzy.
But rivals like Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile won't budge easily, with their polished apps and loyal players.
To win, Fortnite must outshine them with seamless execution and maybe a nod from Apple's curators.
If Epic nails it, Fortnite could do more than return—it could redefine mobile gaming. The island awaits; will it be a victory royale?
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