Fortnite’s Chapter 5 Season 1 has introduced an exciting addition for fans of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, the Fortnite Festival game mode. Reminiscent of the beloved music and rhythm games of the mid-2000s, Fortnite Festival brings a refreshing twist to the gaming landscape. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this new mode, particularly the potential integration of Guitar Hero controllers and the workaround some enthusiasts have discovered.
Before delving into the Fortnite Festival, let’s take a stroll down memory lane to the mid-2000s, when the Guitar Hero series took the gaming world by storm. Developed by Harmonix, the franchise eventually made way for the Rock Band series, maintaining its rhythmic gameplay. Harmonix, now under Epic Games, has played a pivotal role in crafting Fortnite Festival, a spiritual successor to the iconic Guitar Hero.
Fortnite Festival, the latest addition to Epic’s live-service juggernaut, mirrors the gameplay of Guitar Hero. Harmonix, the veteran GH development studio, is at the forefront of its development. The central control scheme involves keys on PC and corresponding buttons on Xbox, creating a rhythm-based gaming experience akin to the music games that came before it.
The Guitar Controller Support
Enthusiasts are eager to know if Fortnite Festival will support Guitar Hero controllers. In a comprehensive blog post, Epic assured players that this feature is a priority and is currently under development. The promise of more information in 2024 has left fans eagerly anticipating the potential incorporation of these iconic controllers into the Fortnite Festival.
The challenge lies in the compatibility of older guitar controllers with proprietary connections. While the industry contemplates producing new controllers, the fate of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises raises questions about the feasibility of this endeavor for Epic Games. However, the community remains optimistic, especially with hardware manufacturer Hyperkin expressing interest in the endeavor.
Connecting Guitars to Fortnite via some Creative Workarounds
Some enthusiasts haven’t waited for official support and have found creative ways to connect guitar controllers to Fortnite. A youtuber going by “GuitarHeroROXS” has successfully hooked up multiple types of guitar controllers to his copy of Fortnite on PC using a software called “JoyToKey”, here is his guide to connecting your guitar controllers to Fortnite PC. Another renowned Guitar Hero YouTuber, Acai, demonstrated successfully hooking up a custom guitar controller to the PC version, achieving flawless gameplay.
For those in possession of a Wii instrument controller, a potential budget-friendly solution might exist. Wii remotes can connect to a PC via Bluetooth, though as of now, there’s no confirmation on Wii Fortnite compatibility.
Mimicking Guitar Hero’s gameplay, Fortnite Festival offers a thrilling experience with five keys representing notes on a virtual “highway.” Players can choose between a Guitar, Bass, Keytar, or microphone, reminiscent of the Rock Band series. The game boasts an impressive lineup of licensed songs spanning various genres and eras, including hits like “Gangnam Style” by PSY and “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd.
While Fortnite Festival currently lacks support for instrument controllers, the developer’s acknowledgment of the desires of long-time Harmonix fans signals a promising future. As gamers eagerly anticipate the integration of guitar controllers, the game mode’s potential to elevate the gaming experience is evident.
Fortnite Festival introduces its own Battle Pass-like system, offering players a chance to earn points by playing the game mode and completing quests. Running until February 22, 2024, this pass provides unique cosmetics and skins, including an outfit inspired by the popular Canadian musician, The Weeknd, as part of the Opening Night Premium Reward Track.
As the Fortnite Festival continues to improve, the anticipation for Guitar Hero controller support grows. The community’s inventive workarounds and the developer’s commitment to addressing player desires create an exciting atmosphere for the future of this rhythm-infused game mode. Whether you’re a seasoned Guitar Hero player or a newcomer to the rhythm game genre, Fortnite Festival promises an immersive and entertaining experience, with the potential for even more exciting developments on the horizon.
