For longtime Fortnite players, the early days of Battle Royale were about unpredictability, chaos, and adrenaline-fueled fun—before bots and skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) began curating every match. Now, Epic Games is testing the waters of nostalgia with Fortnite Expert Mode, a new experimental mode that strips away both bots and SBMM to give players a taste of how things used to be.
This change might be temporary, but for many fans, it’s a welcome return to form.
What Is Fortnite Expert Mode?
Fortnite Expert Mode is a limited-time feature in Fortnite OG that puts players into lobbies with no bots and no skill-based matchmaking. Available currently in Duos (Build Mode) only, this experimental mode creates matches with up to 80 real players, all competing without any matchmaking algorithm curating skill levels.
In short: it’s raw competition. One match might pit you against newcomers, while another could throw you into a lobby of elite builders. That unpredictability is exactly what makes Expert Mode so refreshing for players who want variety—and a true test of skill or luck.
Removing SBMM means players can stumble into lobbies that feel dramatically different every game. No more algorithmically “fair” matches; Fortnite Expert is all about old-school randomness.
How to Play Fortnite Without Bots or Matchmaking
As of July 29, 2025, Fortnite Expert Mode is available under Fortnite OG and limited to Duos Build Mode. To try it out:
- Launch Fortnite and navigate to the game mode selection.
- Choose Fortnite OG.
- Select Duos (Expert) from the available options.
- Queue up and dive in—no bots, no SBMM, just real players.
This mode is separate from traditional matchmaking queues, meaning it won’t affect your competitive rank or standard progression. Instead, it’s a sandbox for those craving the chaos and excitement of the original Fortnite experience.
While only Duos Build is supported for now, Epic Games has hinted that if the mode performs well, it could expand to include Solos, Trios, Squads, Zero Build, and even standard Battle Royale playlists in the near future.
Why Players Are Celebrating This Change
The Fortnite community has long been divided on the role of SBMM and bots. While these systems were introduced to help new players and balance matchmaking, many veteran players feel that they’ve made the game feel too sanitized and predictable.
Expert Mode reverses that trend by embracing what made Fortnite so popular in the first place: wildcard moments. Whether you’re up against a rookie or a seasoned pro, every match feels unique.
The absence of bots is another significant appeal. Since the addition of AI opponents, many have criticized the artificial feel they add to matches. In Expert Mode, every fight is a real test of awareness, aim, and decision-making.
It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about reclaiming a sense of unpredictability and competition.
Could Expert Mode Become a Permanent Fixture?
While Epic has labeled Expert Mode as experimental, strong player feedback could shape its future. If enough players gravitate toward this format, the developer may integrate it into the broader matchmaking options across Fortnite’s core modes.
Given the rise in popularity of community-driven custom modes and the nostalgia-driven success of Fortnite OG, a more permanent version of Expert Mode could satisfy both competitive purists and casual thrill-seekers alike.
For now, players can only hope that success in Duos paves the way for Solo and Squad queues without SBMM or bots.
Final Thoughts
Fortnite Expert Mode isn’t just a new way to play—it’s a call back to the roots of what made Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode so unpredictable and addictive. By removing bots and matchmaking restrictions, Epic Games is offering players a pure experience, where every game is a gamble, and every fight is real.
If you’ve ever missed the Wild West-style chaos of early Fortnite, now’s your chance to jump back in—before the mode disappears or evolves into something even bigger.
Quick Recap: How to Access Fortnite Expert Mode
- Go to Fortnite OG mode.
- Select Duos (Expert).
- Play with no bots and no skill-based matchmaking.
- Only available in Build Mode (as of July 29, 2025).
Let’s see if the community makes enough noise to bring this mode into Fortnite’s main lineup.
