Zero Build has not been removed from Fortnite. The mode is still playable, but Epic Games reorganized how you access it in the lobby menu, which has caused confusion among players looking for it.
Quick answer: Open Battle Royale, select your squad size preference, then toggle Zero Build on from the squad size menu.
Where Zero Build moved
Zero Build is no longer listed as a standalone playlist option in the main menu. Instead, it's now integrated as a toggle within the standard Battle Royale mode. To play Zero Build, you need to navigate to Battle Royale first, then access the squad size selector (Solo, Duos, Trios, or Squads). Once you're in that menu, you'll find an option to switch to Zero Build.
This change means Zero Build is technically categorized under Battle Royale rather than as its own separate game mode, which is why some players couldn't find it using the old menu path. The functionality remains identical—building is still disabled, the Overshield mechanic is active, and all the same gameplay rules apply.
Accessing ranked Zero Build
If you're looking for ranked competition, ranked Zero Build playlists are also available through the same toggle system. After selecting your squad size in Battle Royale, you can activate Ranked mode alongside the Zero Build toggle.
However, Epic Games has made changes to competitive Zero Build offerings. Ranked OG Zero Build was disabled due to very low player counts. Standard ranked Zero Build remains available, but competitive tournaments featuring Zero Build have been significantly reduced. Epic removed Zero Build from the main competitive tournament schedule, citing widespread cheating in the mode as a primary reason. Some Zero Build versions of OG cups are still offered, but the regular competitive cups that once featured Zero Build are no longer part of the official esports calendar.
Why the menu change happened
Epic's decision to integrate Zero Build into the Battle Royale menu rather than keep it as a separate playlist was intended to streamline the lobby interface. The change consolidates related modes and reduces clutter, though it clearly created friction for players accustomed to finding Zero Build as a standalone option.
The mode itself has remained stable and popular among the player base. Zero Build player counts have kept pace with traditional Build mode in recent seasons, indicating strong ongoing interest in the no-building experience.
What hasn't changed
Zero Build's core mechanics are unchanged. Building remains disabled, materials cannot be harvested or found, and the recharging Overshield provides 50 additional health on top of your standard shield and health pool. Utility items spawn at increased rates to compensate for the lack of building as a defensive tool. You can still play Solo, Duos, Trios, or Squads in both normal and ranked versions.
If you're having trouble locating Zero Build after this menu reorganization, try searching "Ranked" in the playlist menu—this search function will surface all ranked modes, including ranked Zero Build, making it easier to find if you're specifically looking for competitive play.
