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Fortnite’s next major evolution may be bigger than anyone expected. New gameplay leaks and insider reports suggest that Chapter 7 won’t just refresh the island — it may introduce a full **USA-themed open-world map**, complete with city hubs, highways, biomes, and a scale that some insiders claim is designed to “go head-to-head with GTA 6.”

IGN highlighted the discovery earlier today, noting that a series of datamined assets, creator teasers, and internal codenames all point toward Fortnite adopting a more expansive, free-roam structure for its next chapter — the biggest shift since Chapter 1. According to the report, Epic Games has allegedly been preparing this map overhaul for over a year.

Leaked Gameplay Points to a USA-Sized Island

The most surprising detail: Fortnite Chapter 7 may move away from a single compact island into a more **continental layout** modeled after the United States. Early leaks describe:

West Coast region inspired by California (film studios, deserts, neon strips)
Central U.S. terrain featuring small towns, roads, and rolling plains
East Coast urban zone hinting at a dense city district with skyscrapers
Highways linking major POIs, suggesting long-distance traversal
Vehicle categories that go beyond the current cars — possibly muscle cars, bikes, and trucks

Some insiders claim the map is designed not just for Battle Royale, but for **multiple game modes**, including sandbox exploration, PvE missions, and story-driven events. This lines up with Epic’s increasing push toward “Fortnite as a platform” rather than just a BR title.

Epic vs. Rockstar? A New Direction Signals Ambition

The moment GTA 6’s new trailers dropped, parallels were drawn — but according to new reports, Epic’s plan for Chapter 7 was already well underway. The overall theme, the map scale, and even the cinematic style of the upcoming live event appear designed to show that Fortnite can stand alongside the biggest open-world games.

Leaks point toward Epic targeting a hybrid model:

Fortnite’s fast-paced mechanics + a massive GTA-style map
Story missions playable on the overworld
Social hubs, safe zones, and interactive POIs
Cinematic collaborations (Kill Bill, Godzilla, & multiple Hollywood IPs)

This is reinforced by the recently revealed “Zero Hour” event leading into Chapter 7 — a trailer that already teased Godzilla and Kill Bill moments, hinting at a full Hollywood-powered season.

The Hollywood Connection Strengthens the US Map Theory

Creators this week received a mysterious teaser package referencing “Fortnite After Dark With Q & U,” coordinates pointing to the Hollywood Hills, and posters styled like classic American cinema. With Chapter 7 already having Kill Bill crossover rumours, the idea of a vast USA-based map fits the theme perfectly.

If the West Coast section of the map is indeed modeled after California, this could become the anchor point of the new island.

Dataminers Spot Early Signs of a Massive World

Known Fortnite leakers have uncovered:

New traversal animations (vaulting variations, ledge mantles, car interactions)
Large biome markers that align with North American geography
Vehicle handling overhauls hinting at more realistic, GTA-like driving
Strings referencing “zones,” “routes,” and “districts” rather than simple POIs

A few lines even mentioned “cross-district missions” — something never seen in Fortnite before.

Could Fortnite Really Rival GTA 6?

Comparing Fortnite to GTA may sound bold, but the direction of recent updates says otherwise. Epic has expanded Fortnite so aggressively — with LEGO Fortnite, Festival, Rocket Racing, and the upcoming Chapter 6 finale — that a multi-mode open-world hub would be a natural next step.

Some analysts speculate this may be Epic’s attempt to position Fortnite as the **ultimate multi-genre platform**, capable of hosting shooters, racers, survival modes, concerts, and cinematic events all on a single giant map.

Rumours: What Fans Think Might Happen

A full **coast-to-coast USA map** used across all game modes
GTA-style missions and NPC-driven objectives
New “crime” or “outlaw” factions as part of the story
Persistent world elements (shops, garages, safe houses)
Massive collaborations with film studios for Hollywood story arcs

None of these are confirmed — but the sheer volume of leaks makes it clear Epic is planning something far bigger than a typical season reset.

The Bottom Line

Fortnite Chapter 7 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious updates in the game’s history. Between the USA-based open-world rumours, the Hollywood tie-ins, and a trailer that already features Godzilla and Kill Bill nods, Epic may be preparing the biggest reinvention of Fortnite since launch.

Whether it truly aims to compete with GTA 6 remains to be seen — but if these leaks are accurate, Fortnite’s next chapter isn’t just evolving… it’s transforming.